True Food Kitchen (TKF) shows that it's never too late to make an amazing second 1st impression! Back in mid-2018, my dining companion and I gave TFK a try because we had known about Founder Dr. Andrew Weil's work in integrative medicine and were curious how he would apply his healthful ways into cuisine. While nothing was fundamentally wrong (the Burger was certainly fine), the food tasted of stereotypical "health food," i.e. too bland (especially the Fish Taco). Fast forward ~7.5 years, we decided to give TKF another shot for brunch with their Grilled Sustainable Salmon and Blueberry Pancakes. Both dishes impressed us: full of flavor, bright, and healthful while still very satisfying! The Salmon was cooked through while still moist, buttery, and slightly smoky on the exterior for the light grilling, andthe accompanying crunchy Snap Peas, Organic Wild Rice, and creamy Thai Basil Vinaigrette provided a refreshing and warming complement to the fish. As for the pancakes, they were moist and had a nice hearty graininess (Buckwheat?) together with Organic Blueberry Compote, Greek Yogurt (a naturally tart and lighter alternative to butter), and Maple Syrup for a sweet, tart, and vibrant accent. Since the compote portion was a bit small, we asked for a bit more to which our server kindly obliged! Both dishes left a strong impression on us that we returned this afternoon for both as well as a Blackened version of the Grilled Salmon. While a bit warmer in temperature and spiced in the crust, the inherent oily flavors were actually accented in the blackened version to provide a nice contrast to the plain Grilled Salmon. We savored trying both versions side-by-side! Meanwhile, we enjoyed the Pancakes as a lovely dessert to share! In terms of service, Aubrey made our experience feel like that of fine dining with a relaxing vibe. Attentive and welcoming, she also helped to seamlessly rectified a bit of miscommunication on both of our parts (we meant 1 order of adult portion Pancakes that comes with 2 flapjacks rather than the literal 1 pancake for the kids' version). In the end, we enjoyed having one pancake at a time (once with extra Blueberry Compote, then the next one with the Maple Syrup)! All in all, TFK has matured culinarily by finding the optimal balance of pleasing the palate with fulfiling its mission to source clean ingredients prepared in healthful fashion. Combined with outstanding service and a bright green garden-like ambiance, TFK is great place for diverse diets and those looking to satisfy their mindful eating side! read more

I decided to stop by and get some lunch and Im happy to report it was a plesurable experience. Ash the bartender took care of me and gave great recommendations. The OG was delicious. It was full of ginger and fresh lemon. The pizza was prepared really well the only thing I would change is the temperature when served. It was warm enough to eat. The fries were a little soggy but after some salt and pepper it did the trick for me. Overall I did enjoy my lunch at this place The OG 9/10 Pizza 7/10 Fries 6/10 Chips 8/10 read more

