If you've got Mediterranean fare on the brain, you're in luck: we've found the freshest Bethesda eateries to quell your cravings. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Mediterranean food.
The Halal Guys
4915 Elm St., Bethesda Row
The Halal Guys is a New-York based Mediterranean chain. It started off as a hot dog cart in 1990 and has since grown to more than 200 restaurants worldwide.
The fast-casual eatery features a straightforward menu of beef gyro meat, falafel and chicken, which are served as a platter with sides like hummus, baba ghanoush and fries, or as a pita wrap. Top the dishes with items like jalapeños, olives, hummus and a tangy house white sauce.
Yelpers are generally positive about The Halal Guys, which currently holds four stars out of seven reviews on the site.
Joseph A., who reviewed it on Aug. 19, wrote, "The restaurant smells great because of the meat cooking on grills behind the ordering area. I ordered a combination platter with onions, green peppers and white sauce, and a side of two falafel. The falafel were delicious and served with plenty of sauce. The platter is likewise fantastic."
Kendoll C. noted, "The combo platter comes with so much meat! Spiced well, it's cooked like it was made at home with love, where the natural juices keep it fresh from drying out. It was delicious."
The Halal Guys is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. from Monday-Friday and Sunday and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Saturday.
The Big Greek Cafe
4806 Rugby Ave., Woodmont Triangle
Next up is The Big Greek Cafe, a Mediterranean spot with multiple locations. Favorite menu items include crispy fried flounder, served with french fries and Greek salad; grilled lamb chops marinated and served with roasted potatoes; and pastichio, a Greek-style lasagna served with string beans.
Feeding a group? The restaurant offers platter options like the Big Greek Feast, made up of pork souvlaki, chicken souvlaki and gyro, served with a salad and one side. Finish off your meal with rizogalo (Greek rice pudding) or baklava (layers of walnuts and pastry in a honey syrup).
The Big Greek Cafe is off to a strong start with 4.5 stars out of 18 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Jack T., who reviewed it on July 26, wrote, "Best food I've ever eaten. Food is fresh, flavorful and vibrant. Also, my wife has a couple allergies and the chef was very knowledgeable towards her allergy concerns and helped her decide on something to eat."
The Big Greek Cafe – Bethesda is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
Thelo Greek Grill
8009 Norfolk Ave., Woodmont Triangle
Thelo Greek Grill is a casual eatery that also serves wine and beer. Bethesda Magazine describes the interior as decorated to resemble a Greek taverna, with stucco walls, hanging lightbulbs and square, wooden tables and even a three-panel canvas picture of the island of Santorini.
The menu includes appetizers like stuffed grape leaves and grilled manouri cheese and tomatoes dressed with thyme and olive oil. Gyros and skewers of lamb, chicken, ground veal or pork are available, and diners can order plates of grilled meat served with vegetables, potatoes and traditional bread.
With a four-star rating out of 17 reviews on Yelp, Thelo Greek Grill has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Miranda C., who visited on July 30, wrote, "Hidden gem! This new Greek eatery treats you like family the moment you step into the restaurant with homey ambiance, generous customer service and scrumptious takeout."
Suzan M. noted, "Food was yummy, available quickly and staff was just lovely. Ordered the shrimp saganaki because another reviewer said it was good —delicious."
Thelo Greek Grill is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday.)
