Find your next favorite local restaurant

Roman-style rectangular pizzas are the star here — with thin, crisp crusts and totally customizable toppings. The Pike & Rose location of this D.C.-area chain also serves salads and sides in a fast-casual, energetic setting.

One of the oldest and best-known spots in the DMV for authentic Taiwanese and Northern Chinese cuisine. The menu includes soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, hand-pulled noodles and traditional small plates.

This local restaurant, which replaced Green Bamboo on Fishers Lane, offers a Japanese menu of sushi, sashimi, ramen, udon, bento boxes and more. More on Akagi…

Fresh ramen and house-made broths in an elegant, fast-moving dining room — plus fried chicken, gyoza dumplings, tempura, udon, buns, sushi, sashimi, Japanese pancakes and more.

Next door to Moti’s Market, this kosher restaurant offers Israeli favorites: grilled chicken and beef kababs, falafel, hummus, schnitzel burgers, shawarma, fresh pita, Israeli salads and more.

Unique dessert and coffee shop in downtown Rockville serving sweet and savory crêpes rolled into paper cones and filled with everything from teriyaki chicken and roast beef to fruit and Nutella. The crêpes are made with rice flour for a lighter texture than the traditional French style.

Halal Thai cooking with a broad mix of curries, noodles, soups, seafood and stir-fries — plus some vegetarian options. Specialties include shrimp pot, crispy fried fish and grilled salmon red curry.

New York-style pizza slices and whole pies made with 72-hour fermented dough and a crisp, blistered crust. This location of the D.C.-area chain is inside the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall.

Afghan restaurant specializing in halal grilled meats and traditional rice dishes. The menu ranges from kabobs, qabili palaw and mantu to aushak, bolani, stews and karahi dishes. More on Aria Restaurant…

This New York-style deli at Park Potomac, founded more than 100 years ago in Baltimore, is known for its piled-high corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. Attman’s is the place for old-school Jewish deli specialties like chicken soup, knishes and a classic pickle bar.

Mexican-style halal tacos are the star of the menu at this kiosk outside the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall. Ay Mama! is from the same local team that runs Tato’s next door. More on Ay Mama! Taqueria…

Casual restaurant serving traditional Peruvian dishes: grilled seafood, ceviche, lomo saltado, causas, noodle entrées and chifa-style rice (Peru’s version of Chinese fried rice).

Korean fried chicken done the traditional way: hand-battered, fried low-and-slow for crunch, then finished with signature sauces and seasonings. This chain at Traville Village also is known for Korean street food like cheesling fries and pickled radishes.

This casual Vietnamese restaurant at Ritchie Center serves classic bánh mì sandwiches and noodle dishes plus soups, smoothies, coffee, macaron cookies, and a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options. There are a few seats inside, but Ba Le is designed primarily for takeout.

New York-style bagels made with a detailed boil-and-bake process, using water engineered to mimic NYC minerals. This locally owned spot in Potomac Village also offers sandwiches, salads, lox, cream cheese and an unlimited coffee bar. More on Bagels ‘n Grinds…

Neighborhood bagel deli at Traville Village known for its big breakfasts, imaginative bagel sandwiches and traditional Jewish deli favorites: smoked fish, chopped liver, knishes and matzo ball soup.

Family-owned Thai kitchen in a quiet shopping center, serving excellent traditional favorites: fried rice and noodle dishes, soups, salads, curries, stir-fries and more. More on Bai Kao Thai…

Build-your-own ice cream sandwich chain at Pike & Rose specializing in fresh-baked warm cookies and brownies with ice cream scoops and mix-ins. Try making your sandwich with a cookie on the bottom and a brownie on the top.

Pan-Asian menu spanning Chinese, Malaysian and Thai flavors: curries, dumplings, buns, scallion pancakes, satays, lettuce wraps, red bean cakes, Thai teas and more. This longtime local spot is on the back side of Congressional Plaza.

Thai street food in a fun, lively and colorful dining room at Wintergreen Plaza. The menu features Bangkok-inspired dishes like crab dumplings, curries, sour beef salad, pineapple fried rice and basil stir fry. More on Bangkok Garden…

This locally owned Taiwanese street-food spot has earned accolades for its handmade bao (including pork belly gua bao), plus rice bowls and comfort-food snacks. More on Bao Bei…

Stylish, fun taco chain with feel-good energy, creative tacos, rice bowls, poke-style options and cocktails. Indoor and patio seating at Pike & Rose. More on Bartaco…

Longtime local breakfast and lunch spot known for its overstuffed deli sandwiches, soups, salads and baked goods — especially the cookies — in a casual, old-school atmosphere.

