The DMV dining scene gives us plenty of reasons to venture beyond our usual favorites. Here is your Around Town guide to a few of the best places to eat, drink and gather across Maryland, Virginia and D.C.
MARYLAND
The Grove: Happy Hour Done Right
Happy hour feels elevated at The Grove in Potomac's Cabin John Village, where a vibrant, floral atmosphere meets cocktails, wine and shareable bites. An easy pick for date night or another round with friends. 7747 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, MD 20854 | thegrovemd.com
Quincy's Golf & Social: Gaithersburg's Newest Clubhouse
Gaithersburg's newest hangout pairs golf simulators with a full bar, craft cocktails and elevated pub fare, no green fees required. From the team behind Quincy's Bar & Grille, same know-your-name hospitality. 245 Kentlands Boulevard, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 | quincysgolfandsocial.com
Royal Durbar Kitchen: A Taste of Nepal Worth Discovering
For Nepalese flavor without leaving Montgomery County, Royal Durbar Kitchen in Rockville serves Himalayan dishes in a warm setting. Momos are a standout, worth a detour from your usual order. 1321 Rockville Pike, Suite C, Rockville, MD 20852 | royaldurbarkitchen.site
Gregorio's Trattoria: A Place to Bring the Whole Family
A Potomac staple with multiple Best of Potomac wins for Best Family Restaurant, Gregorio's Trattoria's second Park Potomac location brings the same scratch-made sauces and hand-rolled meatballs, plus a bar and private dining. 12505 Park Potomac Avenue, Suite 110, Potomac, MD 20854 | gregoriostrattoria.com
VIRGINIA
Istanbul Kitchen: A Taste of Turkey at Tysons
Tucked inside Tysons Corner Center, Istanbul Kitchen brings Turkish cooking to Northern Virginia with customizable platters, savory borek and baklava. An approachable way to sample several flavors in one visit. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 7901L, McLean, VA 22102 | istanbulkitchenva.com
Ometeo: A Night Out With Friends
Ometeo is the spot Tysons regulars pick for a lively dinner, rooted in Tex-Mex tradition with Gulf Coast influence. Fajitas, tacos and an extensive agave program keep the table full. 1640 Capital One Drive North, Tysons, VA 22102 | ometeotexmex.com
The Angie: Ballston's New All-Day Hangout
Ballston's newest all-day hangout brings New York bistro energy to Northern Virginia, serving French-inflected American fare from morning coffee through late-night drinks. Come for the smash burger, stay for the people watching. 3901 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203 | theangieva.com
L'Auberge Chez Francois: A Classic Worth the Drive
Set on six wooded acres in Great Falls, L'Auberge Chez Francois has been a Washington institution since 1976. The Haeringer family's Alsatian inn pairs a romantic garden with classic French cuisine. 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA 22066 | laubergechezfrancois.com
Dolan Uyghur: Now Open in Arlington
Arlington is now home to the fifth outpost of Dolan Uyghur, the DMV's homegrown Central Asian group. Hand-pulled noodles, grilled kebabs and savory pides, all halal, built on a loyal regional following. 320 23rd Street South, Unit 50, Arlington, VA 22202 | dolanuyghur.com
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Gaia Supperclub: Dinner and a Show
Downtown's newest see-and-be-seen spot blends Mediterranean and Latin flavors with nightclub energy. Chopped winner Chef Sammy Davis built a menu around shareable moments, deep-fried hummus to tomahawk ribeye, with DJs and dancers turning dinner into a show. 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 | gaiasupperclub.com
Fiola Mare: Worth the Splurge
Fiola Mare delivers a true occasion on the Georgetown waterfront. Chef Fabio Trabocchi's Italian seafood restaurant is known for lobster ravioli, a tableside seafood cart and floor-to-ceiling Potomac views. 3050 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 | fiolamaredc.com
Rose's Luxury: DC's Toughest Table
This Michelin-starred Capitol Hill favorite helped put Washington's dining scene on the map. Tucked into a converted townhouse with a coveted rooftop table, chef Aaron Silverman's family-style menu remains one of the city's hardest reservations. 717 8th Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 | rosesluxury.com
Best of Potomac
No food roundup of the Potomac area is complete without a nod to the community favorites our readers voted best in class. Here's a look back at our 2026 Best of Potomac winners, while we count down to the 2027 results, arriving this December.
Best Bagels Bagels and Grinds | Potomac, MD bagelsngrinds.com | 301.299.7701
Best Breakfast/Brunch Summer House Santa Monica | North Bethesda, MD summerhousesm.com | 301.881.2381
Best Brewery Brookeville Beer Farm | Brookeville, MD brookevillebeerfarm.com | 301.260.1000
Best Buffet Umi Hot Pot & Sushi | Rockville, MD umibuffet.com | 240.430.8000
Best Cakes Nothing Bundt Cakes | Bethesda, MD nothingbundtcakes.com | 240.297.1976
Best Chocolate and Confections Chouquette | Gaithersburg, MD chouquette.us.com | 301.651.4442
Best Crab Cakes O'Donnell's Market | Potomac, MD odonnellsmarket.com | 301.251.6355
Best Event Catering Ridgewells Catering | Bethesda, MD ridgewells.com | 301.652.1515
Best Family Restaurant Gregorio's Trattoria | Potomac, MD gregoriostrattoria.com | 301.296.6168
Best Food Truck Pita on the Plaza | Bethesda, MD Instagram @pitaontheplaza | 240.467.7807
Best Gourmet Market & Seafood The Market at River Falls | Potomac, MD marketriverfalls.com | 301.765.8001
Best Healthy Restaurant Flower Child | North Bethesda, MD iamaflowerchild.com | 301.664.4971
Best New Restaurant Mykonos Restaurant | Potomac, MD Instagram @mykonosrestaurantpotomac | 240.614.7984
Best Oyster Bar King Street Oyster Bar | Potomac, MD kingstreetoysterbar.com | 301.296.6260
Best Sushi Kim's Yirasai Sushi | Potomac, MD yirasaisushi.com | 301.654.5599
Best Sushi Experience Kusshi Sushi | N. Bethesda, MD kusshisushi.com | 240.770.0355