This may be my new favorite restaurant in the neighborhood--and we sorely need options. The interior is very handsome, the service friendly and attentive, but the real draw is the superlative food. It was, without exaggeration, the best meal I've had at a local restaurant in a very long time. The dining room is a bit on the noisy side, but not so noisy that you cannot hold a conversation--and we were seated in the center of the room. The prices are not cheap, but justified by the quality of the cuisine. Update (8/25/14): Sadly, I have to reduce this place from 5 to 3 stars. We went back last night and, while the service is as attentive as ever, the food was entirely mediocre. What happened? Hopefully they only had an off night, but nevertheless, at these prices I expect consistency.
(3)
Allison C.
I came here for Brunch one Sunday during the holidays and I did not regret it. The food was fantastic, especially given its location in an upscale strip mall. My husband and I split a potato and quinoa soup that was a special. It was savory and delicious and we finished every spoonful. For our main course, he had the steak and eggs, another special. The steak was tender, flavorful and succulent when complemented by 2 runny, over-easy eggs. I had the poached eggs with hollandaise, which came with a short rib hash. The eggs were perfectly poached but the short rib hash was to die for. I appreciated the interesting twist on a dish that's often tired (Eggs Benedict) . The service was fine - I have nothing especially positive or negative to say, except that it was a bit confusing how two servers were tag teaming my table. I will definitely be back and will encourage others to try out Wildwood Kitchen as well.
(4)
Steven W.
Wildwood Kitchen has probably stepped into the Top 5 Best Restaurants in Montgomery County. Easily the best the Shops at Wildwood has ever seen. I guess not surprising based on the family of restaurants it was born from (Marcel's, Brasserie Beck, Brabo etc...) I went yesterday, with a friend, and although it seemed a bit on the expensive side for lunch ($54 for two entrees, two iced teas and a salad, before tip), the quality of the ingredients, execution in the kitchen, and creativity and flavor combinations of the dishes made it feel worth it. Let's be honest; it fits right into this shopping center, where a pillow sham at Yves Delorme can set you back $155. The service was very friendly and the restaurant is much more casual than Marcel's or Brabo, which is perfect for the location. I look forward to trying dinner one night.
(4)
Bob C.
Most sophisticated and nuanced cocktails in Bethesda. The food is outstanding, with subtle elegant flavors. A cozy atmosphere and knowledgable staff who will impress foodies who appreciate well-informed pairing suggestions.
(5)
Brian S.
I was excited when I heard Robert Wiedmaier was opening a neighborhood restuarant in the sleepy shopping center of Wildwood. We are fans of his other restaurants downtown as well as Mussel Bar in Bethesda. The first few months being open, the restuarant was fully booked every night. The buzz has quieted down and remains busy on weekends but easy to get a reservation on a week night. The owners are apparently growing their franchise and aggressively building out new locations all over the DMV. I hope that Wildwood Kitchen doesn't get overlooked as they expand. The food was tasty, atmosphere cozy but a big concern is the high prices and limited menu make it a place that we won't frequent. Pros: Food is good. Mixologist makes some unique cocktails at the bar. Atmosphere is small but cozy. The meatball appetizer is awesome and then mashed potatoes are delicious! The duck entree was also very good. Decent wine menu. Cons: Expensive! Small Menu. The scallops were a recommendation but the appetizer came with two small scallops.
(3)
Eric J.
I got the ribs. It felt thoroughly slow-cooked and the meat just dissolved in your mouth. It's a nice dinner place to take your special someone to for a nice relaxing night.
(3)
Lola C.
I went there for my 21th birthday on my friends recommendation, with my Mom and my Brother. I had a fantastic time. Two of our plates were very good but my Mom's one was sadly, too salted. I don't remember what it was though. The atmosphere is relaxed but classy, we loved the inside and decorations. Everything is sober. Waiter was attentive and nice, but not overly (which is perfect!).
(4)
Maggie B.
Although the waitstaff was nice, that's the only positive attribute I discovered at this restaurant. We went at lunch time, and we were the only people in the restaurant. I ordered a salad, and the women I was with both ordered burgers. An hour later, I was brought a Caesar salad...with no dressing. Although the burgers weren't still mooing when they came out, they certainly weren't cooked, either. Save your money, McDonald's has a dollar menu with better food.
(1)
goldie f.
Our experience at Wildwood was close to a 5-star restaurant. The food, service and ambiance were terrific. Acoustics very good, so even though the place was full, it was not loud. We were greeted warmly and seated promptly. Attentive service continued through the evening. The food was magnificent, from calamari, to heirloom tomatoes & mozzarella, to watermelon gazpacho .. . on to pork loin chop, duck, steak and rissotto (which was the best I've ever tasted). The desserts were awesome; we ordered one of each. Thank you Wildwood, my new favorite Bethesda restaurant!
(5)
John M.
Gave Wildwood Kitchen a second chance this evening. A few months ago we tried this new restaurant in the Wildwood shopping center knowing that this was a location in need of a good restaurant and believing that any good spot would indeed draw good traffic. First impressions were mixed: it was small and very loud but the food on our first visit was pretty good, but pricey. Paid much more close attention this evening and came away thinking that this is a "FAIL" for us, with the following notes: AMBIANCE: Even though we were seated near the front, it was still very noisy. It is a small space with the bar in the center of the room. As a result, conversational noise from the bar overrides even the normal conversations at dinner tables. Hard surfaces everywhere bounce noise around. Tables are Formica imitations of wood grain; no tablecloths to soften sound. Chairs are hard-backed; again no cushioning of sound. MENU: Maybe (as I recall) six entrees; roughly the same number of appetizers, including salads. Waitress offered two appetizer and one entree specials, but it was very difficult to hear her descriptions. SERVICE: With absolutely no complaint on our waitress' attentiveness, we felt like we were being rushed from the beginning of our dinner experience. Menus and water options were offered immediately. We were asked if we wanted to order dinner very quickly, before even asking if we wanted cocktails. We asked to order cocktails, and did so, and while they were on order finally (still very quickly) ordered one appetizer and our three meals. Following this we received some great bread to sample but then the waitress stopped by to let us know that the bar was backed up and our cocktails might take a while. Our one appetizer was delivered with the cocktails followed pretty quickly by the entrees. FOOD QUALITY : Mixed results. One entree-- a fish special -- was rated excellent. A second -- a salmon -- was good, but nothing to write home about. The third, breast of duck -- although requested "medium" was delivered rare and basically not acceptable to eat. To the restaurant's credit they offered to provide an alternative and removed this entree from our check. OVERALL QUALITY: We felt rushed from the beginning, which was not appreciated given the prices (approx. avg drink @ $12-14 and entrees $26 - 30). Very noisy. Believe the chef has really good ideas and skills, but the small size of the space, the need to cram in a bar in the middle, and urge to move customers through like a fast food restaurant totally detracts from the experience. No need to return as there are many more attractive options in the area.
