Oh, I can't believe I didn't leave a review for the spot, even though I've been a few times though! It's been a while, but man are they delicious. I would describe them as a combination of classic and elevated Latin food. The vibe of the restaurant is very casual, but the presentation of many of the dishes takes it to another level. They also have a wide selection of beer and wine. I have had tacos, octopus, breakfast tacos, and tamales. Everything was flavorful and quite tasty. I will admit service was a little slow the last time I went, but given the weather and the fact that we weren't in a rush it wasn't a big deal. If you haven't been yet, you should go. The colorful presentation reminds me of Palette 22, and rumor has it they are expanding to the Ethiopian restaurant that closed next door. I hope that's true! read more

Lime & Cilantro - Octopus - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Nice ambiance and good brunch menu offerings. I didn't know that they only offered brunch during the weekend so I was a little disappointed as I wanted to try something more complex but we enjoyed what we ate. Could work on those fried plantains as they were a little soggy. The quinoa salad was good, a bigger portion would have been nice for the price paid and maybe if it would be easier to eat if served in a bowl. The chorizo sandwich was okay. Presentation and bread could be better. We left curious about their regular menu so we may give it a try some other time. Their staff were nice but not very knowledgeable about their menu items. They didn't really know how to answer my question about their vegan tres leches and told me it was not actually vegan after indicating it had condensed milk and heavy cream. read more

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I've had this place on my bucket list for a long time. My friend suggested coming here so I was happy to have a dining companion. We were the only two patrons at first, but we were also there very early, and there was no parking in the front due to other businesses with reserved spots still being open. There is a small county metered lot across the street (Free on weekends). Service was friendly and gave us time to look over the menu. She went with a guacamole and chips starter, and I went with the poached pear salad starter. My salad was supposed to be arugula according to the menu. It was spinach and barely a handful at that. The pears were plentiful, but weren't poached very well. I would not get this again due to the switch and bait of the lettuce and the fact that it was $11 for a very, very small plate. However, the fish tacos were very good and authentic. I'm glad I finally got to try them. I hope to come back for breakfast this summer when I am off school, and maybe give them a fourth star. read more

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Lime and Cilantro is a fantastic find. Don't let appearances fool you: tucked away in this unassuming cluster of shops on the corner of Georgia and Seminary is an inspired Latin American restaurant with innovative dishes. The prices are higher than in run-of-the mill neighborhood Latino restaurants, but it is commensurate with the next-level food. I had so much faith in the food that it was my choice for NYE, and it did not disappoint. Favorite dishes - grilled radicchio salad with blue cheese and citrus dressing (we both swooned over this one), mole short rib ravioli (ditto - the mole is lighter and more delicate than is typical, made in house, to die for), pan-seared branzino with lobster sauce, creme brulee - so beautifully presented I had to take a picture. The only dish I did not care for was the lamb, but that is because it was cooked rare. If you enjoy your lamb this way, you will be fine; it is a personal thing. (we were not asked how we like it done). One thing to note is that cocktails are not served. The alcoholic beverages are limited to wine and beer; you'll have to look elsewhere for your margarita or mojito. As for ambience - come as you are. The quality of the food could easily be served in fancy digs, but this is a chill place. Perhaps a tad too chill - I wish there were some warmer elements, like more comfortable chairs or perhaps chair cushions to soften the surfaces. However, this is a small quibble and will not keep me away. I will be back! read more

Lime & Cilantro - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Tucked away in an unexpected location, this restaurant is a true gem. I was immediately impressed by the clean, calm ambiance. The healthy living plants that create a refreshing atmosphere. Happy plants don't lie! The experience extends to the beautifully presented food, which is packed with complex, infused flavors. To fully appreciate the chef's uniquely curated dishes, DINNING IN is HIGHLY recommended. The service was prompt and attentive from the moment I was seated, with the staff offering excellent guidance. I began with the new addition Charred Cabbage and the Crispy Stuffed Chicken Empanadas. Each dish was elevated by its AMAZING SAUCES ! I wanted to savor every last bit!! The use of fresh cilantro was a consistent and a welcome detail. Definitely doesn't disappoint the name for this restaurant! For my main course, I chose the juicy chicken and the thick-cut steak. The FLAVORS in both were PERFECTLY executed. I also sampled the Al Pastor taco, which was highlighted by a fresh pineapple and another EXCEPTIONAL SAUCE. I made sure to save room for dessert, and the horchata ice cream paired with the chocolate tart. Talk about the talent of a Chef and Pastry Chef in one ! GUYS THE FLAVORS DID NOT MISS! Having learned that this location is relatively new, I am eager to see its what's next on the menu. Thank you to the entire team--your dedicated efforts are clearly reflected in an outstanding dining experience!! read more

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I was just visiting and found this place. It's easy to miss in the small strip center but don't give up it is worth the wait! The guac was fresh, the hot sauce brought proper hear and the chicken mole and carne asada tacos were . The service was friendly and the place was clean. Wish I didn't live a few states away so I could visit more often. read more

Tasty Mexican food! We visited Lime & Cilantro on a Saturday for brunch, and it was mostly empty. Pop music provided the backdrop to the simply furnished surroundings. I tried the black bean bowl. The black bean bowl had a good combination of flavors and a nice presentation but was more thin than I would have liked. Overall, I would recommend Lime & Cilantro for Mexican food in Silver Spring. read more

Service is friendly and warm and there are a number of interesting menu items to keep your meal interesting. These seem Ceviche was not "traditional" and came to the table in the vinegar and was over cooked. read more

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Everything about our experience was lovely. We couldn't decide between wines & they allowed us to taste as many as we'd like. A delicious complimentary dessert was brought to our table, as I left a note on the reservation stating it was a special occasion. I loved to see the preparation & the follow through. The service was outstanding and perfectly timed despite being very busy close to the end of our meal. Such a cute spot and so nice & clean inside. read more

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Fiancé and I came here for lunch while looking at potential places to live in Silver Spring. This place is an oasis in the desert. We were surprised to find such a nice spot sandwiched between a mechanic shop and a barber shop. The interior is quite charming, with plenty of seating and artwork. We ordered the pan seared octopus, and it was likely one of the best I have had. We even scooped up the sauces it was plated on and savored the hell out of it. Neither of us are usually fans of corn tortillas, but theirs were exceptional. My favorite was definitely the carne asada, and my fiancé loved the duck and mole. Would love to return here! read more

Lime & Cilantro - Pan seared octopus - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Located by the hustle and bustle of 495, it's anything but cozy, intimate, or relaxing right outside the door. Yet the second you walk in it's like being transported to a quaint cafe. Large enough to seat a few groups yet small enough to retain the magic of intimate gatherings. Not sure if liquor will be on the menu in the future, but they do offer wine and beer. We ordered the duck, fish, and al pastor tacos...superb. The tortilla tasted homemade and the filling was outstanding. It's also visually appealing, which is a huge plus if you're on a romantic date. The glass water bottles are a nice touch as well, in addition to the wicker basket utensil holders. The decor has foreign cafe on a drizzly night when your plans were cancelled at the last minute so you stumble in vibes. Where it's not expensive or matchy matchy but it has an elegance all of its own. I cannot wait to come back and order the grilled branzino, crudo, and brussel sprouts. In the meantime, do yourselves a favor and brave the traffic/parking nightmare. Maybe Uber in, and end the meal with a lovely tres leches bread pudding. Check out the photos, and enjoy :) ***The only thing I would change is laminating the menus. read more

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Service was friendly. Everything that came out was presented nicely! Tacos were good. I loved the fish & the pastor tacos but personally didn't like the textures or flavors in the cauliflower squash tacos. Wasn't the biggest fan of the horchata but may be a personal preference- I guess I prefer mine a bit creamier tasting but great that it was nut-free! Really loved their house hot sauce! Only wine and beer served here. Inside is cute and clean/minimalistic. Can't wait to try more of what this place has to offer! read more

Lime & Cilantro - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Notes: Online reservations are available & You can order Guacamole on the side even if it's not listed;)

Solid spot if you're in the area. We were looking for a place to meet up with friends for brunch and this spot popped up. Happy we chose this place, because we all enjoyed our food (specifically the Short Rib & Eggs - most of us got this dish and it was SO GOOD - definitely recommend this dish) and it was such a cute little hole in the wall to us. I did try the Horchata as well and I think its good, but it was way too sweet for me. I would not get that again. It is a small parking lot. So make sure you go earlier to look for spots in case you need to park further away and walk over. read more

We tried to stop by Lime & Cilantro for brunch, but we were a day late and a dollar sort for the weekend brunch. I think we were late by a couple of minutes. Before the hostess handed us our menus, she went to the back of the restaurant probably to check with the kitchen to see if brunch was still available Fortunately for us, Lime & Cilantro has a pretty decent lunch and dinner menu. I guess that I'll have to come back in the near future to try some of the brunch items...in particular, the pupusa benedict. For our dining pleasure, we with with four tacos (two a piece), the crudo, a side of black beans, and chips and guac. While the food was pretty good, I thought the portion sizes were a bit small for the price...with the exception of the crudo and the black beans. While a bit small, I REALLY enjoyed the duck and mole taco because the blend of flavors were absolutely amazing. The ambiance is kind of meh. However, I think my 'meh' opinion might be due more to how the space is set up. I've noticed that the ambiance of the other restaurants in that strip is kind of meh, so I'll cut Lime & Cilantro some slack on that piece. I thought the service was fine. Both the hostess and waitress were super friendly. However, I will say that it took longer than expected to get the check, not a major issue. Perhaps, it seemed longer than usual because we were in a bit of a rush for our next adventure. Although I was expecting a bit more in terms of portion size, I do not have any major complaints regarding the quality of the food. While Lime & Cilantro probably will not be my go-to spot for grabbing a bite to eat, I would not turn it down if I'm hungry and in the area. Just a quick tip/FYI: Lime and Cilantro does not have a cocktail menu, but the restaurant does have a decent selection of wines and beers. read more

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We have lived in the area for over a year, but only found out about this place recently. Have been missing out!! The interior is adorably decorated, the brunch menu has everything you can want, and it was such a nice/calm place to eat. We went on a Saturday around 12pm and were seated right away. Tried their Chorizo Torta, Avocado Toast, and Tres Leches Pancakes and none of those items disappointed. Everything tasted amazing and was fresh - we can't wait to go back to try more! read more

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This Latin American restaurant has a very homey, welcoming vibe. The dishes are designed as small plates for sharing, which we really enjoyed. The fried broccoli and octopus were highlights--the octopus was cooked well, though the sauce was a little salty. The staff handled it beautifully: they apologized and even comped us a dessert, which we truly appreciated. We mainly ordered tacos and one torta, and everyone enjoyed their meal. Overall, great food and genuinely kind service. read more

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Food Listen, I know you're antsy to read about the food so let's start there! I stopped by for brunch on a Sunday and my cousin and I shared the below three dishes: Quinoa chicken salad: I'm not sure what dressing was on this but one thing I can tell you is GET IT! This was so delicious . It was tangy and seasoned perfectly. Egg Benedict on top of two cheese pupusas: this was definitely a Latin twist on the egg Benedict, one that I was more than pleasantly surprised with. It was so tasty and the cream was creamy. The cheese around the pupusas was a bit charred which made it even more perfect. Another dish that was amazing ! Mango flan: This right here, to find flan this delicious and creamy is difficult. Typically the flans at restaurants seem a bit airy with air bubbles vs what I'm use to at home (super creamy). The little pieces of mango were unexpected yet yummy. Another must have! Service: I was greeted the moment I walked in and everyone was super friendly and attentive. Ambiance: Super cozy and chilled environment. Really loved this hidden gem. Moral of the story, don't walk , RUN here. I love wish I can give them 4.5 but going with 4 until I try their dinner menu. read more

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Perfect date night spot in Silver Spring. We came here on a Saturday and snagged the last parking spot. We came around 5 pm so it wasn't too busy. We ordered the corn hummus, roasted chicken breast, summer tagliatelle, and some beers. It wasn't the cheapest meal but it was delicious and filling. My pasta cake with mushrooms instead but it was creamy and wonderful. This is a great little gem close to us and we will definitely come here for more date nights! read more

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We stopped by for an early dinner yesterday and just had some wine and appetizers. The guacamole was super fresh and the empanadas were delicious and beautifully However the ceviche lacked a variety of seafood and we didn't think it was worth the $15. The service was amazing, friendly and helpful. One recommendation: have some happy hour specials! We live in the neighborhood and would definitely stop by more for happy hour! read more

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Met a friend here for lunch. The waiter greeted me and seated me. I asked some questions regarding the restaurant and he was very knowledgeable. When we ordered, he gave some suggestions for my vegan counterpart. We ended up ordering the corn hummus, charred cabbage; roasted cauliflower, chicken mole taco and mushroom and broccolini taco. Everything was absolutely amazing. The restaurant was clean with plenty of seating. It wasn't very busy, which was odd because the food was 5star. It may be due to the lack of parking and perhaps not in the best location. If this place were downtown silver spring it may do better. A definite hidden gem read more

We stumbled upon this small, hidden eatery while near a friend's in Silver Spring. After reading the Washington Post review on it, we decide to give it a try, and we're so glad we did! Service was great right away and the place wasn't busy and pretty sparsely decorated, very casual. The prices were very reasonable and encouraged us to try many items to get a real flavor of the place. We ordered the corn hummus, brussel sprouts, vegetarian torta and mushroom taco. They were all fabulous and very good portion sizes. We'd love to come back and try some of the many other items, especially the non-veg items. read more

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If I could, this would probably be more at 3.5. Getting there: the actual parking lot is pretty tight and shared with a lot of other small owner shops, but the plus side is there is a giant lot across the street! The lot is free on Saturdays and Sundays, so it's perfect for brunch. Timing: I went Saturday at 12pm and they were moderately busy. They had plenty of space to host more people and there was never a line. The place died out around 2pm and we were the last one to leave around 3pm. I think technically they close in between for dinner. But the point is, most people don't linger too long here! Ambiance: everything felt nice and bright inside! Good decor and felt more modern than it looks on the outside. The servers were also really nice and friendly. Food: I ordered the breakfast tamale with an overmedium egg at my request (other pics have scrambled eggs) and then shared the tres leches pancake with my friend. The tamale was really good! I could've ate like 3 of them, but since there was only one, I was glad to have a side of pancakes. The pancakes were fluffy and great, but I don't know if they resembled tres leches. All in all, it was good, but it's not a regular brunch place for me. Other food seemed to have bigger portions and seemed interesting. Def take a look at other pics! read more

Lime & Cilantro - Tamale and egg - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

This place is an absolute gem ! Hidden in plain sight have passed by so many times and finally stopped in. Every dish had so much flavor, everything felt like it was just made with love and attention. There wasn't one thing that just wasn't spectacular. Duck confit tender on the inside crispy on the out. Octopus perfectly seasoned with that grilled taste no rubber texture just all great tasting. Service was impeccable and staff were attentive. Cute little place with plenty of seating which is probably full on weekends couldn't see it not being the case as everything here was just made as it were for the gods. Coming back for brunch and can't wait! read more

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3.5 stars. Came here for dinner on a Thursday night at 6pm, no reservations, and it was filling up quickly. The ambiance seems to be good for families and friends and casual dates. Ordered the horchata (very strong cinnamon taste), corn hummus and Caesar salad to start. It took a while for the food to come out. The corn hummus comes with very fragile house made chips. This could be improved upon. For entrees, we ordered the short rib (the mole sauce and the rice were lackluster in my opinion) and the chicken with chorizo (I preferred the accompaniments with the chicken). The service/food was slow while the restaurant was very busy. People were waiting to be seated. We waited about 10 minutes for our check... probably should've asked for it when the dessert was delivered. Our dessert was tres leches bread pudding, but it didn't evoke tres leches for me, just a good bread pudding. It didn't make us overly enthusiastic to come back anytime soon. read more

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Dined here for Valentine's Day dinner. The food was unbelievably good. We tried almost everything on the special holiday menu. Service was very nice and friendly. Every dish in each course was excellent. One of the best meals we have had in the DMV. read more

Foodie alert! This is an outstanding eatery. I don't possess the proper vocabulary, but I am going to call it elevated Tex-Mex, but that in no way does it justice. Everything we ate was elevated. The guacamole was perfect. We had a charred cabbage appetizer that was unlike anything we've had before. The duo tamales, one corn and one chicken, was amazing. The veggie taco with broccolini and mushrooms had a smoky wonderfulness that is a must try. For dessert, the tres leches bread pudding was another home run. This is the kind of spot I would expect to find in Manhattan and we are lucky to have in Forest Glen. The prices are a little more than you would get at an average cantina, and the portions are smaller, but this is very reasonable pricing for such special dishes. Looking forward to many returns. Now go already! read more

What a great spot for a casual brunch. My husband and I ate here for brunch a couple of weeks ago when we were in the area for the a movie at a nearby theater. I picked after seeing that menu - tamale & eggs, pupusas benedict, chilaquiles, platanos with crema, short rib and eggs?! This is not your standard brunch menu - and thank goodness for that! I had the tamale & eggs (fantastic flavor, great dish, just wish my tamale had been warmed up more), and he had the pupusas benedict, which he loved. We also had a couple of coffees. The service was good, and the place is cozy (it was a snowy day out) and casual and comfortable. Overall, I was thrilled to be at a brunch spot that had more than the usual fare that seems to be on every menu nowadays, and I would absolutely go back. read more

Lime & Cilantro - Pupusa Benedict - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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A very nice place for lunch or dinner with a good selection of Latin fare. Floor space is on the small side but food is prepared with attention to details. Have always enjoyed the food but parking is challenging. read more

Unexpected neighborhood find amongst the Montgomery Hills Strip off Georgia Ave NW near the beltway. The food is excellent, the portions modest. Although a little pricey for a strip mall there are a range of options that will satisfy most budgets. We were very glad to have a place serving this quality of food in the neighborhood. Service is excellent; the ambiance is simple and normally quiet. so nice to recommend a place to enjoy lunch and have a conversation. read more

Lime & Cilantro - The Montgomery Hills Strip location is unassuming, the food excellent. - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Went here to meet a friend yesterday, a Monday night without having looked it up. Delicious! We had the tacos, empanadas, chicken and chorizo, and short rib. I also had a delicious glass of red wine from Chile. Perfect place to catch up with a friend. Great service. And each of our meals was delicious. I can not wait to go back for brunch! read more

Lime & Cilantro - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

This place was a total surprise! Odd location and limited parking make it a gem and more popular after an article in the WaPo. We've been here for dinner and brunch within 3 days we liked it so much. Very friendly service, but it can get quite loud when it's busy. It's also quite hot inside, (probably just a winter thing) I'd like it just a few degrees cooler myself. Dinner: The crudo got rave reviews, really good tagliatelle, and the empanadas were excellent. My wife LOVED the fish taco, while my absolute favorite was the Al Pastor, and we both really liked the carne asada. Everyone really liked the plantain, but I'd love a dipping sauce for it. Duck taco: Good but lacked the punch of flavor the other offerings had. Corn hummus: Excellent chips but the hummus itself needs a bit more flavor IMO. Dessert: The chocolate tart was absoulty divine (my wife wouldn't share more then a bite), the cheesecake was unique and fantastic as well. The tres leche bread pudding could have been more moist, it was a really good bread pudding by itself. Brunch: The hands down best dish we had was the pupusas/poached eggs! The tree leches pancakes were quite nice but tasted like normal pancakes with some tasty cream and syrup. I'd love some fresh fruit on top (I know winter is not ideal for fruit). The tamale and eggs was good but I would prefer something savory inside the tamale. Perfect scrambled eggs! I would love to see pupusas as a side order! I hope they can get a liquor license and offer margaritas ASAP. read more

We've been hearing about this little spot that is getting killer reviews already around the area! Stopped in for brunch and was not disappointed! We had the avocado toast and a black bean bowl. SO GOOD. I definitely need to come back for those Chilaquiles and everything on the dinner menu! It's great that they're open so early- there are not a lot of breakfast places in the area so I think once people find out how good they are, it'll be hard to get in the door! I adore that they have a "dog menu" lol- it's just cute. Unfortunately the location doesn't leave a lot of space for an outdoor patio- and you're basically sitting in the parking lot. I am REALLY rooting for Lime & Cilantro to do well- there is a been a slew of failed restaurants in that spot, so I really hope this is one that sticks! Definitely go check it out! I'm hoping they get their alcohol license soon so I can see how they do a margarita! read more

Made it to Lime&Cilantro on a Friday evening before a show at the Fillmore. Glad I got there early (5:30-ish) because it got progressively busier as time went on. Food was great. I had chips and guacamole which was cute (read: small portion) and very flavorful. For my main I had the braised mole short rib which was outstanding! (although in my head I kept calling it 'mole braised short rib' ?). My waitress recommended it when I asked her opinion between it and the branzino (which also sounded good). Service was pretty good overall. For desert I had the tres leches bread pudding which was underwhelming. Good, just underwhelming. Drink? Horchata, which had an interesting flavor that I could not place. Good though. Food overall was really good, on the verge of being "fru-fru" or bougie, your choice. Ambiance: small restaurant. Open floor plan. I didn't see much in terms of decorative accents or anything. I think(?) you can sit close to the open kitchen and watch the goings on; if so, that could be fun. read more

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August 2025 update. Just ate at Lime & Cilantro for at least the 10th time since it opened. Weekday lunch. The restaurant never fails to please -- no, more than please, to astonish. Some dishes (like the Fried Brussels Sprouts) are old friends, but appear every so often in new guises -- we've had the FBS with & without pomegranate seeds, and with different sauces. We tried a new dish today -- the Roasted Chicken for Two. We've all had roasted chicken before, and black beans, and rice, but here, you feel like you're having a completely new experience even though it's the same basic ingredients. The guac, tomatillo salsa, and chipotle aioli accompaniments were spot-on. Presentation was lovely, with edible flowers and a vibrantly colored (annatto?) but not overwhelming sauce. Service was efficient and pleasant. We're lucky to have this restaurant basically across the street from us! read more

Lime & Cilantro - Roasted Chicken for Two. Black beans, guacamole, tomatillo salsa, chipotle aioli. - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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The service was excellent as was the food. Nice and quiet ambience with a family home cooked feeling. I hope the best for this place but admit it's nice going somewhere undiscovered. read more

One word to describe their brunch is YUM! They weren't busy at all at 12:30pm on a Sunday so my group of 5 was quickly seated. Service was friendly and the food arrived quickly. All of us got different dishes and all of them were enjoyed. The highlight was the horchata. It was made in the traditional way and not as sweet as others I've tried. I highly recommend it! read more

Lime & Cilantro - Pupusa Benedict - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Lime and Cilantro is a hidden gem. They're on a busy corner but easy to miss. We liked the number of stars and it sounded good, so we stopped for a late lunch. So glad we did!! Yum! We shared the beet salad which is fabulous! I had two tacos, a carne asada and a crispy fish. My friend got a grilled chicken breast with a corn salsa. We loved both of them. Excellent fresh food!! read more

Lime & Cilantro - Grilled chicken breast with corn salsa - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Had the egg and tamale dish. Enjoyed the complexity of flavors. Sweat plantains mixed well with the sauce. Coffee was smooth. Great local spot. Will return. read more

This is chef-level, beautifully crafted Mexican cuisine. Everything was terrific and the mole is out of this world!