La Panetteria
4921 Cordell Ave, Bethesda MD 20814
$$
Italian
Recommended
New
Editor's Pick
Since 1993, La Panetteria Ristorante has been a traditional, family-owned and operated Italian restaurant located in downtown Bethesda. New co-owners and long-time friends, Executive Chef Hector “Ettore” Playuk from Sicily, Italy and General Manager Fernando Martinez from Buenos Aires, Argentina, are fulfilling their dream of owning and managing an Italian restaurant with an Argentinian flare in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Reservations
Booking Notes:
Reservations are only available for inside
Business Info
- Address: 4921 Cordell Ave, Bethesda MD 20814
- Cross Street: Old Georgetown Road and Cordell Ave
- Cuisine: Argentinean | Italian |
- Cost: | Inexpensive
- Category: Fine Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress Code: Casual
- Meals Served: Dinner |
- Parking: Street | Public Lot | Parking Garage |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Diners Club | JCB | PayPal | Cash | Apple Pay | Android Pay | Debit |
- Corkage Fee: 20.00 | $20 per bottle
- Website: https://lapanetteria.com/
- Phone: (301) 951-6433
- Features: Full Bar, Late Dining, Catering Services, Prix Fixe Menu, Takeout Available, Wheelchair Access, Happy Hours, Healthy Options, Free Wi-Fi, Gay / Lesbian, Big Screen TV,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Dog Friendly, Quick Bite, Celebrity Spotting, Date Night,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Evening - La Panetteria 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Wednesday
- Evening - La Panetteria 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Thursday
- Evening - La Panetteria 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Friday
- Evening - La Panetteria 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Saturday
- Evening - La Panetteria 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Sunday
- Evening - La Panetteria 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Deals & Special Offers
HAPPY HOUR!!!!
- Deal: Pay one get two
- Valid:Nov. 11, 2022 - Nov. 11, 2023
- Days Available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
- Time Available: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- Rules: Drinks on the cocktail menu
F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions- Do you have Vegetarian options?
- Yes we do! You can look at out menu at https://www.lapanetteria.com/menu/ Dishes that are vegetarian have the following symbol next to the food item: (V)
- Do you have Vegan options?
- Yes we do! You can look at out menu at https://www.lapanetteria.com/menu/ There is Vegan section towards the end
- Do you have Catering options?
- Yes we do. We offer a Catering menu based on the amount of guests you have in your event. Please check our catering option here: https://www.lapanetteria.com/catering/
- Do you have Parking?
- We do not have parking, however, there is a public garage on the same block, few feet away from the restaurant. This is the address: 4932 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
- Do you provide Delivery?
- If you are not dining-in, we encourage our clients to order directly from our website (www.lapanatteria.com) and pick-up your order. If this is not possible, you can place orders through Doordash, Uber Eats or Grubhub.
- Am I helping the restaurant if I order through Doordash, Uber Eats or Grubhub?
- Any of these delivery companies charge the restaurant between 25% to 30% commission per order. We encourage our customers to order directly from the restaurant when possible. Orders can be placed through our website https://www.lapanetteria.com/ or by phone at 301-951-6433
- What are your hours?
- We open from Tuesday's through Sunday's from 5pm to 9pm
Customer Reviews & Ratings
4.84 out of 5 stars based on 689 votes
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 04, 2023
Patrick K.
This place is our go-to for a romantic date night and never disappoints. The service is superb. Always looking for little ways to go above and beyond. We had the veal and a steak this past week and both were top notch.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 19, 2023
Steve R.
Great time and excellent service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 11, 2023
Kevin K.
Overall experience was great, including great service. It had been some time since we last dined at La Panetteria, and we learned of a change of ownership since our last visit that brought a change in the food items that we ordered. Although our meals were very good, it was obvious that our food had a different appearance and taste. However, we still felt that our dining experience was quite good.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 07, 2023
Edwin B.
We loved he food,including the huge veal chop. There is good wine in three sizes of containers, as well as a number of italian and arginteenen wines by the bottle. The addition of arginteenen versions of some of the italian dishes. Wait staff is very good, and the owner is available. The beautiful plants add to the ambiance.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 02, 2023
Hal K.
Food and service excellent at always. Love this place.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 18, 2023
Vasna N.
All their dishes have been excellent - perfect seasoning! The homemade ice cream was very very good!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 12, 2023
Viviana T.
I had the best time with a friend and grandchildren. Food as expected, excellent, and also the service. We will comeback!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 02, 2023
Paula B.
Fantastic. Wonderful evening. Best limoncello ever!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 25, 2023
MARY G.
We love La Panetteria. We like walking in and being greeted like family. The waiters are helpful and considerate. The food is always delicious. I'd like a bit bigger salad but other than that, I'll be back often!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 04, 2023
Jessica L.
