Yelp has released its “Top 50 Places to Eat in the MD Burbs”, focusing on restaurants located in the Maryland suburbs. We are going to look at the top 10 on this list that was created by “Yelp Elites”– a group of reviewers selected based on well-written reviews, high quality photos, a detailed personal profile, and a history of “playing well with others”, according to Yelp. Eight of the top ten restaurants can be found in Montgomery County.
Methodology used by Yelp to create this list: “To determine the Top Places to Eat in the MD Burbs in 2024, according to Yelp Elites, we identified businesses in the restaurants category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews given by Yelp Elite Squad members between August 2023 and August 2024. Only businesses in and around the MD Burbs area were considered. Businesses were marked open on Yelp as of August 21, 2024 and when available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of August 21, 2024.”
10. Thai Cottage Bistro (9613-G Medical Center, Rockville): Thai Cottage Bistro opened approximately one year ago, taking over the space that was previously home to Oishii Bluefin. The restaurant serves traditional Thai cuisine, as well as unique items like “Thai Fusion” sandwiches. According to the restaurant, “We offer a wide range of traditional and innovative Thai dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Our team of experienced chefs and restaurant staff are committed to giving you an incredible dining experience. Whether you’re looking for classic Thai cuisine or something new and innovative, we have it all. We take pride in crafting unforgettable dishes that are made with fresh ingredients and infused with passion and creativity. Come in today and experience the true flavors of Thailand!”
9. Carmen’s Italian Ice (1115 Nelson St., Rockville): Carmen’s started with a simple idea. Introduce homemade gourmet Italian Ice to the Washington DC area. Jason Mandler – a native of Parsippany, New Jersey – opened the original Carmen’s Italian Ice & Cafe in Rockville, MD in 2001. Tracing its roots back to Philly and South Jersey where this dessert has been a mainstay for years, Carmen’s offers homemade, gourmet Italian Ice in over 60 flavors. It also now offers frozen custard, shakes, and a toppings bar. Carmen’s now has additional locations across Montgomery County and Maryland.
8. Thai Chef Rockville (29 Maryland Ave., Rockville): Thai Chef Street Food opened at 29 Maryland Avenue in Rockville Town Square back in 2021. The 3,535-square-foot restaurant features authentic Bangkok-style vendor food found along the streets of the Thai capital with inviting and fun decor that’s reminiscent of Bangkok. You’ll find Thai favorites such as Moo-phing, BBQ pork on skewers and Catfish Dry Curry, fried catfish filet sautéed with spicy curry paste, Thai eggplant, wild finger root, kaffir lime, peppercorn and fresh basil, as well as handcrafted specialty cocktails.”
7. Z&Z (1111 Nelson St., Rockville): Z&Z Manoushe Bakery, owned and operated by the Dubbaneh family, opened in the exact location their grandfather opened a deli in 1982- the store that was home to Slice of Rockville for 11 years. Since September 2021, the restaurant has specialized in manoushe. The Dubbaneh family has told us that they look to “share the extreme generosity and hospitality that exists in Arab food culture with the local community.” and in addition to the high Yelp ratings, even national food websites like bon appetit, have noticed- including Z&Z in a “50 Best New Restaurants 2022” list. Photos of menu items can be seen here.
6. Gardenia’s Cafe (8377 Snouffer School Rd.): When you enter Gardenia’s Cafe in Gaithersburg you are immediately given a warm welcome by Genesis Gardenia Ortega and/or her mother Maritza. The Ortega family (husband and wife Fernando and Maritza and their kids Gardenia and Joshua) opened Gardenia’s Cafe one month before the pandemic shut downs in early 2020. A video of the Gardenia’s experience can be seen here.
5. Julii (11915 Grand Park Ave. North Bethesda): Julii is a French-Mediterranean restaurant opened in 2018 by the Montgomery County natives who founded Cava and will make another appearance later on this list. The name originates from Forum Julii, an ancient Roman naval base in southeastern France established by Julius Caesar. It once served as a key meeting point for European traders and spice merchants from the Middle East and North Africa. A couple dishes can be seen here and here.
4. Taqueria Los Perez (5803 Baltimore Ave. Riverdale Park): Originally hailing from Guatemala, owner Hector Perez has lived in Prince George’s County for over ten years. After gaining experience at another taco establishment, Perez decided to embark on his own restaurant venture with the support of his family. His eatery features traditional Mexican birria tacos and quesabirrias made with pork, crispy fried chicken, beef cheeks, pickled pork, beef tripe. Additionally, the menu showcases a variety of Latin American dishes, including fajitas, Gorditas, Cuban sandwiches, and various tortas, along with different breakfast selections.
3. Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly (5268-H Nicholson Ln., Rockville): Chef Javier Fernandez opened Kuya Ja in 2018 and has built a substantial following in the area for his signature lechon. We are huge fans of the Filipino sweet spaghetti as well. What exactly is lechon? Kuya Ja describes it as “an entire pig roasted over charcoal rotisserie style. Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly specializes in roasting boneless pork belly. From its crispy skin to its juicy meat.” See dishes here and here.
2. 2Fifty Texas BBQ (4700 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale Park): 2Fifty refers to itself as simple, affordable, and memorable. Per the restaurant, “2fifty BBQ, a celebrated barbecue joint, is renowned for its unique approach to traditional American barbecue. Their style is deeply rooted in the Texas barbecue tradition, known for its emphasis on smoking meats over low heat for extended periods.”
1. Melina (905 Rose Ave., North Bethesda): Melina opened at 905 Rose Ave. in late 2021.The inspiration behind Melina was the desire to share traditional Greek recipes and techniques, but with a creative spin. Chef Dimitri Moshovitis explained that after years in the restaurant industry, he has seen how Greek cooking has evolved and he wanted a new opportunity to showcase modern Greek cuisine. The time to start a new venture felt right when he met Chef Aris Tsekouras, owner of Microwheat Bakery. Dimitri felt inspired by Aris’ ideas and thought that they could create wonderful things together. Sietsema writes that “the menu tastes like you’re eating closer to the Aegean than the Atlantic, too, foremost with soft roasted eggplant splayed over a walnut dip and ringed with tahini-miso cream and a charred lamb kebab garnished with pickled onions and paired with a dollop of yogurt. The food proves as attractive as it is delicious.” A video of the fun and tasty lamb neck kleftiko experience can be seen here.
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