ok, whenever I see or think the words "pasta mia," I sing them to the tune of "Casta Diva" Listen to Maria Callas sing it: 

Paaaaaaaaaa-aa-aa-AA-aa-aastaa Miiiiiiii-ii-II-ii-aa  - so beautiful!

If you've never been to Pasta Mia in Adam's Morgan, it's totally worth the trip, the wait, and the crowd.  It may not be the best pasta you'll ever eat, but I'm almost positive it will be the best pasta you eat in dc, and I'm absolutely certain it will be the cheapest amazing pasta you'll ever eat in dc.

Pasta Mia is tiny, hard to get into, and a teensy bit stuck on itself.  It's only open Tuesday through Saturday, and doesn't accept reservations.  You should expect to wait at least an hour for a table, esp if you have 4 or more people in your party, but on a warm summer evening, what could be better than hanging out on Columbia listening to the awesome, erratic latin jams from the McDonald's on the corner?

Don't try to change anything on the menu - they basically won't let you.  There are options for vegans and vegetarians, though, without having to change much.  The house wine is great, and you should expect to leave with leftovers - the portions are gigantic!

Legend has it that only the owner is allowed to cook the pasta - which is why you can expect an extremely long wait for your food.  So enjoy the wine and the fact that you finally got seated, and salivate in anticipation of the best pasta in DC.

1790 Columbia Road NW
Washington, DC 20009
202/328-9114