(2)
Lou K.
So the atmosphere is very inviting and the servers are very earnest and eager to please so that's not it. My first time there I was put off by the bartender giving me the most expensive glass ( over $20 ) while I waited for my friends when I asked for the house Cabernet. So it was annoying but not a deal breaker. Returned today with my daughter and found the menu seriously lacking. We both had the salmon which was almost too oily to eat. So I think I'm done here. Bye wildwood kitchen,
(2)
Y G.
My husband and I live nearby, and have been to this place several times. We always had great food experience there, however, our recent visit was really disappointing. We sit in the bar and ordered lunch. Bartender gave us black table mats. What we noticed right away was that....the table mats were stinky, smelled like sour, wet cloths. We told the bartender that the mats are stinky, and we don't need them on the bar counter. Bartender seemed a bit surprised, but placed the table mat back to near the sink in the bar. Our lunch (salad) was brought by the Chef himself, and it was very good, as always. Then we witnessed that the bartender handed "the black table mat" to other customer who just came in. Luckily (?) it seemed that this customer did not find any problem with the mat, and she had her lunch and drink on the mat. We hesitated to say anything to her about the table mat because it would embarrass the bartender, but we were very sad to watch that the bartender did not clean or check the mat we just declined to use and returned. There was another problem. We ordered bread service but they obviously forgot. The bartender asked us "how is everything?", so we said "we are waiting for bread". But it did not come..... the bartender asked us again the same question. TWICE !!! After finishing lunch, finally the bread came, so we had bread as dessert. In summary, it was a kind of disastrous lunch experience in such a great foodie restaurant. I felt sorry for the Chef who prepares such wonderful dishes. They need to hire better bartenders who are more attentive and careful to customers. As their neighbors, we wanted to be loyal customers and big fans of this exquisite restaurant, but this experience turned us off. Very sad.
(1)
Astar J.
Food is average for the price I have had better food. The wine glasses were incorrectly served. Red wine were served in a white wine glass. Seared scallops were too salty. Only two pieces of scallops for $14 and not worth it. Also the fishy smell is still on the scallop as you can tell it's old. Understaff for a slow Tuesday evening. I'm not impress with the blond waitress either. I don't plan to return to this place! Wine glass was empty for a while. Cod was not enough seasoning. Bf had the tender beef which was good. Need improvements but not worth a fancy dinner more like a casual lunch place.
(2)
Cindy S.
Just love this place and the staff is great. Chef is warm and friendly. Most importantly the food is fantastic. I have to admit I got here at least 3-4 times a month and have never had a bad meal and certainly don't expect to. Warm and friendly environment. Happy hour is cozy and lively. Bread is to die for...but don't forget to try his soups..yummy. I am going there today for lunch and can't wait to find out what the specials will be for today.
(4)
Jaime S.
Don't come here if you have a mobility disability. I recently had dinner here with several friends, one of whom has a disability. He had a bad stroke a few years ago, and he can't walk well. I made a reservation for 5:30 PM on a Saturday night in March 2013 for 5 people, and I made the reservation weeks before. I spoke to the then-manager, and I asked for a seating at the front of the restaurant. I explained that my friend couldn't walk very far. Seating us close to the entrance would minimize his struggle to walk. The manager promised to set us up there. However, when we arrived at 5:30, I was told the manager was no longer there. The hostess (who I think usually works at Marcel's) said that she couldn't give us the tables in the front that I requested, even though they were empty at the time. She said it was a Saturday night, and she couldn't give up that space. So where did she put us? At a table in the very back of the restaurant, where he had to struggle to walk across the entire length of the restaurant. When we saw the table, it was actually a table for 4 people. The 5th seat was at the end, and whoever sat there would have to keep his legs open around the metal legs of the table. In other words, this table could not seat 5 people comfortably. I said that was unacceptable so they placed us in a booth with a 5th chair. Although the food is excellent here, I was very disappointed with the service last night. They made no accomodation for my friend, despite my early planning, conversation with the then-manager, and developing rapport with some of the staff. The hostess didn't even apologize for the inconvenience to my friend or try to butter us up with the change in seating. My husband and I have gone to this restaurant several times. Some of the staff knows us now. But the service and inconsideration from that hostess has really turned me off.
(2)
Lowell N.
Nice location with excellent service, but food was just OK. I enjoyed the pumpkin soup; the lamb meatballs were so-so. GF liked the gnudi for appetizer, but risotto was unremarkable. Our server entertained us with his knowledge about the preparation and ingredients of the food, and the service was very attentive. We really wanted to like this place (we are Brabo fans) but at least for this visit, it was not a particularly notable experience.
(3)
Charlie B.
Most expensive drink prices in the north Bethesda/Rockville area. For the price of food, portions are extremely small. A nice dinner for two with 1 appetizer and 4 drinks will cost approximately $220.00 and upwards with gratuity. Our waiter seemed overly pushy/aggressive. Now to the food: very good and no complaints there! Restaurant is very well decorated and has a nice vibe.
(4)
Charles H.
