Best runner's chow photo
(Larry Morris)

Best runner's chow

Moira E. McLaughlin  |  Updated 05/25/2012

The night before you hit the streets for a big road race, you'll want a delicious meal.

 
 
 
 
 

Coppi's Organic Restaurant

Washington, DC

A cozy restaurant on hip U Street that speaks to athletes with its photographs of Italian cyclist Fausto Coppi. Pasta dishes include ravioli with green chard, artichoke hearts and portabella mushrooms; there are also specialty pizzas. Order the Nutella calzone for another kind of fuel.

 
 
 
 
 

Argia's

Falls Church, VA

Another family-style joint, where the pasta is homemade, except for a gluten-free spaghetti, and the portions speak to a longdistance runner. Also available: 26 different toppings such as goat cheese and eggplant to design pizzas. The adults in your cheering section will appreciate such beers on tap as Bell's Two Hearted IPA.

 
 
 
 
 

Tragara Ristorante

Bethesda, MD

A perfect place to take your supportive spouse who has come with you on (yet another) running trip. Think quiet and elegant. Treat your spouse to the Aragosta Risotto showcasing lobster meat, flamed with grappa, lobster sauce and asparagus risotto. For you, any of the delicious homemade pasta dishes will do.

 
 
 
 
 

Olazzo

Bethesda, MD

The Silver Spring location is a cozy, darkly lit joint with exposed ceiling wooden beams and a basement-bar vibe. Chicken parmesan with pasta, fettuccini alfredo, lasagna alla Bolognese: all your favorites are on the extensive menu, and in marathon-runnerfriendly proportions.

 
 
 
 
 

La Strada Osteria & Enoteca

Del Ray, VA

This family-run neighborhood restaurant in a house strung with lights makes a great spot to relax before your big run. Most of the pasta here, like the large plate of tasty spaghetti alla aglio, is homemade. Don't skip the chocolate mousse. You'll run that off by 10 a.m. the next day!

 

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