In the 2010s, Bethesda moved to the forefront of a nationwide trend: residents looking for a blend of suburban tranquility and walkable access to exceptional lifestyle options. This “new luxury,” epitomized by districts such as Bethesda Row, started drawing comparisons to Aspen, Colorado, from the Washington Post, which positioned Bethesda as one of the most upscale suburban centers in the United States. Today, this standout enclave has not only lived up to its blossoming reputation but redefined it.

Curious how this bustling community has continued to evolve over the last few years? You’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for a look at some of the most exciting new additions to the Bethesda scene today!

#1 Aventino:

Brought to you by Red Hen chef Mike Friedman, this Roman-Italian restaurant just opened its doors in downtown Bethesda. The menu explores the roots of Jewish culture in Roman cuisine with dishes like fried artichokes and chicken liver-studded risotto fritters. Of course there are plenty of pastas too, from cacio e pepe to sunchoke tortellini. Next door, you’ll find AP Pizza Shop, a smaller version of downtown darling All-Purpose that also serves slices.

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#2 Salt Line:

The 7,500-square-foot nautical venture imports summer-ready favorites found at the 6-year-old riverfront original next to Nationals Park, including lobster rolls, seafood towers, smash burgers, baked clams, and beloved “stuffies” — a New England staple featuring baked middleneck clams, smoked linguica, lemon, bread crumbs, and parmesan. The new location also introduces a special late-night menu — a rare feature for the Maryland suburb — with half-priced oysters, $10 espresso martinis, and $5 Narragansett beers.

#3 Tacombi:

Tacombi is known for beer-battered Alaskan cod tacos, wrapped in homemade corn and flour tortillas. Other popular dishes include quesadillas with thinly-sliced Mexico City-style al pastor roasted pork; sweet potato, kale, and poblano pepper burritos; and corn esquites. Located on the corner of Bethesda Avenue, Tacombi’s second DMV restaurant spans 4,500 square feet and includes an open kitchen where diners can watch the team’s taqueros at work. Views from the dining room also look out to the Capital Crescent Trail and green space currently in development.

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#4 Call Your Mother:

The rapidly-expanding local bagel shop picked its newest location at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda to debut its first dinner menu. Opened in September 2021 at 11807 Grand Park Avenue, the “Jew-ish” deli serves pizza bagels, pastrami brisket tacos, and breakfast sandwiches starting at 4 PM, while breakfast starts at 8 AM.

#5 Hip Flask:

The wait for a high-rise rooftop bar in Bethesda is officially over with the recent opening of Hip Flask, which sits atop the new 12-story Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ. This hotel bar at 7707 Woodmont Avenue is awash in nautical blues, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace to take in the Bethesda skyline. Order local Maryland brews, speakeasy-style cocktails served in flasks, and small bites like pimento cheese deviled eggs.

Thinking about buying in Bethesda? Get in touch with our team directly by calling us at 202.280.2060 or emailing us at jsmira@jennsmira.com.