Probably one of the better meals that you'll ever have in a strip mall. Came in for lunch last week. Parking was a little tough even at 1:00 p.m. but no wait once inside. Pretty space decorated in a traditional aesthetic. Start out with a nice sliced artisan loaf with olive and chili oil. Ordered the jumbo lump crab salad with horseradish and creme fraiche dressing over bibb lettuce ($24). Nice portion of crab over beautiful lettuce. Obviously you don't want to over-season any nice seafood, but I think that they may have forgotten the horseradish. The overall impression was a bit too subtle for my taste. Pleasant service, but a little pricey for lunch. Probably a better choice for dinner.
(3)
Kristen R.
Some of the reviews on Wildwood kitchen really annoy me. Really shows how uptight and snooty the residents of Bethesda can be sometimes. Wildwood kitchen is a great restaurant. I've been here multiple times and each time I leave extremely satisfied. The drinks made by the bartender Giancarlo are world class. The food is perfectly portioned and cooked with skill. The prices are on par with a above average restaurant, but this place is great so I feel like i'm getting a good deal. I've never had to wait around for my food, apps and entrees usually come pretty fast. I'm usually in and out within an hour or less. The place is small, but I don't feel packed in like bigger sized restaurants. For you uptight Bethesda people, stay away. Go to bethesda row for overpriced, overcrowded, overrated, crappy restaurants. That's what you deserve.
(5)
Doo P.
This place is small. And as others have noted even with a reservation you can still be waiting... So try to come early like 5:30 or 6. Since it's small it can get a bit loud as well. But, all that doesn't bother me... as long as the food delivers. First of all the bread is great! Other places give you butter, but here they give you a tuna spread with your rustic toasted bread that's buttered & seasoned with garlic & spices. Each dish is seasoned right, which means not too salty. I've found that lately everywhere I go restaurants over salt their dishes. Desserts are okay, but nothing special. If you are not in the mood to go all the way into the city & live in MD. This is a good alternative.
(4)
Melissa G.
I was somewhat surprised to see the mixed reviews. The food in Wildwood is outstanding. It really is very good. I agree with other posts that the restaurant is small and the ambiance is loud. We only sit at the bar because the booths just don't look inviting, oh and more honest they are always full. The setting is a total mismatch with the food quality. The bartender is easy going and cool. To start they serve a delicious tuna rillette spread. We love it! The lamb meatball is amazing. The pork belly is out of this world. The service is attentive, respectful but also laid back. I prefer this to Basserie Beck any day. Definitely visit for yourself.
(4)
Sophie M.
Very pricey however I have never been disappointed with a meal there and it has been worth it every time. Their shrimp and endive salad is incredible, light and perfect for a summer lunch. The hanger steak is really amazing. I've never eaten anything there I haven't loved. They also have a very talented mixologist who makes the best drinks in Bethesda. The service is amazing, the parking is easy and although it is small the atmosphere is delightful. It is for sure one of my favorite new restaurants!
(5)
Mickey L.
Wildwood Kitchen (WK) is simply the most exciting foodie experience in a long time. It has brought back the foodie excitement for me and my dining companion. Simply put, the outstanding trinity of food, ambiance, and service made it a casual version of our favorite experience at Marcel's! As fans of Chef Robert Wiedmaier and having tried his other four restaurants (Marcel's, Brasserie Beck, BRABO/Tasting Room/Butcher's Block, and Mussel Bar), we were thrilled to try Wildwood Kitchen. Walking in on a late afternoon (a real plus since lunch is offered Tuesday through Sunday from 11am-5pm), we were struck by its beautifully designed and decorated interior. The dark green tones, solid tables, glass, and big herb plants by the windows where we sat (lots of natural light to warm the winter) were matched by high ceilings, lighter colored wood floor, and glass jars of homemade cocktail components at the end of the bar. A trademark to Chef Wiedmaier's restaurants has been outstanding service. Our server Shane epitomized the WK's theme: a neighborhood restaurant that is comfortable and approachable yet maintaining the high standards of fine dining of being knowledgeable and professional. Having heard that WK was going to be a lighter take on French cuisine reflecting Chef Wiedmaier's personal commitment to health eating, we could see it reflected across the menu and on our table--EVOO infused with rosemary and with chilies. Both had wonderful flavors (chili being quite spicy for Mediterranean standards) and whet our appetites. For appetizer, we naturally went with seafood, which happens to be our favorite section of food as well as a good way to gauge the kitchen's abilities. We ultimately decided on the Crispy Sardine, which was absolutely divine in flavor, texture, and balance! Quite simply, one of the best fish dishes ever! For entree, my DC ordered the Clam Pappardelle, a symphony of flavorful clams, tender pasta, earthy chanterelles, savory cheese, and lightly bitter pesto. This was one of the best pasta dishes we had in recent memory, rivaling the top ones at Fiola. To warm up, I chose the rich Kobe Burger, which shined in its naturally decadent glory--supremely juicy in the traditional medium. Adding depth were the smoked Havarti, sauteed Onions and Shiitake. Paired with a salad of Bibb Lettuce lightly dressed, the burger had great balance. Thoroughly impressed, we decided to order dessert, which has traditionally been most fine dining restaurants' weak spot. The Cappuccino Torte did not disappoint. It was wonderfully aromatic with hazelnuttines in its Creme Anglaise and crunchy candied forms, adding delightful layers to the Tiramisu torte itself. A generous dollop of Whipped Cream (had a pleasantly mascarpone-like substance) found its way into our coffee, which was surprisingly light-roasted yet nicely flavored. Not coincidentally, heading the kitchen that day was Chef Brian McBride, former Executive Chef of Blue Duck Tavern and Partner-Chef of the Wiedmaier restaurants. After some so-so experiences at Mussel Bar, we had not gone for a while until our last visit, when Chef McBride just happened to be there. Needless to say, the same pizzas that were hit-or-miss were all home runs when he was present! And despite being a far more casual restaurant than Marcel's, WK turned out food impressed us on equivalent levels as Chef Wiedmaier's flagship. Being the closest proximity to us among Chef Wiedmaier's 5 restaurants is a real plus, too! We are really excited and planning what to order next at Wildwood Kitchen!
(5)
SY C.
