With Café Milano and Sette Osteria thriving in the District for some time, who could blame owner Franco Nuschese for wanting to open another establishment? Although neither of his first two spots has been immune from criticism about the quality of the food, each restaurant has found a loyal following — with Café Milano pulling in a wealthy, often high-profile crowd in Georgetown and Sette Osteria targeting neighborhood clientele in Dupont Circle. And there is no debating that the social, room-working Nuschese is a master of giving his clientele exactly the scene they want.

Nuschese is going for a same-but-different formula in Clarendon with Sette Bello, which opened in October. In the past five years, Clarendon has changed rapidly, with high-rise condominiums sprouting feverishly and big-name restaurant franchises descending on the area. The energetic, cavernous Sette Bello is a welcome addition to a historically homey neighborhood that has lately felt commercial and sterile. And after a quiet start, the restaurant is getting markedly busier, perhaps owing as much to Nuschese’s charm as to competently assembled Italian plates, the elegant room, and a crudo bar that’s a few notches above standard ceviche.

DCist’s Scott Reitz recently talked with Nuschese about D.C. restaurants, his recent venture outside the District, and his reportedly outrageous collection of neckwear.