Located in Montgomery County, Rockville is considered part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area and is the third largest community in the county.
It is a beautiful spot for nature lovers with various nature centers such as the Croydon Creek Nature Center and plenty of trails to enjoy the foliage of every season. It also features several delicious restaurants and bars, some of which are better than others.
I took my time to research the many restaurants in the area, ate more food than anyone should, and checked out user reviews to find the best of the best. This article highlights the 13 best restaurants in Rockville.
1. Il Pizzico
$$ | 301-309-0610 | WEBSITE
Offering lunch and dinner, Il Pizzico is a great place to grab some authentic Italian food in Rockville. This place makes pasta from scratch, which makes all the difference. The atmosphere is great for a friendly gathering or a romantic date, and the service is excellent.
The full bar has a few televisions to accommodate patrons who want to sit at the bar and watch their favorite sports team. Il Pizzico does take reservations, which can easily be booked online. There is also a convenient online ordering option for those who want to grab takeout.
2. Mykonos Grill
$$ | 301-770-5999 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving authentic Greek cuisine in Rockville, Mykonos Grill is the place to go. The homemade tzatziki dip and the stuffed grape leaves are fabulous. There is a designated kid’s menu and high chairs available, so this place is very kid-friendly.
The restaurant has a nice selection of wines to pair with the traditional Mediterranean fare. There is indoor and outdoor seating, the latter of which is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring the whole family to enjoy this wonderful place.
3. Full On Craft Eats and Drinks
$$ | 240-669-3875 | WEBSITE
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This restaurant prides itself on making everything in-house. There are no preservatives, stabilizers, or chemicals used when making the food, so it is clean eating.
Full On Craft Eats and Drinks braises, rubs, marinates and roasts its meat to make delicious craft sandwiches such as Reubens, French dips, and meatloaf.
They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. This small sandwich shop is very cozy and offers beer and wine. Feel free to dine in or take the food to go, but either way, you won’t be disappointed.
4. Bao Bei
$$ | 240-424-5662 | WEBSITE
Bao Bei is a unique ghost kitchen that specializes in Chinese foods, served in convenient on-the-go containers for pick-up or delivery. Despite its hidden location between loading bays for supply trucks, Bao Bei offers an exceptional dining experience with perfectly marinated tofu and a limited yet well-executed menu.
The flavors are a delightful combination of saltiness and sweetness, ensuring a memorable and satisfying meal. Though there’s no dine-in space, Bao Bei’s delicious food can be enjoyed at home, in your car, or anywhere you choose.
5. Botanero Restaurant
$$ | 240-474-5461 | WEBSITE
Located in the King Farm neighborhood, Botanero Restaurant offers tapas with a little Latin flavor. The menu includes items such as chorizo mussels, ceviche, and spinach empanadas.
The service is pleasant, and they offer brunch on the weekends and happy-hour drink specials during the week. The food is more elevated and the vibe casual, and while they do allow children, it is definitely more of an adult hangout spot.
6. La Brasa
$$ | 301-468-8850 | WEBSITE
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This small restaurant might not look like much from the outside, but it offers some of the best Latin food in the area. It is small but does have some indoor seating, but some may prefer to get takeout. Prices are extremely reasonable and they have a selection for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
The owners are immigrants from El Salvadore and the menu is inspired by food from their home country, Mexico, Cuba, and Peru. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is casual.
It is a cozy little place to grab authentic, tasty food. It also has a full bar, so feel free to order an adult beverage to pair with your Latin-inspired food.
7. Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge
$$ | 301-294-0200 | WEBSITE
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If you are looking for a fancy but tasty meal, Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge is the place for you. They offer a raw bar full of oysters and clams and have oyster happy hours twice daily. The prices are a little high, but the quality makes it worth it.
This restaurant offers dine-in or takeout and has valet parking for your convenience. While it has more of a date night, celebratory atmosphere, it does have high chairs available for when you bring the little ones along.
8. Fontina Grill
$$$ | 301-947-5400 | WEBSITE
Fontina Grill is a nice Italian restaurant located in the heart of the King Farm neighborhood. The menu features traditional pasta dishes, seafood, and antipasti like fried calamari. The service is excellent and the ambiance is warm and inviting.
They recently reopened indoor dining, but also offer outdoor seating and takeout. The restaurant does accept reservations, but if you end up waiting for a table, there is a full bar where you can get a drink before dinner.
9. Yetka Market Kabob Counter
$$ | 301-984-0005 | WEBSITE
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Due to Covid-19, this restaurant is only available for takeout or delivery, but if you are craving some delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare, this is the place to go. Yetka Market Kabob Counter is women-run and has been around since 1980.
They have plenty of vegan and vegetarian options and everything is delicious. It’s also inside an Iranian grocery store, so feel free to walk around and check out the various Iranian goods while you wait for your food.
10. Mosaic Cuisine
$$ | 301-468-0682 | WEBSITE
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This quaint, but stylish restaurant offers indoor dining and has plenty of pet-friendly outdoor seating. The service is attentive and the menu is unique, with items like goat cheese, caramelized onions, lamb pitas, and monkfish medallions with curried lobster sauce.
This modern French restaurant has a contemporary atmosphere and offers beer, wine, and cocktails to pair with delicious food. High chairs are available upon request, so you can bring the little tikes along. The staff is also happy to accommodate various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free.
11. Villa Maya
$$ | 301-460-1247 | WEBSITE
If you are looking for fine Mexican cuisine, then look no further than Villa Maya in Rockville. The restaurant has a colorful atmosphere and a friendly staff. The food is Tex-Mex style but delicious. They offer dine-in and takeout and have an amazing brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
This place is great for solo dining, groups, and dates, and is kid-friendly. They also have a full bar, so feel free to grab a margarita or other adult beverage with your meal to make it a real fiesta.
12. La Canela
$$ | 301-251-1550 | WEBSITE
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La Canela offers authentic Peruvian cuisine and is one of the first Peruvian restaurants to open in the area. This family-owned and operated establishment is all about bringing friends and families together to share a meal and are proud to share their Peruvian heritage with the community.
They offer lunch, dinner, and dessert and have a little something for everyone, including vegetarians and those that need to eat gluten-free. There is also a full bar with beer, specialty cocktails, and wine. The restaurant offers dine-in and takeout and takes reservations for those who are planning a nice night out.
Summary
Rockville, Maryland has plenty to offer in regard to nature’s beauty, but it also has plenty of places to grab a good bite to eat with or without a drink.
Whether you are craving Latin, Greek, Middle Eastern, or pub food, there is a place in Rockville for you. I hope you found something on this list of the 12 best restaurants in Rockville that had you drooping and ready for a visit.
