50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near Bethesda

“Dalia's Falafel catered my husband's big bash birthday party last weekend. It was the best catering experience we have ever had, and I want everyone within a 100 mile radius of downtown Bethesda to know about this fantastic establishment located at 7750 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, 20814. Ben, Cody and Kevin provided more than generous portions of outstanding food as well as practical support and guidance on preparing, presenting, serving, and storing their delicious trays of salads, sauces and, of course, falafels. They made the entire experience simple and easy. The value of the service we received was far greater than the fee that we paid -- truly! Please don't hesitate to consider Dalia's Falfel, a unique party option, for your next celebration“

“Amazing tasty dishes and friendly service. My family loves the Old Gtown Wrap!“

“Please bring back the family meal!!!“

“Great Hospitality, Great service the Best Pizza In Bethesda Washington.... Soma's, Kobob Over Rice, And Pasta Very inventive Selection that caters to the locals in Bethesda and Suprior Delicious... Very affordable and Consistent... Fresh Delicious Pasta, pizza, Garlic Bread, and Pita....w Humus...“

“On St Elmo brings something genuinely fresh to Bethesda’s nightlife scene. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels elevated, modern, and intimate. The lighting, decor, and layout strike the perfect balance between swanky and social. Cocktails are delicious and the menu is on point. High-energy enough to create a vibe, but not so loud that you can’t hold a conversation. On St Elmo is the kind of place Bethesda has been missing.“

“My friends and I had a wonderful dinner experience here. Abdullah was our server and it was obvious from the advice and explanations he gave that he was really knowledgeable and experienced. Appetizers, main dishes and drinks were delicious and enjoyable. We will definitely come back, you can ask for a good service from him. Excellent service and thank you for your interest!“

“I go to this Cava at Bethesda Row fairly often and the service, primarily from the FANTASTIC manager Manuel is what truly keeps me coming back. Thank you to the phenomenal staff of Cava Bethesda Row!“

“GREAT food, and some of the friendliest people in Bethesda! We’ll be frequent fliers...for sure.“

“I come here a lot with friends. The food is more fast food style but still very flavorful. There is great Farsi music and beautiful paintings inside. Would recommend getting the Koobideh kabob and make sure to ask for your rice to be Tahdig. You won’t regret it :)“

“Great food and excellent service. John was fantastic. 100% recommend“

“Agora DC made my husband’s surprise birthday dinner party one to remember! From the superior customer service and professionalism of their special events management team, including Tsednia Abay, to the Michelin Star-worthy food and service, no detail was left untouched. Thank you to your entire team!😍“

“Just an incredible restaurant - amazing food out of this world our server was simply impressive with one month on the job - I can't say enough good things about him. I will always be back !!!“

“5 stars isn't enough!! From the moment we walked in until the end of our night we were satisfied. The decorations, food, and service was amazing! They even offered me a quiet place to pray :). Give this place a try-trust me (portions may seem small, but it was very filling- we ordered the bowl of fries, which came with a delicious sauce, CROQUETTES, fish burger, beef burger, and gnocchi pomodoro. It felt like we were in nyc enjoy :)“

“In recent years there seems to be a proliferation of small-plate Mediterranean restaurants. But Yayla remains as one of the best, reasonably priced originals in northern Virginia. There is a pleasing range of mezzes, salads, entrees hot and cold, flat breads, spreads, etc . I had a Yayla mule, 3 spreads, lemony rice soup and superb shrimp. Friends chose a range of other dishes. I can guarantee whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Everything is flavorful, fresh and beautifully presented. Wait staff and servers are friendly, attentive, knowledgeable and not obtrusive. Don’t miss the nice selection of creative cocktails, wine variety and desserts. Continued success and best wishes for this popular bistro!“

“This Mediterranean fusion restaurant is a gem on the H Street corridor. The service is attentive and friendly and the food is top notch. This family run establishment has roots in Turkey - Istanbul, specifically - where they have several restaurants. I’m so glad that they decided to bring their cuisine to our neighborhood.
The baba ganoush is not your typical Middle Eastern dip, spiced wonderfully with peppers. We also enjoyed the lentil soup. Do not sleep on this. You never thought lentil soup could be so luxurious. We ordered the lamb chops and kofte as mains. Both were delicious. The couscous and carrots that accompanied the lamb were perfect. Not an afterthought like can happen so often with sides.
We didn’t have room for the Dubai chocolate cheesecake. We’re saving that for another visit. We did order the panda cotta, however. Chef’s kiss! Just like everything else we ate. Definitely try this place out! You won’t be disappointed. We’re gonna make it part of our regular rotation. Welcome Tiffany’s to the neighborhood!“

