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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Cesco Osteria Reviews List
Cesco Osteria
Cesco osteria combines unparalleled Tuscan-inspired cuisine from multi-award winning Chef Francesco Ricchi with a sensory experience that includes live music, breathtaking lighting, and artisan cocktails in its contemporary Co2 lounge. CESCO osteria offers casual and white tablecloth dining options as well as lounge-style seating, plus the spectacular Terrazzo CESCO for unique al fresco dining and libations.
For over 20 years Chef Ricchi has been dazzling guests with his Italian cuisine. He's earned dozens of awards including Best New Restaurant in the US; Top Twenty-Five Restaurants in North America; Best Italian Restaurant and Zagat Distinction.
See more Cesco Osteria details
For over 20 years Chef Ricchi has been dazzling guests with his Italian cuisine. He's earned dozens of awards including Best New Restaurant in the US; Top Twenty-Five Restaurants in North America; Best Italian Restaurant and Zagat Distinction.
160 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 160 reviews
5 stars
(58)
4 stars
(71)
3 stars
(16)
2 stars
(10)
1 star
(5)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(66)
- neighborhood gem(64)
- special occasion(63)
- good for groups(56)
- vibrant bar scene(36)
- notable wine list(31)
Cesco Osteria Reviews List
Review 1 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was a Mother's Day gem!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our family had a wonderful experience at the beautiful Cesco Osteria. The staff is super accommodating and very friendly and the buffet was delish! I loved the calamari and salmon with lemon butter."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very Good Brunch
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The brunch buffet offered a great selection. My party collectively tried nearly each dish, and all were delicious. Our lone complaints are that some offerings were lukewarm or nearly cold, and the desert table was not replenished as quickly as necessary. We will definitely return for brunch again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 3 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everyone says you shouldn't go to brunch for Mother's Day because all the restaurants are packed. We decided to try it and made the earliest reservation we could, at the 11:00 AM opening. We were the second table seated and the owner told us what everything was as we checked out the buffet. We chose this brunch because it had something for everyone in my family. Oysters and shrimp for my husband, smoked salmon and pasta for me, pizza and french toast for my 5 year old. Everything I had was great. It did get a little crowded toward the end of our stay, but I never felt overwhelmed by the amount of people trying to save their moms from cooking. I can't wait to go back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Buffet
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Buffet food was great. Very good choices variety and very well presented. Problem with traffic flow - buffet was in two separate lines and people entering and exiting the restaurant had to cross paths with diners and their plates going and coming to the buffet tables. Also, the service was terrible. Waiter late in bringing drinks - forgot one. Had to ask for bread. Never came to ask if anyone wanted coffee at end of meal. We just sat and finally had to walk up to the kitchen to ask for coffee."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was adequate-- number of servers to number of diners was not adequate. Had to pour our own wine, had to ask for the bread basket. I don't think management was prepared and it showed in many ways"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was really good, service as well. Only problem was the person who answered the phone said there was valet parking and there isn't, which caused confusion and delays among members of our party. Otherwise a lovely restaurant."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
outstanding italian gourmet food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"had the halibut and the lambshanks. both dishes were delicious. we shared several appetizers and loved them. Owner personally came out and visited (unusual in a 200 seat restaurant). Great wine selections. tiramisu and Bonet for dessert. great service, great food, beautiful setting."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfection!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fabulous. Outstanding. Delicious. Every dish was prepared to perfection and the portions were generous. Our guests said they would love to live nearby so they could frequent Cesco Osteria on a regular basis. Truly a wonderful find that was both delightful and delicious!"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
the best italian food in town
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"the best italian food in town and a place where you feel at home. Bravissimo Francesco"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 10 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Really disappointing. The
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really disappointing. The food was really not good. I wanted to have a great time, but we were literally rushed through our apps (crab and avocado/prosciutto and melon - both terrible) then shoved our main course while we still had apps on the table. The butternut squash ravoili was really bland, it tasted like ricotta mixed with something but couldn't tell what. Sea bass was tasty but had a huge bone in it. Then we sat. sat sat sat. finally were offered dessert menus and I will say, the dessert and cappuccino were lovely. I would only ever go back there for dessert or drinks. Dinner was terrible.
