4 MD Restaurants Named Essential By Eater DC: See The List

MARYLAND — Four Maryland restaurants are considered essential to the area's dining scene and worth the trip to eat there, according to a recently refreshed list compiled by Eater DC.

The fall 2024 list of "The 38 Essential Restaurants Around D.C." includes a diverse range of cuisines and price points throughout the nation’s capital and its surrounding suburbs, the list's editors state.

The most recent list also includes several new additions.

Here's a look at which Maryland restaurants made the list:

Melina, North Bethesda

What Eater DC had to say: "As a surge of Greek restaurants continue to open in D.C., Cava group’s contemporary ode to the idyllic Mediterranean country continues to impress Pike & Rose diners three years in. Aris Tsekouras helms its open kitchen after years cooking in upscale eateries in Greece, bringing a passion for homemade breads and tangy cheeses."

J. Hollinger's Waterman's Chophouse, Silver Spring

What Eater DC had to say: "Restaurateur Jerry Hollinger (the Daily Dish and the Dish & Dram) delivered to downtown Silver Spring an Art Deco-styled American chophouse and raw bar celebrating local farmers, watermen, and purveyors. The throwback space near the Fillmore also has a robust bar program starring New York Sours and fig-sage rye cocktails."

Cielo Rojo, Takoma Park

What Eater DC had to say: "The Takoma Park favorite for vegan-friendly Mexican fare since 2018 moved into stylish new digs up the street last year. Husband-and-wife owners David Perez and Carolina McCandless turn to hand-pressed tortillas made with nixtamalized heirloom corn to produce an array of sophisticated tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, and savory enchiladas with tres moles."

2Fifty Texas BBQ, Riverdale Park

What Eater DC had to say: "For D.C. residents, sampling the most tantalizing brisket inside the Beltway requires a drive into Riverdale Park, Maryland. Fernando González and Debby Portillo, the couple that own and operate 2Fifty, pay homage to Central Texas by using oak smoke to develop a dark bark on fatty hunks of prime and American wagyu beef that jiggle on the chopping block."

See the full list of 38 essential restaurants at EaterDC.com.