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For years, True Food Kitchen in Bethesda, MD was one of my favorite restaurants. I regularly brought friends because the menu was unique, the atmosphere was inviting, and I had always enjoyed introducing people to the restaurant. Unfortunately, after today's experience, I won't be returning. I visited on a weekday around 2:00 p.m., when the restaurant was nearly empty. With only a handful of guests and two servers working, I expected attentive service and careful attention to detail--especially after informing my server about my food allergies. Instead, the experience left me feeling anxious and disappointed. My guest immediately noticed that our server greeted us by dropping the menus on the table, which didn't create a welcoming first impression. While he enjoyed his espresso martini and the hummus, the service throughout our meal felt rushed and distracted, even though the restaurant was not busy. I arrived hungry and ordered the Edamame Dumpling Soup, a dish I have enjoyed on previous visits. This time, however, it was mushy, lacked its usual flavor, and was simply unappetizing. Next, I ordered the vegan burger and clearly explained my food allergies. Before eating it, I asked whether the accompanying sauce contained tomatoes, lime, or lemon. I was told it did not, so I tasted it. After noticing something seemed off, I specifically asked whether it contained ketchup. Only then did the server go back to confirm that it did, in fact, contain ketchup. That mistake could have had serious consequences for someone with food allergies. Unfortunately, the vegan burger itself was also overwhelmingly salty. Both my guest and I agreed it was over-seasoned, and I sent it back. To make matters worse, I wanted to continue eating my soup while waiting for my replacement entrée, but I had to wait approximately 20 minutes to receive a spoon. The replacement dish--a turkey burger--was excellent, and the carrot soup was easily the highlight of the meal. I would happily rate the carrot soup 10 out of 10. However, another allergy concern occurred. The avocado for my turkey burger was served on the side alongside another red sauce. After tasting the avocado spread, I asked what it contained. Once again, the server had to leave the table to verify the ingredients, only to return and tell me that the avocado spread contained lime. This was the second time during the same meal that I had already tasted something before my allergy questions were accurately answered. As someone with food allergies, that is unacceptable. Ingredient questions should be verified before assuring a guest that an item is safe--not afterward. Dining out should not require guessing whether the information provided is accurate. When the check arrived, the total was $129. For that price, I expected knowledgeable service, careful attention to allergy concerns, and food that matched the quality I remembered from previous visits. It is disappointing because this restaurant was once a favorite that I enthusiastically recommended to friends. Sadly, this visit demonstrated a decline in both the quality of the food and, more importantly, the level of care given to guests with dietary restrictions. While there were still a few bright spots--particularly the carrot soup, turkey burger, hummus, and espresso martini--the repeated failures to communicate allergen information accurately overshadowed the entire experience. I sincerely hope True Food Kitchen improves its allergy training and reinforces the importance of verifying ingredients before serving guests. Doing so is not simply good customer service--it is a matter of guest safety. I can't even give them two stars. When you play with my allergies, you play with my life! read more

True Food experience was good, the server was friendly, timely, and attentive and the atmosphere was what I would expect in Bethesda though not pretension. They have a good variety of brunch and non-brunch meals to select from and it made my selection difficult as I kept seeing something that read very delicious. I would recommend this place to others and I plan to go again if and when I'm in the area. read more

True Food Kitchen - Brunch Meal - Vegetarian Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

This is a late review for Tru food from Valentine's Day. We did a last-minute Valentine's Day dinner here, including my wife and daughter, of course. They had a fixed price menu that included an appetizer to my own dishes and a dessert. I paid $10 extra for the steak because it's Valentine's Day who better to treat than yourself . All jokes aside, I had a chocolate dusted old-fashioned, and their love potion number nine. (the strawberry drink) The staff and the service were outstanding and the atmosphere was cozy and relaxing. Unfortunately, some of the food missed like the veggie dumplings for instance. They were a little chewy, even for veggie dumplings. And I would say the same thing for the steak. It was a little chewy. The rest of the meal was good. They took good care of us, they were very attentive so it was a good experience and an average meal. We had a good Valentine's Day. read more

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Stoped by for brunch & had such a great time! We were able to choose a table outside since the weather was so nice & we received really great service! We ordered mimosas, hummus, a burger and the vegan pizza. Everything was a solid 10/10 except for the butternut squash pizza. I was a little disappointed because all of the ingredients sounded good, but together, it wasn't great. I recommend adding honey and chilli peppers, or they have a garlic pepper topping you can add! Will definitely add this as a go-to spot for brunch or lunch! read more

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Had brunch yesterday with my family at true food Bethesda. Service was fantastic. Food was exceptional. Can't wait to go again!

