San Lorenzo

The story

San Lorenzo Restaurant & Wine Bar – Handmade Italian Pasta in Washington, DC

San Lorenzo Restaurant & Wine Bar

Since 2018, San Lorenzo has been a destination for handmade pasta and curated wine experiences in Washington, DC. The restaurant is the most personal project of Executive Chef and Owner Massimo Fabbri, who grew up in Monsummano Terme, Tuscany. Named after his son—and, in turn, after Saint Lorenzo, the patron saint of chefs—the restaurant reflects Fabbri’s deep connection to his heritage. The menu is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s belief that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” a philosophy that guides the kitchen’s approach to Italian cuisine.

Chef Fabbri’s career began at age 14 at a hotel school in Montecatini Terme, followed by stints in London and Washington, DC, where he helped build the reputation of Ristorante Tosca. At San Lorenzo, he focuses on fresh, simple ingredients prepared with precision. The menu features antipasti, handmade pasta, secondi, and contorni, with dishes like pappardelle with Tosca-style rabbit ragù, tortelli filled with robiolina and black truffle, and a grilled NY strip steak. A Chef’s Tasting Menu is available in four or six courses, with optional wine pairings.

The wine list is exclusively Italian, with selections from Piedmont, Tuscany, Friuli, and beyond. The restaurant also offers a San’dwich Lunch Menu and hosts regular events, including cooking classes, cocktail parties, and wine dinners. The space itself is designed to feel like a piece of Italy, with warm textures and elements drawn from the Monsummano town crest.

San Lorenzo has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a recognition that speaks to the consistency and care in Chef Fabbri’s cooking. Whether for a weekday lunch or a multi-course dinner, the restaurant is built around the idea of more than just a meal—it’s a place for wine, community, and connection.