La Bettola
Friday, May 23rd, 2008La Bettola
558 23rd St S
Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 486-9816
Few Northern Virginians frequent Pentagon City for its cheap eats, but tucked away just off the beaten path is a little strip of restaurants on 23rd street full of bars, Thai cuisine and Italian restaurants, including “La Bettola” (photo shown is of the restaurant before it recently changed hands) which is absolutely phenomenal.
Located between S. Fern and S. Eads st., La Bettola’s unassuming facade is the perfect cover for one of Arlington’s hidden gems. Although there are at least 4 other Italian restaurants located on this one block, La Bettola stood out to me at first because of its quaint atmosphere and menu of true Southern Italian specialties (at a great price too!) The average meal includes a small side salad, bread and pasta along with the main course, and at an average of around $14 a plate – you can’t beat it.
I come from a large extended Italian family and have even been to Italy to visit relatives a couple times, and I can tell you La Bettola’s sauce is the closest I have found to my mother’s family recipe. After a delicious appetizer called “Taste of Italy” which included fried Calamari, zucchini, and mushrooms I stuck with the old standby, spaghetti with spicy Italian sausage. The generous portions and friendly, prompt service made for an all around wonderful experience. I highly recommend giving it a try, especially on a weeknight when the area isn’t as busy.
