Over the few weeks, Montgomery County has seen a wave of notable restaurant openings, but a handful have generated especially strong reactions from readers. From thousands of social media interactions to heavy interest on our website, these five became some of the area’s most talked-about new restaurants.
Below, in alphabetical order, are five of Montgomery County’s hottest recent openings, based on reader interest.
Easy Like Sunday (Silver Spring): Easy Like Sunday has brought its popular Baltimore-area brunch concept to downtown Silver Spring at 8455 Fenton Street, taking over the former El Sapo space. Menu highlights include ricotta-stuffed French toast, short rib hash, a brunch burger with maple-syrup-cooked cowboy bacon, and fried chicken with cornmeal pancakes and peach-habanero jam. Mimosa flights, specialty non-alcoholic drinks, and vegan and vegetarian options round out the offerings. More here.
Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen (Gaithersburg): Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen is now open at 212 Boardwalk Place at Rio in Gaithersburg, marking the concept’s first Washington-area location. Led by Chef Rachid, whose culinary roots trace back to Beirut, the restaurant serves Lebanese favorites including hummus, mezze, shawarma, falafel, grilled entrées and flatbreads. The menu also features Lebanese wines, cocktails, zero-proof drinks and desserts such as baklava and pistachio ice cream. More here.
Kitchen Social (Gaithersburg): Kitchen Social has opened its first Maryland restaurant at 203 Crown Park Avenue in Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown, replacing Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar. The Ohio-based concept pairs an open kitchen with a modern American menu featuring house-made pretzels, Brussels sprouts, short rib risotto, Korean BBQ salmon and wood-grilled steaks. Craft cocktails, beer and wine are also available. More here.
PopUp Bagels (Bethesda): PopUp Bagels has opened its first Maryland location at 7607 Old Georgetown Road in downtown Bethesda, on the ground floor of the Solaire apartment building. Known for small-batch bagels with crisp exteriors and soft interiors, the brand has developed a devoted following and a viral social media presence. Bethesda joins Georgetown as the company’s second Washington-area location, with additional regional expansion in the works. More here.
Sushi Masato (Bethesda): Sushi Masato is now open at 4914 Hampden Lane in downtown Bethesda, taking over the former Tako Grill space. Owned by Montgomery County residents Raymond and Amy Yu, the family-run Japanese restaurant offers traditional rolls, specialty rolls and approximately six-course tasting menus priced at $58, $78 and $98. The couple also plans to open The One Cake, a separate Japanese-inspired dessert concept, alongside the restaurant. More here.
