100 Best Restaurants 2008: Grapeseed Bistro

Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Dave McIntyre

No. 51: Grapeseed Bistro

Grapeseed

4865 Cordell Ave.
Bethesda, MD
Phone: 301-986-9592

Cuisines:
American, Modern

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Bethesda

Price Range:
Expensive

Dress:
Upscale Casual

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Recommended

Special Features:
Party Space

Website:
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Best Dishes
Smoked trout with pears and crème fraîche; grilled quail; braised short ribs; roasted filet mignon with oxtail ragoût.

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Reader's Rating:
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Cuisine: A wine-friendly menu that takes its inspiration from an eclectic array of sources—the Mediterranean, New England, California, even summer camp.

Mood: The newly redesigned restaurant can accommodate twice as many diners as before in an airy, softly lit space decked out with wine barrels and a stone-arched room lined with wine racks. The effect is like walking off a Bethesda street into the trendiest boîte in Healdsburg.

Best for: Wine lovers looking to relive their Northern California vacations, groups seeking some privacy.

Best dishes: The menu changes regularly, but recent highlights have included cornmeal-crusted fried oysters in a bacon beurre blanc; goat-cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers with romesco sauce; grilled tuna with a decadent wedge of prosciutto-laced bread pudding; roast pork loin with apples and rapini; chocolate roulade with coffee ice cream; “s’mores,” a fudgy brownie topped with house-made marshmallow and browned under the broiler.

Insider tips: Groups of up to ten should ask if the cozy Cellar Room is available. Diners looking to view the action can seek out the six stools at the small bar along the open kitchen. Booths for two in the backroom offer privacy for couples. The wine list, one of Montgomery County’s best, is strongest in the “other” category of quirky blends and unusual wines.

Service: ••½