“Food was exceptional and so was the service. The ice cream sandwich dessert was to die for!“

“Absolutely amazing food, atmosphere, and service! My new favorite restaurant in DC. Food is tasty and authentic. Staff is friendly, responsive, and timely. And the restaurant is clean, nicely decorated, and spacious with plenty of seating inside and out. The Adana Lebab, Turkish tea, and Backlava are must-tries. A+++“

“Exceptional Service. Culinary Excellence. Our dining experience at JOON was extraordinary, made even better by the exceptional service from our server, Yacine. His thoughtful recommendations, warm demeanor, and perfectly timed attentiveness made for an unforgettable evening. Even as the restaurant got busier, Yacine maintained his focus on us— a warm and welcoming touch that elevated the entire experience. Thank you! As fans of Persian cuisine and frequent shoppers at Yekta Market in Rockville— having recently tried our hand at making Persian dishes like Fesenjan at home— coupled with all of the culinary accolades— we had high expectations for JOON. It not only met but exceeded them. Mast-o Musir, yogurt dish with Persian dried shallot and rose petal, was exceptional— more elevated and nuanced than any we’ve had. The mushroom Khoresht stew with white truffle was another highlight, offering perfectly balanced flavors something hard to do with white truffles and a satisfying richness, complemented by the perfectly crunchy Tahdig, iconic golden rice crust. The braised lamb shoulder which Yacine suggested was the undeniable highlight of the meal I which each dish was excellent. Tender and flavorful, it was paired beautifully with texture. It’s a signature dish that rivals the best we’ve ever had, bringing to mind the legendary Bo Ssam pork shoulder from David Chang’s Momofuku— bold, unforgettable, and expertly prepared. The Gormeh Sabzi, short rib stew with its delicious sour depth, was excellent but couldn’t quite match the lamb’s showstopping brilliance. Two very minor points. While the food and service are exceptional, the main dining room lighting would benefit from dimming. A water filtration water system could make a big difference as well. JOON has firmly secured its place as a must-visit dining destination for us. We can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu.“

“This is my all-time favorite place for Italian spaghetti. Excellent food. The servers are the best. If you drive anywhere near this place you should be sure to stop in!“

“The staff is very friendly great place to just have some family time and enjoy great food“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
River Club – Georgetown

I had an excellent experience at River Club. The food was outstanding, with beautiful presentation and dishes that were clearly prepared with dedication and full of flavor. Every plate looked amazing and tasted even better.

The service was great from start to finish—attentive, professional, and welcoming. The bartender was phenomenal, crafting exceptional drinks that truly elevated the experience.

Overall, a fantastic dining experience with great food, amazing drinks, and top-notch service. Highly recommend!“

“Casamara is an absolute standout in the world of fine dining. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and inviting. The menu is a true celebration of culinary artistry—every dish is thoughtfully crafted, bursting with vibrant flavors and presented like a work of art. The drinks are equally impressive, balancing creativity and elegance to complement the food perfectly. What truly sets Casamara apart is the impeccable service: attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about creating an unforgettable experience. Dining here isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey through taste and refinement. Highly recommend Casamara for anyone seeking next-level cuisine and hospitality.“

“My son and I dined here July 4th holiday for my birthday. I was quickly impressed by the enthusiasm of the staff. My compliments to staff and cook as well as the owners.“

“Great quality and quantity for the price. You can get a chicken shawarma bowl with delicious saffron rice for $10 with 6 toppings, choice of meat, and 2 sauces and they are generous with all.

