After working with Roberto Donna at Alba Osteria and as executive chef at now-closed Casa Nonna, chef Amy Brandwein is breaking out on her own. She plans to open an Italian restaurant and market called Centrolina in CityCenterDC next spring.

The 52-seat restaurant with 12-seat bar will take inspiration from around Italy—whether it’s Sicilian seafood or pastas from the Emilia Romagna region. The regularly rotating menu will feature around 15 dishes at any give time, from antipasti to wood-roasted meat and fame. The drink list will include all Italian wines, a mostly local beer list, and a small selection of Italian cocktails. 

The adjoining market will offer Italian imports like wine, cheese, olive oils, and sweets plus meats, fish, produce from local farms. Brandwein will also sell her own fresh pasta and up to a dozen sauces. A barista will serve up coffee, and customers will be able to grab a sandwich, salad, or pasta to go.

Centrolina will be open daily for lunch and dinner.

Photo by Darrow Montgomery