Franco Abbruzzetti / Trattoria da Franco
305 S Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-9338

About Franco:
Franco was born in Rome, living in both Italy and France during World War II. After the war, Franco trained at the Hotel du Lac cooking school in France. He later moved to London, spending 18 years as a chef to royalty and other famous personages. Franco then moved to DC and in 1985, he opened Trattoria da Franco. In 1995, Franco was awarded a medal of excellence from the prestigious Accademia Italiana Della Cucina.

About Trattoria da Franco:
Since 1985, Trattoria da Franco has been serving traditional Italian cuisine on King Street. This is not the Americanized version, but true Italian cuisine with a menu full of linguinis gnocchi, osso bucco, and cannoli dishes. The pastas and breads are home made and excellent. The restaurant is cozy, and many call it romantic, with its fireplace, lace curtains, flowers, and piano. 

Also, there's a live opera performance every month - Verdi, Beethoven, Puccini, Bizet, etc. are performed by local musicians. This month's performance is this Sunday (September 23rd) - call and reserve a table soon, it fills out quickly!

Business Philosophy:
Franco’s warmth and generosity is infectious – everyone is greeted with a smile and a friendly greeting. Franco is about the friendliest guy I’ve ever met. As for the menu, Franco states, “The menu is only a suggestion. Please do not hesitate to ask for your favorite dish. We will be happy to prepare it for you!”

Why did you choose to do this?
“I’ve always been a cook – this is what I’ve always done!”

Why Alexandria?
"It reminds me of Trastevere, the area south of the Vatican in Rome where Julius Caesar was born. Both have a close relationship with the river on which they reside.”

Interesting Story?
“I was friends with Maureen Reagan. When I opened in Old Town, President Reagan would drop by and eat here – the Secret Service would block off all the streets. It was quite an event for Old Town!”