New Italian Restaurant Ulivo Opens in Columbia Heights

First-time restaurant owner Tim Monaghan brings refined Italian fare to a familiar neighborhood space

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ulivo, a new sophisticated Italian restaurant, has opened in the former Capa Tosta space in Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C. The restaurant is the first venture for owner Tim Monaghan, who previously worked in the legal nonprofit world before transitioning to the restaurant industry. Ulivo features a menu of fresh pastas, salads, and surf-and-turf options, as well as a selection of cocktails and an Italian-focused wine program.

Why it matters

The opening of Ulivo marks the latest evolution of the Columbia Heights neighborhood, which has seen a number of restaurant openings and closures in recent years. The new restaurant aims to provide the community with a refined yet approachable Italian dining option, filling a void left by the closure of the previous tenant, Capa Tosta.

The details

Ulivo, which means 'olive tree' in Italian, is located at 2737 Sherman Avenue NW in the heart of the Columbia Heights neighborhood. The space has previously housed Italian restaurants Capa Tosta and Napoli. Under new owner Tim Monaghan, the interior has been renovated with moody walls, vintage prints, and romantic touches like flickering candlesticks. The menu features starters like marinated olives, burrata salad, and meatballs, as well as mains like a double-cut pork chop and hangar steak. A tight selection of five fresh pastas, including cavatelli and fusilli, are also on offer. The beverage program includes a variety of Negroni cocktails, spritzes, and an Italian-focused wine list curated by sommelier Elli Benchimol.

  • Ulivo opened for dinner service on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • The restaurant will begin offering Saturday lunch and dinner service starting at 11 a.m., as well as a monthly Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The players

Tim Monaghan

The first-time restaurant owner of Ulivo, who previously worked in the nonprofit legal world before transitioning to the restaurant industry.

Nick Perkins

The chef at Ulivo, who comes from a non-restaurant background as a former pro skateboarder with Volcom.

Elli Benchimol

The owner and sommelier of Apero, who helped curate Ulivo's Italian wine program.

Shawn Meehan

The bar manager at Apero, who collaborated on Ulivo's cocktail list.

Micah Grisamore

A longtime Columbia Heights resident and the construction company owner who helped with Ulivo's buildout.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fresh simple pastas with clean sauces and not heavy.”

— Tim Monaghan, Owner, Ulivo (Eater DC)

“Why take something away that the neighborhood wants?”

— Tim Monaghan, Owner, Ulivo (Eater DC)

“We're not cramming people in there. We want to be a reprieve from daily life and worries.”

— Tim Monaghan, Owner, Ulivo (Eater DC)

What’s next

Ulivo plans to open its outdoor patio in the spring, providing additional seating for the new restaurant.

The takeaway

The opening of Ulivo in Columbia Heights represents the continued evolution of the neighborhood, as a first-time restaurant owner brings a refined Italian dining option to a familiar space. By focusing on fresh, simple fare and an approachable atmosphere, Ulivo aims to become a new neighborhood staple.