Came here for lunch with a friend. I ordered the tomato soup and made the Green Salad into an entree with the addition of duck confit. My friend had the Caesar Salad appetizer and the Braised Beef Sandwich. The tomato soup wasn't what I expected. I was a little confused if maybe it was pumpkin because of the slight sweetness, but no matter, it was very, very tasty. (I'm sure it was tomato, but I expected a tomato bisque, which it wasn't supposed to be anyhow)! There were layers of flavors and the serving and presentation of the soup was nice. The Green Salad with duck confit was incredible. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE a tasty salad. The flavors of the roast sweet potato, pecans, cranberries, and goat cheese was absolutely lovely. The duck confit was fall-off-the-bone delicious. I highly recommend this salad. So my friend's Caesar had a few greens that looks like it had been cut a bit earlier before serving. When she mentioned this to the waiter, he promptly took the salad back without a pause. Then one of the chefs brought out a new plate for her. They then took the salad off the bill. Now that is service! She thoroughly enjoyed her new Caesar salad and said the Braised Beef Sandwich was extremely tender and tasty. The portions for this item are pretty large, well worth the price. Our waiter (forgot to get his name) was extremely nice and helpful. Overall, great service, wonderful food. I will definitely come back and try out the other dishes!
(5)
Angela Z.
Loved this place so much that I told my hubby this was where I wanted to go for my 50th birthday. Made reservation for 9 and were not disappointed. They even made me a yummy cake! See prior review for why I love this place- it is still wonderful.
(5)
Tough C.
Empty on a Tuesday. Had rainbow trout which was well cooked but needed seasoning. Salmon was good. A bit overpriced.
(3)
Peter L.
The food is good, but the drink prices are really out of control. Come on guys...you can do better than that. A neighborhood eatery needs to be affordable for all to enjoy a night out and to charge $13 for a drink...hmmm. The death of most small eateries is value and price not meeting each other...well...although it is a nice place there are many other places to eat in Bethesda that have a great value with price points that allow for longevity.
(3)
K C.
Delicious! Every dish exceeded my expectations. I already had some snacks prior to arriving and was expecting to have leftovers for the next day. Dish after dish, I spooned/forked every bite on the plate into my mouth. I shared the pea soup, lamb meatball, sea bream and short ribs. There were no left overs and I had to waddle out of the restaurant. Decor is cute, nice place.
(5)
Iona D.
Servers unfriendly. Food cold and very expensive. Maybe just a bad night but we have given it a few visits and there is always a dish that disappoints
(1)
Ricardo G.
Bottom Line: Amazing food, absolutely on point. If you can't eat here, come for the amazing drinks. If there were competition in the area, which there isn't, it still wouldn't live up to these cocktails. Something this neighborhood has needed, Wildwood Kitchen's food is wonderful and on point in every way. Excellent food from beginning to end, with a liquor and wine selection to match. Foodies will be pleased as a local star Chef arrives in their hood, but the breakout star is the bar and it's bartender Giancarlo who mixes up some fantastic drinks to please any palette. Crowd was opening week crowd, skewed older, but may change. They said they had reservations booked all through the night, which I found a bit odd considering that almost every table was empty and was for quite some time until those who had reserved arrived. Maybe that's how things are done there, but it's not the norm from what I have seen at other restaurants. We ended up eating at the bar with no issues, and honestly preferred it. Now, to the drinks. If you're familiar with spots like The Gibson in DC or any cocktail-focused bars in NYC, etc, you'll definitely want to come here. The drinks are strong, perfectly balanced, and for those who like classic cocktails this is the place to go. Though there is a menu of 'selected' drinks such as martinis, etc, you'll want to ask Giancarlo or the bartender to mix up something special for you. I was supremely impressed with their selection of scotch, rye, and spirits overall. I'm not talking about top shelf regulars, they had very specific liquors that only good bars would know about and stock (rye especially). Recommendation, try Giancarlo's take on a Manhattan. He makes all his own bitters and ingredients for the drinks.
(5)
Nikki S.
Went here on a whim for a birthday dinner with my boyfriend. We didn't have reservations, though I totally recommend making them. While we were able to grab a table for two at 5:30/6PM, the restaurant was already packed! It's not a large restaurant, though it did have a comfortable and casual kinda feel. I was sold by the cheese and meat platter, and my main meal, a special, was delicious and tender (gnocci with pork ragu - om nom). The wine menu met my expectations and price points (Oregon Pinot Noirs? Yes, please). We sat towards the front (by the windows) and were able to overlook a well-packed bar; their bartenders seemed to be serving-up some awesome mixed drinks! I would not, however, recommend the restaurant for parties larger than six - from a brief scan of the restaurant, it looks like large tables can be problematic and require some table rearranging.
(4)
Scott M.
So so experience. Ate at the bar and ordered two appetizers: The scallops and the seasonal pumpkin soup. Soup was great, though could have been a bit more substantial. The scallops were way too salty. As there are a multitude of other options in the area, I doubt I'll be back.
(2)
Lori C.
Wow- really expensive for not such a great menu. I am a fan of RW but this one isn't on my top 100 list. I will go back to Marcel's and Brabo because I love them. I will wait to see what happens to the menu here before I come back to give it another try.
(3)
Nicole L.
Located in the same strip mall as Balducci's, Wildwood is the new casual kitchen by Robert Wiedmaier - it had a small dining area with a nice bar, the decor was contemporary with a touch of nature. We had a booth seat which had a great view of the restaurant. We also loved that it wasn't too echoey like many restaurants in DC. The manager and staff were friendly and prompt with the service. We started off with the heirloom tomato salad and pork belly - they were nice enough to split it into two for us. Before the appetizers we had some good country bread with a tuna ganoush and a small dose of the gazpacho that was perfect for summer! My white wine was a Macon-Verget it was lovely -medium bodied and dry. The heirloom tomato salad was simple showcasing the taste of summer. Now the pork belly - it was one of the best I had in a long time. Moist and soft inside and crunchy skin perfectly executed. I also enjoyed my seabream dish though it was slightly over-peppered for me. My fiance's roasted chicken was very deliciously moist also a well-executed dish. Wildwood was easily the best kitchen on old georgetown rd! What a great addition to the area.
