Location: Bethesda
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Top 10 Italian food in Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best Italian food in Bethesda, Maryland, United States. Bethesda is an unincorporated, census-designated place in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, located just northwest of the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. It takes its name from a local church, the Bethesda Meeting House (1820, rebuilt 1849), which in turn took its name from Jerusalem's Pool of Bethesda. In Aramaic, ܒܝܬ ܚܣܕܐ beth ḥesda means "House of Mercy" and in Hebrew, בית חסד "beit ḥesed" means "House of Kindness". The National Institutes of Health main campus and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center are in Bethesda, as are a number of corporate and government headquarters.
Things to do in Bethesda
10. Mamma Lucia
Overall Ratings
3 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By yveslouisp
Second time we go there and still not very much impressed by the food and the service.We ended there as other restaurants were full. They were able to accommodate 12 people. Food was served quickly but we had to request 4 times sparkling water. The bottle stayed far away from the table and we never got refilled by the waiter. Food was very average: very creamy, as if everything had been mixed. Any Italian going there will probably collapse At the end, the manager started to speak to us very loudly and we had to stop our conversation. He kept rambling about non interesting topics while we were keen to go back to our own conversation
9. Mia's Pizza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By WheelsOnFire
I've enjoyed Mia's many times in the past, and always thought the food was inventive and well-prepared using top quality ingredients. The pizzas were clever and the lasagna was better than many home made versions I've had.But, things seemed to have changed. A recent visit did not live up to past experiences. Not even close.I tried the lasagna once again, which utilizes meatballs as the meat filling and promised a variety of cheeses and some nice sauce. The meatballs were there in abundance (a rather odd way of including meat in a lasagna), but there was little sauce, only a small amount of cheese, and it wasn't heated very well. Some spots were impressively hot -- others, well, let's just say that the chill had barely been taken off. Overall, extremely disappointing.My dining companion's eggplant parmigiana came across more as a casserole than the typical parmigiana (it actually looked similar to the aforementioned lasagna). Alas, it lacked many of the qualities one would expect of a properly prepared parmigiana. On the plus side, the white sangria was excellent. And service was very friendly and professional.Maybe it was an off night in the kitchen. Or maybe something has changed here. Either way, it wasn't the Mia's I have thoroughly enjoyed so many times in the past. I certainly hope that the Mia's of the past returns -- and I'll return for another visit soon in the hope that it has.
8. Cesco Osteria and Co2 Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Robert G
Cesco Osteria is located a little off the main restaurant scene in Bethesda, but is worth seeking out. It is a well-appointed restaurant that makes a favorable impression for a special occasion. The tables are spaced far enough apart so that noise is not a problem. The menu is extensive and satisfies vegetarians, meat, and seafood eaters. The food is all good. Of the dishes that the 7 of us had, not one was bad, though the butternut squash raviolino was a bit on the too sweet side. The wine list is more than extensive. The wait staff was attentive, but not overly so. The only flaw was that we asked the dressing to be on the side for one salad (one of us does not like vinegar) but the salad was delivered fully dressed with vinagrette. However, we simple traded around the table and did not ask for a replacement. We had one subteen who was delighted with the food and with the ice cream dessert. Pastas and mains were as low as $17-18 and entrees ranged upward to over $30. Starters (antipasto) salads and soups, and sides, are all extra, bringing the cost up to $25 and up per person, depending on what you order, without counting wine.Definitely a place to which I will return.
7. Trattoria Sorrento
Overall Ratings
4 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By RavenLB
Tonight we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Sorrento. Our appetizer of figs and prosciutto on a bed of arugula was particularly noteworthy. Because the figs were firm and sweet, we asked our waiter, Carlo, what variety they were. He disappeared into the kitchen and when he didn't return, we assumed he'd forgotten our inquiry and was busy with the many other diners. To our amazement, as we left, Carlo followed us out the door, told us that he had consulted with his family, told us the variety of fig and gave us a box of them! We were thrilled at the attention this young man and his family paid to our inquiry.Sorrento has seasonal specials and each sounds delicious. Prices are reasonable and servings are abundant. You wonât be disappointed!
6. Pines of Rome
Overall Ratings
4 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By Onorwood
While the ambience and service are lively and create a very traditional Italian atmosphere, the food itself is disappointing. Mediocre at best. We ordered a lasagna meal and another pasta meal. Both dinners lacked flavor and texture. The lasagna cheese was very mushy. The tomato sauce lacked flavor.The salad was fresh (very basic but best part of the meal ).We ordered sparkling wine but it was flat (and replaced by the waiter).Overall, a cheerful establishment that should look to improve the quality of its meals .
5. La Panetteria Ristorante Italiano
Overall Ratings
4 based on 123 reviews
La Panetteria is an established Italian restaurant serving Italian specialty foods and a touch of authentic Argentinian recipes, making La Panetteria, the only Italian-Argentinian Cuisine in Downtown Bethesda. La Panetteria has a prime location, great foo
Reviewed By Tom S
When we visit our daughter in Bethesda, we like to try a variety of restaurants. Italian is our favorite so we made a reservation at La Panaterria. Our meals were excellent, waitstaff very efficient, manager and chef friendly. It reminded us of a favorite restaurant in Modena, Italy. We definitely will return.
4. Positano Ristorante Italiano
Overall Ratings
4 based on 282 reviews
Full service Italian restaurant with also four private party rooms and garden terrace for outside dining.
Reviewed By Robert D
Between either going to Positano Ristorante Italiano, or nearby La Panetteria Italian Restaurant, downtown Bethesda is BLESSED to have so many delicious options...and if you live/work near there...you know...cursed with all too often difficult parking.Nice food, nice setting, and nice host. Speaking of nice setting...now that they weather is warming up (end of April 2019), on a nice day, if the front patio is open...dine under the grape trellis'...beautiful!...you can just imagine yourself being in Positano (which I have been...breathtakingly beautiful).I prefer larger portion for the amount I pay, but hey, that's probably why I'm a bit more chunky-husky than most healthy-eating/healthy-portions Europeans! :-DParking is always tough in the heart of Bethesda-proper, especially during weekend lunch & diner...but, its not so big that you can't stroll around a bit. Watch your time on the parking meters so you don't get a ticket. Restroom is handicap accessible, but way in the back. As an aside, the Owner/Operator, she makes a GREAT home made jam that she shares with some regular customers. Grazie!
3. Pizzeria Da Marco
Overall Ratings
4 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By j0edell2
We ordered a Margherita pizza with sausage and it was amazing. We also ordered the caponata and an Antipasto consisting of prosciutto,cheese and various vegetables which was excellent. Great service and an extensive wine list. Half price wine every Wednesday night!
What to do and see in Bethesda, United States: The Best Places and Tips
2. Olazzo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By breakevenclub
A cute, little Italian restaurant with outdoor seating. Very reasonable prices. Had grilled eggplant...excellent. Great wine...try the chianti.
Bethesda Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Bethesda
1. Chef Tony's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 630 reviews
We are a Chef owned seafood focused restaurant in beautiful downtown Bethesda. We feature a daily changing menu and use as many locally sourced products as we can. We maintain a friendly and comfortable dining space that allows our guests to relax and rec
Reviewed By kro4224
A frequent stop for my husband and me. Always excellent food and service. These crab cakes that they have are the best ever-no fillers!!!! Donât let the outside of the restaurant stop you-go in for delicious food and great service!!!
