The Ritchie Center, located at 765–785 Rockville Pike in Rockville, continues to evolve with several openings and changes in recent years that have reshaped the lineup of the longtime shopping plaza.
A couple of years ago, Japong Bakery relocated within the center to a larger space that was previously home to La Limeña, a popular Peruvian restaurant that closed one of its two locations. The bakery, known for its Japanese-style cheesecakes and pastries, continues to be one of the center’s most popular destinations.
Meanwhile, the space formerly occupied by CM Chicken became Taste of Kabab before that restaurant closed earlier this year. It has now been replaced by Darband Kabob, a new Persian restaurant that opened this month and has already earned praise from customers and our very own “Mr. MoCo” calling it one of the best kabob spots in Montgomery County.
Another recent change involves the space that once housed Live Crawfish & Seafood, which later operated as ÔC & Crab Seafood Restaurant before closing. Ba Le, a Vietnamese sandwich shop offering banh mi, pho, and other traditional dishes, has since opened in its place.
The former Super Bowl Noodle House spot is now home to L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, which brought its popular Hawaiian plate lunches to Rockville earlier this year. Additionally, Mia Cane Juicery & Açaí Bar opened last year in the old Japong space between Yasaman Bakery and Mama Emilia Pupuseria, offering a menu of sugar cane juice, coffee, smoothies, and açaí bowls.
Today, the Ritchie Center remains one of Rockville’s more diverse restaurant destinations, featuring a mix of international cuisines including Persian, Vietnamese, Hawaiian, Salvadoran, Japanese, Thai (Kiin Imm Thai) and Indian (OM), along with international markets and even an adult “couples boutique.”
