Thompson Italian: The hype is real.
Thompson Italian has collected new awards, accolades, and press mentions every month since their opening this past summer, but when the top food critic in the city has a hard time get a table, you know the hype is real.
"All of Falls Church seems to want in on the place,” Tom said in his review… “…whenever I’ve tried to book the place since it opened in August, the only available slots, even weeks out, have been opening time or past 9 at night.”
Falls Church has fallen in love with Thompson Italian because Gabe and Katherine have created something really special that transcends your typical night out. In a world where restaurants are built around celebrity chefs and the buzziest spots are too often determined by fat PR budgets and #Instagrammablecontent (cronuts, anyone?), the Thompsons draw people in and keep them coming back thanks to great food and great hospitality.
If you haven’t visited Thompson Italian yet, I’ll let the critics fill you in on what you’ve been missing:
Tom Sietsema, Washington Post
"...the best hanger steak and smashed fried potatoes in Northern Virginia."
“Every now and then, I come across a dish that makes me want to shout with joy or at least share the news with a couple thousand friends — you, dear readers. The sublime cannoli at Thompson Italian had that effect on me.”
Stefanie Gans & Rina Rapuano, Northern Virginia Magazine
"Gnocchi are dense, and can stand up to the lamb ragu that’s equal parts humble and dazzling."
"The vibe feels effortlessly cool…the food is good, comforting, unfussy…”
Ann Limpert, Washingtonian
"Gabe’s side of the menu starts off strong. There’s a terrific burrata drizzled with balsamic and sided with whole grilled peppers and Marcona almonds—sort of a deconstructed romesco sauce."
"Katherine Thompson is now one of the area’s top pastry chefs. Her sweets are simple and assured. She makes magic from, say, a dark-chocolate custard with a fluff of whipped cream and a handful of crushed chocolate cookies."
Hungry yet?
Lest you think this spot is calibrated solely for the critics, let me assure you that my own dining experiences have been every bit as delicious as those reported by the area’s most recognized professional eaters.
The hangar steak Sietsema mentions? Perfectly cooked. The gnocchi is absolutely out of this world. I’m already counting down the days until Katherine’s summer berry pavlova is back on the menu. My favorite, however? The roasted chicken. What could be the most pedestrian entrée is so superlative that I have raved about it for weeks. Trust me and order it.
As amazing as the food is, it’s the hospitality that makes Thompson Italian so memorable. Every guest is greeted with a smile and a warmth that welcomes you in. It’s been so rewarding to see Gabe and Katherine’s vision for a true neighborhood restaurant come to life. On any given night you’re likely to see couples on a date night, families at a table overflowing with pasta bowls, and a group of friends catching up over cocktails.
We wanted to build your favorite local restaurant, and I think that we have.
It’s been an honor to partner with Gabe and Katherine to help make their dream a reality. Thompson Italian is a true gem, and I think this restaurant is just the beginning of what I hope will become an empire powered by pasta. If you want to stay in the know as we grow, get in touch.