The hostess did her best to make people uncomfortable who were lingering after their meal and practically pushed them out of the chairs."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
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Review 11 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Italian in Bethesda
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Beautiful setting. Elegant, yet comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Fantastic service from knowledgable and helpful staff. Extensive wine list, with wines in all price ranges. Appetizers, pasta courses, main courses and desserts were all spectacular! Cesco Osteria is quite worthy of that special occasion, but don't wait for a special occasion to go. It's great any time."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 12 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food, wine, and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food, wine, and service were all outstanding. After my first visit I went back the next night!"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 13 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Three of us went for lunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Three of us went for lunch on a Thursday to try it before we committed to booking a group lunch for 20-30 for a future Thursday. The food and service passed with flying colors! We each ordered a different entree -- chicken with Mediterranean vegetables, seared tuna with greens, and a lamb w/ pasta dish. Each of us thought our entrees were excellent. We also shared the strawberry flower dessert which was delicious. The coffee is served French press, and the milk comes heated (as it should be). Impressed that the Chef was on site and clearly engaged. We are looking forward to going back with our group!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good authentic Italian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cesco's food is quite good. My parents were scraping their plates clean. Anything with braised meat or a ragu is usually very good. The homemade pasta is lovely. I usually try to order off the specials for the evening and have had good luck. Things come out warm and are cooked properly. Our bread basket was forgotten, and they didn't credit me with honoring our reservation, so service wasn't the best, but they were nice (the owner is a lovely lady). The rooms are large and dark, not cozy, but there are lots of windows, and the patio is nice."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This restaurant still doesn't
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant still doesn't get it all right. I ordered a salad, blue cheese and dressing on the side. It was fully dressed w/cheese. My friend asked for a sweetener. She had to ask 2 more times. They also never noticed I didn't have a fork.
Salads were good...experience just fair."
Salads were good...experience just fair."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2005
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Review 16 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
a miss that might be reparable
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Reading the menu on-line really piqued our interest. Unfortunately, during this first visit to Cesco, the taste did not match the anticipation. My portion of chicken piccata was very ample but somewhat bland; my companion's veggie lasagna was crammed into a small dish. We had some major issues with the wine. The first bottle (c. $48) had zero character or taste. A second choice Chianti riserva (c. $45) was obviously sour. Frustrated with us, though accommodating, the server brought us a $38 Wash State merlot. It served, nothing more. Wine list is extensive but, as was said, problematic. The waiter treated us like we only wanted tasty wine. No: both wines were bad. Decor is nice, prices are quite reasonable. I might go back to try the brunch"
Dined on 04/01/2013
2004
Special Features: great for brunch, notable wine list
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Review 17 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful Ita
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time at Cesco, but we knew Francesco from i Ricchi. Everything we ate was superb!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 18 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Food, Odd Server.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was very good, wine list extensive. Service was good, but the server was a bit odd. All three of us noticed. Not to say he wasn't a good server, just a bit perculiar. I would return."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 19 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Easter brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our family went here for Easter brunch. We were seated immediately upon arrival. The food choices were the usual brunch choices with a few surprise like corn beef and cabbage, shepherds pie, calamari and octopus salad. There were several,pasta dishes, omelette station with pizza and chicken fingers for kids. The Italian sausage with peppers and onions was outstanding! Several members of our group also said the Shepehrds pie was very good. The dessert table was great with cheesecake, tiramisu (that I thought was little too soggy), pastries, etc. the waiter was nice and attentive. All Iin all, it was good food, numerous choices, nice atmosphere, not too loud even with the live music."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2004
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 20 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
In addition to a full range
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"In addition to a full range of Italian delicacies (beginning with vegetable frittata and fresh tomato foccaccio gratis appetizers), fresh salads and a wide variety of pasta sauces (including gluten free pastas upon request), exceptional entrees include the salt-baked whole branzino fish and the black squid pasta sauced with shrimp and squid. The food was equally good at lunch with business associates as it was at dinner with three generations of my Italian-American family."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list
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Review 21 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything to praise!!! Nothing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything to praise!!! Nothing to fault!!! Wonderful evening."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 22 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
If you want over the top delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you want over the top delicious Italian food, and an extensive wine list at a reasonable price with great service and a wonderful automosphere - you must try Cesco Osteria!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 23 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Personal services in a very large setting. Wine was excellent. The soup was essentially mixed vegetables right out of a blender. ugh. The seafood pasta was as advertized and good."