(5)
Shayan K.
I think we found our new place! Loved everything about this little restaurant. We started with a few of Wildwood's special drinks, and each was uniquely delicious. The food was on another level. We had high expectations, and from the appetizers (baby octopus and scallops) to the entrees (filet mignon and duck breast), they were met, and even better than we expected. On top of everything, Wildwood was incredibly accommodating in regards to our gluten free diet. It was noted that pretty much anything we order can be modified. I'm looking forward to recommending this place to all my friends and family!
(5)
Cortland Native C.
Loved, loved, loved this place. Yes, its small but it was a great place for lunch. Frequently I'm distracted by the hubbub of a noisy restaurant but sitting in a booth provided a nice audio cocoon. Our waiter was a informed foodie and sold the menu well. He even gave us a bit of epicurean theater as he described each course. His recommendations were all en pointe. I started with the gazpacho, followed by the octopus and ended with the tuile cookies and chocolate mousse. A most memorable meal.
(5)
Steven T.
Celebrate my birthday for dinner and it was a great experience !! Great appetizer octopus salad, duck pate, and grip sardines. We had a fabulous chorizo bucatini and duck breast with reduction and top it off with pottiferoles!
(4)
Peter L.
I have to say that I was a little disappointed...too expensive and the value is just not there. There is also an arrogance in the air...for God's sake this restaurant is in a strip mall...tone down the arrogance and set some price points that the community can afford...downtown Bethesda is down the street and you can find a better value from about 70 other restaurants close by.
(1)
Sonia V.
We were excited to try this place last night. We made our reservation on Open Table, but didn't know to ask to be seated away from the kitchen. They seated us in a very distracting table where you could hear the noise from the kitchen. The host was very accommodating and moved us to another location. Off to a good start. While the food was excellent, the service was very disappointing. Our waitress should not have been in that position and was in WAY over her head. Her English skills were such that she should have been working in a diner if she really wanted to be a waitress. This is not the place for her. She had no concept of the wine selection nor did she understand the menu selections...or was unable to articulate the descriptions. She also misunderstood me and delivered the wrong wine AND entree!! We had to wait as my husband had his entree and mine had to be prepared. Despite the SNAFU, the kitchen was able to turn it around fairly quickly. I feel bad for the young girl who should really find another job. Why they hired her i the first place is curious... We may give it another try, but it won't be high on our list. We will surely ask for another waiter!
(2)
Joe R.
I had lunch here on a Sunday about a week and a half ago and was impressed. I am a huge fan of Brasserie Beck downtown, among other Robert Wiedmaier establishments, and was excited to try this out. Good clean food. The restaurant is small and contemporary with a very relaxed atmosphere. Service was fast, friendly and helpful. We ordered 4 appetizers between the two of us to try more of the menu. Grilled Maine Scallops - Amazing. I would recommend this dish to anyone. Scallops were perfectly cooked. My favorite dish of the lunch. Grilled Octopus - This was great too, cooked well, clean flavors and perfect amount of acidity Crisp Portuguese Sardines - This was the one dish I was disappointed by the sardines appeared to be pan seared on a thin crostini (the crispy element) which absorbed all the oil and it was greasy. Duck Liver Pate (special) - This was awesome. The waitress described it as the chef's take on PB&J. It was rolled in hazelnuts and served with some sort of reduction. Really rich and delicious. Topped the meal off with a pot of coffee which they bring out in a personal French press for the table. Nice touch. Look forward to having dinner here in the near future.
(4)
Giancarlo B.
Top notch R Weidemeier restaurant. Awesome to have such great food in such and easy location, especially for folks that live up there. We ate at the bar and really loved the food, I had a beautiful chop that was cooked perfectly and my friend had scallops that were perfect! I wish they would open on Mondays too!
(5)
john r.
Wonderful bar. The homemade tonics are quite good. Condiments are all marinated in house. Lots of regulars, which is always a good sign. Feel very lucky to have this right in the neighborhood.
(5)
David S.
I've been here twice and everyone in our party has raved about the food and service. Fish - cod steak, scallops, sardines - is cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. Lamb meatball appetizer is awesome. We anticipate returning often.
(5)
Catherine M.
Let me just say that I would give Wildwood Kitchen 5 stars just for the drinks. Mixologist Giancarlo is a genius, and his handcrafted cocktails (made in part from tinctures he created himself) are divine. The food is really good too. My clams and pasta with pesto was bright and flavorful. My friend's octopus was amazing - the best by far that either of us have ever had (and she's a real foodie; I'm a wannabe). Service was a little spotty, but that's the only blip, and honestly, we were having such a great time that the service wasn't really an issue.
(5)
guillaume c.
love the place ,the food is great and the service nice.saturday night is busy but that is a good sign .
(5)
Roberto I.
Small menu but everything was great ....food, service and drinks were all great. Small and cozy...Premium dining for sure!!!
(5)
Dave T.
Went to Wildwood for the first time Monday. The staff was extremely friendly & attentive. Everyones food was outstanding. Our group for the most part had the salmon or the short ribs which were both excellent. My only disappointment was the wine list, not very good for such a nice restaurant. All wines were very low end.
(4)
Robin V.
I shop at Wildwood a lot, and I noticed that a new restaurant opened, but I had no idea it was Weidmaier. After a basketball game (and dressed very casually) at 9:30 on a Saturday, I suggested to my husband that we go for a bite. He thought I meant the Woodmont Grill so he was annoyed when we pulled up (thinking he was going to get a burger). A half hour later he could not have been happier. Very reasonably priced wine with a freebee tuna caper spread with very nice bread. Grilled Octopus, one of our favorites and very hard to find -- a nice texture with a good grilled taste and spicy peppers. I had an appetizer for dinner - a very generous portion of littleneck clam pappardelle with chanterelle mushrooms and italian croutons. Very tasty and more than enough for a late dinner, resulting in a very reasonable price for a meal. Sea bream for my husband, just enough for him. I sooo wish I didn't know that they have the best chocolate mousse napoleon for dessert. Not too sweet and very chocolately. I will be back for that alone. The staff clearly takes pride in their product. Knowledgeable and friendly. I work and live nearby so I am thrilled to have this (with a free parking lot). Planning my next trip already.
