I love Potenza, let me admit that up front. During my 8 months in DC I’ve been to this restaurant three times and have found each visit to be perfection.  So if you’re looking for criticism, perhaps you had better look on! If you’d like to know why I, someone who can generally find a flaw in anything, am too in love with this place to say an unkind word please continue.

Most recently, I visited Potenza on a Friday night with my best friend who was visiting from out-of-town. We had late reservations and were more than ready to dig in right away. To start, we ordered a plate of three cheeses. Potenza offers a variety of hard and soft, cow and sheep – something to please every palate. Emily and I selected the Pecorino boschetto with truffle (sheep), Ubriaco (cow) and Gorgonzola Dolce (cow). The Pecorino was so good, I felt it was best enjoyed on its own.  As for the other two, the restaurant offers many accompaniments to their cheese plates that make for an array of exciting flavor combinations. Diners are served Toasted Ciabatta Mostarda, Truffle Honey, Apricot Compote and Moscato D’Asti soaked grapes. If I could eat one food for the rest of my life, it may have to be that Truffle Honey. The flavor is sweet yet potent, and you certainly do not have to be a mushroom lover (as I am) to indulge.

Alongside our cheese, Potenza’s friendly and eccentric sommelier helped us select a nice bottle of wine. After a comical Italian geography lesson we settled on a mid-range bottle of white, which we were told was one of the best, “bang-for-your-buck” bottles. Young professionals like those words :O). He was right on - we were both very happy with the selection.

Next up was the main dish. We were already feeling a little full from all the bread and cheese, so our server recommended a lighter item to share. We ordered the Tortelloni di Coniglio – rabbit and truffle stuffed pasta, white asparagus sauce and pecorino tartufo bianchetto. I may never have selected something like this on my own and was really pleasantly surprised by the dish. The presentation itself was really appetizing, hinting to bold and complimentary flavors.

Had I not been in the mood for a lighter dish, I doubt I would ever stray from what I have ordered both times previous – gnocchi. Gnocchi is one of my very favorite foods, but only when it’s prepared just right. What I love about the pasta is it’s light, pillowy chew. Over or undercooked gnocchi is nothing impressive. The textures of Potenza gnocchi is out of this world amazing and the gorgonzola sauce is rich and creamy in very the best way.

Canoli is also a favorite of mine. And again, one I tend to be picky about as a result. But once again Potenza knocks this dish out of the park. The outside is a crisp cinnamony shell, which encases a creamy filling of sweet ricotta and chocolate chips. If you have room, you absolutely most indulge.

It’s not just for the food that I love about Potenza. The staff is right on – friendly, helpful and efficient but never cheesy or in the way.  And the atmosphere is also just what I’m looking for – cozy and inviting. The lighting is low enough and the conversation buzzes loud enough that diners are free to enjoy the company they’re in without ever feeling intruded upon.

Potenza is truly one of DC’s greatest foodie gems. Clearly I’m in love – but I dare you to disagree!