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Review 24 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
no music. The restaurant seemed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"no music. The restaurant seemed cold but food and service was good."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
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Review 25 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have enjoyed Francesco Ricchi's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have enjoyed Francesco Ricchi's restaurants since I Ricchi first opened near Dupont Circle many years ago. Cesco Osteria is a fine neighborhood restaurant with friendly attentive service, reasonably priced considering the quality of the food.
We particularly liked the Strawberry Flower for dessert, fresh sliced strawberries arranged like flowering petals on pear purée; a light, non-dairy finish to dinner.
My wife and I have eaten there 3 times in the past 3 months and will continue to be regular diners at Cesco Osteria. We hope the restaurant is a long-term success."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 26 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Entrees were great, crab meat
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Entrees were great, crab meat tower was excellent - Antipasto a bit disappointing.
Our waiter Carlos was great - attentive and engaging. wine list was a bit pricey. Overall a good experience"
Our waiter Carlos was great - attentive and engaging. wine list was a bit pricey. Overall a good experience"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were there for a wine dinner.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were there for a wine dinner. The chef was in he middle of things. I have never seen that before anywhere."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2008
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 28 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointment
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"Unimaginative, boring menu with food loaded with grease and salt. I'm a foodie and yes a bit more critical, nevertheless this is the worst restaurant I have eaten in for many, many years."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 29 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always a treat eating there,.. the finest food and wine in Bethesda, the wait staff is improving but still needs some work,.."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2004
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Review 30 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food is excellent,.. always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food is excellent,.. always fresh and plentiful.
Excellent and resonable wine list,.. Also great place for VIP watching,.."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2004
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Review 31 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic and fun dinner!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fantastic and fun dinner! The food was incredibly delicious and the service was excellent! Will be back!!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Management disaster saved by server
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"When we arrived at 8:15 for our 8:15 Valentine's Day reservation, the front desk was surrounded by a scrum of 20 unhappy would-be diners, many of them waiting for 7:45 tables. Management clearly overbooked, and departing and disgruntled diners said the kitchen was heavily backed up. We got to our table about 9pm. A second strike was that although the restaurant's website failed to mention this, they had a limited special menu. Thankfully, our server, Danielle, saved the evening with her friendly manner even in the face of clear challenges of an overwhelmed kitchen and unhappy diners. She was the bright spot. We've lost faith in the restaurant but she still saved our evening."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
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Review 33 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
LOVE LOVE LOVE CESCO
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. We always have a great meal, superb service and come away feeling like we were in Italy. I am addicted to their pastas - the raviolone with butternut squash filling is my favorite. My partner always has the big thick Tuscan steak. Portions are large and we get to have Cesco's food the next day too. Had my son's Bar Mitzvah there and it was perfect in every way. Plan to have the next son's there as well. Thank you Chef Ricchi for moving into this beautiful new space. WE LOVE IT!!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 34 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was a perfect decision
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a perfect decision made for Valentines day. They had a great 3 to 4 dinner course options. The food was fantastic! My girlfriend was very happy on the decision we made. All other restaurants had no openings, but I was very happy to have found this restaurant."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 35 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It's a big space, but on a Friday evening it was busy with several groups - but the service was calm and collected, and the food was the real Italian taste especially the fairly thick veal cutlet with varied vegetables and a hearty Italian style bouillabaisse. We enjoyed moving in to the lounge for our coffee to hear the Trio Caliente, a terrific group of Spanish/Brazilian melodies that capped the evening."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 36 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Three exceptional meals:
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Three exceptional meals: one pasta, one grilled fish, one grilled chicken. All vegetables fresh and perfectly prepared. Delightful bread basket. Delicious coffees. Excellent service. This is a terrific restaurant."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 37 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
English Desired
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"While the food is quite good, the service is decidely sub-par at times. Our waiter had just a passing acquaintence with the English language. As a result, a side dish that perfectly complemented the main dish had to be re-ordered half way through the meal. When it arrived, my companion had already finished most of her main dish. And, yes, we were charged for the side dish."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2007
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Review 38 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Horrible Valentines day because
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"Horrible Valentines day because of this restaurant. Reservations mean nothing to them. Way Way overbooked the restaurant resulting in waits of over 1.5 hours, even if you had a reservation, for a table. Horrible inexcusable service. I will never be going back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 39 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was good, but overpriced
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was good, but overpriced for the quality. The service was very slow and not very good."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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Review 40 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
excellent food and presentation.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"excellent food and presentation. Like the bread that is brought out with tomato. portions were just right."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
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Review 41 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A model of disorganization
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I can't recommend this restaurant because they seem to be very disorganized. When we arrived at 755 for our 8pm Valentine's Day reservation, we stood in a line for 25 minutes to even check in with the host desk. This was because they had apparently so overbooked the dining room that people who had 730 reservations were still not being sat until 815. We just bailed and ate at the bar, which was luckily not busy.
