Trattoria Da Lina has reopened at 7000 Carroll Ave. in Takoma Park following a month-long cosmetic refresh, returning with new management and a renewed focus on classic Italian cooking.
According to Main Street Takoma, Marcello Minna is back at the helm after four years away, bringing his mother, Mama Lina, back into the kitchen. The menu again centers on her traditional Italian dishes, including handmade pastas, authentic sauces, and longtime family recipes.
The reopening also marks a notable change to the space. Carpe Diem Pizzeria is being folded into Trattoria Da Lina, with the restaurant’s pizza oven set to be fired up starting in mid-February. The restaurant reopened for dinner service at 4:30 pm and will operate on the following schedule:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Closed Mondays
Trattoria Da Lina’s story traces back to Puglia, where the original family restaurant closed when Marcello and his brother left to study abroad, leaving their mother unable to continue operating it alone. Witnessing that loss, Marcello promised to one day reopen the family restaurant and carry on the tradition started by his grandparents.
That promise took more than two decades to fulfill. After moving to the United States, Marcello worked for years to raise the funds needed to reopen the restaurant. In 2017, Trattoria Da Lina opened in Takoma Park, bringing a piece of his hometown and family legacy to the community. With this reopening, that legacy once again takes center stage.
