Pretty unspectacular, to me. But who am I? Fair disclosure: I'm a baby boomer and it was my birthday; I'm also a pretty good cook from an Italian family. So, it wasn't worth the price of admission to me, at any rate. They've been serving 5 course (Italian) meals since 1987, but I don't think it's Italians serving it any more. (At any rate, they don't prnounce everything quite right.) Gaining admission was a bit of a trauma drama: took 7 emails to nail down an undesirably early 5:30pm reservation. I thought I got the last seat in the house, but the front door was still locked at 5:25pm and the restaurant was still less than half full when I left. These people only work 3 days a week--Thu, Fri, & Sat--and you can't reach them directly until you commit to an unrefundable $25/person reservation through their Tock app. Then they answer your emails, even if not the phone. I guess they don't want their 4 days off disturbed by unserious inquirers. (By the way, my $75 credit card reservation was supposed to be applied to my bill, but that didn't happen, so I have to reach out to find out: yet more emails--the trauma drama ain't over). What about dinner? Well let's start with a glass of white before ordering a bottle of red. Hmmm. That looks like 3 ounces, possibly 4, but a lot less than 6. Elegant maybe, but cheap. Pretty good wine, by the way, but not good enough for $15/glass--should have gone for a half-bottle instead. Wine list of reds is the same as 3 years ago, and still overpriced. Maybe better to bring your own and pay them the $40 corkage fee. To be fair, this time I go for the very cheapest one, Aglianico del Vultue for $65, and it satisfied. Unlike the pork chop, which was just overcrusted in an unremarkable dry rub of dried mediterranean spices (labled "porchetta"--usual verbal hype on this hand-written menu and at table-side presentation). Although cooked to perfection, first cut yields a quarter inch of fat, then there's the bone, but I don't feel shy of meat because I don't like it well enough to finish it. I don't complain, but when I'm asked why I didn't finish my pork chop (why?), I say why, and the response is more polite than apologetical. (Whatever; why ask why?) But I'm not hungry because the antipasti were many and various. Trouble is, I'm not going to be impressed by potato frittata, because I make it and it's no big deal. And I'm impressed you found zucchini blossoms hereabouts, but not impressed with what you did with them. The lamb skewers were tasty, if too citrusy, and the bites were good for my baby-boomer controlled-portion diet,but maybe not for the young or the young at heart. Likewise, those 4 bites of cheese were delicious, but maybe don't rise to the description of a "cheese course"? To be fair, there was plenty of food for my age bracket. But how about for you at $120/person? (Not including the pricey wine -- $75 "paired wines" option [3 oz. pours, or 2 oz.?] would bring you to $200/person.) I'd think twice about that price, unless you don't know the first thing about cooking, and you never eat 5 course dinners, and you make plenty enough money to pay someone else who knows how to do it for you. Then maybe it's an experience maybe worth it to you. Just not to me. (But who am I? After all, the two cousins buying me my birthday dinner were well satisfied.) I do think the homemade breadsticks are pretty spectacular. (P.S. Oh, BTW: dining room is a bit soft-shoe, so don't raise your voice.) (P.P.S. If you tell them it's your birthday, you get a candle in your custard.)

Most amazing food, wine and service! This restaurant is more of an experience rather than your regular restaurant. Rotating choice of items on the menu depending on what's available seasonally or what the chef has decided to present. Service is impeccable, bread is amazing especially the grissini. Presentation of the plates were spectacular and the wine list is very nice. The pasta course was delightful and just what pasta should be and the entrees are imaginative. Beautiful, cozy dining room. A must go of you can get reservations which are required.

If you want to be pampered with food for hours while you enjoy the discussions with your friends then this is the place for you. The pre-prix menu is short. I tried the swordfish, a nice portion as the main entree. There is a lot of food, so go easy on the initial serving of bread with Burrata.

Great Italian food is supposed to be simple, straight forward. Obelisk puts the ingredients first and executes at perfectionist level in a cozy, comfortable, quaint atmosphere.