I also heard from a colleague that was also there that we made the right choice, because the service in the dining room was terrible and slow. There was a clear overbooking and under-staffing on the ONE NIGHT A YEAR when as a restaurant you know you have to be ready for a rush. Luckily, the bar service and food/wine was excellent."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 42 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
It was truely the biggest
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"It was truely the biggest disapointment I've experienced in a long time. I had 7:15 reservations and arrived around 7:12. The two hostess' acted like it was there first day on the job. They spent ten minutes on these two couples. One of which didn't even have a reservation. Finally at 7:27 they took my name and said it would be just a few minutes. Now you have seven parties behind me with 7:30 reservation and more piling in the door. They finally seat a couple with 7:00 reservation at 7:35. Now the lobby is completely packed with one hostess none existent and the otherone giving someone direction and stuffing the menus with the special three and four course meals. REALLY!! We walked out the door at 7:52 and ate Mcdonalds. HOW ROMANTIC Thanx"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
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Review 43 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Waiting 30 mins w a reservation??!!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"VERY UNORGANIZED! My wife and I had a reservation for a nice Valentine's Day dinner. The hostess was MIA and there was a crowd of about 25-30 people crowded by the front door. We walked in thinking that it would not be a problem as we had a reservation, but we were wrong! After standing there for 30 mins and still not being able to get checked in for our reservation, we just walked down the street to another restaurant."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic
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Review 44 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect Valentine's Day Dinner.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Perfect Valentine's Day Dinner."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 45 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Assuming service improved,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Assuming service improved, I would recommend. Service very slow and I do not mean that the staff was not rushing us. They were just not there most of the time and we had to ask for our waiter to find out when courses coming."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
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Review 46 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Cesco Osteria continues to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cesco Osteria continues to shine. The Maestro's way with fish and the house-made pasta are first rate. Terrific place."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 47 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another excellent meal.....never
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Another excellent meal.....never disappointed at Cesco."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 48 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Cesco is a new dining favorite!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I brought a guest to Cesco for dinner. The service, upon walking through the door, was attentive and treated they us like special guests of theirs. We had a wonderful included small appetizer and the wine we selected was fantastic. The salmon that I had was possibly the best seasoned, and well cooked salmon I've ever had. The waitress was very personable and attended to all of our questions. The executive chef/owner came over to greet us and had a nice, casual, conversation. It was a great evening at Cesco Osteria!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 49 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was my second visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my second visit to Cesco Osteria, but my first for dinner. I had an arugula salad and a pasta dish, having heard that Chef Ricchi's pasta was very good, plus a wonderful Barbaresco wine. Several breads were offered - the tomato-topped bread being my favorite, and the amuse was flavorful. I had tortella stuffed with ricotta and bathed in sage butter. It was so tender and delicious, I can't think of any pasta I've had that was better. The portions are large. My only quibble, not a complaint about the food, is that I asked for my salad following the pasta, but salad was served first. Amongst appetizers, salads and side dishes, a vegetarian can find a good array of options beyond pasta."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 50 for Cesco Osteria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have dined everywhere but
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We have dined everywhere but Cesco is our absolutely favorite by far. Excellent food, service and ambience. You can't find anything like it in the DC metro area."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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