(4)
Carol F.
Walked in with one friend without a reservation at 6:15 on a Wednesday night. The host was very accommodating, explained that they were full with reservations but offered to seat us if we did not need to stay for a long meal. We appreciated the welcome. We sat near the window so the noise level was totally minimal. The food was EXCELLENT; fresh, innovative, tasty. The waiter made great recommendations and the staff was friendly and prompt with all our requests (drinks, salt, fresh silverware). I would recommend making a reservation for the busy nights, but for a mid-week walk-in we were more than satisfied. Will definitely go back. And Loved the crusty country bread.
(4)
Lydia B.
While others talk about the great drinks, I cannot say I ordered one. Perhaps I would be more inclined to give a better review had I had a good, stiff drink. Instead, we ordered wine. The first one we ordered was unavailable, the second one that was recommended to us was undrinkable. We were told it was nuanced, but that would only be the case if you thought nuanced for a Cote du Rhone meant a light-bodied wine with a singularly sour taste. The third one was drinkable, but disappointing. Really, if I can find decent wines at every price point, why can't a fine restaurant? As for the menu, I can only comment on the couple of dishes I had tried. The grilled octopus was superb. So many places get it wrong--rubbery, overwhelming charcoal flavor--but here, it was wonderfully tender and delicately flavored. I do not hold my main course in such high regard. The bacon-wrapped chestnut-stuffed duck breast with brussels sprouts did not have brussels sprouts. They substituted cauliflower, which was acceptable to me, but I should have been told about the substitution. The chestnut stuffing had no oomph. No character. I, too, could chop up chestnuts from a jar and call it stuffing. Then again, I like chestnuts. As for the duck, what duck? The bacon overwhelmed everything else in this dish. I could not taste duck. It was somewhat dry and surprisingly lean. If you told me that they had substituted pork tenderloin for the duck, I would not be surprised. The lights were low, how could I tell? In any case, unless you are one of those people that wants everything bacon flavored, I would not select the duck. The decor was very pleasing, and the wait staff was superb. They were professional, courteous, and tried to please. It is because of them, and the convenient location, that I would give Wildwood Kitchen another chance.
(2)
Milton K.
I went twice. I thought that it was too expensive the first time, and this was confirmed the second time. In addition, we had to wait for 25 minutes in spite of a reservation and all we got was "sorry for the wait". The food was good, but not worth paying these prices in a strip center on Old Georgetown Road.
(2)
Jim F.
I have been to Wildwood kitchen three times since it opened. I feel you really need to dine at a place more then once before you can get a true feel for the food consistency and service. On all three occasions the food was impressive and spot on. By the way I ordered a different appetizer and entree each time. I applaud the executive chef Anthony and his kitchen staff. I rate the service a bit inconsistent with room for improvement but not bad overall. It is a new restaurant and the front of the house seemed a bit nervous and awkward. The bartender Giancarlo made us drinks at the bar while we waited for our table.You can truly see his passion for mixing drinks. He is a great asset for the restaurant, both entertaining and the drinks were great. I highly recommend Wildwood kitchen a little pricey but well worth it.
(4)
Joey S.
We decided to have a nice evening out at this new establishment, though hearing mixed reviews. It was a disappointment. The medallions of duck were not edible; chewy and only three were given (the size of quarters, and I am not exaggerating). I believe this entree was $32.00. We let the waiter know that the duck was not edible and he huddled with other waiters and ran into the kitchen. Meanwhile, there was a manager who did not want to have a thing to do with anything. He hung out in the front avoiding any action on the floor and the waiters clearly were not going to let him know there were issues. Next to us three couples were complaining about the drinks and food as well. They sent the same drink back twice and finally the patron announced to the Waiter "you drink it and tell me if you would pay for this". Minutes passed and the waiter came back and offered to replace the duck with, yes, three quarter size scallops. The scallops were edible and tasty but appetizer portion size. My wife and I suspected that the chef left for the night or summer weekend and the waiters were trying to cook - yes, that bad (and it was Saturday evening). In the end, we decided to enjoy the bottle of red wine and chalk it up to a bad night at Wildwood. I do not think we will go back. The icing on the cake was when we walked towards the exit and the manager turned his head away from us and did not even ask how our evening was. Rest assured, we were very polite to the waiters and felt badly for them and left a generous tip. They were put in a tough spot. Joey
(1)
Ali J.
I give this restaurant 4 stars just for the phenomenal drinks! My friend and I showed up just after 7 p.m. on a Saturday night. Although the 5 or more booths in front of us were empty (and stayed empty for the hour!) we were told that no tables were available so we waited until two spots opened at the bar. Service was slow because the staff was having problems with their computer system but all was forgotten when Giancarlo worked his magic behind the bar. The "Moscow Mule" and "Ginger Martini" (not on the menu) were to die for! We watched Giancarlo mix drink after drink using different fruit and herb-infused simple syrups. Not wanting to order a full dinner at the bar, I opted for an appetizer (scallops) and shared a small cheese plate with quince which were delicious! I'll definitely be back in a few weeks when things get ironed out out but all in all I'd recommend this spot.
(4)
Heshie G.
Yes I agree with several reviewers comments about Marcel's and Becks. Both pricey, have huge service issues, you have to beg for bread, and the team can be snooty. Mussel Bar is simply not good food. That's not Wildwood Kitchen. The staff could not be nicer. Bread arrives toasted with a superb spread without delay. Chef Matthew will accommodate your dietary requests. Every dish comes out succulent. Don't miss the opportunity to have Jamie mix you a craft cocktail. It is tight on space and tough to accomodate large parties. Best of all, the owner and his ex cop manager are never there so the drama they tend to bring with them is nowhere to be seen in this busy but smoothly functioning operation. I highly recommend a meal here and do make a reservation as others have suggested. A solid 3 as a terrific neighborhood restaurant that will never be a 4 as its just not trying to be all that with servers in delightfully casual blue jeans and woolrich plaid shirt uniforms.
