I stopped into Balducci's Food Lover's Market a couple of days before the big East Coast snowstorm, when most grocery stores were already picked over. Somehow, this place was fully stocked, which I suspect has a lot to do with the price point. The store itself is very cute, welcoming, and well laid out. Even though it was crowded, it never felt overwhelming. The staff was constantly restocking shelves and fridges, but in a way that didn't get in anyone's way, which I really appreciated. At some point I entered what I can only describe as a grocery shopping high. Everything looked beautiful, I was enjoying myself, and then I checked out. Ninety-five dollars for about three days' worth of food. That was my wake-up call. The quality overall has been good. Most of what I bought has been delicious, though one of the premade pasta dishes was honestly not great. Still, the experience itself was enjoyable. Would I shop here for regular groceries? Absolutely not. But would I come back for specialty items, fancy ingredients, a housewarming gift, or flowers before a dinner party? Definitely. The flowers were beautiful, and it's the kind of place that makes gifting food feel elevated. Worth visiting for the experience. Not where I'm doing my weekly grocery run. read more

It's been ages since I've shopped here. I don't work in the area anymore, and if I need healthy or organic foods I can shop at Whole Foods or MOMs. I came for a wine tasting event with some food sampling throughout the store too. The wines were not very memorable, with the cheapest one being $12.99. On a typical day, While Foods offers more samples then they had for this event. I did buy a healthy juice they were sampling, so their marketing did work. Also, I did buy a four pack of cranberry walnut muffins for $6.99; cheaper than an individual muffin from Starbucks down the strip. They are big and delicious! If I am in the area to dine at Fish Taco, I'd stop by again, but I won't go out of my way to shop here. read more

Balducci's Wine & Spirits - Since I couldn't go to the Dominican Republic, I settled for this juice. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Balducci's is my go-to place for prepared foods without the preservatives and higher quality ingredients. Generally, as a grocery store I do not shop here. I can find the same items at Whole Foods for less. If you're looking for prepared chicken, salmon, and AMAZING hot pizza that's as close to real Italian pizza as you'll get here, you will love it. Their consistency could be a little better, and they definitely need to up their customer service( it seems they just don't respond at all), but it's not enough to make me not want to come read more

Balducci's Wine & Spirits - Prepared foods sections- everything usually looks super fresh! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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The take out food here is unmatched! I love stopping in here for a fresh salad or sushi for lunch. I love the salmon cesar salad. It's the perfect proportion of everything and always super fresh. Their sushi counter is unmatched. It's extremely fresh, there's so many options, and I think it's affordable. I don't do any grocery shopping here but I love going in to grab a quick, healthy bite to eat. read more

Their beautiful fresh rock fish inspired dinner last night and I was able to get everything I needed to whip up a memorable meal. I made a wonderful sauce with their DOP Posardi imported chopped tomatoes, along with olives and fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section. Absolutely amazing! Scarfed all that down before gobbling up some of Balducci's fresh tiramisu (didn't last long enough to photograph). We don't come here very often, but it's always special when we do. Sure, their prices are a little high, but whose prices aren't high right now anyway? Plenty of parking if you go at the right time, and the staff are helpful and accommodating. read more

Balducci's Wine & Spirits - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Despite the changes & challenges, Bethesda Balducci's has a great international team working hard for us customers. This has always been a special place for the 'regulars', those of us who need something gastronomically rare & unique, and even those of us just passing by, curious about the cute bldg on the end of the also cute & quaint Wildwood Shopping Center... soon to be met by incomparable sushi, experienced chefs who 'cook with love', sandwich makers who go the extra mile, well-picked & maintained produce, knowledgeable wine team, a cheese department that upholds the highest standard of merchandise, stinky or otherwise... not trying to go too long, so the bottom line is- give this lovely place a chance. Nobody's perfect, but the 'TRY' is what counts (and sometimes those custom sandwiches come pretty close!) ;) read more

Very expensive but best selection of wines for the convenience (alternative is to drive into Virginia or Prince George's County to Total Wines & Spirits). Fun browsing the selections and the in-store sommelier is great at answering questions or making suggestions. read more

Love this store - admittedly a little pricey - but go in 'eyes wide open'. Its a shopping experience. Great selection of cheeses, wine and high quality meats. I noticed one yelper comment that they did not appreciate the small size of the store, specifically the inability to turn around in the isles. It is a specialty boutique type market - if that is not you - you're in luck, Giant is right across the street! read more

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Some member of staff (50s, white, sounded foreign) was evidently following me around the store the whole time while I was shopping and had a loud angry confrontation with me while I was shopping when I absentmindedly ate some grapes (I was buying) from my cart. I didn't think this kind of thing happened anymore. Never coming back here and suggest you don't either. Wtf!! My family and I live across the street and spend at least a few hundred dollars a month just for the convenience (though it is very hard to justify because it's ludicrously priced even against Whole Foods) - never again - not a dollar more. Ever. read more

We've been going to Balducci's ever since the changeover from Sutton Place Gourmet. By any stretch of the imagination, this is one of the premier stores to buy high-quality prepared food as well as groceries. They're prepared dinners are probably one of the most remarkable parts of the store. Veal parmesan, steak, perfectly seasoned mixed vegetables, potatoes to die for. For those who complain about price, try going to a restaurant that isn't fast food and getting a complete gourmet dinner for $20- $25. You just can't do it! In the fresh meat department, their beef tenderloin is some of the most succulent and juicy I've ever eaten. In fish, their salmon is not just fresh but extremely flavorful. In the bakery department, every year I order the carrot cake as a birthday cake for my wife. I can't ever remember finding a carrot cake this moist flavorful and wonderfully decorated than the one that Balducci produces. In the wine department, that's my wife's area, they have an expert selection of wines from around the world. Their selection is enormous. For those of you who were concerned about price, there is a secret find I have from their meat department. Their summer breakfast sausage is $5.99 a pound!! I use the links in a sausage pepper and onion dish that I make routinely. This breakfast sausage has more flavor, texture than any I have purchased. I'm reluctant to let the secret out because I don't want there to be a run on their sausage and find myself without this wonderful ingredient!! I can't find one negative thing to say about this store. You get what you pay for! read more

THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE DELI: Please try the Santa Fe chicken sandwich! OMG! You can create your own and add ingredients you like. My boyfriend introduced me to this place. I thought it would be just a sandwich and I was starving. In my head "I'm starving. I don't want just a sandwich." But I was wrong. It's so delicious. I'm a picky eater and but this is amazing. We get avocado added to it. Unlike other places where they give you small pieces of it, this place gives you good sizes and it's great. When you finally get the sandwich it's so warm you get excited to eat it. Service is good and quick. read more

Excellent deli. Get a custom sandwich made for just $7.99. Excellent quality and HUGE! Gorgeous cakes, great breads, etc. Mind you...the sandwich is the only deal to be had here. Very fun shopping experience, but very expensive. As an example, $3 for regular Hass avocados as an example. read more

I come to Balducci's for one reason only. If I'm a little hung over from the night before I'll come by for an early sushi fix. I find the sushi here to be very good but the prices here are outrageous. Store bought sushi will cost you the same or more as special rolls at upscale sushi restaurants. Also, the lines are a little much. There are usually only 2-3 registers open even when it's busy. They need to open more registers in my opinion. read more

Called store to ask if they had round gluten free chocolate mousse cake. I had an extensive conversation with them about when I could pick up. They told me I could just come in and pick it up; no need for a special order. I went in to it pick it up only to find out they don't make a gluten free mousse cake. I spoke with the manager but we was as useless as the bakery manager. He asked me if there was anything he could do to make my experience better, but I didn't see a way because they didn't have the cake I had wanted. Disappointing experience to say the least. Incompetent staff read more

Get a numbering system in the deli, bakery, prepared food sections. It's ridiculous that this story doesn't already have the systems in place. This area is not known for thoughtful shoppers when it comes to waiting patiently in lines and this store gets very busy. The workers shouldn't have to be arbiters of the line. read more

My coworkers and I go here quite a bit to get lunch. I cannot tell you how many times they have messed up my sandwiches. Seems like it always my food that they mess up. The workers there are nice though. As for pricing, if you're looking for good value, this might not be the place for you. read more

Great place to buy some gourmet foods, pastries, drinks, snacks and even flowers. Good selection of produce, bakery items and groceries. Prices are a little higher than other grocery stores, but very good food. Customer Service is great and they have a nice inventory of Wines! Visit this place from time to time regularly... read more

I love this place. The customer service is always friendly and the check out is quick even on busy days. You will not see self check out or rows and rows of empty cashier booths. The prices are what you expect from a gourmet store, but so is the quality. If I am looking for a tasty sub, I will say the sandwich counter has to be the best deal, $7.99 for a sub, you create by filling out a form. The tuna sub is amazing, oh did I mention that adding avacado is included in the price-no extra charge! They have a sushi counter, hot soups, hot food bar, deli counter with a mouth watering selection of main and side dishes, a refrigerated section with freshly made food (if you ate in a rush)and Mediterranean small bar with falafel, humus, babaganush, etc. Are you looking for a delicious dessert? One that is unique, not found at the local chain? Yes, they have them in fact an entire case of specialty cakes, cookies, brownies, etc. Not to mention a variety of baked goods packaged and fresh options. This bakery section has it all. This store sells all occasion cards, fresh coffee, wines, has a cheese counter, catering (in person help), a floral/plant section, as well as gifts like aromatic soaps and trinkets. You will also find seadonal items and decor. This place has just about everything you can imagine.They have an area past the cashiers to sit and eat with big windows so you can people watch. You can join their free club for mailings that include recipes and coupons, earn 10% off a transaction. I been coming here on and off for years and have always experienced wonderful and the food fresh and delicious! Happy Eats! read more

I really like this store but the cornbread I purchased today was atrocious! The cornbread was dry and very crumbly. It fell apart before I could even get it to my mouth. In addition, the cornbread had no flavor. I would not purchase this again. It was a disappointment. read more

Balducci's Wine & Spirits - A disappointment! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Wildwood sucks. Everyone in the area is lame. The vibe of the entire strip mall is tragic. Balducci's is fine. It's not a grocery store, don't go here for anything you could buy across the street, and don't buy wine here. But if you want a consistently good, premade lunch for a reasonable price get a sandwich, sushi, or salad. Honestly, the lunch fare is better than anything you'll find for miles, for the price. There's a bunch of food along Wildwood, but if you want something you can grab quickly, is simple, delicious, and not annoying, this is awesome. read more

*Review based on Bakery/Catering order and Wedding Cake* Growing up I always had a balducci's strawberry shortcake for my birthday. It was a no-brainer that I wanted it as my wedding cake, too. Luckily, my fiance agreed that it was delicious! We ordered a cake tasting box which was easy to order, pick up, and were hefty portions. We decided to move forward and went in to design and get a price. This is where I docked one star...while we were there, we gave all our information and description of what we wanted. For whatever reason, it was a bit hard to follow up on our order and we seemed to keep bouncing between person to person. We kept having to give the same information over and over again. BUT it worked out just fine. The cake was a HIT! Everyone raved about how delicious it was and how fresh it tasted. I could NOT have been happier with my decision. Doooo it, dooo ittt! read more

Very small store with no room to turn around in the aisles. Definitely not a place to visit on a crowded day. A nice neighborhood market, fully stocked with friendly staff. Just not good for overflow. read more