Best Lasagna in NoVa-not Balt or DC

[LoveFood2Much]

I've read through the many comments about Italian restaurants like Dino's in Baltimore in regards to their lasagna.

I would like to find the best Lasagna in NoVa and don't say Carrabba's. I've tried Il Fornaio's and it's not bad but I've had better. Also, please don't start mentioning restaurants that are not in the NoVa area. I will try Dino's if I want to venture out of the area.

What I am looking for is a good portion, price not important, very cheesy, many layers, not too much sauce but thick not watery, pork and beef filling, and very firm especially the noodles. Lasagna shouldn't be like a big plate of "mush".

If it doesn't exist-I'll go outside the area.

Thanks for any and all responses.....

BTW, I've utilized at least one recommendation from every topic I've created so I value fellow Chowhounds opinions and greatly appreciate them.

[Jamonportodos]

I think you'll really like the old-school lasagna at the Alpine in Arlington on rte 29. It's a ginormous portion for like, 10 bucks. It's even fantastic cold from the fridge the next morning! I'm serious! The Alpine! Nobody ever believes me but there's a reason that place has been there for a million years!

[flyingron]

Good NoVa Italians:

Fiore di Luna - Herndon where Old Georgetown Pike hits Route 7. Absolutely super and great wine selection.

San Vitos - Herndon/Franklin Farm Shopping Center. Nice slightly upscale local joint

Portofino - Crystal City (21st street couple of blocks west of Route 1).

[Aphioni]

There is also a San Vito in the Broadlands Plaza in Ashburn, but their lasagna- while GOOD- I don't think would meet the standards thrown down by LoveFood2much. They hae a baked ravioli dish that is cheesy and meaty beyond legal standards, but the lasagna does not inspire LOVE like Emilios... can you tell I LOVE my lasagna???

[KWynn]

Tony's in Manassas is great--and I mean the Tony's in a strip mall where you go to the counter and order your food. They have pizza by the slice, wonderful bruschetta, and amazing lasagna.

[LoveFood2Much]

Thanks to all who responded. Looks like I have a few great options with Aphioni's recommendation to Emilio's leading the pack. My mouth is watering just from the description.
BTW, my co-worker just ate at Bebo Trattoria last week with his girlfriend and said it has gone downhill. Said he thinks they have a new chef. I've never eaten there but he said it used to be the best and now disappointing.

[BrianD]

Well, I'm pretty sure Bebo does not have a new chef, and I was just there a few weeks ago and the food was as good as ever. I know they have significant service issues, but I've always been willing to put up with them. That said, I've never had the lasagna, so can't comment on that.

For lasagna in NoVA, I'd recommend Cafe Tirolo in Ballston, and La Piazza, next to the Braddock Road Metro Station in Alexandria.

[MDoodle]

The OP is right. Bebo Chef Amy Brandewin left. I just read it either in one of Tom's WaPo chats or maybe on Washingtonian not more than a few days ago. Apparently she's going to be opening a restaurant in Pentagon City or something?

[monavano]

Amy Brandwein will be the head Chef at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City. The new restaurant is called "Fyve".

www.houndstoothgourmet.com

[Aphioni]

well now thank you! :) it tastes even better than it reads... :) please let us kow where you go and how it is... I now have MYSELF in the mood for Emilio's!

Ciao, aphioni

[monkeyrotica]

Anthony's in Falls Church does a pretty obscene lasagna, huge, tons of cheese. I've had about as many mushy ones as I've had firm ones, so it's a crapshoot. Literally.

http://www.anthonysrestaurantva.com/F...

[wheezer567]

I frequent Bebo Trattoria in Crystal City often. They have a small menu, but their pasta's homemade. Their lasagna doesn't have the 'layers' you mention, but it's great.

[ktmoomau]

It has been a while since I have had it, but if memory serves me correct Argia's in Falls Church had good lasagna. But again it has been a while. Maybe I will have to go back to re-check it out.

[jaydreb]

I don't know if it's "the best," but the meat lasagna at Cafe Tirolo in Ballston/Virginia Square is real good.

[Aphioni]

I like my lasagne exactly the way YOU described it and Emilio's in Lansdowne did NOT disappoint. Very meaty and cheesy, homemade pasta- and you could TELL. delicious hearty sauce with peppers, onions garlic and tomatoes all easily detected and well blended. the portion was more than ample. The Lansdowne center is off of Route 7, toward Leesburg. worth the trip if you are out west...

[DCDOLL]

don't know if you are anywhere near Springfield but there is a mom & pop italian/greek place called Victor's in the plaza where Whole Foods is and everything italian there is wonderful. all homemade. My husband had the lasagne and declared it great and my father in law said their moussaka (i guess a greek version!!) was as good as he had in Athens. Prices are reasonable and the waitresses have all been there around 20 years so they treat you right.

[bigskymind]

There's a neighborhood joint called Monroe's in Del Ray on Commonwealth & Monroe. I had their lasagna the other day and it was quite tasty. Interestingly enough, I ordered the portabello lasagna and they made the regular meat kind, which I accepted (with the offer of free desert, natch). I'm glad I did. It was yummy.