Aventino — Roman Italian Restaurant in Bethesda, MD
From a Little Comes a lot
Aventino is an airy, vibrant, 130-seat bi-level restaurant on Bethesda Row, serving Roman-inspired Italian cooking in the heart of downtown Bethesda. The menu centers on housemade pastas and Roman classics, built on seasonal ingredients from local farms and sustainable sources. Shareable aperitivi and antipasti open the meal. Market-fresh fish and house-butchered cuts anchor it. A stunning green marble bar pours spritzes, Negronis, martinis, and an extensive Italian-leaning wine list.
Aventino comes from Chef Mike Friedman, a James Beard Award semifinalist and a finalist for Chef of the Year at the RAMMY Awards. Friedman graduated at the top of his class at the Culinary Institute of America and cooked with Jose Andres at Zaytinya before traveling through Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Northern Africa. He is also behind The Red Hen, All-Purpose, and Fossette Focacceria in Washington, DC, plus AP Pizza Shop next door on Bethesda Row.
Make a Reservation
We serve dinner nightly, lunch Tuesday through Friday, and brunch Saturday and Sunday. Martini happy hour runs at the bar from 4:00 to 6:30 pm with spritzes, Italian cocktails, wine, and snacks.
Planning something bigger? Our elevated dining room is available for semi-private events, and we offer a full restaurant buyout, bookable up to 30 days in advance. Email events@aventinocucina.com to start planning.
