Two long years after Dave Mancini first announced plans to open a second restaurant in Eastern Market, La Rondinella is finally coming to fruition. Eater spotted tables set in the restaurant on Wednesday, which was quickly followed by tipster reports of activity in the restaurant. Mancini reluctantly confirmed that he is beginning friends and family soft openings this week. La Rondinella also opened for a brief preview at last night's Eastern Market After Dark event. When asked, Mancini could not offer a specific date for the official debut.
The 1,000-square-foot restaurant located next to Mancini's popular Supino Pizzeria, will serve rustic Italian dishes such as handmade gnocchi, fresh pasta, grass-fed beef, and free range chicken in a refined bistro setting. Stay tuned for more updates.