The 10 Best Restaurants In Montgomery County, Maryland

Opened in late 2013, Republic – a casual, classy neighborhood bistro in Takoma Park– is the latest addition to Washington DC chef-restaurateurs Jeff and Barbara Black’s successful independent restaurant collective, Black Restaurant Group. Republic’s seasonally-driven menu features tempting plates like Maryland rockfish with squash, spring onions, dill, basil, parmesan polenta and a fried caper-parsley salad, while brunch is an equally mouthwatering affair with dishes like Republic’s signature po’boy and fried green tomatoes with scallion goat cheese, golden raisins, walnuts and pickled red onion. In keeping with Takoma Park’s rich music culture, Republic also hosts regular live music and open mic nights.

Listed among Washingtonian magazine’s 100 Very Best Restaurants of 2012, 8407 Kitchen Bar is a casual yet sophisticated neighborhood restaurant and bar located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring. Focusing on artisanal American cuisine crafted from seasonal and local produce, executive chef Oscar Jimenez’s menu features tempting dishes like the crispy pork belly confit with pickled green apple, watermelon and radish and the Maryland crab cakes entree with three potato hash, green beans, corn and bacon vinaigrette. Pair your meal with one of 8407’s quality wines, craft beers or a signature cocktail created by resident mixologist Tammy Vodinh.

Often hailed as one of the best restaurants in Bethesda’s vibrant dining scene, Le Vieux Logisbrings a healthy dose of French country charm to Montgomery County with its fine French cuisine and cozy space. Long-standing Le Vieux Logis originally opened in 1980 though new owners, chef Christian Gautrois and his wife Christa, are maintaining the restaurant’s popularity and charm with a reimagined menu full of French county classics. Featured on the menu are dishes like duck leg confit with orange sauce, roasted fingerling potatoes, braised red cabbage and apple and the croustillant de saumon – a crispy crêpe of salmon pesto with ratatouille nicoise and piquillo sauce.

Frequently ranked among Washingtonian magazine’s best cheap eats and bargain restaurants, Samantha’s Restaurant in Silver Spring is one of the best places to head in Montgomery County for authentic Latin American fare that won’t break the bank. Team dishes like the popular carne asada, a ten ounce mesquite-grilled skirt steak topped with jalapeno and green pepper, and masitas de Puerco – pork cooked Cuban-style with a criollo sauce and bitter orange marinade topped with raw Spanish onions – with mojitos, margaritas and sangria. Finish with a traditional, homemade dessert of tres leches.

Another restaurant from chefs Jeff and Barbara Black, the Black Market Bistro boasts a beautiful location – a gorgeous former Victorian post office in the charming neighborhood of Garrett Park – and a menu brimming with classic American bistro fare given a creative, contemporary twist. Nestle in its homey dining room and dine on dishes like hardwood-grilled hanger steak served with whipped potatoes, haricots verts, chimichurri and crispy onions or the New Orleans-style barbeque shrimp with creamy sweet corn and scallion grits, wilted Swiss chard and toasted baguette, accompanied by a selection from Black Market Bistro’s impressive wine list.

Founded by owner and chef Alain Roussel, La Ferme is a landmark Montgomery County restaurant serving elegant and contemporary French cuisine since first opening 30 years ago. Located in a lovely property in the heart of Chevy Chase, La Ferme boasts a rustic, two-level dining room with high beams and intimate balcony seating alongside a beautiful wraparound porch – no wonder it was awarded Most Romantic Restaurant in the 2014 Best of Bethesda awards. Dinner entrees include short-smoked and grilled Norwegian salmon served with spiced vegetable couscous and Dijon mustard sauce. Brunch here is given a French twist with dishes like warm crêpes filled with a milk chocolate and hazelnut ganache and caramel sauce.