Peru’s Past Powers Bethesda’s New Hotspot
Photography by Joseph Tran
Bright signage and layered awnings pop against a neutral base at gastrobar Pisco y Nazca, setting the tone before patrons even step inside the restaurant. And once they do? They’re fully in it.
Designed by //3877, the 5,500-square-foot space builds on the brand’s signature energy while weaving in deeper references to Peruvian culture—most notably, the Nazca lines. Shannon English, senior interior designer at //3877, explains, “The mysterious Nazca lines were an important detail that we carried through from other locations of Pisco y Nazca.”
In this spot on a bustling corner of Bethesda, Maryland, that reference appears through an abstract hummingbird mural by Mike Theodoran of Caswell Sign Co. Shannon says the artwork “creates a moment of intrigue for patrons in the dining room while also serving as a point of connection not only to the restaurant name, but its sister locations as well.”
The journey starts in the vestibule, where a custom floor mat, patterned tile, and textured lighting offer a layered first impression. Sightlines pull guests forward, offering glimpses of the lively bar before they fully arrive.
The sense of reveal continues with an arched colonnade that frames the bar—one of the project’s defining architectural gestures. Beneath it, the bar hums with energy, anchored by a woven canopy that glows against a gleaming gold soffit ceiling. “The illuminated canopy structure reflects the tiered landscape created by the Inca civilization,” Shannon says, adding that floral references nod to Peru’s native plant life.
Balance is everything here. “Neutral hues provide a soft backdrop for the more vibrant elements of the design, such as the colorful artwork and accessories, the layering of bold textures and patterns, and gold details,” Shannon says. The space feels warm and cozy, but never sleepy—grounded in desert tones yet energized by cultural expression.
Past the bar, the experience opens up with a flexible dining landscape and views into the open kitchen, adding another layer of activity and connection. Upstairs, a vaulted, illuminated ceiling defines the dining area. Warm light reflects across large acoustic beams, while a suspended mobile by Peruvian artist Roberto Sayas introduces movement and artistry overhead. It’s a moment that feels both expansive and intimate.
Subtle brand callbacks—greenery, prominent architectural forms, Nazca references, and yes, the beloved llama figurines—tie the Bethesda location back to Pisco y Nazca’s sister spots while still letting it stand on its own.
At its core, the design channels the spirit of “Entre Pisco y Nazca”—a phrase about having fun in a lively, social setting. And that’s exactly what this place delivers: a space that feels immersive without trying too hard, culturally rooted but completely ready for a night out.
—Murrye Bernard