Bethesda

Five New Restaurants That Have Created Buzz (Spring 2025 Edition)

By MCS Staff
Fish & Chips at Duke’s Grocery

In this article we take a look at five restaurants that have created the most buzz on our website and associated social media accounts since opening within the last couple of 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:

Bouboulina officially opened at 921 Meeting Street in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose neighborhood in March. The full-service American grill influenced by Mediterranean cuisine is named for Bouboulina, a heroine of the Greek War of Independence who commanded her own fleet and private army and became the first woman in world naval history to become an admiral. The restaurant will feature a wood-fired grill, premium steak cuts, fresh seafood and house baked breads with Mediterranean influences that celebrate the founders’ heritage and roots.

 

 

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar opened at 7401 Woodmont Ave. (2 Bethesda Metro Center) in March. “We’re thrilled to bring the Pisco y Nazca experience to Bethesda and further expand our footprint in the DMV region,” said Rosa Reyes, Regional Manager of Pisco y Nazca. “This new location will allow us to share our vibrant Peruvian flavors, craft cocktails, and lively atmosphere with even more guests, all while maintaining the authenticity and warmth that have made our brand so special.”

Duke’s Grocery, a London-inspired gastropub, has officially opened its first location outside of DC in Montgomery County’s Potomac Village (10128 River Rd.). With the opening, Duke’s introduces Maryland to its signature “Proper Burger,” consistently ranked among the best burgers in DC and a multiple-time winner of “Best Burger in DC” competitions.

Big Papi’s Tacos is currently in its soft opening phase at 201 E Middle Ln in Rockville Town Center (the former home of Domoishi/Asian Food Hall), until its grand opening on Saturday, May 3rd. Big Papi’s menu consists of items like carne asada tacos, quesabirria pizza, surf n turf tacos, walking tacos, birria egg rolls, buffalo wings, birria ramen, and a lot more.

Phowheels just opened at 15707 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. Tuan Vo graduated from Springbrook High School in 2008, and his journey with Phowheels began four years later in 2012 when he first sampled the food from the food truck. The previous owner, now a friend and business partner, offered Vo the chance to buy the business. Seizing the opportunity, he took the plunge in 2017, diving into the kitchen alongside his family and taking over the food truck. We serve innovative Vietnamese dishes like our famous pork belly tacos, Vietnamese birria (also known as Bo khirria), pho, and banh mi on a croissant, along with a variety of exciting specials,” Vo shared with us.