Open kitchen. Food was delicious and fresh. No sodas are served here or fries. You can have a salad or kale lettuce and cabbage as a side option. Very fresh ingredients. Service was fast and courteous by our waitress. Cold glasses for beer. I had Aleppo peppers on my sourdough pizza and added organic tofu to my pizza! Phenomenal!!! read more

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Had the opportunity to join my friend and two of her friends at True Food Kitchen today. This was my first time eating at this restaurant. It was a new experience for me. The waitress, Jaida, was amazing. She took the time to explain the menu and the conceptual nuances of this restaurant. She was even kind enough to explain her favorites on the menu. She was so helpful, and she provided excellent service. She is an asset to this restaurant. I enjoyed the food at this restaurant; I had an amazing hamburger which Jaida personally recommended to me. It was delicious. The side salad was also quite savory. The ambiance in the restaurant was pleasant and the dining experience was fantastic. I can't wait to eat there again. All in all it was a fun time. Everything on the menu was healthy and that is a real plus. Please check it out if you haven't eaten here before. read more

The food was great and the ambience was really cute. Special perks was Paris with great service.

We met my wife's vegan sister for lunch in the Bethesda, Maryland store. The staff was extremely attentive and the food was excellent. Can't wait to try their restaurant near our hometown. read more

I attended an event at TFK last night and I had a good time until the end. I have been to the Philadelphia location of this restaurant so I expected the food quality to be good, and I wasn't disappointed. My partner and I ordered the edamame dumplings, and they came bathed in a truffle oil-infused broth with chopped spring onions and fresh herbs. Very delicious, I probably would have drank up the remaining broth if I wasn't with a group of people I didn't know. My drink of choice was the Athletic Fauxjito, and that was surprisingly good too. So why only three stars? The service was good, the location very convenient and the restaurant was a roomy (if very noisy) setting for our event. My issue was with the payment process - the server asked us to use an app for it, one I haven't used before but seemed like a good enough idea at the time. I think it worked all right for others, but for me it was a disaster - it seemed to not be working at all, and then I started getting texts and calls from my bank about a fraud alert. I had to go outside to call the bank and after 15 very uncomfortable minutes on the phone (it was a chilly evening) I finally cleared things up and they reassured me the payment of my check was approved, though it might not show immediately. And it didn't - after I left the restaurant my friend informed me that my order was still showing as unpaid, so I had to call the restaurant and explain the whole bank situation to them, and gave my information, promising to follow up with my bank to ensure that the payment actually did go through. What an insane headache - I'd prefer takeout from a place like TFK anyway, but I'm definitely not going back for a group event. read more

I have been eating in this neighborhood joint for a long time but last night I had steak for the first time. It was plain horrible. I couldn't even chew it so I sent it back and the new one was only barely better. Worse was to come later. I don't remember ever getting sick from a steak. I don't know what's going on with this location but the people next to my table also mentioned that they sent their food (I think it was a salad) back. read more

Food and service outstanding- Squash soup, butternut squash spaghetti casserole, margarita pizza and air fried chicken tenders. Ash was our server and unobtrusive but attentive. Will be back for sure. Thanks Ash read more

Great food and service. Alesandra was fantastic. Will be back. I recommend the juice bar and the salads. Excellent quality.

We loved the pick up order. The curry dish was delicious and done according to request. A variety of vegetables, crunchy black rice, plus the protein we wanted to add blended well together, very rich flavor and good quantity! Only thing is I just walked a couple of blocks out of the store and curry dish already spilled and got through the bag, when I found out the bottom of the bag was soaked and there was curry all over my t-shirt and pants. The manager had kindly warned me to be careful about the dish so I held it carefully horizontally to my chest yet it still spilled very easily We definitely recommend this great restaurant, we have been there several times and will come back again, just hope they do a better job packing the soupy dishes next time! (with wraps, double bag/box, for example? ) thanks. read more

True Food Kitchen - Vegetarian Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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Well, it's healthy. And it tastes like it. But seriously... Things started well. The hostess was really nice and got me seated quickly. It's a pretty restaurant. It took a few minutes before my server came by, and I grabbed a drink when he did. It took kinda longer than I would have expected to get one drink in a mostly empty restaurant, but whatever. The blood orange margarita was pretty good, although the decorative salt and lime/lemon zest rum that extended all the way down one side of the glass was prettier than it was functional. Once that glass started sweating...kind of ewww. When my server finally returned, I asked for a glass of water (what is this, California?) and ordered the cauliflower app and the Chinese chicken salad for my entree. (Did I want a burger? Yes! Should I have gotten a burger?) And then I enjoyed my drink and eventually my water for what seemed like a really long time. Look, I was reading a book, I didn't count the minutes, but for a quiet restaurant with few tables, I was surprised at long it took to get my appetizer. I really liked the cauliflower - the char was good but the florets were still crisp, the sauce is so yummy, the dates add that perfect sweetness, and the nuts and dill are a surprising contrast. I ate about half of it, expecting my salad. And then I waited...and waited...and ate more cauliflower...and waited. Finally my salad arrived. It was very cute, with a lovely mix of greens, chicken, watermelon radish strands, snap peas, crunchy almonds and quinoa, and a teeny tiny avocado half as garnish. The dressing was a carrot ginger that didn't have quite enough salt or ginger for punch but it was really fresh and very filling. Or maybe that was the cauliflower. Overall, I enjoyed True Food Kitchen but felt its service left something to be desired. I also felt the food was good, but not great. I didn't leave wanting to come back and try more things, sadly. read more

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First time here! I didn't know it as a chain. We sat outdoors since it was a nice day. Got a little breezy later, they turned on heating lamps which worked great. I got the teriyaki bowl with shrimp and it was delicious. If eating healthy always taste this good, I'd do it more often service was prompt and manager checked in to assure all was well. I'd totally be back. read more

True Food Kitchen - Teriyaki bowl with grilled shrimp - Vegetarian Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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True Food was a staple spot for us when we lived in California, so I was looking forward to eating here when we moved to Bethesda. Our takeout experience was extremely subpar, however, especially in terms of food quality and preparation. The steak on the steak salad was pure gristle and inedible, on top of being a tiny portion. The ancient grains bowl had a rancid fishy odor to it, and they forgot to include sauce. And the kids meal chicken teriyaki bowl was basically steamed slop, with the rice grains completely mushy and the vegetables yellowed and not fresh. We paid almost $100 for these three items which we ended up having to mostly throw away. Never again. read more

:) Hana was very accommodating re my ten year old son on my birthday... and the food was delicious

Service! I know it's very difficult finding the right fit! This young girl didn't want to Work she is 20 something! Years old! Playing in her hair just bad attitude I usually Lov Lov true food kitchen! My food ended up being ok! But service makes the evening! read more

Ash offered great service, food was excellent! Easy to make reservations and nice atmosphere. read more

Amazing food, especially if you are into healthy eating Also wonderful hospitality Very nice and wide environment read more

The food was excellent. We had the spinach & mushroom pizza, the butter squash soup and the seasonal market salad. Food was healthy and fresh. I don't like extra sodium placed on my meals and I could hardly taste it, if at all. Great job by the kitchen. The service was on spot and our waitress, Aubrey, was professional, friendly and helpful in explaining everything. I've been to this location before and she was definitely the best server to date. The restaurant is lucky to have her!! The atmosphere was just right for the evening. As usual, I will be going back soon. Thanks True Foods! read more

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We always have a nice meal at True Food Kitchen. Tonight the service was great. Our server, Aaron was very attentive and helpful. We had the glass noodles with tofu and spaghetti squash entree. It was tasty and satisfying. read more

Ash is a great server - very courteous. Pepperoni pizza was delicious. Gluten crust was a little soggy in the middle but that didn't affect the taste. read more

The food was amazing. You were amazing. We all love this place. It's such a great place. Thanks for having us here. Hana, Ana and Aubrey were wonderful and helpful. read more

Excellent food but very pricy for what it is and not so filling. Service was great and there was plenty of available seating at a weekday lunch time. The salmon was perfectly cooked in the salad I tried. I just wish there had been more somehow for it to be a bit more filling! read more

The first thing I noticed right off the bat - besides the gorgeous interior - was the service of the host and waitstaff! Prakash had us settled in quickly and sold us on some of his favorite dishes - especially the sweet corn flatbread. It was delicious! He also recommended the drinks - I highly recommend the lavender matcha latte and any of the spritzers. My party of four ordered salads, pizza, and grain bowls and we were all very impressed! The chopped salad was a perfect meal on a hot day. The fresh fruit and nuts were great and the cheese complemented it perfectly! We also opted for guacamole for the table which was delicious; it took a unique approach with a pistachio pesto. It was great, and the tortilla chips were fresh and seasoned greatly. The prices were also fantastic for the area, and it's in a gorgeous part of Bethesda. This is a perfect stop for lunch! read more

True Food Kitchen - Lavender matcha latte - Vegetarian Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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I ordered the Chinese chicken salad. The chicken pieces were scarce. It was filled with little black bits that were so hard you couldn't chew them. The dressing was too spicy and harsh. Most of the salad sat in the bowl when I left. It was a disappointing dish. Our service was very good and attentive which is why I gave two stars. read more

Had a lovely dinner tonight with my daughters :) Georgia was amazing to us, will have to be back soon.

Great experience my first time dining here. The waitress was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I had the steak with a bottle of Malebec for the table. The steak was cooked to my liking and I really loved the black rice as well as the pepper sauce that accompanied it. The carrot cake with vegan ice cream was also unique and a sweet way to end the meal. The ambiance was kind of typical Chevy Chase/Bethesda crowd. It was raining so it was empty and I was glad. Otherwise it would have been very noisy and one of my dining partners said it does get loud when it's busy. read more

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We love Tru Kitchen and especially this location! The servers are always cool and helpful with the selections. This time we tried their brunch menu. I had the Rancher's Hash while my husband had the tacos and pizza. Everything was so good and the right amount portion wise. Afterwards we had dessert which didn't disappoint either! read more

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I had the Rancher's Hash on the Sat/Sun brunch Menu. It was very good and the service was also quite good considering that the place was busy. read more

I will admit...I was a bit skeptical of this restaurant because it was labeled as a "health food" restaurant. At least for me, in the past health food restaurants can be very hit or miss, and for me they were mostly misses. We were seated relatively quickly and our waiter was attentive; I had no problem getting drink refills. I ordered the teriyaki quinoa bowl. I was a little worried since I am a picky eater and there were several ingredients in the bowl that I was unsure if I would like (bok choy, snap peas, pickled shiitake). However, the food came out and whatever sauce they used made everything taste amazing!! Everything was very flavorful and I ended up finishing the whole bowl. I will say this restaurant is a bit on the pricey side (around $25-26) since I added a protein to my bowl. All in all, the food was well worth it and our service was good as well. read more

True Food Kitchen - Vegetarian Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Morgan was amazing , though on her last day :(. good was amazing . Strongly recommend ..

I've been to True Food Kitchen locations in a few cities, most recently the location in Annapolis. I ate at this Bethesda location yesterday, and I found it a little underwhelming compared to experiences I've had at other locations. The location is massive, and I think that might be the reason the service isn't as great as at other locations. I had their cheeseburger with a side kale salad. I love their kale salad, and I really enjoy that they offer it as a side with their burger. The burger was okay, perhaps a little too charred and not the most flavorful I've had, but cooked well and a good size. Overall, I probably wouldn't have as high of an opinion of True Food Kitchen if this had my first location or experience. Just okay, based on my first visit. read more

Great food, service and atmosphere! Will definitely return to enjoy their great food and cocktail menu.

Delicious healthy food and friendly server! Thank you, Aubrey, for making our lunch à nice experienc.

Hana is the best server in all of Maryland. She is always #1, remembers what you like and offers up the best choices. Always ask for Hana!