Yes, Mario has announced that he wants to open an Eataly here in DC. I don't think he has found the location yet, so nothiing concrete.

Great shopping - but I would avoid it on weekends.

Basically a "food court" w/ stations for: seafood, pizza & pasta, charcuterie, rotisserie chicken with authentic Italian sides (beans & escarole, etc) and a coffee/gelato bar....Also, you can buy pastas, sauces, spices, utensils, wine, etc.

Aren't we supposed to be getting one here, soon?

Eataly is great fun, but a zoo on weekends. You can eat sit down white tablecloths, less formal or snacks, browse a bootfull of specialty shops and find great wine. Pick up Joe Bastianch's book, BTW. Foodie foot tour: start at Eataly then hit the Union Sq. Farm Market.

OP again --- and is this a crazy idea on a Sat or Sun for lunch?

I'm a little confused by their website. You can go to one of the many restaurants there but also walk around with a shopping cart and get food from their "grocery store" equiv? Planning a trip to NYC and my pal has suggested going there, but I don't want to be stressed out by lunch. Are there more than a few tables at these individual restaurants or are you waiting forever to be seated? Thanks!