When chilly January evenings tempt you to order a delivery from Philly’s or Papa John’s to satisfy your hunger , hold those cravings for later — the perfect solution for delicious pizza lies a Dupont GUTS bus ride away at Sette Osteria, a unique Italian trattoria serving freshly baked pizzas and other Italian classics. The restaurant features an open kitchen, boasting wood-burning pizza ovens that blend into a long and lively bar and wide windows that cover the two longest walls, providing guests with a view of the bustling corner of R Street and Connecticut Avenue (two blocks north of the Dupont Circle GUTS bus stop). The enchantment and buzz of the dimly lit room filled with dozens of wooden tables provides a cozy yet classy atmosphere for a variety of occasions.

Sette Osteria is perhaps best known for its wood-fired pizzas topped with the freshest ingredients ranging from smoked mozzarella and eggplant to salami, broccoli rabe and calamari — true Neapolitan cuisine. For the cheese aficionados, Sette offers the “Quattro Formaggi,” a pizza topped with mozzarella, pecorino campana, grana and gorgonzola. Seafood lovers can feast upon the “La Pescatora” pizza, boasting tomato, mussels, clams, shrimp and calamari atop the warm homemade crust. Finally, for the “less sophisticated” diner, the simple “Margherita” (tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil) is sure to hit the spot. And the best part? Sette’s pizzas range from $10 to $14, an average price for the Georgetown student.

Owned by Franco Nuschese of Cafe Milano, perhaps the most well known and prestigious Georgetown eatery, Sette’s menu also boasts a wide variety of antipasti, salads, pasta, meat, poultry and seafood entrees. The overall tone of the restaurant is international — with the expertise of Nuchese, along with executive chef Domenico Cornacchia and director of restaurants Andrea Tripi, Sette Osteria achieves the quality of an authentic Italian trattoria.
The grilled calamari mixed with field greens is a great way to start off your Sette Osteria experience. Continuing on with the seafood motif, try the delicious grilled salmon atop mixed greens, tomato and lightly covered in olive capers salsa. If you’re looking for some authentic Italian fare, Sette offers traditional wood-fired pizzas, which you can top with your choice of almost 30 different cheeses, vegetables and meats. Sette’s menu also includes conventional dishes like pasta with meat sauce, gnocchi, veal and chicken. Remember to save room for desserts that complement the Italian meal: You have your pick among seven choices, including the equally enticing classic tiramisu with mascarpone cheese mousse and mango and berry custard.

Sette Osteria, an amazingly affordable and accessible casual Italian eatery, is true to the lucky number seven in its name.

Sette Osteria opens every day at 11:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, a full menu is served until 10 p.m. and pizza until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, a full menu is served until 11 p.m. and pizza until midnight. For more information and reservations, call 202-483-3070.