Dundalk, Maryland’s own Deli-ish (@delibaltimore), a modern New York-style delicatessen, has taken top honors at the 2025 Montgomery County Fair Foodie Awards. In their very first year as a vendor, Deli-ish wowed judges and fairgoers alike, securing the coveted “Best Overall” award for their exceptional Reuben sandwich.
While Washington DC boasts a vibrant culinary scene, neighboring Maryland is proving to be a serious contender, especially for those in search of the perfect oyster happy hour. In a nod to the region’s top-tier seafood offerings, Eater DC has included four Maryland establishments (all right here in Montgomery County) on its list of “DC’s Best Oyster Happy Hours.”
Last November, we reported that California Fish Grill, a chain with approximately 50 restaurants in California and Arizona, signed on for its first Maryland location at 12238 Rockville Pike in Rockville’s Towne Plaza. We recently let you know that the restaurant is aiming for a fall opening and now we know that a $650K permit was approved for interior construction of the restaurant.
Last month we let you know that Downtown Bethesda is set to welcome a new culinary addition as Takumi Japanese Bistro and Bar. After the restaurant’s Google listing stated an August 17th opening date, management confirmed that it will open on that Sunday.
Pupatella in Columbia (Howard County) proudly holds the distinction of being the only establishment in the entire state certified by the prestigious Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN). Pupatella was established in 2007, originating from the vision of Enzo Algarme, who relocated from Italy to the United States to pursue medical studies. What began as a small food truck in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, quickly became a massive success and has since become a beloved destination for enthusiasts of authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Charley’s Cheesesteaks & Wings is preparing to open its doors in the Woodmoor Shopping Center, according to the Regency Centers leasing website. The new restaurant will be located at 10121 Colesville Road, between the beloved Woodmoor Pastry Shop and Bento Express, taking over for the closed UPS Store and adding to the diverse mix of dining options in the popular center that also includes the recently opened Nash & Smashed, Santucci’s Deli, and more.
Lumiere’s Chimney Cake, a renowned international dessert franchise known for its viral popularity, has been a hit since it opened its first U.S. location at The Wharf in Washington DC a couple months back. The company has ambitious plans to expand further into Virginia’s Mosaic District and Maryland’s Silver Spring, according to DC Spot (video below), although specific addresses for these new locations have yet to be announced.
Mezcal Cantina is now open at 8777 1st Ave. in Silver Spring. The new restaurant, a rebranding of the former Tacos Way Mexican Grill, brings an expanded menu and a fresh twist on traditional Mexican dishes.
A new Japanese restaurant, Momiji Sushi Izakaya & Japanese Eatery, is set to open in Silver Spring, taking over the space that was the longtime home of Cubano’s.
The Big Greek Café has announced the return of its 2nd Annual Big Greek Gyro Eating Contest, set to take place at 5pm on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Festival (721 Norwood Rd.) in Cloverly/Silver Spring and will be hosted by our very own Mr. MoCo.
ISAAC’s Poultry Market, already recognized by the Restaurant Association of Maryland in 2023 for having the best sandwich, has now received another top honor. Chowhound recently named its Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich the best chicken sandwich in Maryland. (more…)