The Bean Bag’s second location, inside the Main Street building in downtown Rockville, offers deli sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, a hot dog bar and Bean Bag’s signature cookies. Opened through a partnership with Main Street, this location employs and welcomes people of all abilities. More on The Bean Bag at Main Street…

Though it’s a national chain, it’s hard to top the taste and freshness of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Located next to the Regal movie theater in downtown Rockville, this scoop shop serves all the classics.

New York-style bagels and bagel sandwiches made daily by the same family since 1982. With a deep list of varieties and house-made spreads, Bethesda Bagels is also the go-to supplier for many local restaurants. More on Bethesda Bagels…

New York-style bagels and bagel sandwiches made daily by the same family since 1982. With a deep list of varieties and house-made spreads, Bethesda Bagels is also the go-to supplier for many local restaurants.

New York-style bagels and bagel sandwiches made daily by the same family since 1982. With a deep list of varieties and house-made spreads, Bethesda Bagels is also the go-to supplier for many local restaurants. This location is at Wildwood.

Korean-inspired chain at Pike & Rose offering rice and noodle bowls that can be customized with your choice of proteins, toppings and sauces — yum yum, teriyaki, gochujang and more.

This popular family-owned chain, in business since 2009, offers great fast-casual Greek classics like moussaka, spanakopita, pork chops, souvlaki and pita bread. Don’t miss the fries.

This popular family-owned chain, in business since 2009, offers great fast-casual Greek classics like moussaka, spanakopita, pork chops, souvlaki and pita bread. Don’t miss the fries.

This Frederick-based restaurant, created by a pair of former DJs, maintains its fun and lighthearted vibe in downtown Rockville. Specializing in quesabirria (slow-cooked meat) tacos, served with consommé for dipping. More on Big Papi’s Tacos…

This Indian restaurant focuses on biryanis: fragrant spiced rice dishes layered with chicken, goat or vegetables. The menu also includes dosas, tandoori dishes and regional appetizers like cut mirchi and chicken majestic.

Cantonese restaurant offering dishes that go beyond familiar American Chinese standards. Hainan chicken, steamed Cantonese rice rolls, congee and coconut chicken soup are featured alongside entrées like General Tso’s chicken, lo mein and fried rice.

This local spot at Traville Village specializes in Ethiopian coffee, sourcing and roasting its own beans which you can also purchase by the bag. The menu includes smoothies, frappes, salads, soups and sandwiches.

This lively bubble tea shop, which adjoins Kyoto Matcha, is a popular gathering spot at The Square in downtown Rockville. The menu features milk teas, matcha drinks and fruit blends with plenty of customizable options.

This longtime local Chinese restaurant in downtown Rockville earns accolades for its wide menu of Shanghai-style classics. Soup is a headliner in the no-frills dining room, along with spicy wontons and noodles.

Cozy, laptop-friendly spot in downtown Rockville for coffee drinks, smoothies and Latin American treats. The menu includes croissants and waffles along with Colombian specialties like pastel de pollo, paletos de queso and pandebono. More on Bogotá Coffee House…

Longtime local favorite for Northern and Southern Indian cooking in a warm, casual dining room in downtown Rockville. Known for its lunchtime and weekend buffets featuring curries, rice, naan, papadum, chutneys and more.

Crunchy, hand-battered double-fried Korean chicken is the star here, served with signature sauces. This popular chain at The Square in downtown Rockville also serves Asian-fusion sides like bulgogi fries, potstickers and bao buns.

Longtime local restaurant specializing in globally inspired small tapas plates for sharing. Seafood crudo, seasonal vegetables and creative bites are paired with interesting wines and cocktails in a lively, elegant setting.

Upscale, modern New York-style steakhouse with Mediterranean touches and a wood-fired grill at Pike & Rose, from the founders of Cava, Julii and Melina. Bouboulina specializes in premium cuts of meat along with seafood, house-baked breads and cocktails. More on Bouboulina…

Locally owned New York-style deli at Potomac Woods Plaza known for its hearty breakfasts and house-made pastrami, corned beef and brisket sandwiches — plus classic Jewish sides like matzo ball soup, knishes and pickles.

Just off Rockville Pike, this local Taiwanese boba shop cooks its tapioca pearls fresh every day. The deep menu includes customizable milk teas, shakes, smoothies and fruit drinks, plus sushi.

Taiwanese bubble tea spot offering milk teas, fruit teas, fruit and coffee slushes, lemonade, yogurt drinks and Asian snacks.

A solid choice for classic New York-style pizza on Rockville Pike. CSNY is designed for pickup or delivery, so seating is extremely limited and it’s best to order online.

