Do you ever get stumped with the, ‘where should we go for dinner’ debate? Pulling out your phone, you google ‘best restaurants in Rockville' with the hope of finding somewhere new to try. After scrolling through an overwhelming list of choices and Yelp reviews, you finally decide to just head out to your favorite go-to spot.
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We’re here to help! There are so many unique and delicious restaurants to try in the area so we’ve compiled a list of the best Rockville restaurants, varying in both cuisine and cost. Whether you love brunch, barbecue, or bistros, you’ll find somewhere new to try on this list.
Here is the ultimate guide to Rockville restaurants:
Best for Dinner or Date Night
Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge
$$ - $$$
Serving: Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner, Late Night
Reservations available
Located: 2 Preserve Pkwy, Rockville, MD 20852 
Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge is a unique addition to the Clyde’s family of restaurants. Tucked away along a wooded parkway, firefly lights guide patrons both to the front door as well as to their tables, with an atmosphere inspired by a rugged, outdoor log & stone cabin theme.
The lodge itself creates a cozy ambiance alongside a seasonal menu that includes ever-changing, classic American dishes. Known for their locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients, Clyde’s has a reputation for fresh ingredients, friendly people, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Founding Farmers
$$
Serving: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 12505 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac, MD 20854 
Voted one of OpenTable’s 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America, Founding Farmers serves a mix of all-American and farmhouse classics alongside their own innovative creations. From biscuits and gravy to grain bowls and cold-pressed juices, their vast menu has something for everyone. The atmosphere mimics their mission, with a warm, welcoming aesthetic, from unique light fixtures to original artwork and quirky sculptures.
Akira Ramen & Izakaya
$$
Serving: Lunch, Dinner
Located: 1800 Rockville Pike, Unit H1, Rockville, MD 20852
Ramen lovers rejoice! Inspired by the eclectic flavors of Japan, Akira Ramen & Izakaya brings traditional Japanese fare to Rockville. With an open kitchen and friendly atmosphere, patrons can enjoy their favorite Japanese dishes in a comfortable and welcoming setting. Throughout the extensive menu, guests can choose from a variety of dishes, featuring homemade noodles. Since it opened, this local spot has quickly become a destination for those in the D.C. metro area.
IL Pizzico
$$
Serving: Lunch, Dinner
Located: 15209 Frederick Rd., Rockville, MD 20850
This neighborhood Italian restaurant has quickly become one of Rockville residents’ favorite dining destinations. Alongside a chef-inspired, authentic Italian menu featuring a variety of meat, seafood, and homemade pasta choices, guests can choose from an extensive wine list to find the perfect pairing for each dish. The elegant yet casual setting makes this local spot ideal for dinner dates or a night out with friends.
Mykonos Grill
$$
Serving: Lunch, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 121 Congressional Ln., Rockville, MD 20852
Voted one of the Best 10 Greek Restaurants in Washington DC on TripSavvy and one of the 9 Best Restaurants in Montgomery County by The Culture Trip, this beloved Greek restaurant pairs traditional Greek specialties with beautiful interiors inspired by the look and feel of the Mediterranean. Offering a seasonal menu, guests can enjoy this tranquil setting while enjoying classically inspired favorites and homeland delicacies.
Peter Chang Rockville
$$
Serving: Lunch, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 20 A Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850
Chef Peter Chang, known for his bold tastes and full-flavored dishes, has opened another location of his namesake restaurant, Peter Chang’s, in Rockville. For those looking to try something new, Peter Chang’s extensive menu ranges from specialties like the Scallion bubble pancakes and dry fried eggplant to traditional Szechuan dishes with the chef’s own special twist. To say the menu offers variety would be an understatement, with over 75 dishes to try. Complete with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Peter Chang’s is an ideal spot for a night out in Rockville.
