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Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Bethesda

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8 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Amazonia restaurant
Icon
4.7
Exceptional(579)
$$$$
• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 64 times today
Venture into the relaxed ambiance of Amazonia, our inviting upstairs bar, dining room and rooftop hideaway. As one of the first Amazonian restaurants in the U.S., discover the exotic flavors and ingredients from Peru's rainforest, as well as favorite Peruvian staples. Here you can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of pisco and imaginative cocktails. The dishes you'll enjoy in Amazonia are meant for sharing, and are expertly prepared by the very same Michelin awarded kitchen team from Causa downstairs.We offer our Sour Hour happy hour at are bar and bar tables Monday thru Friday from open till 7 pm. Bar seating is available first come, first served. Reservations are not available for Sour Hour.
A photo of Rosemary Bistro Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(629)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Friendship Heights
Booked 8 times today
Rosemary Bistro Cafe is a restaurant based in Washington, D.C. that serves classic French-based cuisine. All our menu offerings prepared using the freshest ingredients. If you’re looking for a cozy dining experience in the D.C. area, come by our restaurant today.
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
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4.8
Exceptional(607)
$$$$
• American • Shaw
Booked 41 times today
Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood, The Dabney has been honoring the farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the Mid-Atlantic since 2015. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2025, our team remains deeply committed to showcasing the best of the region through thoughtful, seasonal cooking prepared over our signature wood-burning hearth.Guests are welcome to join us in the dining room for our 5-course prix fixe menu, or enjoy an à la carte experience with a reservation in the dining room, at the bar, or on the patio.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne received the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic award in 2018, and The Dabney was named Washingtonian’s #1 restaurant in 2023.Please note: We are currently unable to accommodate severe allium or dairy allergies, or vegan dietary restrictions.
A photo of Willowsong restaurant
4.5
Awesome(47)
$$$$
• American • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 8 times today
The founding fathers made their homes in the idyllic mid-Atlantic region for a reason: our bountiful farmland, pristine waters, and moderate climate immediately made the New World feel like paradise. And that tradition continues today, with some of the world’s finest farms, fishing, wineries, breweries, and distilleries all located just minutes from the nation’s capital. At Willowsong, Chef Jeffery Williams capitalizes on these spectacular seasonal products to serve an ever-evolving menu of creative, thoughtful American cuisine, perfect for every occasion – or no occasion at all.
A photo of Muoi Tieu restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(51)
$$$$
• Vietnamese • Silver Spring
Booked 2 times today
Open Mon/Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun, closed Tues/Wed. Muoi Tieu is a cozy family-run Vietnamese restaurant and market in the heart of Takoma Park, Maryland, with a small but carefully curated menu that offers a combination of popular Vietnamese dishes (e.g., pho, spring rolls) and less common home-style dishes (e.g., braised pork belly, pan-fried fish with ginger nuoc cham) with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Our small market also offers a variety of common Vietnamese condiments, pantry items, and Asian snacks. Like our name, which means "salt and pepper" in Vietnamese, our concept is simple: we want to bring classic, savory Vietnamese food to our community.
A photo of Mazi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(840)
$$$$
• American • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Creative New American Cuisine influenced and inspired by Greek and Mediterranean recipes and flavors.
A photo of Equinox - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3431)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
Equinox on 19th has an upscale casual, crisp, atmosphere that firmly establishes a city chic decor. We are excited to offer you a regional, seasonal dining experience by a five-time James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic, Chef Todd Gray. We specialize in seasonal fine dining, plant-based, and vegetable-forward cuisine. Check out our beautiful brick fireplace room that looks onto 19th Street with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows for a perfect view. Our ample bar seats over 40 and is ideal for a beverage before dinner. Our lime-washed brick walls evoke a classic DC townhouse. Our vibe is friendly & upscale casual; our food is celebrated for all dining styles, from gluten-free and plant-based to locally farmed produce. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know when making your reservation and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Located at 900 19th St NW, just a few blocks from our previous location.
A photo of Anthem at Marriott Marquis DC restaurant
4.1
Excellent(105)
$$$$
• American • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
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
  • Anupama
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Amazing food, drinks, service and atmosphere. Had a great time!!
    More info
    Amazonia$$$$• Peruvian• Mount Vernon Square
    4.7
  • Christopher
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Lovely dinner - the emphasis on local products and the cooking over embers gives the food a distinct flavor profile which is most pleasant. The porchetta special was really well prepared, presented and delicious. We had various seafood options as well, and the snapper and lump crab were super fresh and flavorful. The outdoor patio is quite protected from the elements so should be comfortable in all weather conditions. Frankly the background music level was better on the patio than inside. Music selection was great. Finally, a nicely curated wine list with wines for every budget including a few splurge options. All together a wonderful experience.
    More info
    The Dabney$$$$• American• Shaw
    4.8
  • Rebecca
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The staff was very friendly and the food was amazing
    More info
    Willowsong$$$$• American• Southwest Waterfront
    4.5
  • Trevor
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 3, 2026
    Banh mi/ Pho dip was very tasty! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.
    More info
    Muoi Tieu$$$$• Vietnamese• Silver Spring
    4.6
  • walda
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 21, 2026
    Excellent in every way. We went on a week night and it was amazing and quite
    More info
    Rosemary Bistro Cafe$$$$• Contemporary American• Friendship Heights
    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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