Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bouboulina

    4.5 (109 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Bouboulina Photos

    BOUBOULINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Bouboulina

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Dining room
    Min Z.

    A fine dining restaurant with subtle and sophisticated decor. Quiet and appealing. Great service and excellent food. Every bite was cooked to perfection and packed with flavors. Satisfied but not stuffed. 5* Tuna Crude: A combination of sweet and mild spicy flavors, and the freshness of tuna, creating an amazing flavor. 4.5*- Grilled Avocado: topped with crab meat salad. Mild flavors. 5*- Burrata: served with smoked trout roe: the burrata was very fresh. 5*- Hanger Steak and Eggs: cooked to perfection.

    Meatballs
    Alayah H.

    I went here with my man on a cute little date night and it was amazing. The ambience was dark, but sultry and sexy. The food was amazing and the service was top-tier. The drinks were also good, but I didn't get a picture of that. I love my Waygu picanha and my boyfriend loved his branzino. For appetizers, we got the woodfired meatballs and the baked bread. The bread was cooked to perfection and that smoked butter was amazing. We finished our night off with the chocolate cake and I couldn't ask for a better date night at this cute little steakhouse top-tier.

    Old Fashioned
    Eddie K.

    This is a great restaurant in Pike N Rose. I was very impressed with the food, drinks and especially the service, John provided. For starters, the Grilled Avocado was great. They put a heaping amount of crab salad which tasted great. The Caesar salad was large enough for four people to share. The croutons made this dish for me. For main entree, I got the 12oz Dry Aged NY Strip. It was cooked a perfect medium, and it was so tender and flavorful. I don't have to drive down to Chevy Chase now to get a great steak. My brother got the Grilled Branzino - this fish was so good and flaky. For sides, don't skip on the potato puree! Their Old Fashioned was one of the better ones I've had in the DMV. It's so hard to pick a favorite dish as everything was great. John is the best server and was so friendly and professional. I can't wait to come back and try more of their menu. The CAVA guys hit this one out of the park.

    Lamb chops
    Lynette N.

    3rd time there. Each and every experience was on point. Service, drinks, food...10/10. My husband is a steak snob and still prefers mine cooked for him at home.

    Branzino
    Catherine C.

    Can I say it's my favorite restaurant in the Rockville/North Bethesda area?! Yes, as a food who also appreciates good drinks and good ambiance when I dine, I love love this restaurant!!! Services are top notch, we celebrated anniversary here, the restaurant prepared us a card and champagne. All the food we got was so amazing, especially the steak...! And the interior decorations, such a vibe...I would have taken some pictures if it's not so dimmed, but it's nice cuz the vibe is very intimate. Definitely will be back!

    Nichele W.

    Met up with friends for brunch and none of us had been here before and it's safe to say we'll be back. Our waitress, Rocky, was fantastic. She walked us through the menu, highlighting fan favorites while still giving us the full rundown, which made ordering easy. We ended up sharing a mix of dishes and everything was excellent. The brioche French toast, branzino, Caesar salad, deviled eggs, meatballs, and the bread with preserves and honey butter were all standouts... honestly, no notes. The cocktails (spicy margarita, pear spritz, and rosemary blossom) were well-balanced and flavorful without being overly strong. It wasn't too busy during brunch, so the atmosphere was relaxed and quiet. The decor is cute and makes it a great spot for either a date or a girls' catch-up. I'm not in Bethesda often, but this place is definitely worth the trip outside of DC. Looking forward to coming back!

    Mac and cheese
    Chris D.

    The guys from CAVA are doing things right! All of their concepts are great and it's funny that they are known for the fast casual concepts more than their restaurants. We got the meatballs, macaroni and cheese, crab roll and split a steak. The meatballs were not one giant meatball, which is great for sharing. I realize this might change but was really good and sharable. The Mac and cheese had a firm noodle and creamy taste. All things ordered were great along with the cocktails. The crab rolls can be individually ordered at market rate, which was like $12 a roll. The pricing structure is à la carte as well. If you got a main, the sides come at a separate cost, but they are all shareable. If you get there early enough, you should be able to get a seat at the bar. It's seemed like a walk in was tough though as the night went on, so would recommend making a reservation.