I had a great experience here and shared the only window seat with someone. It was nice to be able to look down on P Street Northwest. The Negroni I ordered was the best I ever had. We shared a bottle of Pinot Bianco, my favorite white wine. The meal was incredible and quite filling. I was surprised. You might expect a place like this to have smaller portions. The Mixta course was a kind of scallop ceviche with dill and cilantro. Crostini with lardo and cherry tomatoes. Delicate Italian cauliflower in an anchovie olive oil sauce. The Secundi was watercress ravioli in a walnut butter sauce. I had quail wrapped in pasta, in brodo with spinach. The meat course was Dorade for me. My first experience with that fish. It was a little bit of a fishy fish if you know what I mean. My dining partner had wagyu sirloin tip. Then there was a cheese course with sour cherries, followed by dessert, a kind of rhubarb strawberry tart. Quite delicious, with homemade vanilla ice cream. I booked the place using a deposit of over $50. At the time I didn't realize that each dinner was going to cost $113. With the wine pairing, it would have been $186/person. With one bottle of wine, the cocktail, tax and gratuity, the bill was close to $400. That's a lot of simoleons for a person like me. The ambience was nice and quiet. Food quality was excellent. I would recommend this restaurant if you want to have a high level gourmet foodie type dining experience, and can afford it. I'd love to go back sometime.

Fantastic place to walk around, pity that most museums were closed. Lots of people jogging, on scooters or bikes. You have to visit and see several DC landmarks in the surrounding areas.

Fabulous dinner- disappointed by surprise doubled prices for NYE... The meal here was $225 for NYE; double their normal $123. There was no indication on their website or on their reservations page that it was a special price for NYE- if I had known I would not have gone. That said, the food was delicious and absolutely worthwhile at their normal $123. Their service was attentive and adequate for their high caliber, but not especially noteworthy. The restaurant itself was extremely quiet at the first seating but the atmosphere was cozy and comfortable yet refined once other diners arrived.

Truly one of the more exceptional restaurants on the eastern seaboard. If only food journalism in DC weren't so sycophantic for the new new, Obelisk would be a top contender for press every week of the year. But they don't need it, the quality of their product and the conscientiousness of their staff are second to none in our town. A treasure that I hope will long last.

Service felt unnecessarily slow and inattentive, it was 50 mins before the first antipasto dishes came out. Curated dishes (burrata, bread, cheeses etc.) were nice, the pasta dish (lamb cannoli) was greasy and underwhelming, rockfish was pleasant but overly simple. Most of the dishes came out swimming in olive oil.

Had a lovely, romantic dinner here Saturday. If you're in the mood for superb Italian fare, this is one of the best spots in DC. Great pacing, service, and wine list. Would recommend some music as it can get a little awkward with conversations, but otherwise good ambience.

We had an amazing feast for a birthday dinner. Intimate, romantic wonderful food and service. I'm so glad this gem made it through the pandemic!

I had an amazing experience from beginning to end. I got all courses along with the wine pairings, everything was good. It was a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and try new things as well.

Mediocre food and complete lack of atmosphere make you shocked at the bill that is presented to you at the end of the meal. Plenty of other restaurants in DC with better food for less money. Will not be dining again.

I don't know why it took me so long to check out the Obelisk. From the moment you are greeted at the door you know you are in for an incredible experience. The servers know their stuff. They understand the menus and communicate effectively and succinctly. They were perfectly attentive, we never felt ignored or as if they were intrusive. There are no slouches on the menu. Everything I tried would be the star at most other restaurants, the two of us picked different items so I was able to try quite a few things. There were no misses. The menu changes regularly so what was being served when I visited won't be served when you visit. You should inquire about the menu if you have dietary restrictions. It's not a cheap meal but if you're going to spend the money you should get the wine pairing. It compliments the meal perfectly. This was one of the best meals I've had and I plan on visiting again.

Such a nice place. The staff is a delight and the food is next level. Great service, food and ambience. Celebrated a 40th birthday here and it was perfect.

This place never disappoints. From the incredible service (thank you Channel and Beth) to the fresh ingredients. It is an all time favorite, class act and delight in DC. It’s a true gen. We celebrated our 12th anniversary tonight. Loved every moment and every bite. Thank you!!

This is my favorite restaurant in the city. We have eaten here four times and each time has been a wonderful experience. The food is exceptional and the service is immaculate. Be prepared to take your time with the meal because this cannot be rushed. My wife and I recently had dinner and it was the best meal we have had in years. Highly recommend for a great dining experience!

My friends took me here for my birthday and let me say, it was such a wonderful experience. There was a mysterious air about the website and food choices that intrigued me. From the time we walked in to the time we left, the service was impeccable. Each dish delighted my tastebuds more and more. It's ambience and intimate setting was an added bonus! You must try The Obelisk!

Exceptional food matched to beautiful wine. Outstanding service and excellent experience. Thank you, Esther, Kat & Chanel