24 Best Restaurants in Rockville, MD
This article was written by local contributor Ashley Cooke & edited by the Travel Lens team.
I've been living in Rockville, Maryland, for quite some time now, and let me tell you, one of my favorite things about this charming city is its vibrant culinary scene.
As a food lover, I relish the opportunity to explore the ever-evolving restaurant landscape in our very own backyard.
With its diverse mix of flavors, atmospheres, and styles, there's truly something for everyone to enjoy.
In this article, I'll be sharing my top picks for the best restaurants in Rockville, Maryland - places that have not only won my heart but also my taste buds.
So, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that will leave you craving for more.
The Bean Bag Deli & Catering
I can't stop raving about The Bean Bag Deli & Catering!
This compact deli offers a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes, including NYC-style bagels, sandwiches, and soups that I just can't seem to get enough of.
One of my favorite things to order here is their Reuben sandwich – the best one I've ever had, hands down!
They also serve a toasted everything bagel with scallion cream cheese that comes with a generous amount of cream cheese. =
What makes the experience even better is the quality of service here. I love the charm of this business and its inviting atmosphere.
Not only is their food delicious, but they also offer amazing treats like cookies, brownies, and blondies that I often grab for my daughter.
Their prices might be a bit on the higher side compared to some other places nearby, but the taste and quality of the food make it well worth it.
Peter's Grill
I recently stopped by Peter's Grill for lunch, and I must say, I was quite impressed. The place itself is small, but the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.
The food was fresh, hot, and delicious.
I had the bacon cheeseburger, which was not greasy like other local joints, and the fries were cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
I also tried their secret sauce, and it was a nice touch to my meal.
I noticed they had a great selection of drinks and chips, even better than what I've seen at 7-Eleven.
What I appreciated the most was how quickly my food was served, even though the place wasn't very busy.
Ethiopis Restaurant
I couldn't help but notice the buzz surrounding Ethiopis Restaurant.
Curiosity eventually got the better of me, and I decided to try it out.
I'm no stranger to Ethiopian cuisine, but my experience at Ethiopis was something else entirely.
From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere and service were nothing short of excellent.
Deciding to go for a change, I ordered the large vegetarian sampler, which did not disappoint.
The flavors were intense, the food was warm, and the portions were generous enough for two people or two meals.
Since I'm not a vegetarian, I also got to taste some of the meat dishes my friends ordered, and they were absolutely delicious.
The alcohol selection might be limited, but the honey wine they have complements the food perfectly.
What really caught my attention, though, was the fact that they cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options.
The food is not only tasty, but it's also clean and made with care.
I've seen many takeout orders being prepared, which means they're quite popular among the locals.
The Thai Cuisine Restaurant
I recently decided to try out The Thai Cuisine Restaurant in my neighborhood, as I've been looking for a non-chain Thai spot to satisfy my cravings.
The place is a cozy Thai nook with a modern setting for spicy salads, curried standbys, and specialty entrees. I was delighted with the experience!
My family and I shared an array of appetizers, like fish balls, fried tofu, scallion dumplings, and Tom yum soup, which came out quickly and were all scrumptious.
I particularly loved the fish balls – you get 9 total, 3 per skewer. For my main course, I went for the spicy catfish, and it was delicious without being too spicy.
My partner tried the crispy rice salad, which was enjoyable but required some effort to chew after a while.
My son, on the other hand, had the pork skewers and found them very tasty.
We all shared a mango sticky rice for dessert – a perfect ending to our meal.
It's evident that this place has been around for over 10 years, as the quality of food and service is outstanding.
The restaurant is also neat, clean, and has a fresh look.
Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant
I've always been a fan of trying new cuisines, and when I heard about Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant in our neighborhood, I knew I had to give it a try.
This small, family-owned eatery offers delicious Ethiopian fare in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
I started with a veggie combo, which included a variety of dishes like yellow split peas, cabbage and carrots, chickpea stew, and brown lentils.
I was impressed by the unique flavors and rich spices in each dish.
But what really won me over was the injera, a soft and slightly sour flatbread that accompanied the meal.
It was the perfect vehicle for scooping up all the delicious stews and sauces!
As a vegetarian, I was thrilled with the variety and quality of the veggie options on the menu.