(3)
Karen A.
I went here for a late lunch with my father on 1/17/13. He had been a few times and enjoyed it, save for one bad experience, and wanted to give it another shot. He thoroughly enjoyed his burger and roasted fingerling potatoes (I tasted a potato, but not the burger), however my lunch was a different story. I ordered the Caesar salad with grilled hangar steak. Our server, while delightful, didn't ask how I wanted the meat cooked. The salad arrived wilted and overdressed, as though the lettuce was past its prime before being dressed, and the dressing accentuated the problem. There were also a few brown edges on the leaves. The croutons had either been made days before and had turned rancid, or had been made more recently, but with rancid oil. Either way, rancid croutons. The steak was cooked to medium rare, which was fine, however it looked as though it had been cooked, sliced, then placed under a heat lamp for several hours. It had the look of meat that is in the prepared foods case in the supermarket. It was definitely not freshly cooked and sliced to order; there was not a drop of jus on the plate, even when I cut into the meat. I didn't eat much of it, but my dad wasn't bothered by it and the thought of wasting food isn't an option with him, so he polished it off. The dressing was tasty, as was the Parmesan crisp served on top. Zero ambiance (not bad or good, it felt like a restaurant in a strip mall, which is what it is), but it may be better at night.
(2)
Shannon D.
A brief update on one specific dish: Heirloom tomato salad. Sometimes you order this salad in the dead of winter, hoping the chef found those special, actually ripe red globes that make you remember summer breezes. Rarely win that bet, but if you did, it would taste like these. Five kinds of tomatoes, thick, pungent balsamic vinegar dabs, basil swipes across the plate, with impossibly thin wisps of crispy baguette. But the best part was the mozzarella, so fresh the center was spreadable creamy. If you think mozzarella is just white Styrofoam, you'll think again after this. Perhaps the best fresh mozzarella I can remember. An app to dream of next January. Oh, and the house-made tonics were excellent combinations of ingredients that sound weird but add both refreshing hints of sweetness (without sweetners) and bold flavors that power through any residual oils or grease in your mouth. Wouldn't expect less from a place with creative alcoholic beverages and these deliver.
(5)
Trish J.
Never in my life have I been told "I know you have reservations, but I'm just not sure if we are going to be able to seat you tonight. Would you mind eating here at the bar or coming another night?" Yes, I would mind eating at the bar or coming another night. That's why I made reservations! Seriously, This whole experience left me livid. We got there and were shuffled around a small waiting area while the people that came in after us were seated. Then we were told eat at the bar or leave in no uncertain words. Any person in their right mind would have left then and there, which is what we should have done.... The scene goes as follows: "Okay, Brian will be your waiter. He'll be with you shortly." 5 minutes later. "Okay, Brian's a little busy so he asked me to get your started." Order. Drinks come, food comes, dessert comes. No Brian. Is he real? Was he ill? Oh well, the server we ended up with was decent. The food on the other hand.... what was good was in *tiny portions*. My husband had to eat again later just to get his calories for the day. The octopus and the flat iron tasted like they had been previously chewed, spat out, and arranged in a haphazard manner on a plate. Disgusting, but given the demographic of the diners I'm guessing that maybe they like it. I think we were at least 30 years younger than the next youngest patron. Perhaps why we were encouraged to leave? This is the second time we've been burned by age in the North Bethesda area. Do people under the age of 45 scare restaurant staff? Is there a preconceived notion that we can't afford to eat there? Whatever it is, it's annoying, rude, discriminatory and it's getting old. No pun intended.
(1)
Kristin J.
Went here last week for a business dinner. When I called to update our reservation from 5 to 6, the person on the phone couldn't understand what I meant. He kept asking if I wanted to cancel the reservation... Umm no I wanted to add a person. Ok so once we were there half of our party was already seated, which was good because there was no one to greet us at the door. We sat ourselves. We had a waiter "in training" and I understand there is a training process but it must have been the first day. He did not anticipate our needs but he could at least pour wine. Speaking of which I noticed the EVP of our company having a hard time getting the waiter to understand which bottles of wine he wanted. We knew he did not. Ok slightly irritating but not everyone knows wine. While taking our order I was up first, ordered the salmon and he asked me how I'd like it cooked. Never having been asked this question I froze. It would have been nice if the service level was that of a waiter noticing hesitation on the side of the guest and gave the most common options to assist. Slightly embarrassed at the lack of knowledge on my part I just guessed. Kitchen was kinda slow but the restaurant was 3/4 full so I can accept that. The food was good but not for nearly $30 a plate, or maybe I ordered the salmon wrong. Who knows! At this point I'm struggling to find a reason to go back and try again, which is a shame since it is right by the office. I would definitely not take clients there as of now, but maybe I'll wait a few months I'll try again with my husband. Not sure but I will not recommend Wildwood Kitchen for more than take out.
(2)
Maria graciela D.
I recently visited Wildwood kitchen with the hope of finding a good restaurant in an area of Bethesda that really needs one. To my dismay, the service was quite poor. Our order was mixed up with someone else's and we had to wait for over 45 minutes fro braised beef? Secondly, and most important I was charged for a refill of a diet coke. My diet coke cost me $6.00. The dishes were OK but not great. Perhaps the chef needs to spend sometime in this restaurant to see if deserves more stars. For now, I will give it 2.
(2)
Fred K.
Ate here for the first time last night for dinner. We started off with two great cocktails (ginger martini and pear martini). They lowered the price to $13 instead of $15 for its cocktails. The duck liver pate appetizer was one of the best pate I've eaten and is more than enough for 2 or even 3 people to share. The duck breast entree was delicious and same with the monkfish. The bread pudding for dessert was ok. It's definitely an older crowd and will come back. It is a bit pricey, about $160 for two people, 4 cocktails, 1 app, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert.
(4)
Kevin Z.
Went here for the first time today for lunch, and had a great experience. The waiter was very knowledgeable and went over the specials and made recommendations. Food came out in time, and was extremely good, even stayed for dessert. Parking might be tight because of shopping center location, but well worth it.
