Until now, the block of 18th between C and D streets NE has been a lot of things, but nothing quite as welcome as the vitality of Café Roma.

New Beginnings
Owners Pietros and Haimanot Kidane, Pietros’ brother Fessaie, Roberto the manager and Rami the baker are all transplants from Rome. The Kidanes, originally from Eritrea (colonized by Italy from 1890 until World War II, independent from Ethiopia since 1993), lived for 40 years in Rome and came to America just over a year ago to help their children, graduate students, open a restaurant. They shopped around and decided upon the property at 411 18th St. NE.

The space – with its bold walls, wood floors and pictures of Rome – had been La Maison, which some thought to be a dubious enterprise, and before that, it was a self-service laundry. “At first we didn’t like the colors (chosen by their older son),” said Pietros. “It was too much color, I like it more conservative. But my son, he said it should be these, and he was right – he did a good job!”

Freshness is key at Café Roma. Breads, desserts and lasagna are baked daily, and the menu is circumscribed so as to keep ingredients at their freshest. Pietros said adamantly, “We are using natural ingredients – our cakes, our breads, our cookies. They are made with natural ingredients, no additives, and that is something that we are proud about.”

Welcome Neighbors
“I love the music here – it’s so soothing,” said Reneé Joyner, a teacher at Eliot Junior High, who has enjoyed her lunches at Café Roma since it opened in February. “The pastries are fabulous. Truly, they are bringing a little bit of Rome to Capitol Hill. They are so friendly, and I like the lattes better than Starbucks’.”

Elizabeth, a Lincoln Park-area resident and “Capitol Hill veteran” goes to Café Roma for the desserts. “I get fat here every day,” she joked. “I come here to relax, whatever. The baker is darling.”

Stephanie Nixon, ANC 6A commissioner and resident of the block, loves Café Roma. “It’s awesome, it’s delicious! They have the best desserts, like the ricotta cheesecake, which has less fat. I’m totally impressed,” she enthused. “The prices are really good for the neighborhood. The cheesecake is only $2.50, whereas if you go to another restaurant, it’s five bucks.” Nixon has tried nearly every sandwich. “The roast turkey was really good, and the tomato and mozzarella was really good.” We both agree on Elizabeth’s assessment of the baker, Rami. (And Roberto … il mio dio – bello!)

Elyse Williams, a resident of 17th and C, set up camp at an upstairs table with a cappuccino, a slice of apple tart and her laptop. “I eat lunch here a lot,” she said. “I love the lasagna. The tiramisu is incredible. I actually went to Rome last fall, and the food here is really authentic. It’s really a gift for the Hill.”

“We’re very happy to be in the community,” said Pietros. “The people are very, very nice, and everyone has been very supportive.” Haimanot, shy when not speaking Italian, wished to convey her gratitude for the word-of-mouth support of her customers. “I want to thank them for advertising for us. We are happy for them coming, and I want to thank them,” she said.

Experience the hospitality of the Kidanes, and you will understand the earnest support of their patrons.

Café Roma, 411 18th St. NE. Hours of operation, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mon. through Sat., and Sun. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 202-652-1693.