Excellent and super attentive service, and the ambience is very pretty
Business Response:
Thank you Jessica for your kind review!- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 28, 2023
Ro Z.
Always such a pleasure to dine here. Fernando is so wonderful. Jorge and the wait team are just so great. One day I will get all of their names. The atmosphere is so cozy. Lady night was the first time I got to experience the live music and it enhanced the vibe. Thank you, La Panetteria! xo
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 15, 2023
Judy I.
Wonderful restaurant! Delicious food, superb service, and lovely atmosphere.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 03, 2023
Bianca M.
The food is delicious and the hosts are wonderful!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 02, 2023
Judye G.
It was our first time at the restaurant and we loved it. Our waitress was charming and helpful, and the owner was welcoming. The ambience is lovely and the food was terrific. We will be back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 31, 2022
Jackson A.
This restaurant consistently delivers a high quality, interesting dining experience at an unbelievable price point.
I enjoy myself every time I go and recommend it to everyone in the area.
Business Response:
Thank you Jackson for your kind review!- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 16, 2022
Alex T.
Excellent restaurant, we love to attend.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 03, 2022
Victoria M.
The people were so nice and the food was authentic and delicious.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 22, 2022
Bella I.
Great time and fabulous food! The Lobster Ravioli was especially divine. Can’t wait to go back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 06, 2022
Philip W.
Delicious food, outstanding service, delightful ambience, ample portions and reasonable prices. My only suggestion would be to include a small salad with entrees.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 05, 2022
Hal K.
This place is wonderful. Quiet, upscale, qreat food and great food choices, friendly service and reasonable prices.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 05, 2022
Chuck C.
Fernando made us feel like we were in his private kitchen. Everything was fantastic.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 03, 2022
Ajay K.
We always love coming here - great food and service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 02, 2022
Jesse P.
Food, Staff, everything was spectacular!!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 23, 2022
Robert W.
Unassuming from the outside, love the atmosphere, the service, and will be back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 13, 2022
Teresa G.
We enjoy the experience the food was great and service excellent
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 28, 2022
Joana W.
We visited La Panetteria for the first time on 5/26 for a post graduation dinner with my family. It is a quaint restaurant which everyone enjoyed. The food was excellent as well as the service. The food was served promptly and everything tasted amazing. Best of all, they served my favorite dessert, panna cotta! We enjoyed our meal so much that we will be putting the restaurant on our rotation of places that we regularly eat.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
May 22, 2022
Andrea B.
We had our small wedding reception here many years ago and the cozy ambiance was just as we remembered. It is now under new management. Really good food and lots of personal service. Definitely recommend!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 12, 2022
Karen M.
Delicious food and great service! We really enjoyed our evening.
Thank you!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 22, 2022
Hal K.
We go there often because of the friendly atmosphere, consistantly good service and food. Highly recommend this place.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 05, 2022
Roni T.
Food, waitstaff, ambience--it was all great!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 12, 2022
Hal K.
Everything was terrific as always. We dine there frequently because of the great selection of entrees, the great quality of the food, the great service and a very friendly atmosphere.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 11, 2022
Miriam G.
Food was delicious and the service was fast and attentive.
We wished staff to wear masks.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 13, 2022
Katie H.
Took out daughter here for her birthday when we were visiting from Denver. Wonderful food, lots of gluten free options for my husband, great service, all in all a memorable experience. Highly recommend!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 23, 2022
Scott Y.
Very good food and service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 14, 2022
John S.
We love this restaurant. We lived in Buenos Aires 6 years and it reminds us of that wonderful adventure.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Jan 14, 2022
James F.
Our group of four spent an enjoyable few hours at the restaurant. Our food was perfectly prepared and more importantly, we were able to linger over dinner and desert without the need give up our table. Fernando is a gracious host and we enjoy the Argentine mix to the menu.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 21, 2021
Bernice K.
The food and service were 5 stars. The chef/owners took time to sit with us and tell us about their food experiences and to make us feel very comfortable. We ordered the branzino with roasted vegetables which was a very good portion, delicious and fairly priced. The Panna cotta must be tried. No doubt we will be returning very soon.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 07, 2021
Mary Anne W.
Fabulous as always
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 11, 2021
Alma P.
Excellent food, service, location, Public parking right in front of the restaurant.
Clean, friendly service, nice size portions, excellent for group gatherings, great atmosphere.
Definitely coming back again.....
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 05, 2021
Vasna N.
The food was excellent! Well seasoned and perfect. Often restaurant food tends to be very salty. All three guests had different dishes and all loved their selection. Our waiter, Andrew, was polite and attentive. Can't wait to try all the other handmade pasta. Thank you for the birthday dessert on the house.
