Five Maryland restaurants remain in the New York Times’ “
25 Best Restaurants in Washington D.C. Right Now
” list. Four of the five Maryland restaurants included can be found in Montgomery County, though one on the list has closed permanently.
The “Where to Eat: 25 Best” series highlights the writers’ favorite restaurants in cities across the United States– in this case Washington DC and suburbs surrounding the city. The list keeps a running tab and is updated as restaurants close and open, and “as we find new gems to recommend. As always, we pay for all of our meals and don’t accept free dishes.” It was originally created in 2024 and updated just a couple months ago in 2025.
• 2Fifty Texas BBQ in Riverdale Park (Prince George’s
County and DC):
2Fifty BBQ is a highly acclaimed barbecue joint, celebrated for bringing authentic Texas-style BBQ with a unique “pinch of the tropics” to the Maryland and Washington D.C. area. Founded by Salvadoran couple Fernando González and Debby Portillo González, they are known for their commitment to traditional low-and-slow, wood-only smoking methods, utilizing premium meats like brisket, beef ribs, and pork ribs. Beyond classic barbecue, 2Fifty also incorporates Latin American-inspired sides and flavors, creating a distinct and memorable culinary experience that has garnered significant recognition. They originally started as a Sunday pop-up before expanding to brick-and-mortar locations.
• Crisfield (Silver Spring)
: Crisfield Seafood, a beloved Maryland institution, officially
closed its doors
after nearly 80 years at 8012 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. The restaurant, which had been a cornerstone of the community since 1945, served its last meal on Sunday, December 22nd. Though the New York Times list has been updated since its closure, the restaurant is still currently on the list. We suspect it will be removed soon.
• Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly (Rockville)
: “Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly is a celebrated Filipino fast-casual restaurant that has brought the authentic taste of Cebuano-style lechon (roasted pork belly) to the Maryland and D.C. area. Founded by Chef Javier “Ja” Fernandez, who hails from Cebu, Philippines, the restaurant is renowned for its meticulously slow-roasted boneless pork belly, featuring incredibly crispy skin and succulent, flavorful meat, infused with aromatic spices like lemongrass and pineapple.
Beyond their signature lechon, Kuya Ja’s offers a range of beloved Filipino dishes and even hosts “Kinamot” or “boodle fight” events, providing a traditional communal dining experience eaten with bare hands. They have garnered significant accolades for their dedication to authentic Filipino flavors and warm hospitality.
Pupuseria Mama Emilia (Rockville)
: Pupuseria Mama Emilia is a highly regarded Salvadoran restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, celebrated for its authentic and delicious pupusas. Known for their flavorful fillings and friendly service, they offer a wide variety of pupusas, including traditional options like revuelta (pork, cheese, and beans) and loroco con queso (cheese with loroco flower), as well as more unique combinations.
Beyond their signature pupusas, the menu features other Salvadoran staples, refreshing natural drinks like horchata, and sometimes seasonal specialties. With a commitment to fresh ingredients and generous portions, Pupuseria Mama Emilia aims to provide a true taste of Salvadoran cuisine.
Z&Z Manoushe Bakery (Rockville)
: Z&Z, or Z&Z Manoushe Bakery, is a highly acclaimed family-owned restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, renowned for its authentic Middle Eastern flatbreads called manoushe. Often described as “Lebanese pizza,” manoushe is a crispy flatbread topped with a variety of savory ingredients, with their signature za’atar (a fragrant spice blend) and rich olive oil being a highlight.
The bakery, which started as a farmer’s market stand, is a generational endeavor, with the current owners carrying on the culinary traditions of their family, who immigrated to the US in the 1980s. Z&Z has gained significant recognition, including being named one of Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurants of 2022, for its delicious food, warm hospitality, and dedication to sharing the flavors and culture of the Middle East.
The full list of all 25 restaurants for Washington DC (and surrounding areas) can be
found here
.