(5)
Samantha L.
I've always been a fan of all of Robert Wiedmaier's restaurants.However, I liked Mussel Bar and Brasserie Beck better. I've been here at least 3 times this year - April, May, and June. The restaurant has a modern look to it. Although parking may be limited at times, it's a great place for a date or business luncheon. At Wildwood Kitchen, you can't really be disappointed about the taste or quality of the dishes. However, for the portion size, the price is a bit high. Some of my favorite dishes (in no particular order): 1. Classic Caesar Salad with Anchovies - small salad, fresh ingredients, and delicious tasting 2. Pan Seared Salmon - served with red quinoa, roast shiitake, granny smith apple, and coriander vinaigrette - crispy salmon skin, cooked to medium well 3. Roasted Amish Chicken - served with braised red cabbage, plumped raisins, potato puree - tender meat, cooked to perfection 4. Grilled Octopus - garnished with black mushroom puree, salsa verde, garlic chips, parmesan - tender tentacles, spicy 5. Pumpkin Soup - made with mascarpone cheese, onion Marmalade, and basil Oil - creamy, sweet, delicious 6. Beet Salad - served with honey greek yogurt, oranges, spiced walnuts, micro greens - colorful, sweet, delicious as well 7. Arborio Risotto - served with saffron, clams, octopus, shrimp, scallop, salmon - risotto was perfect, fresh seafood 8. Roasted Dorade 9. Lamb Meatballs - potato puree, harissa, shaved Parmesan, sauteed Spinach, crispy Onion - great flavor
(4)
Pat C.
Good, creative food unfortunately overshadowed by poor service. Busy Saturday night is no excuse for ignoring guests after being seated, not bringing any water or offering drinks for far too long. Also overpriced.
(2)
Jim H.
A very nice and open concept. Large mixed drink selection menu but was surprised to see no draft beer. They then decide to charge $8 plus for bottled beer..seems a bit much. They present a limited menu of appetizers and main course. The food is beautifully prepared and tasty.
(3)
Al D.
This is my go-to spot when I'm in Bethesda. I go here once or twice a month when I have meetings. The service is great and very accommodating. Lunch menu has a fairly decent selection was quick professional service. Everything on the menu is cooked to perfection as expected for a quality restaurant. My favorite is the seafood stew. I could only say you would have to try it to taste so delicious blend of taste it provides.
(5)
Kaitlin C.
Delicious healthy menu with super fresh ingredients! Great place for lunch! Had a lovely beet and scallop salad nice ambience and friendly service
(5)
William W.
Great food, perfect portions, and phenomenal drinks. Love how it all changes with the seasons and I'm never disappointed with the variety in both the drink and food menus.
(5)
Doug S.
I like checking out brunch menus. This is a local Bethesda haunt in the wildwood shopping center. Mimosa, by bartender Giancarlo, is a slightly unique blend. More like sangria influenced mimosa. Shrimp & polenta was very good brunch item. Just the right amount of tomato based spice for a Korean person who likes a little spice. They convinced me to try their rendition of carrot cake. This was not a traditional carrot cake. No super sweet frosting. More like a rendition of a flourless cake. I thought the cake was good but for more mature tastes. Waiters were very attentive, informative, & accommodating even though I came in my rag clothes. Good to have a nice local restaurant!
(4)
Mike S.
Excellent food and very good service. The staff made an effort to squeeze us in on a Friday when we had no reservation. I will definitely go back for a special occasion.
(4)
Greg O.
Looking for a place for lunch, we decided to give Wildwood Kitchen a try. It's in the Balducci's strip mall, and is rather unassuming from the outside. Since it was Sunday, they had a brunch and lunch menu available. I opted for a bacon, egg lettuce and tomato sandwich. It was a good size sandwich, and the bacon was nice and crispy the way I like it. The side salad was fairly fresh. The service was very friendly and attentive throughout. The place is a bit on the pricey side though for the food offerings, but not out of line with typical brunches around this area. If I lived in the area, I would probably come back, but its not a place I would out of my way to visit. I'd give it closer to 3.5 stars, but Yelp won't let us do half stars yet...
(3)
Stephanie P.
Mother's Day brunch was amazing! Food and service were fantastic. We are never disappointed here.
(5)
Bill G.
Wildwood Kitchen is easily the best restaurant in the Wildwood / Georgetown Square neighborhood. I have been there many times since my first review in 2013. The food is always fresh, tasty and exquisitely prepared and presented. And the menu is always interesting and evolving so regulars don't get bored. The service is friendly and never lets you down. The space itself is always immaculately clean. You could go to another, cheaper place in the area, but why not make your night (or day) out count and have something truly unique and delicious?
(5)
Helen W.
We've had a number of outstanding meals here....but don't know what went wrong Sunday. Brunch was deplorable. We were a table of six. It took 45 minutes to get served. 4 out of 6 dishes were unacceptable: cold eggs and a caesar salad with shrimp that came with no shrimp. The waitress was inattentive and defensive. After we complained to the manager, a couple from a table nearby stopped at our table to say that they had experienced the same problems. As we left, 3 friends arrived for brunch. They told me later that this was the worst experience they had ever had there. They won't go back until someone assures them that the problems have been fixed. The manager offered various 'fixes' and complimentary desserts, which we declined. Her gestures were appreciated...but could not wipe out the overall disappointing experience.
(1)
Samantha S.
Great food great service! Everything about this place is just wonderful! The cocktail list is so unique the bartender came over to explain things and you can really see her passion in it. We loved all of our dishes you can see the Chef really loves what she does. it just shows on the dishes. When we were on dessert the Manger came by to see how everything was. It was nice to see him take an interest! Thank you Wildwood! We will be back!
(5)
Mark R.
The food was excellent!! The atmosphere is amazing and the service was friendly enough. It took a while for our food to arrive but the wait was well worth it. They also have a great selection of unique cocktails. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Ahmed A.
Ate here a couple of times only as it was nearby & convenient, the quality of the food is really good & the staff are friendly & helpful. