I went to Via Umbria yesterday and, y’all, it was amazing.
Via Umbria is an Italian market, cafe, and restaurant all mixed into one and located in Georgetown. The concept is very similar to the Eatalys that my friends and I frequented in Italy, but with a special focus on the foods and culture of Umbria [oom-bre-ah]…the same region that I studied abroad in!
While Umbria often lives in the shadow of Tuscany, I was so happy to see my favorite region getting some much-needed attention and, of all places, here in D.C.!
As I walked into the store, I felt immediately transported to Umbria. The walls were lined with the colorful ceramic pottery that Umbria is world-famous for.
In front of the store, they had fresh vegetables and lots of little goodies on display.
As I turned the corner, I found that they had a great selection of Umbrian wines. I loved seeing so many familiar labels!
I walked out of the wine room and found a huge display of dried Italian meats and cheeses.
I did a quick run-through of the whole store first – I couldn’t believe how much stuff they had! I wanted it all.
I went into the store with the intention of buying olive oil. High-quality olive oil can be difficult to find and I have really been missing the olive oil from Perugia. The New York Times even wrote an article on how great the olive oil in Umbria is, so it’s not just me who loves this stuff!
I settled on a nice bottle of Il Molino olive oil. I haven’t been able to try it just yet, but I can’t wait to!
I also really wanted to pick up a nice Umbrian wine because they’re impossible to find in America! While Umbria doesn’t produce quite as much wine as Tuscany, Umbria is famous for Montefalco, Orvieto, and Torgiano wines.
I grabbed my personal favorite from my time in Umbria: Montefalco. Because they were having a 10%-off sale on the one I selected, I was able to sample the wine before purchasing it.
Disclaimer: I am 21 years old.
But, I couldn’t leave Via Umbria without una pausa per un caffè (“a pause” for coffee – something we did every 45 minutes at my Italian university!)
The espresso was awesome and tasted just how I remembered it. I have been on the hunt for a quality espresso bar here in D.C. and didn’t expect to find one at Via Umbria but I am very happy that I did!
I think Via Umbria is an amazing place to go if you’re looking for quality, authentic Italian food! I know I will be going back soon!
Cheesin' for Cibo 
I went to Via Umbria last week as well!! Wow this post made me really happy because I didn’t know GW students were into this concept -an Italian Market. I really liked how you posted so many pictures along with your post, I was able to picture everything you said easily. I would love it if you write your comments about the olive oil once you try it, to wherever you want, maybe even in the comments section for this post. Keep exploring to find your culture in D.C.!
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I went to Via Umbria last week as well!! Wow this post made me really happy because I didn’t know GW students were into this concept -an Italian Market. I really liked how you posted so many pictures along with your post, I was able to picture everything you said easily. I would love it if you write your comments about the olive oil once you try it, to wherever you want, maybe even in the comments section for this post. Keep exploring to find your culture in D.C.!
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Hey! Thank you so much for the awesome feedback! I am looking forward to trying the olive oil soon – I just need to get a loaf of some good, crunchy Italian bread! I was thinking of incorporating the olive oil into my blog post for next week. I might try making some bruschetta! 🙂
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I think I may have found a new spot to venture to this weekend! Very cool concept, and I am in love with the ceramics!!!! It’s great that your’e continuing your abroad traditions back here in D.C. I studied abroad last spring, and I know I immediately came back trying to anything that would remind me of my time.
As for good Italian espresso nearby, there’s actually an Illy coffee shop right around campus in West End, attached to the Renaissance Hotel. Good Good stuff.
Good use of links!
Looking forward to reading more next week!
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Hey! Thank you so much for the feedback! Ah, I will have to try out the Illy cafe soon – I had no idea that there was one there! I bet it’s awesome! Thank you!
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Hey this is so cool, it is a great thing to be able to get quality Italian oil and drink right here in the US. The one that draws my attention the most are the potteries – they are so unique and beautiful. Although it is a shame that I can’t buy wines because I am underage I will definitely check Umbria out when I go to Georgetown. Thanks for great information 🙂
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