And the portion sizes were generous, which made it perfect for sharing with friends or taking home leftovers.
Jonathan's Publick House
Jonathan's Publick House has been one of my go-to places for a casual night out.
The humble sports bar offers a homey atmosphere that makes you feel welcomed as soon as you walk in, and their frozen beer mugs are always a hit.
The pub grub at Jonathan's is decent, and it gives you that comforting, home-cooked feel.
However, what truly stands out for me is their homemade pies.
They have a fresh assortment that you can't help but indulge in.
Shouk
I have visited Shouk on multiple occasions, and each time it has never failed to deliver delicious vegan food.
My personal favorite is their Shouk burger with added Schug sauce.
It's not only scrumptious but also healthy and filling!
Another must-try is their hummus with pita, but I suggest adding another piece of pita because they only give one piece with a fairly large container of hummus.
Their easy-to-use kiosk makes ordering a breeze, and the service is always fast and friendly.
Shouk is a terrific place to grab a fresh vegan meal on the go, and I'm always left wanting more.
The last time I was there, I tried their choco-cardamom cookie for dessert and was pleasantly surprised by the soft, fresh texture and noticeable cardamom flavor.
Los Primos Latin American Cuisine
As someone who loves discovering delicious local eateries, I recently visited Los Primos Latin American Cuisine, and let me tell you, I was blown away by their food and service!
They serve a mix of Mexican and Salvadorian dishes, so there's something for everyone.
Their fajitas are so flavorful, I couldn't believe it when I took my first bite - easily the best I've ever had.
The guacamole was fresh, and the margaritas were delightful.
The restaurant itself isn't very big, but it has enough tables and parking spaces, plus outdoor seating for those beautiful sunny days.
One dish I absolutely loved was their chimichanga - crispy on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with flavors.
They also have a wide selection of Mexican alcoholic beverages, which I'm planning to try during their happy hour.
If you're a fan of chimichangas, I can't recommend this place enough!
In addition to their incredible food, I was impressed with the cleanliness and presentation of the whole place.
Temari Cafe
I've been to Temari Cafe a few times now, and I must say it's one of the most authentic Japanese dining experiences I've had outside of Japan.
The compact dining room really brings back memories of the small eateries I used to visit during my travels.
My go-to appetizers at Temari are the Shrimp Shumai and Takoyaki, which are some of the best I've ever tasted.
I've tried their ramen as well and the broth is simply amazing.
In my opinion, the highlight of Temari Cafe is definitely the variety of dishes they offer.
Even though the prices can be a bit steep for some items, I always find myself craving for their sushi, ramen, and donburi.
It's a place I keep coming back to, and I'm always eager to try something new from their menu.
Chadol Korean BBQ
One evening, I decided to try out Chadol Korean BBQ, a Korean barbecue restaurant that I'd been hearing rave reviews about.
We opted for the beef combo, which was more than enough food to satisfy our group of five.
The quality and caliber of ingredients used truly justified the price, making every bite a delightful experience.
The atmosphere at Chadol was perfect for our family outing, but I could also see it being a great spot for a date night or special occasion.
As a Southerner, I was particularly impressed by their proper Southern sweet tea - a rare find in many places.
Bangkok Garden Rockville
I have to say, I'm quite lucky to have Bangkok Garden Rockville right in my neighborhood.
It's always a delight to dine in or even just grab some appetizers from this fantastic Thai restaurant.
One of my favorite things about this place is the cozy and inviting atmosphere - it's perfect for catching up with friends or bonding with coworkers.
The food is consistently delicious, and I must admit, I am quite addicted to their Thai iced tea and herbal jellies.
Their menu has a wide variety of dishes, but my personal favorites are the Curry Soup and Roll appetizers.
These dishes are packed with flavor without being too spicy, so I highly recommend them to anyone who's a bit sensitive to heat.
One thing I've learned is that it's best to get there early in the evening if you plan to dine in, as it can fill up quite quickly.
Il Pizzico
I must say, Il Pizzico has become my go-to Italian restaurant in the area.
Their online reservation system is incredibly simple, and I've never had any issues booking a table.
The food is absolutely divine, with homemade pasta and fresh seafood dishes that truly showcase authentic Italian flavors.
I particularly love their seafood pasta and rigatoni, but I've heard amazing things about their squid ink pasta too.
