Cesco Osteria brings a taste of Tuscany to Bethesda.
By Nevin Martell
The restaurant boasts 10 distinct dining areas, including this sumptuous bar.
The Bethesda fine dining scene just got a big boost from the Boot with the opening of the 10,000 square foot Italian eatery Cesco Osteria. Featuring 20 foot high stained glass ceilings, an open kitchen and 10 distinct dining areas, the restaurant hopes to draw in diners with its design as well as its carefully curated cuisine.
The Med-friendly fare from award-winning chef Francesco Ricchi includes housemade pastas, Prosecco-braised veal ossobuco, grilled whole sea bass and pizzas. For dessert, go for either the bomboloni donut balls or the boozy Italian ices.
In the mood for a drink? The wine list features over 100 Italian vinos and another 50 sourced from around the world. Specialty cocktails include the Room 18 with bourbon, lemon juice and elderflower, and the Bramble, a spiky sipper made with gin and blackberry liqueur.
If you want the party to continue after a few rounds at the restaurant, you can always slip next door to the restaurant’s sister site, the Co2 Lounge.
Cesco Osteria, 7401 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, Md.; 301-654-8333, www.cesco-osteria.com
