Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in North Bethesda

Lovely family friendly night for Christmas Eve. I love coming here because we know our family is welcome and there will be other families with kids here.

This last meal was quite possibly the best I have experienced at Xiquet yet. Our table loved the perfectly cooked partridge and amazing sauce on the sea bass. The festive decorations, kind staff and Spanish kings cake for dessert made for a cozy holiday evening. We are already looking forward to more celebrations at Xiquet next year.

Met a friend at NYAJoe for lunch. Zach, our waiter, was personable and enjoyable to chat with. He was there when we needed something and gone when we didn't which was great. My guest got a bloody mary and a sandwich - she enjoyed both. I got a delicious Proseco, one of the best I've ever had and I order them often, and a flatbread with bacon and blue cheese. Flatbread was delicious but so big I couldnt finish it. The big surprise was the $64 check which came to $76 w/ tip. So almost $100 for lunch for two w/ one drink each and $18 each for the food we ate. Next time we'll drink before we go! Seriously, why is it IMPOSSIBLE to find a full menu online. I like to try to decide what I will order ahead of time so time spent w/ a friend is not taken up w/ looking at the menu. The groupings were odd online - Group Meals, Family Meals, but nothing for just 2 people coming for lunch. Also no lisiting of drinks and prices. While I commend the noise level as being lower than almost any restaurant I have gone to in years, it was a bit aggravating that the TV that was pointed to where I was sitting had a soccer game on. Would much rather have had nothing on or news and leave the soccer game for the guys at the bar to watch. Last, but certainly not least, the ladies bathroom needs a refresh. The paint on the inside of the doors has peeled. Wouldnt be much of a dollar investment to sand the doors a bit and put a new coat of paint on.

Had a wonderful experience. The food was delicious and the service was great. We sat at the counter and were able to watch the chef make everything. Since we went on a Monday, wine was market price, so we enjoyed the salmon special and pork chop with a bottle of wine. Too bad they're closing the restaurant portion, because we would definitely go back. Looking forward to taking some cooking classes there though!