This little place specializes in Roman and northern regional Italian cuisine. Come here, in particular, for gnocchi (with four cheese or basil pesto sauce) and osso bucco Milanese.
Most will agree that this is a wildly romantic spot for dinner: Snug and lit by candles alone, the dining room is ideal for a proposal or anniversary.
Once a month, on the third or fourth Sunday, Trattoria de Franco brings in a professional opera singer from the Kennedy Center. Tuesdays through Saturdays, a piano player quietly entertains.
During warm weather, there's outdooor seating; but the restaurant is located on a busy thoroughfare, and the spew of car exhaust might detract from the romance.
-- Alexa Beattie