The prices are fair, and although the portions might look small, they're definitely filling!
They also offer a great appetizer and dessert menu, making it the perfect place to celebrate special occasions with family and friends.
Gyuzo Japanese BBQ
Let me tell you, Gyuzo Japanese BBQ has to be one of my favorite spots to dine.
Their website provides all the necessary information, but nothing beats visiting the place in person.
The contemporary space is perfect for a night out with friends or even a special date night.
The service is always on point, and the ambiance just adds to the overall experience.
The lotus chips are a must-have appetizer - crispy and absolutely delightful.
Their Dynamite shrimp is another hit, and let's not forget about their barbecue items - each one is better than the other.
One time, I celebrated a birthday here, and they were kind enough to offer a free tiramisu with a sparkler, making the evening even more memorable.
If you're planning a visit, make sure to call ahead, especially if it's between Thursday and Sunday, as the place tends to get pretty crowded.
El Mercat Bar de Tapas
Last weekend, my partner and I decided to try out El Mercat Bar de Tapas for brunch, and I must say, we were more than impressed.
This tapas restaurant, which you can learn more about on their website, is a fairly new addition to our local dining scene, and it's gaining popularity fast for all the right reasons.
We didn't have a reservation, but there was still plenty of seating available.
What I loved about their menu was the variety of traditional small plates and entree options, offering something for everyone.
Every dish we tried was mouth-watering, and I can't wait to return to try more of their scrumptious selections.
Aside from the amazing food and attentive service, the ambiance of the restaurant truly made us feel like we were transported to Spain for a couple of hours.
Fontina Grille
One of my favorite spots in the neighborhood is Fontina Grille, an Italian restaurant that specializes in delicious entrees and brick-oven pizza.
It's a family-friendly place with a welcoming ambiance, and you can check out their website here.
The décor has a jazz-themed touch to it, but the lighting can be a bit too dark, which adds to the intimate appeal.
I've enjoyed their Grilled Salmon, Lasagna, and Marsala Veal and have always left satisfied.
The location is convenient, with ample parking right outside the restaurant. I've even enjoyed outdoor seating, which gives off a café vibe.
Fontina Grille is in the top ten best restaurants in Montgomery County, MD, and I couldn't agree more.
They offer a wide variety of Italian dishes, including pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and homemade pizza.
Though the parking can be limited at times, it's never been a significant issue for me, and I keep coming back for more.
What really caught my attention at Fontina Grille was their Spaghetti Carbonara with blackened chicken breast and Pesto Pasta dish.
It's challenging to find these dishes at other Italian restaurants in the area, but Fontina Grill has them both.
Niwano Hana
I've always been a fan of Japanese food, and living near Niwano Hana has been such a blessing.
It has quickly become my go-to spot for all things sushi.
This neighborhood fixture is small and cozy, which makes you feel right at home as soon as you walk in.
The one thing that really drew me in initially was their extensive selection of both classic and specialty sushi rolls.
My personal favorites are the Black & Red, Ocean Wave, and Alligator Roll.
I was never much of a sushi lover before trying Niwano Hana, but now I can't even imagine eating sushi from anywhere else!
Apart from their delicious sushi, I also love their miso soup.
It's the perfect way to warm up on a cold day, especially paired with one of their bento boxes.
The variety in the bento box is amazing, offering an assortment of flavors and textures. I particularly enjoy the salmon, as it's always so flavorful and goes perfectly with the soy sauce.
I've been here on weekdays and weekends, and the service is consistently attentive and friendly.
They're always happy to answer any questions and explain the menu to newcomers.
CS New York Pizza
Just the other day, I decided to give CS New York Pizza a try for the first time.
To my surprise, their thin crust and fresh toppings were quite close to the authentic New York-style pizza I've been craving for here in Maryland.
What impressed me more was how quickly my order was completed.
I must also mention that their Chicken Caesar salad is fantastic!
Tex's Place Deli & Beer
I was on my way home the other day when I came across Tex's Place Deli & Beer right across the street from the industrial park.
Feeling hungry, I decided to give it a try.
As I entered, I noticed that the restaurant seemed to be quite popular with the locals as they were ordering their food confidently and receiving it quickly.
The wings were surprisingly impressive – they were decently sized, properly cooked, and covered in a flavorful sauce that was a nice change from the bland Sysco sauce that most places use.
What caught my attention was the selection of beers available by the 6-pack or singles.
They had some interesting choices in the cooler, especially if you're a fan of Modelo.
KC Filipino Restaurant
Ever since I first tried KC Filipino Restaurant, it has become one of my go-to places for a delicious meal.
I remember my first time trying Filipino food, and I couldn't have picked a better place.
The lady at the counter was extremely helpful, explaining every dish to us so we could make informed choices.
My friends and I ended up ordering rice, some stewed pork, noodles, and chicken - everything tasted fantastic!
One thing that sets this restaurant apart from others is the mini market inside, where you can buy snacks and even frozen pork buns to take home.
It's perfect for when I want to have a little taste of the Philippines at home.
During lunchtime, the restaurant can get quite busy, but that hasn't stopped me from coming back to try more dishes.
The chicken adobo and pork menudo are absolutely delicious and packed with flavor.
Pupuseria Mama Emilia
As a frequent diner in the local food scene, I was beyond pleased with my experience at Pupuseria Mama Emilia - a Salvadoran restaurant that just knows how to hit the right spot.
What really stole the show was their delicious, homemade-style food that transported me to a cozy Salvadoran home.
My friends and I were particularly blown away by the mouthwatering tilapia fish, seasoned to perfection.
The portions were generous, and the prices were quite affordable, which made the whole experience even more delightful.
El Mariachi
I recently had the pleasure of dining at El Mariachi, a lively Tex-Mex restaurant that also serves Peruvian and Spanish specialties.
I was instantly impressed by the outstanding food and the wonderful scents that hit me as soon as my plate arrived.
Every bite was flavorful and perfectly prepared, making it one of the best Mexican dishes I've tasted.
The decor of the restaurant was a bit off, but it really didn't bother me at all. What truly stood out was the fantastic service.
The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious, but I wish they had offered a "spicy salsa" option for those who enjoy a bit more heat.
My enchiladas were the best I've had in a while, and I definitely recommend trying them.
To top off the meal, I indulged in their fried ice cream, which was the perfect treat to end the night.
Stanford Grill Rockville
I've been frequenting Stanford Grill Rockville for quite some time now, and it never disappoints.
This casually stylish restaurant has a lovely patio and offers contemporary fare along with live jazz.
I must say, the rotisserie chicken is definitely the star of the show for dinner.
However, their steaks, seafood, salads, and burgers are also excellent.
They have always been attentive to my dietary needs or preferences.
I also enjoyed their appetizers, especially the spinach artichoke dip and cocktail shrimp.
The environment of the restaurant is simple and classic, making it a great place to unwind.
La Brasa Latin Cuisine
Oh, how I love La Brasa Latin Cuisine! This is my go-to place whenever I crave some mouthwatering Pan-Latin meals.
I still remember the first time I visited La Brasa Latin Cuisine,
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their food.
I mean, the first bite of their Peruvian rotisserie chicken made me smile so hard, knowing that I no longer need to go far from home to have amazing Latin food.
The quesadillas and enchiladas are also must-tries!
Apart from the fantastic food, I appreciate that the prices here are quite reasonable.
I've introduced this place to some of my colleagues from FDA, NIH, and USP, and now it has become our favorite spot for lunch get-togethers.
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
I always enjoy visiting Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Rockville whenever I'm in the mood for a wine-centric experience.
As soon as you enter, you are greeted by an inviting wine-tasting area that showcases their amazing selection of wines.
The atmosphere is sophisticated and welcoming, making it a lovely spot to spend an evening with friends or family.
The complimentary bread they serve is always a hit, and we often try a variety of their appetizers, with the egg rolls being a personal favorite.
My friends enjoyed their shrimp scampi and other entrees, so it might just be a matter of personal preference.
I've also heard great things about their filet mignon and soy ginger Atlantic salmon.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Rockville is truly a melting pot of flavors and cultures when it comes to dining.11163 3314525554
I'm so grateful to live in a city where I can enjoy delicious Ethiopian cuisine one night and savor the spices of Thai fare the next.
What really stands out about these restaurants is not just the amazing food but also the warm and welcoming atmosphere that each one brings.
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