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Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Bethesda

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Masala Art DC (Tenleytown) restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1149)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Indian • Tenleytown
'Too much is so good, you can't stop eating it. The tandoor-baked breads are not mere swabs for sauce but could be eaten, and enjoyed, on their own; the naan with cilantro and rock salt is terrific, as is the kulcha richly stuffed with minced lamb. Masala Art offers combinations you don't see often around here, but even its more familiar dishes can be revelations. Consider its samosas. They're flakier than a lot of the competition, and their filling of peas, potatoes and sweet raisins tastes fresher, too. A burst of cardamom in every bite helps. In the same vein, soft logs of minced lamb pulse with heat from jalapeno peppers, a shock offset with breezy mint. Pureed spinach is a vibrant green, flecked with corn and rich with garlic...' - WashingtonPost.com
A photo of Muoi Tieu restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(26)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Silver Spring
Booked 4 times today
Open Mon/Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun, closed Tues/Wed. Muoi Tieu is a cozy family-run Vietnamese restaurant and market in the heart of Takoma Park, Maryland, with a small but carefully curated menu that offers a combination of popular Vietnamese dishes (e.g., pho, spring rolls) and less common home-style dishes (e.g., braised pork belly, pan-fried fish with ginger nuoc cham) with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Our small market also offers a variety of common Vietnamese condiments, pantry items, and Asian snacks. Like our name, which means "salt and pepper" in Vietnamese, our concept is simple: we want to bring classic, savory Vietnamese food to our community.
A photo of Centrolina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2186)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 38 times today
Centrolina is an Italian restaurant and market, locally owned and operated by Chef Amy Brandwein, set in Washington’s CityCenterDC development. The Osteria showcases a seasonally driven menu of authentic and innovative Italian dishes offered for lunch and dinner. Chef Brandwein's menu is inspired from the seasons, Italian regionality and the wide variety of Chef curated product in the adjoining market. The market showcases a selection of imported Italian specialty items along with locally sourced meat, sustainable fish, and produce from local farms. The Centrolina kitchen produces daily hand crafted fresh pasta and sauces, antipasti and entrees available for takeaway. For parties of 7 people or more, we do require a prix-fixe menu, please email caroline@centrolinadc.com for additional information.
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(313)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 20 times today
Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.
A photo of Rania DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(572)
Price: Very Expensive
• Indian • Penn Quarter
Booked 13 times today
We are excited to welcome you to Rania, DC's hottest destination for modern Indian food. Tom Sietsema has called our food "some of the most inspired Indian cooking in DC." At Rania, we offer homage to the time-honored traditions, rich flavors, and spices of India in an intimate, luxurious setting. We look forward to sharing our vision with you!Presenting sophisticated, highly acclaimed 4-course prix-fixe menu, with an upcoming debut of our chef's tasting menu.Policies:-Dress Code: Smart Business Casual. No shorts, athletic wear, or baseball caps are allowed.-Children under 10 are not allowed in the main dining areas.-Reservations are available for parties of up to 6 people.- A non-refundable deposit of $30 per person is required for parties larger than 5.-A 20% gratuity will be added to all parties 5 or more.For large party or private dining inquiries, please email: Info@raniadc.com
A photo of Mazi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(748)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 23 times today
Creative New American Cuisine influenced and inspired by Greek and Mediterranean recipes and flavors.
A photo of Station 4 restaurant
4.0
Excellent(3857)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Waterfront
Booked 35 times today
Discover Station 4 Restaurant, an oasis of creative cuisine nestled in the heart of Washington, DC. Just a block away from the Arena Stage and steps from the Wharf and Waterfront Metro Station/Green Line, our swanky setting offers the perfect atmosphere for your special foodie experience, date night, celebrations, birthdays, and more.Springtime at Station 4 is an unforgettable experience with our refreshing spring menu, vibrant seasonal cocktails, and enchanting Garden Room and patio. Revel in the delightful ambiance while enjoying Modern American and Creative New American dishes crafted with passion and flair.Since 2011, Station 4 has been a cornerstone of the thriving SW development, delighting guests with our commitment to exceptional service and culinary excellence. Join us for lunch, dinner, brunch, or happy hour and let us make your visit truly triumphant.We love your special request! So feel free to contact us directly!
A photo of Paraiso restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(208)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Capitol Hill
Booked 12 times today
Paraiso is a creative cuisine inspired by the streets and home kitchens of Mexico, offering an innovative and interesting twist on traditional Mexican dishes. Reviewers praise the 'amazing, creative Mexican dishes' and 'different and delicious spin on tacos and guacamole'. The menu is described as 'upscale Mexican not TexMex' and the restaurant offers 'a fabulous experience' with 'excellent food and service'.
A photo of Anthem at Marriott Marquis DC restaurant
4.2
Awesome(96)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Experience Americana with a modern twist. Creative cuisine from locally-sourced ingredients is the high note of Anthem, a vibrant urban café at Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. Executive chef Frederic Barasse applies culinary artistry from his previous position at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner to provide upscale versions of American diner classics. Experience farm to table quality in a classically styled venue at Washington, DC’s Anthem.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lois
    Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was our second visit to The Dabney and it was just as good as the first time. The food is amazing, beautiful and delicious beyond belief. The staff is so attentive in a good way and explains each course (we did the tasting menu). We sat by the kitchen and it was great to watch the fire, the cooking, the careful prep of each plate and the camaraderie between kitchen and serving staff. It’s expensive and we can’t do this often, but it was worth the splurge.
    More info
    The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
    4.8
  • WilliamVIP
    Greater Boston •32 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Delicious and innovative food. Warm welcome and friendly service.
    More info
    CentrolinaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • peterVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great place for a small or large group. Ours was a party of 12 and we had to get back to work. They managed to take care of us in plenty of time and the food was delicious! Will definitely go back.
    More info
    Masala Art DC (Tenleytown)Price: Moderate• Contemporary Indian• Tenleytown
    4.9
  • LauraEVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Creative and delicious Indian food. Excellent service. Highly recommend.
    More info
    Rania DCPrice: Very Expensive• Indian• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • Sarah
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Mar 2, 2025
    A lively, laid back feel, with lots of Takoma Park locals eating and coming in for take out. Service was fine, though seemed a bit disorganized. My husband got the Pho, which he said was excellent and I had grilled lemon grass chicken which was good. Would like to try it mid week when things might be a bit less busy. Overall good food, good ambiance, will go again! A nice addition to downtown Takoma Park .
    More info
    Muoi TieuPrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Silver Spring
    4.8

Discover best creative cuisine restaurants in Bethesda

Explore the vibrant dining scene of the Washington, D.C. Area, specifically in Bethesda, Maryland, where creativity in cuisine takes center stage. Here, a delightful array of restaurants cater to those seeking innovative and artistic culinary experiences. Each establishment in this curated list specializes in "creative cuisine," offering unique twists on traditional dishes, employing locally sourced ingredients, and presenting meals in a visually captivating manner. Patrons can expect not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes, as chefs in these restaurants are dedicated to making each dish a work of art. The Bethesda dining scene is characterized by its eclectic mix of eateries that seamlessly blend global influences with local flavors to create something truly unique. Whether it's reimagined comfort food, avant-garde vegan dishes, or artful interpretations of international classics, each restaurant aims to offer a memorable dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. This focus on creative cuisine ensures that every meal is not just consumed; it's experienced. For food lovers and culinary adventurers alike, Bethesda stands out as a destination where one can indulge in exceptional food crafted with passion and precision. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these restaurants promise to provide not only nourishment but also inspiration, making each dining outing an occasion to remember.

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