Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Right now, at the Hamilton Hotel’s Via Sophia restaurant, the theme is Hanami — meaning “flower viewing” — part of the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers.
It’s springtime in Washington, D.C., after all, and the cherry trees are ready to peak bloom.
Via Sophia is offering Cherry Blossom three-course and five-course dinners that run through June 28. We checked out the three-course menu.
The Italian restaurant is beautiful in its Cherry Blossom decor. All three courses were excellent and showed a lot of finesse.
The Tango Cherry Poached Pear was unique and delicious. The flavors blended together making for a beautiful and tasty first course. The Venison Osso buco was a modern take on the well known favorite dish. The meat was tender and delicious and the farrotto, Morello and fennel added wonderful flavors and texture that enhanced the venison.
The desert was as beautiful on the plate as it was the flavor. Not too sweet and was an excellent compliment to the main course. Drink pairings are offered. Service was attentive. Overall, we had a very satisfying experience.
On 14th Street, Via Sophia is the osteria experience for downtown D.C., where classic Italian dishes and fresh-from-the-oven pizzas are a year-round treat.
Via Sophia at the Hamilton Hotel. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Via Sophia at the Hamilton Hotel. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Via Sophia at the Hamilton Hotel. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Via Sophia at the Hamilton Hotel. Photo by Bill Starrels.