Fifteen years ago this week, CAVA opened its very first restaurant in Bethesda (4832 Betheada Ave. at Bethesda Row). What started as a bold idea has since grown into several hundred locations nationwide, along with a brand that has reshaped fast casual dining through a focus on Mediterranean flavors, hospitality, and community.
Viva Mexico Bar & Grill is moving closer to opening in Gaithersburg, replacing a former Pizza Hut location along Woodfield Road.
Maryland is well represented on the 2026 Washingtonian Top 100 Restaurants list, with 12 restaurants either located in the state or operating a Maryland location. The selections span multiple counties and cuisines, highlighting the depth and diversity of Maryland’s dining scene.
Taco Bar El Güero has officially reopened in its new home and with a new name. The longtime Gaithersburg favorite is now operating as El Güero Mexicano at 200 Ellington Boulevard in Downtown Crown (first look video below).
Haraz Coffee House has officially arrived in Montgomery County, opening its newest location in Burtonsville with a soft opening now underway.
Terra Gaucha is continuing to earn recognition in the area, becoming the only Maryland restaurant to be named to Eater DC’s list of Best New Restaurants for January 2026. A video of the experience can be seen below.
Construction is set to begin on the upcoming Dunkin’ location in Rockville after the coffee and donut/coffee chain received its construction permit for the new store.
Charley’s Cheesesteaks & Wings is moving closer to opening its new Woodmoor Shopping Center location after receiving a $250,000 permit to begin interior renovations on the space.
If you haven’t heard of “Dirty Yak,” you’re not alone, but you’ve probably seen the buzz. This iconic Baltimore dish, locally known as yakamein, yat gaw mein, or dirty yak, has been turning heads on social media and food feeds, with people craving its thick noodles drenched in rich sauce, savory protein, and a hard-boiled egg on top.
Chick-fil-A has received a $1.4 million building permit to construct its new restaurant at 22675 Clarksburg Road at the Clarksburg outlets, according to Maryland Newsletters.
Terra Gaucha officially opened its doors in Rockville on Sunday, December 28, bringing an authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience to Montgomery County. This past week, “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis attended the restaurant’s grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting, where guests were treated to complimentary food and drinks.