50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near North Bethesda

“Let me first start by saying - I don't generally bother to leave reviews. My partner and I had a last minute plan change which led to a frantic finding of a restaurant the day-of to celebrate her birthday. Luckily, we landed on Julii. We were seated in the outdoor igloo, which until a larger/louder group came outside was the perfect atmosphere. Plenty warmer than I thought it would be, and despite feeling a little bit like bubble boy it was really cool being outside as the sun went down. Karen, our server, was incredible through and through. When we do come back it will be because of her. She gave us the perfect recommendations (labneh, Brussels sprouts, lamb shank, and the duck confit) and was right on time all night. The food is amazing, I am currently eating the leftover lamb shank while I write this because the portion is massive, and the food will speak for itself. The only part I left at a 4 star instead of 5 is value, which do not get mistaken I have gotten a whole let less for a whole lot more money. The portions were sizable and the food was 10/10 through and through. I am just not made of money and a $200 outing (2 apps, 2 entrees, 2 drinks, and one dessert) is not something that I can afford all that often. But if you can, I'd highly recommend this place for any occasion or otherwise.“

“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 :)“

“Did the cocktail mixing class. Great food and awesome experience!“

“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.“

“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“

“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+++“

“Absolutely delightful spot for a casual brunch / lunch with a ton of delicious baked goods and prepared grab-and-go items! Cagla and Rachel are the sweetest people I've ever met, and Cagla's cooking skills are absolutely out of this world -- fully worthy of the many James Beard nominations she's received over the years! For a quick but hearty brunch, I love their egg and cheese sandwich; it's genuinely one of the largest sandwiches I've ever seen, and includes two fried eggs, generous helping of melted cheese, and perfectly nutty and herby pesto sandwiched between two giant slices of fluffy, super flavorful focaccia. If you want something a little simpler, I'm obsessed with all of her tarts -- the butternut squash and goat cheese one is my favorite, but the spring / summer seasonal tart with leeks and walnuts is also incredible. I don't know how she manages to create such a crispy crust with a tender, super savory and slightly sweet interior, but each one of these tarts is just perfection.

They also offer catering for parties and corporate events, and I highly recommend. We got their food for a work holiday party last year, and we got rave reviews from all the guests. That was where I first fell in love with the butternut squash tart, but the oyster mushroom hummus was also a huge hit. Even the simpler items, like the kale salad or red lentil balls, are executed perfectly and are a huge crowd pleaser.

The only note is that Green Almond Pantry is part of the Grace Street Collective, so you can't make reservations and it can be a little tough to find seating among all the other restaurants and eateries. It's usually a little easier to find a spot if you come during an off hour -- either right when they open at 11 AM or a little later in the afternoon after the lunch rush. Even if you can't find a spot, their food is delicious to go and it's quite close to the Georgetown Waterfront, so you can always enjoy your meal outside if it's nice out.“

“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!“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.“

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

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

“Delicia de comida, recomendado al 100%“

“Please bring back the family meal!!!“

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

“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.“

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

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

“Incredible service. The team at Alhambra goes above and beyond to take care of every detail of your dining experience. Eg. Bought me a pair of readers without asking as I mentioned to my party that I had forgotten my glasses at home. Table side Tiramisu is chefs kiss. Go dine & enjoy!!“

“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.“

“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. 😫“

“Cute, no frills neighborhood place. we got there super early at 5 and were the only customers there.
The food was good and fresh, kids had chicken shawarma platter and husband had the Ruben sandwich, I had the gyro special. My favorite of everything was the garlic sauce.
I'll definitely be back.“

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

“The Hercules Burger is really good“

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

“Is the best Mexican food i ever tried. I used to eat from cava 3 or 2 time a week. I dont like to Cook sometimes so cava the first choice come to my mind and in the same time its healthy and they have multiple things to chose to eat. I recommend the place if u didnt tried it u have something wrong in ur life :D�� one more thing after u put all your toping end it with Lemon tahini dressing yummy yummy no regretting“

