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Best Authentic Restaurants in Bethesda

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195 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cubanos restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(24)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Bethesda
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to Cubano's, where every visit is a journey to the vibrant streets of La Havana and the lively atmosphere of Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. Savor the essence of Cuban cuisine with his signature dish, Picadera Cubana.Recipient of the prestigious Best of DC 2022 award. As you step through our doors, you'll be transported to a Cuban home, adorned with colorful tiles and filled with the rich aroma of rum and savory delights.Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Cuba from traditional favorites to innovative creations, each dish at Cubano's tells a story of passion and tradition.Our atmosphere embodies the spirit of Havana, with lively music, warm hospitality, and a vibrant ambiance that will make you feel right at home. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner for two or celebrating with friends and family, every moment at Cubano's is a celebration of Latin culture and culinary artistry.Join us at Cubano's and experience the magic of Cuba brought to life on your plate.
A photo of Casa Oaxaca - Bethesda restaurant
4.5
Awesome(391)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Bethesda
Booked 2 times today
Casa Oaxaca in Bethesda is the real deal when it comes to authentic Mexican fare. Reviews rave about its 'great authentic Mexican food' and 'authentic feel'. The menu is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine and the food is described as 'always excellent' and 'deliciously seasoned'. The ambience and service are also praised, making it a standout in the neighborhood.
A photo of Passage to India - Bethesda restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(815)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • Bethesda
Booked 3 times today
Passage to India serves a great selection of Indian food in an elegant decor, reminiscent of the dining rooms of the Maharajahs. Chef Sudhir Seth introduced the concept of Regional Cuisines of the Indian subcontinent and showcases food from all over India with local ingredients and home blended spices. The restaurant is located on Cordell Ave, just 3 blocks from the Bethesda metro (Red Line).
A photo of Pho Viet USA restaurant
4.3
Awesome(14)
Price: Moderate
• Asian • Bethesda
We bring the most authentic Vietnamese cuisine flavor prepared by our most dedicated Vietnamese chefs. Our staffs are all young and passionate making customers feel the welcomed and cozy. Come join us in enjoying the quintessentials of Vietnamese dishes--from our signature banh mi to our best-selling pho and more! Everything fresh and made to order. Vegetarian options available!
A photo of La Piquette restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3000)
Price: Expensive
• French • Cleveland Park
Booked 18 times today
Dear Guests,A neighborhood Bistrot located in Cleveland Park that stays faithful to its French roots offering the best French dishes on this side of the AtlanticExecutive Chef Francis Layrle prepares a daily menu with farm raised and seasonal fresh ingredients. The bar offers a carefully curated wine selection and house cocktails. La Piquette presents an authentic bistrot atmosphere the way it is meant to be: fun, simple and delicious.
A photo of Spanish Diner - Bethesda restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3893)
Price: Moderate
• Spanish • Bethesda
An Iberian take on the classic American all-day restaurant, Spanish Diner features larger portions of Spanish favorites from the mind of award-winning chef José Andrés. Dishes like gambas al ajillo, croquetas de pollo, gazpacho, and patatas bravas are all on the menu, along with a focus on regional specialties like fabada asturiana and cocido madrileño. Egg dishes are a specialty with classics like the iconic tortilla española, huevos estrellados, and huevos revueltos. The menu at Spanish Diner is quintessentially Spanish, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find these dishes at any restaurant in Spain as these are the recipes that are found at home, shared around the kitchen table with family and friends, generation after generation.
A photo of Persimmon restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2950)
Price: Moderate
• American • Bethesda
Booked 17 times today
Persimmon is a beloved neighborhood bistro offering up unforgettable favorites! Bring an appetite for great food & wine!Let's Gather & Eat!
A photo of Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose restaurant
4.5
Awesome(715)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Bethesda
Booked 24 times today
Caruso's Grocery in Pike and Rose is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: nostalgic photos on the walls , a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.
A photo of Et Voila restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3957)
Price: Expensive
• French • Palisades Northwest
Booked 38 times today
