Ellizabetta La Strega is scheduled to open September 9, 2026, bringing Italian shared plates, aperitivo, wine, cocktails, and private dining to the former Marcel’s space in Foggy Bottom.
A Familiar DC Address Starts a New Chapter
Advanced Sommelier and restaurateur Elli Benchimol is transforming 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW into a restaurant with distinct daytime and evening experiences. Benchimol, who also owns Georgetown’s Apéro and La Bohème, named Ellizabetta after her grandmother.
La Strega means “witch” in Italian and was Benchimol’s affectionate name for her. The 3,600-square-foot destination will accommodate approximately 170 guests across its dining rooms, lounge, and bar, with a planned 25-seat patio. Eater DC’s first look inside Ellizabetta La Strega shows a dramatic transformation of the longtime Marcel’s address.
The Menu Is Designed for Sharing
Jenn Castaneda-Jones and Stephen Jones, the husband-and-wife team who previously worked together at Marcel’s, will lead the kitchen. The dinner menu begins with house-made garlic and rosemary focaccia before moving into small plates, crudos, pastas, and larger dishes for the table.
Highlights include Meyer Lemon Tagliatelle with caviar, crème fraîche, and lemon-butter sauce, Wiccan Chicken Milanese with citrus gremolata, Crispy Berkshire Porchetta, and a Whole-Roasted Branzino with salmoriglio and blistered tomatoes. The Ribeye Steak for Two offers another natural centerpiece for a group meal. The official Ellizabetta La Strega website also provides reservations and restaurant updates.
La Strega Turns Aperitivo Into Witching Hour
Late afternoons will bring The Witching Hour, Ellizabetta’s interpretation of Italian aperitivo. Spritzes and micro-seasonal cocktails will be paired with rotating cicchetti intended for lingering and conversation. The cocktail program draws playful inspiration from tarot, astrology, crystals, and Wiccan symbolism, while the wine list emphasizes Italian bubbles, Champagne, and bottles from both celebrated and lesser-known Italian regions.
This makes La Strega particularly well suited for an after-work drink, an early meeting with friends, or the beginning of a longer dinner.
The Dining Room Mixes Drama With Warmth
Sage and olive greens, chartreuse accents, black arched ceilings, warm wood, copper cookware, and a pale stone bar establish the restaurant’s distinctive look. Benchimol’s floral portraits add vivid color, while sculptural lighting and stained-glass details reinforce the concept’s mystical personality.
The open kitchen keeps the chefs visible from the dining room. Bella Ciao, the private dining room named for the well-known Italian song, will accommodate business dinners, family gatherings, and larger celebrations in a more intimate setting.
Plan Your Visit to Ellizabetta La Strega
Ellizabetta La Strega is located at 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037. Lunch is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner runs Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.
The Witching Hour is Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m. Review the restaurant’s current hours and overview and reserve through its website.
A practical dinner budget is approximately $50 to $90 per person before beverages, tax, gratuity, and fees, depending on the dishes shared. Follow The Washington Lobbyist for informed coverage of Washington DC travel, hotels, restaurants, and events!
ALSO! Ellizabetta La Strega will celebrate its opening with the Krug Champagne X Carrots Dinner on Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m., featuring a multi-course menu from Chef Stephen Jones paired with curated and rare Krug Champagne selections. Limited to 20 tickets, the decidedly high-end dinner costs $595 per person plus tax and gratuity, requires a $100 deposit applied to the final bill, and cannot accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions.
