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.

When it comes to Argentina and food, the first thing that often comes to mind is meat and the well-known barbecue “Argentinian ASADO,” but with a more significant dominance, Argentine cuisine has been strongly influenced by Italian cuisine. Italian staple dishes like pizza and pasta are very common in Argentina. Argentina is considered the Italy of South America, so it’s no surprise that Fernando and Ettore have grown-up appreciating incredible homemade Italian food.

The idea of owning their own restaurant and becoming entrepreneurs goes back when they first met, ten years ago, while they were making a difference in the Healthcare industry. Fernando and Ettore are thrilled to make La Panetteria, the Premier Italian-Argentinian Restaurant in Bethesda, through its authentic menu, outstanding service, and home-like ambiance.