About
Aventino is an airy and vibrant 130-seat restaurant that showcases seasonal Italian cuisine with nods to Roman tradition as well as Chef Mike Friedman’s culinary background. With a focus on local farms and sustainable sourcing, Aventino shines as an exciting destination for a true Italian experience. Highlights include shareable aperitivi, antipasti, classic pastas, market-fresh fish and house-butchered cuts of meat. Delight in house-crafted cocktails, including a selection of spritzes, Negronis and martinis, all alongside a large Italian-leaning wine list. The luxurious space is anchored by a stunning, green marble bar waiting for you to sit, eat, drink and enjoy life.
Explore our full dinner, lunch, brunch, and wine menus, check our hours and dining info, or get in touch to plan a visit.
Michael Friedman
Chef/Owner
Westfield, New Jersey native Michael Friedman’s professional cooking career began as a prep cook with Mon Ami Gabi. Friedman spent three years with Rich Melman’s Lettuce Entertain You group, rising to sous chef in just eight months before enrolling in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.
After graduating at the top of his CIA class, Friedman began working for Jose Andres at Zaytinya. After two years, he left his mentor to travel the world. Eating through Italy, Greece, Turkey and Northern Africa, Friedman picked up the interesting and exciting nuances of each country. Back in the US, Friedman spent time staging in some influential kitchens, including San Francisco’s Incanto, Los Angeles’ Lucques, Philadelphia’s Vetri and New York’s Scarpetta. Friedman returned to D.C. as Executive Sous Chef of Proof, and under the tutelage of Executive Chef Haidar Karoum, he learned to hone his craft and simplify his style to let seasonal ingredients shine.
Friedman opened up The Red Hen in 2013. His eclectic menu offers guests a focused selection of seasonal, Italian-influenced dishes interpreted with Mid-Atlantic ingredients. Red Hen continues to be a neighborhood gem within Washington DC that excites diners with new dishes every season.
In 2016 he opened All-Purpose Shaw, serving antipasti, classic Italian American dishes and deck oven-fired pizzas in the heart of downtown D.C. As a New Jersey native, All-Purpose became a love letter to Chef Friedman’s youth. Shortly after its opening, All-Purpose was named D.C.’s top restaurant by the Washington Post. In 2017, Friedman was recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist. Following the success of the original All-Purpose, Friedman opened up All-Purpose Capitol Riverfront on the Anacostia River in 2018. The new location includes favorites from the Shaw location and new dishes inspired by the Eastern U.S. and Amalfi Coastlines. Michael Friedman holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in American history from Boston University.
Mike O’Malley, Owner
Gareth Croke, Owner
Colin McDonough, Owner
Erik Rollings, Culinary Director
Gennaro Esposito, Executive Chef
Jess McKeen, General Manager
Rupal Kavi, Assistant General Manager
Cordel Andrews, Service Manager
Hannah Martin, Beverage Manager
Solomon Van Meter, Event Coordinator
Planning a special evening? Host your private event with our team.