My only complaints were that I thought the beef shawarma was a little chewy and there were no water cups.“

“Delicia de comida, recomendado al 100%“

“The gentleman at the counter had wonderful customer service. We paid for our food even brought it to the table, which was very nice. It felt like fine dining, he gave us a bit of conversation and seem like such a pleasant gentlemen. I enjoyed the food. It was amazing. I eat every drop and the baklava ice cream with everything took a friend for the first time. My friend said he enjoyed it, and we will definitely be back again. I recommend this place highly if you love Greek food and gyros.“

“Elegant setting. Beautiful decor. Stellar service. Innovative and delectable cuisine. Bonus points for mocktail options.“

“The food is wonderful, the staff is warm and friendly and it’s priced very reasonably!“

“Family style meals are fantastic. Had eaten at a Greek relative's house. Ordered for the first time. Not only was the food delicious, each order fed about 8-10 people with folks having seconds. Lots of leftovers. Several asked guests made sure they had Talia's number when they left.“

“I was there for the opening day and it was wonderful. The staff are so friendly and had huge smiles on their faces. The line moved quickly and the food was delicious and made exactly to order. The soup was still piping hot when I got back to the office. So happy they finally opened a location in Union Station.“

“The food was fresh and delicious! The service was excellent and the owner came around to talk to us! He was so sweet!! He made us feel like family! I will definitely recommend this lovely establishment to my family and friends! I should have taken more photos, but I forgot- it was as sooo goo!!“

“I go here 2 to 4 times a month at least. I really enjoy the fresh ingredients and choices.“

“the whole thing - the people - the food - all good“

“Stumbled into Akivva Grill after my dog’s vet appointment nearby — great find. Fresh ingredients, well-seasoned meat on the spit, and generous portions at a fair price. Clean spot, no-frills service — the older guys are focused on the food, not small talk. Just order, eat, and enjoy.“

“I specifically chose this restaurant to bring a Valentines date with high standards. She was very impressed and I was as well. The service was not overbearing, and very polite. The food was absolutely delicious and is a must try if you are looking for upscale Mediterranean food. We got the scallops and the rack of lamb which were cooked perfectly, and we enjoyed the bread and hummus for appetizers as well. The cocktails are pricy but generous and smooth. They looked very classy and were easy to pair with the meals. The seating isn't too close to other patrons and therefore felt like a luxurious experience. Price of the full meal with two appetizers, two cocktails and two large main dishes plus a desert will be 150-300$ after tip. I would highly recommend this place for a special occasion.“

“I love it, the food is fresh and service is excellent!“

“Good food good staff. Will come Again.“

“Great spot for roof dining 😎“

“Excellent service, terrific food!“

“I love Cava; I eat there at least once a week. Today, however, I found an inch-and-a-half-long piece of METAL in my salad from the Germantown MD location. 😫“

“Best kept secret of DC. Best lamb kebab (and laffa!), best tabuleh, best kibbeh, best grape leaves, best lentil soup… Best!
May be gotta change the name, it’s a bit hard to understand what to expect .. but it is simply the best lunch each time I came… and indeed fresh, yummy & authentically Mediterranean.. thank you 🙏🏼“

“lunch was delicious and the Gelato was even more delicious deliciouser! 😋 sitting outside across from Kennedy Center was a plus.“

“Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.“

“What an excellent experience. This place is in a food court and it sure stands out from the rest. Went here recently with a friend and wow 🤩 the food was delicious. I really enjoyed the size for what you pay. The owner is very kind and offered great recommendations. I will 100% be back!“

“I travel a lot and this it’s my second time at cava I love the food and all the True members I really polite. They help me a lot explaining men about a new Shawarma chicken. I really love it. I spoke with the manager. He was really kind name is Carlos. He offer me a water cup, which is really cool. I recommend this place.“

“The atmosphere is just wonderful, all the staff are just so friendly and welcoming.The food is AMAZING. The only down side is that the portions are smaller than what I guess we are use to. But very flavorful delish 😋“

“CAVA is ideal for hosting groups. I like their website. It is very convenient and user friendly. I usually pick the pre fixed combo from the menu and it works well. Last time I chose to make my own. The user friendly website made us so easy to pick exactly what you like within limits of offering. For the first time I received my order slightly mixed up. I asked for dressing on the side and it came dressed-in. I ordered it with pita 🫓 which never arrived. The food was still good. I'm not sure if I shouldn't just stick to the preset combinations.“

“great customer service even late night“

“We had a wonderful breakfast this morning! The Beirut Breakfast, the Rose Water Latte, and Shaksura were all fabulous and the staff was lovely, friendly and helpful. Highly recommended!“

“Lamb chops steak is delicious! The fried potatoes were delicious! Brusselsprouts with fruit jam sweet and appetizing! His family's Pitabread can continue indefinitely“