This fast-casual chain serves sustainably sourced fish and seafood, from grilled Atlantic salmon and tuna poke nachos to Cajun shrimp tacos and breaded fish-and-chips. More on California Fish Grill…

This national chain serves surprisingly tasty thin-crust California-style pizzas — plus salads, pastas, sandwiches and solid desserts. Good spot for a sit-down meal while you’re shopping.

This fast-casual chain, headquartered at Cabin John Village, is a local institution offering tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, quesadillas and nachos — plus the famous Wall of Flame, featuring 75 hot sauces. This location has indoor and patio seating.

Creative bagel sandwich combos are a must-try at this D.C.-area “Jew-ish” deli chain. The bright pink-and-teal storefront is as quirky as the menu.

This D.C.-based Italian deli at Cabin John Village is known for its classic hot and cold subs, from Italian beef and cheese steaks to eggplant parm and chicken salad. Also on the menu: cannolis, banana bread pudding and Boylan’s sodas.

The newest location of this longtime local favorite serves old-school Italian ice in dozens of ever-changing flavors, plus frozen custard and layered gelati-style combos that mix the two. At this location, there’s seating inside the Cabin John Village mini-mall.

The original location of this longtime local favorite serves old-school Italian ice in dozens of ever-changing flavors, plus frozen custard and layered gelati-style combos that mix the two. Limited seating, all outside, at Woodley Gardens. Expect to stand in line and socialize.

The Pike & Rose location of this D.C. restaurant is a nod to old-school neighborhood trattorias, with a warm feel and a menu of Italian-American classics plus cocktails. More on Caruso’s Grocery…

The Mediterranean fast-casual chain started right here in Montgomery County and has a bunch of hometown locations. Bowls and pita sandwiches feature veggies, salads, grains and seasonal proteins, from Greek chicken to spicy lamb to falafel. This location is at Cabin John Village.

The Mediterranean fast-casual chain started right here in Montgomery County and has a bunch of hometown locations. Bowls and pita sandwiches feature veggies, salads, grains and seasonal proteins, from Greek chicken to spicy lamb to falafel. This location is at Montrose Crossing, facing Rockville Pike.

The Mediterranean fast-casual chain started right here in Montgomery County and has a bunch of hometown locations. Bowls and pita sandwiches feature veggies, salads, grains and seasonal proteins, from Greek chicken to spicy lamb to falafel.

(Westfield Montgomery mall location is temporarily closed for remodeling.) The Mediterranean fast-casual chain started right here in Montgomery County and has a bunch of hometown locations. Bowls and pita sandwiches feature veggies, salads, grains and seasonal proteins, from Greek chicken to spicy lamb to falafel.

At Traville Village in Rockville, this is the original full-service Greek restaurant that inspired the fast-casual Cava chain. The menu still features the dishes that made it a hit, from grilled lamb chops to roasted cauliflower to tableside flambéed saganaki.

Meats, pork, chicken and seafood are cooked at your table with traditional Korean sides. The menu also includes dumplings, bulgogi fries, ramen, vegetable pancakes and more.

Grass-fed halal beef burgers, organic chicken tenders, duck-fat fries, grilled cheese and house sauces are the stars at this local fast-casual chain. Indoor and outdoor seating at Pike & Rose. More on Char’d…

French/Asian bakery and cafe at The Shops at Congressional Village featuring specialty drinks like butterscotch latte, lavender lemonade, chai strawberry and lychee peach frappe. Quiet atmosphere for working or meeting a friend. More on Chateau de Rockville…

There’s a reason Cheesecake Factory has remained popular for so long: The huge, glossy menu has something for everyone. Plus, the famous cheesecake lineup turns a meal into a full dessert outing at Westfield Montgomery mall.

This locally owned restaurant, which replaced Amalfi in Rockville, showcases fresh seafood with classic Italian pastas and Mediterranean flavors. Specialties include branzino, spicy shrimp linguini, lobster pasta and Italian paella. More on Chef Tony’s…

Handmade dumplings are a specialty here, offered with fillings like pork and chive, chicken and mushroom, fish and cilantro. The extensive Chinese menu also includes noodles, stir-fries, soups and fried rice.

Cantonese cuisine in a large dining room featuring classic Chinese entrées, traditional dim sum and family-style dinners. Great for special occasions and banquets.

Chopped-to-order salads and wraps with creative combinations, fresh ingredients and bold dressings. This fast-casual chain also offers seasonal menus and warm bowls. This location is at Cabin John Village.

Chopped-to-order salads and wraps with creative combinations, fresh ingredients and bold dressings. This fast-casual chain also offers seasonal menus and warm bowls. This location is at the Wildwood Shops.

Stylish restaurant inside the iPic movie theater at Pike & Rose, serving seasonal American dishes, fresh seafood and updated comfort-food classics. The spacious dining room also offers craft cocktails, weekday happy hour and weekend brunch.

A full-on lodge experience in Rockville, complete with fireplaces in a log-and-stone Adirondack mountain setting. Like all the D.C.-area Clyde’s restaurants, the menu here includes hearty entrées, sandwiches, salads and cocktails.

Neighborhood coffee shop at King Farm serving espresso drinks, pour-overs, cold brew and an extensive lineup of flavored lattes, plus pastries from local bakery Fresh Baguette. A Little Free Library and public board games create space for working and lingering.

Elegant Indian restaurant offering polished takes on biryanis, tikkas, tandooris, curries, chutneys and other classic dishes. The full-service bar includes wine, Indian beers and cocktails with an Indian flair.

Elegant American restaurant chain known for its tasting room and lineup of house wines. The broad menu includes steaks, seafood, pastas and comfort classics — all designed for wine pairings.

All-day dim sum is the star at this casual spot in downtown Rockville, along with Cantonese favorites: roast duck, steamed whole fish, clay pot meals, pan-fried noodle stir-fries and Hong Kong-style roasted meats.

Local takeout spot featuring charcoal-roasted Peruvian chicken with house sauces and sides like fried yuca, plantains, rice and beans. The menu also includes steak platters, sandwiches, bowls, empanadas and arroz chaufa.

This Asian bakery and cafe, in the former Roy Rogers space on Rockville Pike, offers breads, pastries, cakes and cookies — some pre-packed for carry-out in festive pink boxes. There’s also a dining room where you can linger over a fruit drink, specialty tea, shaved ice or Asian-inspired dessert. More on Crust & Crumb…

At the Talbott Center on Rockville Pike, this bubble tea shop serves milk teas, fruit teas, green teas, pudding smoothies and other specialty drinks. 

Fast-casual Persian restaurant at Ritchie Center offering flame-grilled kabobs and aromatic rice dishes — plus hummus, yogurt, diced salads, baklava and fritters. More on Darband Kabob…

Nashville-style hot chicken chain specializing in crunchy tenders, sliders and fries with customizable heat levels. Simple, loud and satisfying. More on Dave’s Hot Chicken…

Vietnamese cafe offering robust Saigon-style coffee, fresh boba, matcha drinks and salted cream cold foam — plus smoothies, slushes, cookies and snacks.

Over-the-top stuffed cookies with gooey centers are the star at this chain, which also offers cinnamon rolls, waffle bites, drinks and shakes at The Square in downtown Rockville. More on Dirty Dough…

This locally owned restaurant outside Westfield Montgomery mall is known for its home-cooked, halal Middle Eastern specialties: wraps, bowls and platters layered with falafel, chicken, fresh vegetables, pickles and house sauces.

This D.C.-based restaurant showcases halal Uyghur and Central Asian cooking, from hot chicken stew and hand-pulled noodles to rock pot soup, sour spicy shredded potato and pumpkin steamed buns. Indoor and patio dining at The Square in downtown Rockville. More on Dolan Uyghur…

Korean fried chicken spot at King Farm serving wings, drumsticks and boneless pieces plus tteokbokki and bulgogi bowls. Seasoning choices here include soy garlic, sweet and spicy, green onion and “cheese snowing” flavor.

Crispy Peruvian chicken, sauces and sides are the focus at this local fast-casual chain — plus classic entrées like lomo saltado, pollo saltado, ceviche and aguadito soup. Don’t miss the excellent fries and plantains.

Crispy Peruvian chicken, sauces and sides are the focus at this local fast-casual chain — plus classic entrées like lomo saltado, pollo saltado, ceviche and aguadito soup. Don’t miss the excellent fries and plantains.

Founded in an Outer Banks beach town, this chain specializes in warm, made-to-order cake doughnuts customized with coatings, toppings and drizzles.

This locally owned spot at Park Potomac serves made-to-order sweet and savory crepes, from dessert-style classics to meal-worthy fillings. Also omelets, waffles, milkshakes, smoothies and coffee. More on Dulce Crepes…

Longtime local favorite for Northeast China-style dumplings, plus private karaoke rooms. The menu also includes spring rolls, scallion pancakes, stir-fries, noodles, soups, skewers, BBQ and a variety of teas.

Cantonese-style Chinese food in a bustling atmosphere reminiscent of what you might find in New York City or San Francisco. Many large round tables accommodate families and groups. Known for Hong Kong classics like roast duck, roast pork, dumplings, seafood noodles and wonton noodle soup.

Cozy locally owned spot mixing Laotian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisines. A great place to try unusual dishes like Laotian papaya salad, spicy Gochujang wings and fried cured pork spare ribs.

Halal Uyghur cooking in downtown Rockville that blends Silk Road flavors with Chinese influences. This local chain serves falafel, kebabs, lamb shanks, hand-pulled noodles and more — plus an extensive tea bar.

Longtime local favorite offering authentic Mexican cooking in a casual setting: fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, tamales, burritos and some solid vegetarian options.

Sophisticated menu of Spanish tapas, jamón, paella, seafood, classic small plates and Spanish wines at The Square in downtown Rockville. This locally owned restaurant offers indoor and patio dining in a lively, Barcelona-style atmosphere.

The original location of this longtime family-owned Argentine restaurant is known for homestyle grilled meats, empanadas and pastries — plus an adjoining bakery and Latin market. This one is at the Loehmann’s Plaza shopping center.

Asian bistro in Potomac Village serving a broad Japanese menu of sushi, sashimi and cooked entrées, plus some Chinese and vegetarian dishes.

Ethiopian cooking centered on injera, richly spiced stews and shareable platters. Signature dishes include doro wat, beef or lamb tibs, and a seven-dish vegetarian sampler.

This D.C.-area fast-casual chain at Pike & Rose serves pitas and bowls with classic toppings like pickles, tabouli, tahini, and red sauce — all at very moderate prices.

A local favorite since 1974, this Chinese restaurant serves up seafood dishes, roasted meats and classic Cantonese-style favorites in an elegant dining room. Dim sum is served five days a week, but on Sundays it’s done with traditional pushcarts.

Family-owned restaurant serving all the Thai classics, from larb gai and pad Thai to tom yum soup, spicy eggplant, curries and fried rice. There’s also a banquet room for parties.

Choose your broth, add your ingredients, then visit the sauce bar for fresh condiments, oils and aromatics. The downtown Rockville location of this Philadelphia-based chain also offers a non-hotpot menu of Chinese favorites. More on Feng Hotpot…

Neighborhood coffee shop serving espresso drinks, pastries and light bites with a bright, contemporary feel. Quiet atmosphere with indoor and patio seating, good for working or meeting a friend.

At The Square in downtown Rockville, Finnegan’s Wake is the place for true Irish pub fare: fish and chips, cottage pie, bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage — plus American favorites like burgers, wings and fries.

When you’re in the mood for a juicy, satisfying fast-food burger, you can’t go wrong with Five Guys. This chain is also famous for its overflowing bags of delicious fries — cooked in peanut oil — and milkshakes with mix-ins like Oreos and salted caramel.

When you’re in the mood for a juicy, satisfying fast-food burger, you can’t go wrong with Five Guys. This chain is also famous for its overflowing bags of delicious fries — cooked in peanut oil — and milkshakes with mix-ins like Oreos and salted caramel. This location is in Potomac Village.

When you’re in the mood for a juicy, satisfying fast-food burger, you can’t go wrong with Five Guys. This chain is also famous for its overflowing bags of delicious fries — cooked in peanut oil — and milkshakes with mix-ins like Oreos and salted caramel.

When you’re in the mood for a juicy, satisfying fast-food burger, you can’t go wrong with Five Guys. This chain is also famous for its overflowing bags of delicious fries — cooked in peanut oil — and milkshakes with mix-ins like Oreos and salted caramel. This location is at The Square in downtown Rockville.

This halal spot features rice and salad bowls topped with meats, cheeses, vegetables and house-made sauces. Bring your own bag of chips, and they’ll load it up with toppings.

Thin-crust New York-style pizza by the slice or the pie, plus calzones, salads, wings and sides. The dough here is hand-tossed, using Brooklyn-inspired recipes and specially filtered water.

This sunny, feel-good chain serves flavorful veggie-forward bowls, salads and plates, with gluten-free and vegan-friendly choices that still feel satisfying. Indoor and outdoor seating at the Wildwood Shops.

Upscale Brazilian steakhouse chain at Pike & Rose offering all-you-can-eat tableside churrasco, where traditional gaucho chefs parade around continuously with different cuts of meat to try. There’s also a huge “market table” full of lighter fare, plus seafood options.

Locally owned Italian restaurant with a cozy neighborhood feel, known for pastas, pizzas, seafood and classic Italian-American comfort done with polish. Fontina Grill will be relocating soon from King Farm to Gaithersburg. More on Fontina Grille…

The Park Potomac location of this D.C.-founded chain is a popular destination for scratch-made American comfort food like pot roast, shrimp and grits or fried chicken and waffles. The large, lively space — with high ceilings, a lovely bar and year-round patio — is a good spot for celebrations.

New Haven pizza chain known for its coal-fired pies with a crisp, charred crust and simple toppings. Frank Pepe is famous for its clam pizza, but there are lots more pies to try at this casual sit-down restaurant at Westfield Montgomery mall. More on Frank Pepe…

French bakery and cafe offering baguettes, croissants and pastries that feel genuinely Parisian — plus cakes, tarts, muffins, grab-and-go sandwiches and the signature Cro’gel (croissant in the shape of a bagel).

Neighborhood spot serving sandwiches, soups, salads, wings and craft beer. Meats are roasted and carved in-house; sauces, dressings, sides and desserts are also made from scratch.

Stylish restaurant chain offering an all-you-can-eat hot pot experience in the Wegmans-anchored Twinbrook Quarter building. Wagyu beef is the star here, along with seafood, tofu, vegetables and sushi. More on Genki Wagyu Shabu House…

This longtime local pizza shop in downtown Rockville serves old-school New York-style pies, slices, subs, calzones, wings and Italian-American basics. A great stop before or after a visit to the Regal movie theater.

This upscale American chain, formerly known as Stanford Grill, offers a broad menu of steaks, seafood, sushi, sandwiches and salads. The elegant dining room features a full bar, and there’s also a spacious patio.

A family-friendly Rockville Pike hangout with board games to play while you drink your bubble tea. Gong Cha, a Taiwanese chain, offers customizable milk teas, fruit teas and mochi donuts.

Neighborhood restaurant at Potomac Woods Plaza serving Chinese, Thai and Japanese classics, from fried rice and lo mein to egg rolls, moo goo gai pan, sushi and sashimi.

At this family-owned local favorite, the owners often stop by to check on tables themselves. The menu features Italian classics, fresh fish specials, pastas, pizzas, salads, meats and comfort dishes. This location is at Park Potomac.

This lively local restaurant at Park Potomac offers a fun bar, creative tacos, ceviches and shareable Mexican-style small plates. Strong margarita choices and a popular happy hour with outdoor seating.

Japanese restaurant featuring all-you-can-eat meats — including Wagyu beef — grilled at your table. The menu also includes sushi, sashimi, ramen, rice bowls and cocktails.

This fast-casual chain at Wintergreen Plaza is known for its chargrilled burgers, but the menu also includes grilled chicken and ahi tuna sandwiches plus surprisingly good sides like tempura green beans, onion rings and sweet potato fries.

This New York chain at Wintergreen Plaza is known for its street food-style gyro platters and wraps. The menu also includes waffle fries, pita, falafel and signature white sauce.

Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, tenders and wings are the star at this chain, plus loaded fries and sides like fried okra and mac-and-cheese. Heat levels above “hot” are not for the faint of heart. More on Hangry Joe’s…

Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, tenders and wings are the star at this chain, plus loaded fries and sides like fried okra and mac-and-cheese. Heat levels above “hot” are not for the faint of heart. This location is at Travilah Square. More on Hangry Joe’s…

Baja-inspired seafood chain serving up tacos, bowls, salads and cocktails in a lively, relaxed setting. Indoor seating plus a rooftop patio deck overlooking Pike & Rose — with an actual boat as the bar. More on Hello Betty…

All the Vietnamese classics are served at this acclaimed local restaurant: pho, lemongrass chicken, rice and vermicelli bowls, spring and summer rolls, banh mi sandwiches. Bubble tea and Thai milk tea are also on the menu.

This always-busy Taiwanese bubble tea chain helped popularize the thick salty topping layer known as cheese foam. Most of the drinks here include freshly chopped fruit. This location is at Wintergreen Plaza. More on HeyTea…

Build-your-own stir-fry and salad chain featuring freshly made noodles, veggies and sauces. The signature dessert/snack is the honeybar cup filled with fruit, yogurt, toppings and a drizzle of honey.

This snack spot offers an eclectic menu that ranges from Chinese chicken wings, Vietnamese-style sandwiches and cheeseburgers to bubble tea, slushies, smoothies and crepes. More on Hong Kong Tea House…

All-you-can-eat Chinese hot pot and BBQ featuring meat, chicken, seafood and vegetable skewers for tabletop cooking — plus cocktails and private karaoke rooms. More on Hulu Skewer House…

Longtime local gathering spot in Potomac Village with an easygoing, retro vibe. Known for hearty entrées, burgers and wings.

Named for a traditional marketplace in Korea, this longtime family-owned restaurant specializes in tabletop BBQ grilling. The menu also includes bibimbap, soups and stews.

You can always count on this premium ice cream chain for its rich flavors and satisfying shakes and sundaes. This location is at Congressional Plaza.

This popular upscale restaurant, in business since 1990, is tucked inside a low-key shopping center on Frederick Road. The menu offers finely prepared Italian dishes in an elegant, sophisticated dining room.

Casual Jamaican spot featuring island staples such as jerk chicken, slow-cooked oxtail, curried goat and brown stew chicken. Sides include rice and peas with coconut milk, cabbage and fried plantains.

Longtime local restaurant offering all the Jewish deli classics: bagels, lox and cream cheese plus deli sandwiches, knishes, rugelach, black-and-white cookies and more. Casual setting with a neighborhood, no-fuss feel.

Locally owned coffee house-meets-restaurant for working, meeting or lingering over brunch on Rockville Pike. Espresso drinks made with house-roasted beans, plus baked goods and a Latin-inspired menu. The outdoor patio sometimes hosts live musicians. More on Java Nation…

This popular chain offers classic hot and cold subs filled with deli meats, chicken salad, steaks, veggies and cheeses. This location is at Fallsgrove.

This popular chain offers classic hot and cold subs filled with deli meats, chicken salad, steaks, veggies and cheeses.

Modern ramen bar serving slow-simmered broths and small plates in a contemporary Japanese setting. The patio at Pike & Rose features an inviting fire pit.

This cafe chain specializes in smoothies, fresh juices and simple light fare. The Wildwood location is a quiet place to work or socialize, with indoor and outdoor seating.

This upscale contemporary bistro at Pike & Rose — from the founders of Cava, Melina and Bouboulina — combines French cooking with Mediterranean flavors. The beautifully styled dining room and outdoor patio make it ideal for date nights, brunch and special occasions.

Bubble tea, smoothies and specialty drinks are on the menu here, along with Taiwanese favorites like noodle soups, rice platters, kung pao beef and sweet-and-sour shrimp.

Casual cafeteria-style spot serving homestyle dishes from the Philippines, alongside a small selection of groceries. Choices include chicken adobo, beef caldereta, lechon kawali (pork belly), and lumpia egg rolls. Many people come just for the Halo-Halo, a popular dessert drink made with shaved ice, evaporated milk and fruit.

(Temporarily closed.) All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ plus hot pot dining, with six hot pot bases and an unlimited appetizer and sauce bar.

This downtown Rockville restaurant has two sections: a sushi-and-cocktail area with a fun happy hour, and a classic Japanese steakhouse where the chef puts on a show at the hibachi grill. Good for entertaining a group.

The specialty at this Congressional Village restaurant is aburasoba: “soupless” ramen featuring chewy Japanese noodles tossed with rich sauces and toppings, from pork belly and nori to Old Bay shrimp. More on Kajiken…

This Southeast Asian-themed restaurant at Congressional Village offers a lovely dining room for tableside BBQ, grilling and dipping your fresh ingredients into the shabu shabu broth. There’s also a buffet with street foods, salads and desserts.

This locally owned restaurant serves fast-casual Thai street food platters and bowls in a colorful dining room. You’ll find it in the “teen store” wing at Westfield Montgomery mall. More on Kapow Buddy…

This locally owned sushi restaurant — a sister to Kenaki in Kentlands — offers creative, interesting rolls and original small-plate creations in an upscale, modern dining room at the Cabin John Village mini-mall. More on Kema by Kenaki…

This local favorite at Ritchie Center spotlights both classic Thai dishes (pad Thai, drunken noodles, curry chicken, pineapple fried rice) and street food staples like fish cakes, crispy duck rolls, crispy pork belly and boat noodle soup.

Casual seafood restaurant serving East and West Coast oysters, raw bar platters, seafood and sandwiches. Known for its upscale bar, expansive outdoor seating and lively happy hours.

This King Farm neighborhood beer and wine store features a small taproom and seating area offering made-to-order deli sandwiches, hot and cold subs, salads and burgers.

This colorful local dessert shop has replaced Marble Slab Creamery at The Square in downtown Rockville. The old-school menu showcases frozen yogurt and soft-serve ice cream as well as floats, sundaes, cakes, milkshakes and smoothies. More on Koala Kreme…

This classic hot-glazed donut chain serves simple, nostalgic sweetness — especially when the donuts are warm off the line at Fallsgrove. It’s worth waiting for those.

Peruvian, Ecuadorian, Colombian, Bolivian, Argentine and Brazilian flavors served in a festive Latin atmosphere at The Square in downtown Rockville. The menu ranges from ceviche, lomo saltado and bandeja paisa to salteñas, plantains, parrilladas and grilled meats.

Szechuan-style Chinese cooking in a casual setting with classics like lo mein, dumplings, fried rice, egg drop soup, shrimp in lobster sauce and sweet-and-sour pork.

This conveyor-belt sushi chain at Federal Plaza is fun, fast and interactive with touchpad ordering, delivery by robot and a playful prize system. More on Kura…

Modern local sushi chain with a lively sake and whiskey bar serving rolls, nigiri, sashimi, small plates, noodles and cooked favorites. Indoor and patio seating at Pike & Rose.

Modern local sushi chain with a lively sake and whiskey bar serving rolls, nigiri, sashimi, small plates, noodles and cooked favorites. Indoor and patio seating at The Square in downtown Rockville.

“Antojitos” is a Spanish phrase for “little cravings,” which fits this local restaurant’s eclectic menu of Latin street foods, American sandwiches, breads, cakes, French pastries and espresso drinks. This space is the former home of Lavande Patisserie in downtown Rockville. More on La Baguette Antojitos…

Latin American restaurant offering classic dishes from Mexico, El Salvador, Cuba and Peru: tacos, enchiladas, burritos, saltados, ropa vieja, pupusas, ceviche, yuca, rotisserie chicken and more.

This locally owned restaurant, a fixture at The Square for two decades, offers a warm and upscale setting reminiscent of colonial Peru. The menu includes classics like ceviche, lomo saltado, chicharrones, tacu tacu and anticuchos.

Family-run Italian restaurant with a classic, white-tablecloth vibe. Fresh seafood, homemade pastas, Neapolitan brick oven pizza and old-school hospitality.

Upscale Chinese restaurant with a lovely dining room at North Bethesda Market. The menu features Szechuan-style dishes with bold heat, chili oil and peppercorn spice — plus soups, dim sum, dumplings and shareable plates for the table. More on Lao Sze Chuan…

The fast-casual sister to Lebanese Taverna, this longtime local chain focuses on salads and bowls filled with Middle Eastern favorites: falafel, shawarma, kibbeh, hommus, tabouleh, babaghanoush and more.

The fast-casual sister to Lebanese Taverna, this longtime local chain focuses on salads and bowls filled with Middle Eastern favorites: falafel, shawarma, kibbeh, hommus, tabouleh, babaghanoush and more. This location is at The Square in downtown Rockville.

Regional favorite known for its distinctive square-cut pies with a sweet-leaning sauce and thick, bready crust. Other specialties include wings, subs and calzones.

Regional favorite known for its distinctive square-cut pies with a sweet-leaning sauce and thick, bready crust. Other specialties include wings, subs and calzones. This location is at Westlake Crossing, outside Westfield Montgomery mall.

This local dessert spot and bakery offers custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats — plus an ice cream counter. If your dog has a sweet tooth, they also have pupcakes and puppy ice cream. More on Lil’ Cakes & Creamery…

Chinese comfort foods are the focus at this local restaurant at The Square in downtown Rockville: pork belly, popcorn chicken, BBQ brisket, rice bowls, noodle dishes and build-your-own “Mala Pots.”

Korean comfort-food spot offering BBQ, soups, stews, noodles, rice dishes, hot pot, seafood pancakes, bulgogi and banchan.

This casual Japanese cafe, a longtime fixture on Rockville Pike, serves sushi rolls, ramen, udon, donburi, curry rice, buns, izakaya starters and rotating lunch specials.

Persian classics are the specialty at this D.C.-area chain: koobideh, butter chicken, lamb and salmon kabobs, falafel, hummus and shirazi salad. Desserts include crepes, baklava and rice pudding. More on Maman Joon…

Persian classics are the specialty at this D.C.-area chain: koobideh, butter chicken, lamb and salmon kabobs, falafel, hummus and shirazi salad. Desserts include crepes, baklava and rice pudding. More on Maman Joon…

Old-school Italian comfort food is on the menu at this longtime local chain: pizza, pastas, salads, subs, calzones and stromboli. This location is at Fallsgrove.

Old-school Italian comfort food is on the menu at this longtime local chain: pizza, pastas, salads, subs, calzones and stromboli. This location is at Federal Plaza.

This casual restaurant in downtown Rockville combines Indian, Chinese and Nepalese cuisines, from curry platters and Hakka-style noodles to momo dumplings and Szechuan-inspired stir-fries. More on Mandala Kitchen…

This Congressional Plaza cafe is dedicated entirely to the juicy fruit, offering an Asian-inspired menu of ice cream, cakes, crepes, waffles, sticky rice, “snowcloud” bowls, coffees, teas and smoothies. More on Mango Mango House of Desserts…

Known for its wood-fired pizzas and broad American menu, this D.C.-area chain is a favorite for burgers, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, soups and salads. The Congressional Plaza location also has a private event space.