Chef Claudio Pirollo is a chef driven restaurant offering Contemporary Belgian/French Bistro.A DC staple for 15 years, with a friendly, neighborhood feel, you will feel welcome here for any occasion large or small. Our made from scratch menu is fresh, flavorful and offers something for everyone. From Classic European Bistro Cuisine to sophisticated daily Specials! Our bar covers handcrafted creative cocktails, with a large and high hand Wine List. Enjoy our cozy and energic dining room for an unforgettable experience . We cannot wait to see you!
A photo of Sushiko - Chevy Chase restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1867)
Price: Very Expensive
• Sushi • Chevy Chase
Booked 26 times today
Sushiko in Chevy Chase is the real deal for sushi lovers. Reviewers rave about the quality of the food, comparing it to the best in Japan. They also love the service, calling it 'attentive' and 'friendly'. The ambiance is described as 'lovely', 'quiet', and 'cozy', making it perfect for any occasion. It's clear that Sushiko is a genuine representation of Japanese culinary tradition with a unique and evolving menu.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Candace
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Amazing food and drinks, and our server was lovely - friendly and attentive. The restaurant is small so I'd recommend making a reservation, but we'll definitely be back!
    More info
    Casa Oaxaca - BethesdaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Bethesda
    4.5
  • AlanVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We recently dined at La Piquette and had a great experience. Our party of four was celebrating an anniversary and a birthday, and the afternoon couldn't have been more perfect. From the moment we walked in, the cozy, intimate setting created the ideal atmosphere for our special celebrations. We skipped the appetizers and ordered our entrees, which included Prime Beef Steak and Frites, Lobster Risotto, Halibut, and Sautéed Fresh NC Shrimp. Each dish was a perfect blend of flavors and textures, beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. It was evident that the chefs put a lot of passion and creativity into their culinary creations. The service was equally impressive. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, ensuring every detail of our dining experience was right. They went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable, adding a personal touch to our celebrations. And don’t overlook their desserts! They were the perfect ending to a perfect meal. The sweet treats were as delightful and creative as the main courses, leaving us thoroughly impressed and satisfied. Overall, La Piquette exceeded our expectations in every way. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. The only thing that would make me hesitant to return again would be the 2+ hour ride up I95. No, on second thought, not even that would keep us from being repeat customers.
    More info
    La PiquettePrice: Expensive• French• Cleveland Park
    4.8
  • MonicaVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •64 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Lovely overall Indian dining experience with great service & charming ambience but some of the dishes weren't terribly flavorful and portions are small for the price.
    More info
    Passage to India - BethesdaPrice: Moderate• Indian• Bethesda
    4.6
  • AdrienneVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •132 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Feb 8, 2025
    The food was delicious, but warm. Could have been hotter.
    More info
    CubanosPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Bethesda
    4.9
  • TybeeJones
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 2, 2023
    Great bowl! The serving temperature was perfect.
    More info
    Pho Viet USAPrice: Moderate• Asian• Bethesda
    4.3

Discover best authentic restaurants in Bethesda

Embark on a culinary adventure in the vibrant Washington, D.C. area, specifically in Bethesda, Maryland, where the quest for authentic dining experiences is delightfully met. Explore a diverse array of restaurants that pride themselves on delivering genuine flavors, each offering a unique interpretation of traditional and innovative cuisines. Whether you're craving the rich and complex tastes of genuine Mexican food, the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients of American cuisine, or the innovative and flavorful dishes of vegan gastronomy, Bethesda's dining scene caters to all palates with authenticity at its core. Each restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to quality and authenticity, consistently earning high praise for both their food and atmosphere. The dining scene in Bethesda is a testament to the area's dedication to culinary excellence and authenticity, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking genuine flavors and memorable dining experiences. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these restaurants offer a gateway to exploring authentic dishes crafted with passion and precision. Experience the best of Bethesda's authentic dining offerings, where each meal is not just eaten but savored.

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