Best Authentic Restaurants in Kensington

145 restaurants available nearby

1. Melina

4.8

Exceptional(1415)

Price: Expensive

• Greek • North Bethesda

Booked 24 times today

The name Melina is rooted in Greek origin and derives from the Greek word for "honey". "Mel" can be derived from the name Melissa meaning "honey-bee". The restaurant is named after the daughter of Co-Founder Chef Dimitri Moshovitis. “Melina” will honor the strength of the matriarchy in the Greek family. It will lean vegetable-forward with modernized Greek classics from the sea and grilled meats. Greek cuisine is all about freshness and quality of ingredients and that will be on display in a fine casual setting.

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose restaurant

2. Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose

4.5

Awesome(678)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Bethesda

Booked 40 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.

3. Pacci's Trattoria

4.6

Exceptional(168)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Silver Spring

Booked 10 times today

Pacci's Trattoria is a family-owned Italian restaurant that offers a genuine Neapolitan dining experience. It's highly praised for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and homemade pastas, pizzas, and regional seafood and meats. The authenticity of its food and the warmth of its service are repeatedly mentioned in the reviews. One reviewer even described the pizzas as 'very much more than your standard takeaway.' Another highlighted the 'excellent authentic Italian wood-fired pizza.' This is why customers are always happy to return for the unique, enjoyable dining experience at Pacci's.

A photo of Founding Farmers MD: Potomac restaurant

4. Founding Farmers MD: Potomac

4.4

Awesome(12321)

Price: Moderate

• American • Rockville

Booked 173 times today

Founding Farmers - Montgomery County is an authentic American restaurant. It's repeatedly awarded Bethesda’s Best, and it's owned by American family farmers. They craft dishes and drinks from scratch using high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers they know and trust. As one reviewer noted, the food is 'always delicious', and the restaurant is 'great for breakfast, lunch and dinner'. The reviews consistently praise the quality of the food, the friendly service, and the inviting atmosphere.

5. Tower Oaks Lodge

4.7

Exceptional(10245)

Price: Moderate

• American • Rockville

Booked 85 times today

Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge, located just beyond the beltway in suburban Maryland, offers a rustic retreat reminiscent of the grand "Great Camps" of the Adirondack Mountains from the early 1900s. With its grand fireplaces, cozy nooks, and wood-beamed ceilings, Tower Oaks Lodge provides a unique dining experience that combines the rugged beauty of the wilderness with Clyde's Restaurant Group's commitment to exceptional dining and hospitality. Tower Oaks Lodge offers a seasonal menu that showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a favorite for both casual diners and those seeking a memorable evening out. Indoor and outdoor seating available with lunch, dinner, and brunch service.

A photo of Miss Toya's Creole House - Silver Spring restaurant

6. Miss Toya's Creole House - Silver Spring

4.5

Awesome(59)

Price: Moderate

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Silver Spring

Booked 48 times today

Discover the vibrant flavors of New Orleans right in the heart of Silver Spring at Miss Toya's Creole House. Our Silver Spring location invites you to experience the rich, soulful tastes of authentic Creole cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of spicy jambalaya, succulent crawfish étouffée, or our mouthwatering beignets, each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of Southern hospitality.At Miss Toya's, we take pride in our family recipes and the time-honored traditions of Creole cooking. Our restaurant offers a cozy, yet lively setting perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Enjoy our signature cocktails and an extensive selection of wines and craft beers that perfectly complement our menu.Join us at our Silver Spring location and savor the best of Creole cuisine with a side of charm and a lot of heart.

A photo of Spanish Diner - Bethesda restaurant

7. Spanish Diner - Bethesda

4.2

Awesome(3886)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Bethesda

Booked 27 times today

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.

8. Cubanos

4.8

Exceptional(22)

Price: Expensive

• Cuban • Bethesda

Booked 2 times 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 The Society Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

9. The Society Restaurant & Lounge

4.5

Awesome(602)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Silver Spring

Booked 15 times today

CARRYOUT SERVICES continue to be available: WWW.SOCIETYSS.COM 301-565-8864Our cuisine combines classic American fare with authentic Caribbean flavors. Special menu features include Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Red Snapper, and Homemade Bread Pudding. At The Society Restaurant & Lounge, we are inspired by our deep love of people, community, and hearty food. We celebrate the achievements of past and present influences and promote collective involvement to advance our local community. Come and grab a drink. Stay for dinner. We welcome you to experience the best of who we are, where we go, and what we eat. Ask us about our corporate happy hour specials and birthday party packages.

A photo of Casa Oaxaca - Bethesda restaurant

10. Casa Oaxaca - Bethesda

4.7

Exceptional(387)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • Bethesda

Booked 8 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.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RickVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined today
We had a great brunch at Founding Farmers today. Service was excellent. Everyone ordered something different and all were happy with their order.
More info
Founding Farmers MD: PotomacPrice: Moderate• American• Rockville
•
4.4
S
StuartVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •33 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Great food, nice service, good value. Great neighborhood Italian food. Parking is a challenge.
More info
Pacci's TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Silver Spring
•
4.6
K
KarenVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •153 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
With the exception of not getting to see Beau, we had another outstanding evening at Caruso‘s. Our waiter Sam was fantastic, and our gifted meatball appetizer was beyond appreciated. We thoroughly enjoyed our Caesar salad, the spicy Ragu and the calamari— all were excellent. We enjoyed the bourbon, old-fashioned and the Chianti. We love coming to Caruso’s and leave feeling the same way every time.
More info
Caruso's Grocery - Pike & RosePrice: Expensive• Italian• North Bethesda
•
4.5
S
Salil
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and service are excellent. Dinner and drinks for two was reasonably priced and literally everything was somewhere between "very good" and "holy cow, TRY THIS!"
More info
MelinaPrice: Expensive• Greek• North Bethesda
•
4.8
K
Karen
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Kalin what is wonderful and kept all of our requests and his mind and quickly presented. We were surprised how busy it was, but the staff was efficient and they knew how to handle all the tables. There were five in our group. We all ordered something different and we all were very pleased with our dinners. We will go back!
More info
Tower Oaks LodgePrice: Moderate• American• Rockville
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Kensington

Best Authentic Restaurants in Kensington

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

145 restaurants available nearby

1. Melina

2. Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose

3. Pacci's Trattoria

4. Founding Farmers MD: Potomac

5. Tower Oaks Lodge

6. Miss Toya's Creole House - Silver Spring

7. Spanish Diner - Bethesda

8. Cubanos

9. The Society Restaurant & Lounge

10. Casa Oaxaca - Bethesda

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable