Tragara - Italian Restaurant, Bethesda

- 100% 

Good `` specials'' at a reasonable price. more»

The full course meal was great! more»

Did n't care much for large room and banal decor either. more»

Looking for a quietly elegant, subdued sort of restaurant where you know you'll get top-quality food and impeccable service? Then consider the attractions of Tragara: a Northern Italian menu deftly prepared with top-quality ingredients, a thoroughly professional staff and a softly lighted, handsome dining room. Restaurateur Claude Amsellem started his fine dining career in 1973 when he opened Le Caprice in Bethesda. His early success set the stage for the restaurant boom in Bethesda that continues unabated. Amsellem's consistent excellence has not been overshadowed. In 1994, he opened Tragara, which serves some of the area's finest Italian cuisines. Distinguished Parisian chef, Michel Laudier, formerly chef of Rive Gauche in Georgetown, is in charge of the kitchen. Paper thin agnolotti are his signature dish. Four different breads are baked daily. Wonderful appetizers include Portobello Monte Bianco, a rich, flavorful mushroom marinated and baked with homemade mozzarella, and warm goat cheese "en papillotte" with white truffle oil. A favorite main course is Linguine All'Aragosta Napoli a roasted whole Maine lobster in Italian tomato sauce, or Osso Bucco, veal shank slowly braised with gremolata over saffron rice. The desserts here are simply first rate. Consider the delectable Bianco Nero, dark and white chocolate mousse cake with hazelnut crust. Unless, of course, you favor the homemade Tartufo, glazed with imported chocolate. To compliment your dinner, you can choose wine from our award winning wine list with a wide selection from all over the world, especially Italy and California. Tragara is the place to go for a superb culinary experience, where fine dining is priceless.