“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 😋“

“Great spot for roof dining 😎“

“The new kid on the block is a great lunch spot with reasonably priced and delicious food. I had the chicken shawarma sandwich and spoke to the chef. He elevated this basic dish to really nice levels and there's a unique spice blend that you won't find anywhere else. This is a tough location for a business but hopefully they can survive.“

“Thought I’d go by and give them a try today ,I ordered several different ones to see what was good and I must say the food was delicious and fresh! Can’t go wrong with any of them .Highly recommend!“

“Alberto has demonstrated exceptional customer service skills, effectively communicating and delivering exceptional customer experiences. His culinary expertise consistently prioritizes the use of fresh ingredients, resulting in consistently high-quality dishes.“

“Like a Greek Chipotle. Fast service, delicious food, tasty options. Recommend!“

“Absolutely delicious - the best falafels I’ve had in a long time and my family said the lamb/beef combo was very flavorful. The ingredients were fresh and the service was very attentive. And I’m still dreaming of the chocolate peanut butter cupcake I had - so good!“

“Service was fantastic. Food was wonderful and atmosphere perfect.“

“We had the best time at KooKoo DC last night. They accommodated a table of 14 for my spouse's birthday and never let us feel like an imposition. The food was so fresh, authentic, and reasonably priced - I did a double take when we got the bill. I even felt like we went all-out with apps, drinks, and desserts! The owner was also so kind - we just felt so cared for the whole time and can't wait to visit again.“

“The best⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

“Absolutely phenomenal! Get the rice pudding for dessert, I swear you will love it! Light orange flavor that accents the thick milky rice pudding, definitely not your Grandmother’s rice pudding!
Everything we ordered was amazing but I am going to have dreams of that rice pudding until the day I die it was so amazing.“

“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.“

“We just had my sons’ wedding rehearsal dinner at Villa Yara and it exceeded our and our guests expectations. The venue is superb, the food amazing and the staff amazing. This was one of those dining experiences you ask yourself how have I missed this place? There are not enough words to describe the excellence of Villa Yara. Do not overlook this restaurant for you will miss a great dining experience. Scott G.“

“I absolutely loved the food at CAVA. The variety of protein options is impressive, and everything tasted fresh and well prepared. The grilled chicken was one of the best I’ve had—juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly.

Adding feta cheese, cucumber, and Kalamata olives created an outstanding combination of flavors. Everything was well balanced and delicious.

On top of that, Edwin, the team member who assisted me at the register, was extremely kind, professional, and genuinely great. Excellent customer service, and thank you for the recommendation of the pita chips—they were a perfect addition to the meal.

I will definitely be coming back and highly recommend this place.“

“A Hidden Gem on Georgia Ave —
The new Steve Seas on Georgia Avenue is a must-visit. From the moment you walk in, the space feels completely transformed!
The menu is full of flavor and creativity. The Spanish-style risotto is a standout (my favorite) perfectly seasoned with a rich, savory depth and just the right texture. The steak is another hit: juicy, tender, and cooked exactly how you want it. Every dish feels fresh and thoughtfully prepared, with presentation that shows real attention to detail.
On top of the great food. The staff is welcoming, attentive, and genuinely seems happy to make sure everyone has a great time. Whether you’re out for a date night, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself to something new, Steve Seas hits all the right notes — delicious food, beautiful atmosphere, and friendly service.
In short, Steve Seas is a fresh new gem in D.C. that’s definitely worth checking out.“

“From outside it’s almost un noticeable. The service was great. Atmosphere was cool and easy and friendly but the most important thing the food was excellent. The Turkish coffee was excellent. Tea was excellent. We really enjoyed it and bubble baklava for dessert was superb.“

“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.“

“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...“

“Great Falafels! Nice atmosphere and very polite personnel“

“Alisa is excellent with service and outstanding at the front. She makes very good crepes and it tastes fantastic . She suggested us for banana strawberry crepe and was out of this world. Should have more people like her to represent your business. We will definitely come again for Banana strawberry crêpe .“