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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Bethesda

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34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of matchbox Bethesda restaurant
1. matchbox Bethesda
4.2
Awesome(196)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Bethesda
Booked 5 times today
We’re known for wood-fired pizzas, mini burgers, fresh salads and chef-inspired entrées, like pan-seared sea bass and oven-roasted filet mignon. It’s American bistro fare, crafted from high quality ingredients with a chef at the helm in every kitchen.Matchbox draws in passersby with oversized windows lining the sidewalk and a front-row view of the blazing pizza oven. Once indoors, the vibe remains warm and residential, as though guests are being welcomed into the Matchbox home. The design achieves this effect through elements like draperies to soften some of the more industrial edges and add texture, open shelving and wine displays, light gray wood wainscotting, and hardwood flooring throughout to lend natural warmth. Hand-painted murals from local artists add further context to the neighborhood, and bring in a touch of personality as well.Outdoor seating on patios along both Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street offer plentiful people-watching in warmer months.
A photo of Summer House - North Bethesda restaurant
2. Summer House - North Bethesda
4.6
Exceptional(3500)
Price: Moderate
• American • North Bethesda
Booked 50 times today
Located in the heart of the Pike and Rose neighborhood in North Bethesda, MD, Summer House is the place where summer never ends. Enjoy seasonal specialties, market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and fresh antipasti from Chef Ben Goodnick’s California-inspired menu. Rosé is poured all day, alongside an extensive wine and handcrafted cocktail list. Reserve your table today for a bright and airy dining experience no matter the weather. For parties of 9 or more, email summermdparties@lettuce.com. Carryout and delivery are available, or visit The Cookie Bar for a selection of fresh-baked goods, sourdough English muffins, Summer House's renowned oversized cookies, small-batch coffee, and specialty espresso drinks.
A photo of LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar restaurant
3. LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar
4.4
Awesome(540)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Woodley Park
Booked 8 times today
Just steps from the Smithsonian National Zoo, Marriott Wardman-Park and Omni Shoreham, LiLLiES Restaurant & Bar is a family-owned restaurant which serves a mix of traditional Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary edge. When the weather is warm, diners can relax around mosaic tables on the terrace patio. On cooler days, the hardwood floors, candlelight and exposed brick inside make for a snug retreat. Brunch is served on both Saturdays and Sundays, and offers options for health-conscious patrons, such as a Greek yogurt parfait, and for those looking to indulge—say, in the Nutella-smothered French toast.
A photo of Dauphine’s restaurant
4. Dauphine’s
4.6
Exceptional(1392)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
Dauphine’s is a modern day incarnation of the dramatic Grande Dame establishments of New Orleans, brought to you by the award winning Long Shot Hospitality - the team behind DC's beloved The Salt Line Restaurants. Dauphine’s utilizes Mid-Atlantic ingredients to prepare classic New Orleans fare while also creating original dishes inspired by the legendary city. All brought to you in a breathtaking spacious downtown restaurant setting with the most beautiful bar in downtown DC, plenty of patio dining, and a festive outdoor bar and garden area. Located in the Midtown Center, Dauphine's is just steps from the White House, National Theater, Convention Center, Cap One Arena and most downtown attractions and provides an elegant yet relaxed dining atmosphere for any occasion. Dauphine’s serves Dinner seven nights a week and Brunch on weekends, with Happy Hour every day 4pm-7pm and an ALL DAY Happy Hour on Sundays - plus don't miss our signature Sunday Live Jazz Brunch! We hope to see you soon!
A photo of CIRCA at Clarendon restaurant
5. CIRCA at Clarendon
4.7
Exceptional(1461)
Price: Moderate
• American • Arlington
Booked 3 times today
All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!Our Dining Room and Patio are Open!
A photo of The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea restaurant
6. The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea
4.5
Awesome(333)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Downtown
Booked 3 times today
Luxuriate in the hotel’s grand lobby lounge for one of our most cherished afternoon traditions. Enjoy the finest selection of teas from Dammann Frères, exquisite tea sandwiches, delicious sweets, and homemade scones. Feel free to lavish your experience with our selective optional Champagne pairings. $109,00 per person, excluding tax & gratuity. Available Thursday - Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:45pm.
A photo of Peacock Café restaurant
7. Peacock Café
4.9
Exceptional(1978)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Georgetown
Booked 15 times today
Maziar Farivar, Chef/Proprietor serves contemporary American cuisine with flavors of around the world in an elegant, comfortable & cosmopolitan setting. Celebrating over 28 year Anniversary in Georgetown, Peacock Cafe is a dining experience not to be missed when in Georgetown. In addition to our wonderful lunch menu, we do offer a selection of our popular breakfast items as well on weekdays (11am-4pm). Chef Maziar, on dinner menu offers a greater variety of small plates and entrees from contemporary American to small selection of Contemporary Iranian (Persian) dishes. Enjoy a comprehensive wine list from boutique wineries to large labels and fabulous signature cocktails from the bar to compliment your dining experience.