    Burrata Appetizer February 14, 2026
    Joyce Y.

    Came for Valentines Day 2026! Couldn't get a dinner reservation so we came for lunch and the place was still packed. We've tried Julii, Melina and love them so we knew this was going to be good. We ordered the seasonal burrata appetizer, Wagyu Picanha, and Grilled Branzino, side of truffle mac and mushrooms. Burrata Appetizer: A seasonal menu item, super light and refreshing. Does come with a TON of carrots, maybe a bit too many. The walnuts and pistachios have it a special touch. As usual, wish these appetizers came with more bread. Our sourdough bread was a bit charred from the wood fire grill (they cook everything on the wood fire grill) so if that's going to bother you then maybe don't get this. Wagyu Picanha: David had been wanting to try this ever since we looked up the menu weeks ago, but the day before realized that it wasn't on the lunch menu so we politely asked if they'd be willing to make it, and they did! Shoutout to the Bouboulina team, you made his day. I really liked the red wine sauce it came with, and the temperature was cooked to perfect medium rare. Only thing was the meat could have used a touch more salt. Grilled Branzino: THIS THING IS HUGE. Thought I wouldn't finish it, but I powered through. The skin was super crispy (I'm weird, I'm not a fan of that much crispy skin, but David loved it and says it's the best part). The way they cooked this fish to perfect flakiness is beyond me. It's like they do it a million times or somethin. The lemon sauce underneath went well with fish too. Truffle Mac: Was definitely hesitant because I DONT like truffle. Just can't deal with the strong flavor. But surprisingly, while I did taste the truffle in this it didn't bother me much. They use cavatappi pasta which is my fav! Mushrooms: Had a pretty strong black garlic flavor which I wasn't a fan of, but have to say they really nailed the cook of the mushrooms. Our waiter was friendly and gave us a great intro to the menu. They were nice enough to give us complimentary champagne and although we asked for it to be a mocktail, we got alcohol instead and unfortunately didn't realize until I got the rashes after. Overall, great experience and we want to come back for that Tomahawk!

    Debbie O.

    If you are looking for a dining experience that hits every mark, Bouboulina is it. From the moment we walked in, we knew we were in for a treat, but the execution exceeded all expectations. Every dish we tried felt intentional, featuring vibrant, layered flavors that highlight high-quality ingredients. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. I have to give a special shout-out to the chocolate cake. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since the final bite. It is rich, decadent, and perfectly textured, easily one of the best desserts I've ever had. It is, quite frankly, worth the trip alone. Bouboulina has earned a spot as one of my go-to's. Between the incredible kitchen and the top-tier service, there are a million reasons to become a regular here.

    Espresso martini
    Samantha G.

    Bouboulina definitely lives up to the hype. We sat at the marble bar, which made the experience feel fun and lively. The picanha was perfectly cooked and super flavorful, and the pasta and salad were both great. Even the bread with whipped butter and honey was a standout. Cocktails were excellent (loved the espresso martini), and the service was warm and polished throughout. Such a great atmosphere that feels special but still relaxed. Would absolutely go back.

    Mushrooms
    Seth K.

    Service was outstanding. Food was mostly, but not 100%, delicious. I ordered the Picanha steak, a unique Brazilian cut, the mushrooms side, and shared the chocolate cake and Basque cheesecake. A colleague ordered the Branzino and I had a portion. The Picanha was excellent, cooked to medium at the chef's recommendation. A nice whole garlic bulb accompanied, super tasty. The mushrooms complete with raw egg were very good. The Branzino excellent, deboned with crispy, delicious skin. Multi-layered Chocolate cake was wonderful including the espresso gelato and chocolate sauce. Basque cheesecake was odd. This cheesecake is a rustic, crustless cheesecake from Spain's Basque region, known for its intentionally burned and caramelized top. Ours tasted like steak. Perhaps cooked in the same area as our steaks; I don't really know but it tasted like it. I would go back for a great steak but skip the cheesecake.

    Carlos R.

    What went well? Everything!!! Despite of my poor planning everything went beyond well. From the time that my date and I entered, we were greeted and addressed immediately with Kindness and warm hospitality. We didn't have a reservation (strongly recommend to set your reservation). We were in luck last Friday night, and thank God because the food was delicious, from the bread to the salad, the steaks and Mac&cheese, the drinks and can't forget the chocolate cake. The food was great but the service was just as exceptional, always making sure we were enjoying every bit of everything. The soft lights and soulful music completely set the mood for the night. Definitely coming back for that Tomahawk steak!!!

    Whitney L.

    Recently tried Bouboulina for my early birthday celebration and overall had a decent experience. The menu was simple but had various red meat and seafood options. I chose the Hanger steak and my aunt had branzino. The hanger steak was just ok, I really wasn't impressed with seasoning or presentation. The branzino was really good, de-boned and butterfly fillet. Also highly recommend their cauliflower as a shareable option. It's a decent portion size and taste really good with the pesto sauce. Service was just ok as well. Our server actually forgot that we were celebrating my birthday so I ended up with 2 desserts and a glass of champagne. The cheesecake was delicious and offers a huge portion slice, while the soft serve definitely brought me back to childhood days with the rainbow sprinkles. Ambiance is amazing. It's perfect for date night, it's beautifully decorated and I love the details like the candles surrounding the restaurant, pictures, drapery, etc. I would definitely love to return for a date night, maybe even for Valentine's Day. I had overall a good experience.

    Crispy Potatoes

    See all

    20 days ago

    This place is quiet and intimate and serves the best tasting, best looking, and best cooked rib eye steaks in this area.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of W Y.
    0
    3
    1

    12 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Craig D.
    33
    2785
    264

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 8
    Love this 15
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Mara D.
    468
    255
    1239

    3 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 2
    Love this 9
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    From our greeting when we entered to when we left, the staff was WONDERFUL. And the food..AMAZING! Highly recommend.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 4
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sara L.
    170
    436
    1321

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Bouboulina

    Other than what seems to already be implied, is there a dress code?

    No stated dress code. I would recommend smart casual dress or better.

    Where is the closest parking garage?

    It is right across the street. But, since they remodeled that garage the spaces are very small and it is hard to drive around the garage. I recommend parking in the garage across from Summer House. There is a walking path straight to Bouboulina.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Julii

    Julii

    4.3
    (675 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    Have you ever loved a restaurant so much you went back twice in the same day? That was me here…read more This Pike & Rose gem in North Bethesda is everything you hope for in a neighborhood spot -- fresh, imaginative Mediterranean-inspired food, a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere, and the kind of place you immediately start planning to revisit. Everything I tried was fantastic, from the perfectly prepared chicken kebabs to the cod with farro. The blackberry vodka cocktail was beautiful and delicious, and the saffron steamed milk with ginger for dessert was absolute perfection. The entire concept feels current, welcoming, and effortlessly cool without trying too hard. Can't wait to return the next time I'm back in town for meetings!

    I've had this booked marked for over two years and my cutie pie always says, "what is in this book…read moremark of yours", lol. Although he will lead most times, I pick one place every weekend so we can check it off together. This Friday (5/16) I picked Julii! He's a regular so although super packed they made it work and sat us immediately without a reservation. This place is popular and a reservation is needed. While I thought the menu was limited, it does the job. I wanted Branzino and had that in my mind the whole day but was disappointed that it wasn't on the menu. Welp, y'all know I love a burger. Service was fantastic! Ambiance feels like stepping into a French‑Mediterranean boutique café that someone elevated into a luxury dining room. It's warm, intimate, and softly glamorous without trying too hard. Let's get into it! Chicken Kabob - Seasoned perfectly over rice! Really good! Burger - Added bacon and mushrooms- Absolutely delicious! Drinks were delicious! No apps because I wasn't that hungry! I will definitely be back to try more of the menu!

    Photos
    Rar brew
    Rar brew
    Greek Yogurt
    Greek Yogurt
    Igloo seating outside

    See all

    Igloo seating outside
    Glenwood's - Rockville

    Glenwood's - Rockville

    4.1
    (755 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Had a great dinner at Glenwoods! Marcelo took excellent care of us! We started with Oysters and…read moreFiesta Eggrolls, then moved to Chicken Milanese and Boneless Montreal Ribeye for entrees. All prepared perfectly! Add cocktails and wine, plus finished off the meal with Mocha Tres Leches Cake and Ice Cream Sundae... great night!!! 5 Stars!

    Dear Management, I…read moream writing to share my family's experience during our Father's Day visit to your restaurant. Unfortunately, what should have been a special celebration turned into a very disappointing experience due to the service we received upon arrival. We had a reservation for 4:00 p.m. When we arrived, the gentleman at the host stand was not welcoming or friendly. He simply told us to "step to the side" and that someone would assist us in a few minutes. As the minutes passed, we continued to wait without any communication. During that time, a white family of five walked in without a reservation and was seated immediately. At that point, I approached the host stand to ask what had happened and why we had not been seated despite having a reservation. The host searched for our reservation, asked what time it was scheduled for, and then casually stated, "I think someone stole your table." I was shocked by this response. I asked how that could happen if he was responsible for managing the seating. He had no explanation and, more importantly, never offered an apology for the mistake or the inconvenience. A manager later came over and asked what had happened. After I explained the situation, he appeared genuinely surprised and concerned by what had occurred. Once we were finally seated, our server acknowledged the delay and kindly offered us an appetizer because of the long wait at the front. We appreciated that gesture, but it did not change how unwelcome we had been made to feel upon arrival. I am writing this letter not because I am looking for compensation or anything in return. My purpose is simply to ensure that no other family has a similar experience, especially on a day meant to celebrate loved ones. Every guest deserves to be treated with fairness, courtesy, and respect. A sincere apology from the host at the time of the incident would have gone a long way. I hope you will use this feedback as an opportunity to coach your front-of-house staff on the importance of customer service, communication, and accountability. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns. Sincerely, Ms. Deas

    Photos
    The bar area.
    The bar area.
    Today's Featured Soup (tomato bisque)
    Today's Featured Soup (tomato bisque)
    Uptown Old Fashioned

    See all

    Uptown Old Fashioned
    Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

    Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

    4.0
    (694 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    We stopped by Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants on Friday for a wine tasting while we were in town…read moreon a business trip, and we had such a great experience. Tyrell did our tasting, and he was amazing. Even though the restaurant was very busy, he was extremely attentive and always made sure our wine and water glasses stayed full. Tyrell has a great personality, and you could tell the customers really enjoyed interacting with him. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the tasting feel welcoming and fun instead of rushed. The entire team also seemed to genuinely enjoy their work, which created such a positive atmosphere throughout the restaurant. After hearing Tyrell explain the benefits of the wine club, I honestly wanted to join right away. Unfortunately, there isn't a Cooper's Hawk location in our area, otherwise we definitely would have signed up. Thank you to Tyrell and the team for making our visit such a memorable experience!

    We had a really great experience at Cooper's Hawk in Rockville. We started with the wine tasting…read morebefore dinner, and I ended up finding a new favorite. The first few wines weren't really my style, but once I tried the Gewürztraminer I was sold. It was slightly sweet, really aromatic, and had such a nice tropical flavor. I loved it so much that I bought a bottle to take home. Dinner was just as good. My friend asked if they could combine two menu items by pairing the crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken from Dana's Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with the lemon-caper angel hair pasta from Ellie's Chicken Piccata, and they were happy to do it. It looked amazing, and after trying a bite I can definitely say it's worth asking for. I ordered the Prime Churrasco Grilled Steak, and everything on the plate was delicious. The steak was cooked well, but the wasabi-buttered mashed potatoes were honestly my favorite part. They had just enough wasabi to give them a little kick without being overpowering. The broccolini and cilantro-lime aioli rounded everything out really nicely. The atmosphere was relaxing, the restaurant was beautiful, and the service was excellent from start to finish. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience feel easy and enjoyable. If you're going, I definitely recommend doing the wine tasting before dinner. Even if you think you already know what you like, you might end up discovering a new favorite like I did. We'll definitely be back!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Surf and turf churrasco and shrimp
    Surf and turf churrasco and shrimp
    Wine tasting

    See all

    Wine tasting
    St. Anselm

    St. Anselm

    4.4
    (1.2k reviews)
    11.7 mi
    $$$

    Had a great dining experience and will definitely be back…read more From the complimentary deviled eggs to the salmon collar, glazed carrots, mushrooms, carrot cake, chocolate cake, root beer float, and buttermilk biscuits, the meal was full of standout dishes. The recommendation to pair the honey with the cheese on the biscuits was excellent and took an already great item to another level. The broccolini, coffee, and espresso shot were not our favorites of the evening, but honestly, the other dishes were so good that we quickly forgot about them. Every course seemed to have something memorable to offer. The bartender service was stellar throughout the night, attentive without being intrusive, and helped make the experience even more enjoyable. We left full, satisfied, and already talking about what we'd order on our next visit. Looking forward to coming back.

    Finally got to check out St. Anselm and it did not disappoint! It's a cool vibe for dinner with…read morefriends or even a date night. The staff are super attentive to everything going on. They made sure to keep our table clean and gave us new silverware and plates before or entrees arrived. Any food that we did not finish was boxed up and put into bags for us. The manager was actively walking around the restaurant, making sure that every guest were enjoying their dinner. The food was good all around but there are some dishes that outshine the rest. The ribeye and New York strip were very good. The butchers steak I got for my son and he didn't really like it, it was lacking flavor. If you do anything when you go, please make sure to get the biscuits. Hands down THE BEST BISCUITS I've ever had lol. They are the most flaky and buttery biscuits, you can count each layer that these have. Pro tip is to ask for butter and the house made jam. The pimento cheese is good with them but it becomes a little too decadent. Overall I'm happy we made the decision to come here, we will be back soon.

    Photos
    St. Anselm
    St. Anselm
    St. Anselm

    See all

    Melina

    Melina

    4.5
    (410 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    I just want to preface this by saying this review was not written by AI. This is a heartfelt review…read morefrom a real human! My boyfriend and I went to Melina for the first time, and we both left with the exact same thought: this is the best restaurant we've ever been to. To begin, our server, Justin, was the absolute best server we've ever had. From the moment we sat down and were handed the menu, Justin immediately began to explain the starters and appetizers. He didn't just explain what was on the menu; he broke down the origins, the ingredients, where they were imported from, why they were named what they were, how they were cooked, and even how they would make us feel! We left that introduction knowing exactly what we wanted and why, with zero guessing. Neither of us is from Greece, yet we didn't feel like we had to look up a single thing on our phones to understand the menu. Everything we had was a perfect combination and an incredible experience. When it came to the main dishes, I chose the Portobello Mushrooms, which come with a hazelnut farro. Justin remembered that my boyfriend is allergic to nuts and thoughtfully had the farro served on the side so that my boyfriend could still try the rest of my plate safely. That level of care and thoughtfulness is something I've never encountered in all of our dates. Between the jokes, the perfect check-ins, his menu encyclopedia knowledge, and the overall vibes, my boyfriend and I left the restaurant overwhelmed with joy. Neither of us has ever left a restaurant review before, so that alone says a lot. Melina and Justin will definitely be a regular staple in our lives moving forward. Please go to this restaurant and get the Crab Croquettes (every single bite left me with a smile)!

    What a beautiful restaurant with such a delicious menu!…read more I came here with my friend for brunch and was pretty blown away by how nice the atmosphere was just from entering the restaurant. Truly a lot of thought was put into the decor which I love to see for sure! Our table ordered the bread of the day with the spread and olives. I loved how there were different types of olives with this appetizer. The tuna and avocado toast, though? Amazing, fresh, so delicious. I would order this for every brunch visit! The service was also great! 10/10 Very courteous and kind. Thank you!

    Photos
    Inside Melina, bar view
    Inside Melina, bar view
    Crab shakashuka
    Crab shakashuka
    Cucumber Basil Gin Cocktail and Saratoga Sparkling Water

    See all

    Cucumber Basil Gin Cocktail and Saratoga Sparkling Water
    District Bistro

    District Bistro

    4.6
    (90 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    Yum! I've been to Frank's many times but had never tried its sister restaurant, District Bistro…read more Now I wish I had tried it a lot earlier. It's a cute, intimate space with great service and excellent food. I got the salmon and avocado burger, which was really good. It was accompanied by rosemary parmesan fries that were fantastic. My friends tried a bunch of different items, including the chicken fried pork chop, duck breast, and a burger. Everyone was really happy with their choices and liked their drinks as well - the blueberry elderflower was a particular favorite. I look forward to going back!

    Just a hidden gem and fantastic experience all around. The attention to us in the restaurant was…read morethe right amount. The vibe was for a sit down, but it looked like a really cool place to get a seat at the bar for a Friday night drink! We got fried green tomatoes and calamari to share. Both were seasoned well and fried crispy! There was no sogginess at all. We also shared a lamb bolognese amongst the four of us! It was so good and the pasta tasted al dente. For my main, I got the Ribeye that was cooked well. I got medium well, but should have gotten just a medium. For desert, we got a crème brule and a dish that was like a brownie with ice cream? Great presentation and taste. 5/5 and is a great addition to the area. I believe it is run by the same people who own Frank's Burgers? They are both connected to each other. SUPPORT LOCAL!!!!

    Photos
    District Bistro
    Grilled Rib Eye Steak
    Grilled Rib Eye Steak
    Beignets excellent

    See all

    Beignets excellent
    La Speranza  Restaurant

    La Speranza Restaurant

    4.5
    (103 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Don't be fooled by this non-descript appearance. My family…read morehad a gathering at the historic cemetery near by and chose to have lunch here after. The food was OUTSTANDING. I was a skeptic. Having traveled and dined across the globe, I did not expect homemade pasta, fresh espresso, and Neapolitan style pizza to be in Rockville MD. If you live within an hour drive, just take the trip and have lunch or dinner here. Try the espresso martini! I shared a cheese pizza with my daughter, my mother had the chicken piccata, my cousin the gnocchi, my father the chicken parm, my cousin had a caprese salad and the further seats I couldn't see. We all shared a few orders of the calamari. EVERYONE raved about how delicious their food was. I agree. Probably the best piccata I've tasted. The pizza was excellent. The tiramisu great. The pistachio gelato was perfect. I sure wish they were closer to Florida!! So good.

    Came for dinner for 3 at 6pm on a Friday and it wasn't yet busy, though it got busier after we…read morearrived. All in all a great meal, and I look forward to eating my way around the menu. The biggest hit for me was the suppli appetizer. These are absolutely delicious and vegetarian friendly! Similar to arancini but somehow even more delicious. These are a must-order. I had the pasta alla vongole and a bite of my husband's chicken parmigiana. Our friend had mushroom ravioli that she loved, but I didn't try as I don't care for mushrooms. I've been on a clams and garlic kick lately for some reason and the vongole comes with these and bonus bacon. I would have preferred the bacon a tad crispier, but that is personal preference. I'd give this dish 4* - I would get it again but after trying some others. From the one bite the chicken parmigiana was a 5*. Their marinara is very good and the linguine in both our dishes tastes freshly made. We all split the chocolate temptation dessert and I ate more of it than I expected to, it is chocolate mousse adjacent cake with ganache frosting, very light, perfectly sweet. Often I find chocolate desserts too much after a big meal but this one wasn't heavy at all. 5* My friend ordered sangria which she thought was more like a wine cooler; too sweet for her French oenophile sensibilities and a bit lighter than a sangria usually is, but I am a pleb who loves sweet drinks and I would order it. If you are a sangria purist you might not care for it. Hubs enjoyed his old fashioned but said it needed a dash more bitters to be perfect. I was driving so enjoyed a non-dirty Shirley. Prices to me are reasonable for quality and portion size; our tab ended up high because of the appetizer, drinks and dessert but if you just had pizza or pasta with soda it would be pretty affordable. I will be back to get more suppli and try other dishes!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    La Speranza  Restaurant
    La Speranza  Restaurant

    See all

    Bouboulina - desserts - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...