One suggestion: the step to enter the side room should be better marked (yellow paint?) to avoid an accident.
Cheers, Vasna
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 04, 2021
Hal K.
As always the food and service were excellent. That is why we keep returning.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 06, 2021
Nancy M.
Wonderful dining experience. Gracious welcome, excellent service, splendid food. One cannot ask for anything more in an evening dining out. So happy to be back after pandemic limitations. Hope to return soon. Thank you.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 01, 2021
Krystal C.
Great prices and vegan options, family atmosphere
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 28, 2021
Paula W.
We forgot about our reservation! Dreadfully sorry. Not that you should have to, but a reminder email or text would have been great (and if you did, and we missed that too, we're going to have to get our act together here).
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 21, 2021
Susan M.
Everything's fine for a little birthday dinner. European ambiance.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 18, 2021
Ingrid H.
Great ambiance, food and customer service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 03, 2021
Andrea G.
This was the second time dining here in two weeks and everything was great. This last time I had the bronzino and my friend had salmon and both were tasty. I highly recommend La Panetteria.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 22, 2021
Patrick K.
We've been fans of La Panetteria for years. Our most recent visit was phenomenal. The food was excellent, particularly the muscles on the apps menu and the poached pear for dessert. Great place for a date night!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 28, 2021
Hal K.
The restaurant is wonderful. Service and food are terrific.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 10, 2020
Christopher R.
This was a very nice place and aesthetically pleasing. The food was great and the service was top notch. I would definitely comeback if I am ever in the area again.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 04, 2020
Larry B.
Fabulous!!! Thank you so much for the food and ambiance and......everything!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 28, 2020
Michael V.
Very good service and very good food.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 18, 2020
leon e.
Favorite restaurant
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 06, 2020
Rylee T.
The food was amazing and the staff clearly cares about their patrons! I would recommend to anyone
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 17, 2020
Alfredo G.
Excellent in every way. Highly recommended.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 09, 2020
Luis R.
Everything was excellent
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 24, 2020
Val N.
The food, wine, and the atmosphere Wonderful! Amazing customer service.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 7/10
May 07, 2023
Adriana F.
It was really busy, good for the business … not so good for us.
Love to come back on a not too busy day.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Mar 17, 2023
Donna V.
A real neighborhood gem. Busy on a weeknight, seemed like mostly locals. Lots of meatless choices, both Italian and Argentinian. Food was tasty and nicely presented; the servers were very friendly and helpful. One recommended a lovely and reasonably priced bottle of wine. Only negative was there were very few wines by the glass.
Business Response:
Thank you Donna for your kind review!- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Feb 22, 2023
Chuck M.
Loved the Argentinian menu! Desserts were especially great
Business Response:
Thank you Chuck for your kind review!- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
May 12, 2022
marcia b.
Visiting Bethesda and found this adorable restaurant online. I was not disappointed. The minestrone soup was brimming with fresh vegetables and the right amount of spices. The entree was risotto with Argentinian prawns and cooked to perfection. I had to pass on Desert since my too full. I loved the atmosphere with paintings of Italy. The menu and wine list has both Italian & Argentinian choices. Definitely worth a return visit.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Apr 25, 2022
John D.
Food and service are great. I guess most all restaurants have become more expensive
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 16, 2022
Joe P.
Good food and great service!!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
Dec 28, 2021
John D.
Excellent food, service and atmosphere. This is becoming our "go to" restaurant for very good quality Italian food, and with interesting Argentinian alternatives.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 22, 2020
JOHN M.
We wanted good Italian Pasta and good Italian wine. That's what we got!
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
Aug 30, 2023
INES C.
Self explanatory, see review above. Maybe was the plates we choose but the food
was just OK, not great. Thanks
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 7/10
Mar 27, 2023
James Z.
Great place for a hearty Italian dinner with an extensive menu.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 5/10
Jan 08, 2023
Toni A.
Food problem: a couple of the dishes seemed to have been burned around the edges (eggplant parm and chicken parm); there was insufficient notice that the tip had already been included (6 of us) and most (all?) of us added more. Not good.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 7/10
Nov 09, 2021
Paul L.
The service was excellent, attentive and friendly. The food was average. Calimari was out of a box. The pasta was good. The bread can be better.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 3/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 5/10
- Value: 3/10
Jul 27, 2021
Stuart K.
My wife and used to love La Panetteria. It has been several years since we've been there. Unfortunately, our last experience was not good. My wife ordered veal scaloppini and it was grayish in color and dried out. The waiter did take it back and provide the opportunity to order something else. I can't remember the name of the dish that I ordered but it was some sort of chicken dish that was breaded and had a fried egg on it. Also dried out. Maybe it was just a bad night for La Panetteria but I don't think that we will be going back.