There was a time when the most notable part of the food scene in downtown Bethesda, Md., was a long-standing farmers market, said Cynthia Hacinli in Washingtonian. But Metro access transformed the town center of this affluent Washington, D.C., suburb, and the dining scene is “constantly improving.” While new restaurants seem to open every month these days, here are a few established places that we consider gems.
Jaleo The Bethesda edition of the tapas restaurant that made chef José Andrés a D.C.-area star is 10 years old, but the “sprawling sidewalk café” remains the town’s best spot for people watching. Now a James Beard Award winner, Andrés still nods to tradition with Ibérico ham from acorn-fed pigs; his own creations include a “perfect fried organic egg” with sea urchin, diced pepper, tomato, and cucumber. 7271 Woodmont Ave., (301) 913-0003
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