Best for Happy Hour
Stanford Grill
$$ - $$$
Serving: Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 2000 Tower Oaks Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852
This roomy, modern eatery is a Rockville resident favorite, featuring wood-grilled meats, fish, & American fare. With patios and fire pits, Stanford Grill is a casually elegant gathering spot for romantic dinner dates, family outings, and weekend brunch. It's no surprise they were voted one of the most romantic restaurants by Yelp with a live jazz trio playing nightly in the dining room.
Stop by for happy hour every Monday - Friday from 3pm - 7pm for deals on draft beer, cocktails, and wine in a lively and fun setting.
Plaza Oaxaca
$$
Serving: Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 141 Gibbs St., Rockville, MD 20850
This fun dining destination specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine including mole Oaxaca, chile relleno, fajitas, and carne asada among many other dishes. They also feature margaritas and hand-crafted cocktails with a great happy selection every day from 4pm – 7pm.
In addition to the delicious menu, Plaza Oaxaca hosts live music and dance nights. The restaurant space features a large bar, outdoor patio area, and many TVs to watch all your favorite sporting events. Come here with friends or family for classic Mexican fare or even get adventurous and try a grasshopper!
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
$$ - $$$
Serving: Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 1403 Research Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850
This wine-centric restaurant, inspired by Napa Valley’s wine country, features a tasting room, full restaurant, bar, and even an artisanal market. The menu features a variety of entrees from pasta to seafood to steak, with gluten free and kids’ menu options available as well. Patrons will love the modern yet casual setting and can enjoy happy hour deals during the work week.
Happy hour runs every Monday – Friday from 3pm – 6pm, offering wine specialty drinks, wine by the glass, select cocktails, select appetizers and flatbreads.
World of Beer
$ - $$
Serving: Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner
Located: 196 E Montgomery Ave #B, Rockville, MD 20850
This casual chain takes on both the atmosphere and the offerings its name implies. With hundreds of beer selections available, diners can enjoy their favorite brew while watching the game on one of the flat screens above the bar, playing a game of trivia, or stopping by for happy hour.
Their happy includes both food and drink specials, every Monday – Friday from 3pm – 7pm and Sunday – Thursday from 10pm – close. They also host a variety of events from bingo to watch parties and allow pups on the patio.
Best Dog-friendly Restaurants in Rockville, MD
Best for Casual Dining
Urban Hot Pot
$$
Serving: Lunch, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 1800 Rockville Pike, H2, Rockville, MD 20852
This all-you-can-eat personal hot pot experience offers homestyle Chinese fare brought to you by a convenient and cool conveyor belt. This DIY style is rare in that the diners cook their own meats, veggies, shellfish, etc. in a rolling broth at the table. The overall food quality, casual style, and relaxed atmosphere are just a few reasons this local spot gets rave reviews from its patrons.
Mission BBQ
$ - $$
Serving: Lunch, Dinner
Located: 885 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
If you love barbeque classics like Texas-inspired brisket, slow smoked pulled pork, bay-b-back ribs, mac-n-cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw, Mission BBQ is for you. Serving up all the American barbeque classics, Mission BBQ is a favorite for families, parties, and more. Whether you sit inside or at one of the outdoor picnic tables, make sure to sample their 7 signature sauces or one of their 7 other special sauces that differ by region.
Taco Bamba
$ - $$
Serving: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Located: 1627 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Located in Congressional Plaza, Taco Bamba is a regional favorite specializing in gourmet tacos ranging from traditional combinations to unconventional signatures. Customers can come here for delicious tacos and other Mexican fares any time of day. If you came for breakfast, you can enjoy free coffee until noon. They also offer happy hour specials Monday - Friday from 4pm - 6pm.
A&J Restaurant
$
Serving: Lunch, Dinner
Located: 1319 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Referred to as the "Best Dim Sum in the DC Area," this family-run institution is one of the best deals in town. Serving Northern Chinese and Taiwanese fare in a fast casual setting, diners love the fresh, homemade, authentic dishes ranging from juicy pork dumplings to spicy noodles and everything in between. Easy to pick up lunch to go or dine in, you’ll want to try this local cash-only spot next time you’re craving authentic Chinese.
