Experience the magic of Italian cuisine right in the heart of Dulles Town Center. At Cafesano, we transport you across the globe to the picturesque landscapes of Italy, offering a culinary journey that celebrates the history, traditions, and diverse flavors of Italian cuisine.
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and transport yourself to an old world dining experience in the flowing Tuscan hills with just a bite of Italian food in Dulles Town Center when eating at Cafesano.
Cafesano’s Italian Delights: A Journey through History and Flavors
We honor the tradition and technique of old world Italian style cooking to fully immerse your tastebuds in perfectly crafted dishes made from high-quality ingredients that abide by the healthy standards of the Mediterranean diet.
Lasagna Emiliana
A quintessential dish from Emilia-Romagna, a region famous for its food heritage, Lasagna Emiliana represents the soul of Italian comfort food.
Known for its layered structure, this dish is much more than a mere assembly of ingredients. Rather, it’s a work of art, a testament to the culinary craftsmanship synonymous with Italian cuisine.
Creating our Lasagna Emiliana at Cafesano is akin to composing a symphony. The process begins with the pasta – delicate sheets that form the base of our lasagna.
The process of layering these components is a meticulous labor of love. Each layer of pasta is lavished with generous amounts of béchamel sauce and ragu, creating a rhythmic pattern that’s visually appealing and ensures that each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
The final touch is a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, which melt in the oven to form a golden, bubbling crust.
Penne Arrabbiata
Hailing from the Lazio region of Italy, specifically Rome, Penne Arrabbiata is a fiery staple of Italian cuisine. The term “arrabbiata” translates to “angry” in English, hinting at the heat this dish packs with its chili-infused tomato sauce.
At Cafesano, our Penne Arrabbiata is a mouthwatering celebration of the perfect harmony between pasta, tomatoes, and chili peppers.
Every spoonful of our Penne Arrabbiata promises a burst of spicy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavor. The heat from the chili peppers gives the dish a bold personality, while the sweet undertones of the tomatoes add a soothing contrast.
Simplicity is at the heart of Penne Arrabbiata, but don’t let that fool you. This dish is an explosion of flavor, an adventure for the senses, and a testament to how a handful of ingredients when treated with respect and skill, can transform into a meal that leaves a lasting impression.
Penne with Basil Pesto
A delightful medley of flavors that stems from the sunny region of Liguria, Italy, Penne with Basil Pesto is a testament to the freshness and vibrancy of Italian cuisine. This dish features the traditional pesto sauce, a simple yet exquisite creation that has captivated taste buds around the world.
Here at Cafesano, our Penne with Basil Pesto is a true celebration of the fresh, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean. It begins with our penne, a tubular pasta that perfectly captures the creamy pesto sauce in its ridges and hollow interior.
However, this dish’s heart and soul is the pesto sauce. Fresh, fragrant basil leaves form the green canvas of our sauce. We add Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino, two distinct cheeses that lend a delightful sharpness to the mix.
Pine nuts add a touch of creaminess, while garlic brings a hint of zest. Finally, a generous stream of top-quality extra virgin olive oil binds these components together, forming a vibrant green sauce packed with flavor and character.
Cheese Ravioli
A timeless classic that transports you to the heart of Italy with every bite, Cheese Ravioli has stood the test of time and continued to delight palates across centuries. These little parcels of pasta, believed to have been conceived in Milan during the 1500s, were initially filled with meats, vegetables, or cheeses and served during Christmastime.
Encased within delicate, tender pasta pockets is a heart of creamy ricotta, a cheese celebrated for its rich and mild flavor. With its smooth texture and delicate taste, the ricotta pairs perfectly with our handmade pasta, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures.
When you first bite into our Cheese Ravioli, you experience an intimate dance of contrasting sensations – the firmness of the pasta, the velvety richness of the cheese – a dance that unfolds deliciously on your palate.
Fettuccini Alfredo
It’s simply known as fettuccine al burro or fettuccini with butter in Italy.
However, Alfredo Di Lelio, a Roman restaurateur, made the dish famous in the early 20th century when he added extra butter and Parmesan to get his pregnant wife to eat after losing her appetite. Thus, the “Alfredo” version was born, and at Cafesano, we deliver this creamy, cheesy delicacy just as Alfredo intended.
The first bite into our Fettuccini Alfredo is a delightful experience. The smooth creaminess of the sauce, combined with the chewy, satisfying texture of the pasta, creates an explosion of flavors and textures.
It’s a simple pleasure but one that is hard to resist. The contrast between the soft pasta and the rich, creamy sauce is reminiscent of the culinary magic that happens when humble ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary through love and dedication.
You can choose to add chicken for some extra protein punch to this filling and satisfying meal too.
Pasta Marinara
Born in the kitchens of Neapolitan mariners in the 16th century, Pasta Marinara is the embodiment of simplicity and finesse. Its name, “Marinara,” was derived from the Italian word “marinaro,” meaning “of the sea,” named after the mariners who cooked the dish while out at sea.
Since tomatoes are not native to Europe, the dish didn’t appear until New World explorers brought the tomato to the continent.
Its magic lies in its uncomplicated nature – a tomato-based sauce seasoned with garlic, fresh basil, and a dash of chili pepper, served atop perfectly al dente pasta.
The tomatoes, bursting with the right balance of acidity and sweetness, create a robust, vibrant sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta while the oils from the basil leaves become aromatic as they wilt. Each ingredient shines, transforming this humble dish into a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Cafesano: A Haven for Italian Food in Dulles Town Center
Dining at Cafesano in Dulles Town Center isn’t just about the food. It’s about immersing in the ambiance of a Mediterranean-style bistro that embodies the warmth of Italian hospitality.
Whether you’re dining indoors or al fresco on our terrace, we offer a cozy setting to savor your Italian feast.
Our dishes pay homage to their historic roots while delighting your palate with high-quality ingredients and unforgettable flavors.
Join us for an Italian culinary journey beyond just food—it’s a celebration of Italy’s vibrant culture and rich history, one bite at a time.
Review our Mediterranean-style menu for takeout or dine-in to get your mouth watering for authentic Italian food in Dulles Town Center today.