Yelp Elites have released their “Top 100 Places to Eat in the DMV” for 2025, and Maryland is strongly represented, with dozens of restaurants across Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick counties earning spots on the list.
The rankings were determined by reviewing businesses in the restaurant category and weighing several factors, including the total number and overall ratings of reviews written by Yelp Elite Squad members between August 2024 and August 2025. All selected businesses were marked open on Yelp as of September 10, 2025, and, when available, had a passing health score with no active public attention alerts as of November 4, 2025.
Prince George’s County:
2Fifty Texas BBQ (Riverdale): A nationally acclaimed Central Texas–style barbecue spot known for its expertly smoked brisket, tender ribs, and scratch-made sides that regularly draw long lines.
Jerry’s Seafood (Bowie): A Maryland staple famous for its “Crab Bomb,” fresh seafood platters, and classic preparations that have made it a regional favorite for decades.
Spiced Black (Upper Marlboro): A highly regarded Caribbean and Afro-fusion restaurant offering bold flavors, elevated dishes, and a warm, community-centered dining experience.
Frederick County:
Hootch and Banter (Frederick): An intimate, chef-driven restaurant known for inventive New American dishes, thoughtful plating, and a polished cocktail program.
The Wine Kitchen (Frederick): A refined farm-to-table spot offering locally sourced dishes paired with a well-curated wine list in a warm, modern setting.
White Rabbit Gastropub (Frederick): A craft beer-focused gastropub featuring gourmet comfort food, pizza, rotating taps, and a lively downtown Frederick atmosphere.
Wye Oak Tavern (Frederick): A cozy neighborhood tavern offering elevated American classics, seasonal plates, and a strong commitment to local ingredients.
Montgomery County:
A&J Restaurant (Rockville): A longstanding favorite for Northern Chinese and Taiwanese dim sum, noodles, and savory small plates.
ala (Bethesda): A refined Levantine restaurant offering elevated mezze and Mediterranean flavors in an upscale setting.
Aventino Cucina (Bethesda): An Italian restaurant focused on handmade pastas, seasonal ingredients, and refined Roman-inspired cooking.
Bouboulina (North Bethesda): An American Grill with Mediterranean influence that offers an elevated dining experience in Pike & Rose.
Bob’s Shanghai 66 (Rockville): One of the area’s most celebrated spots for soup dumplings and authentic Shanghainese cuisine.
Cielo Rojo (Takoma Park): An award-winning Mexican restaurant offering organic ingredients, handmade tortillas, and modern, elevated dishes.
Eat a Lao (Rockville): A destination for traditional Laotian dishes such as crispy rice salad, laab, comforting soups, and hearty noodles.
Gemelli’s (Gaithersburg): An Italian eatery and market known for subs, handmade pastas, fresh mozzarella, pastries, and gelato.
Julii (North Bethesda): A modern European restaurant blending French and Mediterranean influences with artful presentation.
Kanpai (Rockville): A popular Japanese restaurant known for high-quality sushi, fresh sashimi, and consistently well-executed specialty rolls.
Kapow Buddy (Bethesda): A fast-casual Asian-fusion spot known for bright flavors, customizable bowls, and creative sauces.
Kiin Imm Thai (Rockville): A chef-driven Thai restaurant offering elevated, but affordable, dishes with complex flavors and detailed presentation.
Koite Grill (Silver Spring): A popular West African restaurant specializing in Senegalese-style grilled meats, stews, and vibrant spices.
Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly (Rockville): A nationally recognized Filipino restaurant praised for its crispy, juicy lechon belly and Filipino comfort classics.
Lapu Lapu (Gaithersburg): A community favorite offering Filipino and traditional breakfast sandwiches.
Melina (North Bethesda): A contemporary Greek restaurant featuring modern takes on classic Mediterranean flavors.
Mon Ami Gabi (Bethesda): A classic French bistro offering steak frites, seafood, and traditional French comfort dishes.
No Regrets Pizza (North Bethesda): A rising favorite for artisan pizzas with creative toppings and a loyal following.
Okaeri (Rockville): A Japanese comfort-food restaurant known for dessert dishes, donburi bowls, homestyle dishes, and thoughtful daily specials.
Salt & Vine (Olney): An Italian-inspired neighborhood restaurant known for house-made pastas, great wine, and thoughtful seasonal dishes.
San Pancho (Takoma Park): A lively neighborhood Mexican restaurant offering mission-style burritos, creative coffees, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Sabor Mixteco (Wheaton): A hidden gem serving authentic Oaxacan and Mexican specialties such as mole, tlayudas, and house-made tortillas.
SOKO Butcher (Takoma Park): A butcher-led restaurant with high-quality meats, creative sandwiches, and globally inspired comfort food.
Thai Cottage Bistro (Rockville): A well-loved Thai restaurant known for rich curries, fresh stir-fries, and warm hospitality.
The Breakfast Club (Silver Spring): A trendy brunch hotspot delivering fun spins on breakfast favorites in a lively, social setting.
Z&Z (Rockville): A beloved Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired bakery, featuring fresh manoushe and flavorful za’atar-centered dishes.
