Cesco Osteria Closing After Nearly A Quarter Century In Bethesda

BETHESDA, MD — Cesco Osteria will serve its last meals soon, as the eatery is scheduled to close at the end of the month after nearly 25 years in business in Bethesda.

Its founder and chef, Francesco Ricchi, is retiring after 30 years in the restaurant business in the DMV. He moved from Florence, Italy in 1988 and opened Cesco Osteria, then known as Cesco Trattoria, in 1997.

" To all the many wonderful friends who have become like family, a sincere thank you for making us your preferred place to hold your special celebrations," the restaurant said in an email announcement. "It has been an honor to serve you."

Through his career, Ricchi won numerous restaurant awards, including:

• Chef of the Year (Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington)
• Most Popular Italian Restaurant (Washingtonian Magazine)
• Best New Restaurant in the United States (Esquire Magazine)
• Top Twenty-Five Restaurants in North America (Food and Wine Magazine)
• Washington Post’s 50 Very Best Restaurants
• Zagat Restaurant Award of Distinction

Cesco, which typically hosts private events in addition to dining, had to cancel during the pandemic, and shifted to curbside pickup for a time, they told Patch. The business had staff in on a rotating basis, which meant some people were only able to work a few days a month.

"Most of our staff are the sole supporters for their families," they said. "These dedicated people have been with us for 23 years. They are family."

Some of those staff members were original staffers when the restaurant opened.

"Cesco has been open since 1997 and has the original owners and staff," they said. "We have hosted the weddings, family celebrations and meetings of many Montgomery County residents over the years and have established a reputation for the finest quality food, superb service and a beautiful ambiance."

The restaurant has reservations available until Jan. 29, the announcement said. Call 301-654-8333 to make a reservation. The restaurant is at 7401 Woodmont Ave. in Bethesda.