Bombay Bistro
$$
Serving: Lunch & Dinner
Located: 98 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville, MD 20850
This family owned and operated Indian restaurant has been serving the Rockville community for over 25 years. With a reputation for bold, flavorful, and authentic dishes, guests can enjoy selections from their diverse menu or opt for the weekday lunch buffet. Their inviting cultural decor and comfortable atmosphere makes guests feel right at home while they dine.
Al Carbon
$
Serving: Lunch, Dinner
Located: 200 Park Rd., Rockville, MD 20850
This casual family-run restaurant serves a variety of Mexican & Latin American fare from tacos and ceviche to natural juice drinks like mango and maracuya. If you love arepas, you’ll love Al Carbon. Not only do they serve mini arepas as appetizers, but have both chicken and beef options on the menu, as well as a vegetarian version. Their relaxed and cozy atmosphere invites guests to stay as long as they’d like.
Grill Kabob
$ - $$
Serving: Lunch, Dinner
Located: 1409 Research Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850
Grill Kabob offers traditional Afghan food with a unique twist. Their menu features a delicious variety of made-to-order kabobs and other authentic specialties all marinated and grilled to perfection. Family-owned and operated, Grill Kabob is a quick, easy, and satisfying spot for lunch and dinner.
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Best for Brunch & Breakfast
Mosaic Cuisine
$$
Serving: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 186 Halpine Rd., Rockville, MD 20852
This Modern French Restaurant offers a unique twist on French cuisine with a café-style atmosphere. Despite their French roots, their menu is an eclectic mix from around the world, including favorite classics from Belgium, Italy, and even the U.S. Rockville residents rave about their sweet & savory brunch, served on both Saturday and Sunday until 5pm.
First Watch
$
Serving: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
Located: 100 Gibbs St. Unit D, Rockville, MD 20850
Fresh, friendly, and fast are the pillars of First Watch’s philosophy. Everything is made-to-order and they pride themselves on using the finest local ingredients possible. Voted Top Family Dining Restaurant by Consumer Reports, they serve a variety of breakfast and lunch options from classic omelets and French toast to power bowls and sandwiches.
Matchbox
$$
Serving: Lunch, Brunch, Happy Hour, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 1699 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Known for their wood-fired pizzas, Matchbox is a D.C. area staple. Aside from their gourmet pizzas, guests can enjoy specialties like sliders, over-roasted filet mignon, pan-seared sea bass and other chef-inspired entrees. The American bistro fare can be paired with upscale, signature cocktails, served in a warm, rustic setting.
Apart from their lunch and dinner menu, they serve an unlimited brunch with both sweet and savory options every weekend from 10am – 3pm. They also have happy hour specials available on weekdays from 3pm – 7pm. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the Rockville location has become a favorite destination for lunch, dinner, brunch, and happy hour.
Botanero Restaurant
$$
Serving: Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner
Reservations available
Located: 800 Pleasant Dr #160, Rockville, MD 20850
This Spanish tapas restaurant has a fun atmosphere, with a cozy neighborhood atmosphere. Serving classic, delicious small plates paired with signature cocktails, there’s always something new to try. With an exciting flamenco brunch buffet, live music nights, and a wine bar, locals love to frequent Botanero.
While they serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, they also have great happy hour deals from 4pm – 7pm at the bar. Sangria, cocktail infusions, wines, beers, and select small plates and flatbreads are the perfect incentive to stop by after work.
Now that you've found a few restaurants to try, it's time to plan the rest of your weekend in Rockville. To get you started, take this fun and quick quiz to find where to go and what to do in the area based on your favorite activities. Click here to take the quiz.
** Price ranges: Approximate and average price for one meal: $= under $10, $$= $11-$30, $$$= $31 & up. Subject to change, tax and tip not included in approximation
