MoCo

Five Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings (October 2024 Edition)

In this article we take a look at the upcoming restaurants that have created the most buzz on our website and associated social media accounts in the last few months. Today we’re going to highlight the five (in no particular order) that have generated the most buzz in the last few months in terms of views, likes, and shares:

Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse (Rockville): Terra Gaucha, an authentic Churrascaria or Brazilian Steakhouse, is coming to Twinbrook Quarter in Rockville– the new development that will be home to Rockville’s Wegmans next year. An opening date is not yet available, but it likely won’t be until 2025.

Terra Gaucha will be located on the corner of Festival St. and Chapman Ave., off of Rockville Pike, behind the Wegmans that is currently undergoing construction on the interior fitout of the grocery store. The restaurant has locations in Tampa and Jacksonville in Florida and recently opened a Connecticut restaurant in Stamford. An Indianapolis location is also coming soon.

Fuddruckers (Silver Spring): In August, Fuddruckers announced it will be opening new locations in Silver Spring, MD and Washington, DC this fall. “The World’s Greatest Burgers” chain is known for its fresh 1/3, 1/2, or 2/3 lb patties and “Build Your Own” produce bar.

According to Fuddruckers, “Get ready, burger lovers! Fuddruckers is thrilled to bring our Bigger, Bolder, Beefier burgers to not one but TWO new locations this fall! Say hello to Fuddruckers Washington, DC in Chinatown and Silver Spring, MD! Come for the burgers, stay for the experience.” We confirmed in August that Fuddruckers will be returning to its old Downtown Silver Spring Location at 819 Ellsworth Drive. Fuddruckers closed there in December 2019. A 2025 opening is now expected.

Mui (North Bethesda): Coming soon signage is up for Mui, a modern Japanese-inspired restaurant at North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose. The 8,506 square foot restaurant will be located at 967 Rose Avenue, next to West Elm. It will be taking over the space that was previously home to The Block food hall, which closed in April. The buildout on the interior of the restaurant appears to be in the beginning stage.

According to Federal Realty, “The expansive menu will feature non-traditional Japanese dishes as well as traditional kaiseki, sushi, omakase from Japan. Also complimented by an agave, scotch and sake menu curated by a highly trained mixologist along with an impeccable list of champagne, wine and cocktails. The highlight of Mui will be omakase, a dining experience where guests have direct interaction with the chef. Translated as, “I leave it up to you,” Omakase allows the chef to present curated, innovative sushi specialties. Opening in Winter 2024, the Fine Dining Japanese Restaurant Will Feature Signature Tastings, Sushi and a Seasonal Omakase for the Ultimate Sushi Experience” More here.

New Restaurant at Former Renato’s Space (Potomac): The team behind popular local spots like Melina, Julii, Cava Mezze, and the soon-to-open Bouboulina has confirmed to us that they will be taking over the former Renato’s restaurant space at 10120 River Rd in the Potomac Village Shopping Center. Renato’s will close at the end of this month.

After learning the location was available, the group partnered with Zuckerman Gravely Development to secure the lease. While the new concept is still in development, diners can expect a few dishes to pay tribute to the beloved Renato’s family restaurant. More here.

Falafel Inc (Bethesda): Falafel Inc is coming to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, taking over the space recently occupied by Butter Chicken House, next to Chick-Fil-A. The DC-based quick service chain serves falafel, hummus, bowls and sides like Zaatar fries and Tabouli salad. An opening date is not yet available.