A photo of Georgia Brown's restaurant
8. Georgia Brown's
4.4
Awesome(8794)
Price: Expensive
• Low Country • Downtown
Booked 47 times today
Come and experience our lively interpretation of South Carolina Low-Country cuisine. Enjoy good southern food, servers who bubble over with hospitality, and a dining room that is truly distinctive. With its golden woods and bronze sculptures that crawl across the ceiling, designer Adam Tihany has created an atmosphere to awaken your senses. What better place to enjoy low country cuisine than in this contemporary environment celebrating the south. Offering the flavor of the South - the Soul of Washington; where we will be sure to leave a light burning in the window for you, our guests.22% service charge is included on every check. 18% is distributed directly to service workers on top of their base wages, and the remaining 4% is used to help pay for all staff costs due to the District of Columbia's Initiative 82. You may choose to leave an additional tip!https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaBrownsRestaurant/https://www.instagram.com/georgiabrowns_dc/http://gbrowns.com/
A photo of Chef Geoff's West End restaurant
9. Chef Geoff's West End
4.4
Awesome(1592)
Price: Moderate
• American • West End
Booked 15 times today
A vibrant, modernized iteration of the original Chef Geoff’s offering seasonal dishes full of flavor. You will feel welcome here for any occasion large or small. Our made from scratch menu offers something for everyone. From pizza, salads and burgers to our more elaborate main dishes, one thing is for certain, we don’t skimp on flavor! Our bar covers all ends of the spectrum from our famous Supermugs (giant beers) to our handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy our open air dining, people watching on the patio or or our beautifully designed dining room!
A photo of Milk & Honey - The Wharf restaurant
10. Milk & Honey - The Wharf
4.1
Excellent(118)
Price: Moderate
• American • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 42 times today
Milk and Honey is a New Orleans themed Southern Brunch that features Award Winning Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, RumChata French Toast and specializes in other slow cooked mouth-watering favorites. No matter the type of experience you are looking for, we have the dish for you. Join us for brunch with friends, lovers, family and everyone in between. Carryout available at all locations. Milk and Honey Wharf is located along the beautiful Southeast Waterfront in Washington DC. A Southern Brunch Restaurant and one of our “Full Service” locations, we are excited to share a delectable menu featuring Butter Glazed Biscuits, Old Bay Wings, and award-winning Shrimp & Grits.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • FadaVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •147 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We truly appreciate the fabulous food (I had the salmon salad and my sister had a salad with shrimp). The ambiance is always welcoming (although it is generally cold since the vents blast air), and the service is remarkable. We enjoy CIRCA so much.
    More info
    CIRCA at ClarendonPrice: Moderate• American• Arlington
    •
    4.7
  • BretVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 16, 2024
    My waiter was perfect. Attentive and responsive without ever being intrusive.
    More info
    Summer House - North BethesdaPrice: Moderate• American• North Bethesda
    •
    4.6
  • PaulaVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 13, 2024
    Dauphine’s is an absolute gem in Washington, DC, blending the vibrant flavors of New Orleans Creole cuisine with a contemporary twist. From the moment you walk in, the warm and welcoming ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The food is nothing short of outstanding. Their menu offers a variety of small and large plates, allowing you to sample a wide range of their creative dishes—including a fantastic raw bar. Every bite bursts with flavor, showing their dedication to both tradition and innovation. The bar menu is equally impressive, with options for every palate. What truly sets Dauphine’s apart is the exceptional service. The wait staff is attentive, striking the perfect balance between being available and giving you space to enjoy your meal. The manager stopping by after each course to ensure we were happy was a thoughtful touch that elevated the experience even further. If you’re visiting DC, I can’t recommend Dauphine’s enough. Whether you’re a lover of Creole cuisine or just looking for an incredible meal, this restaurant is a must-visit. Five stars all the way!
    More info
    Dauphine’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • christina
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    Our dinner was wonderful from the appatizer to the flan. Portions were perfect. Lisa our server was so nice and made sure our dinner was perfect. Highly recommend eating here and can't wait to go back.
    More info
    LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Woodley Park
    •
    4.4
  • Corina
    Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    The server was kind, didn’t rush us, and even joked around a bit. The street corn app and fried chicken sandwich were sooo good. Will definitely come back again for brunch!
    More info
    matchbox BethesdaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Bethesda
    •
    4.2

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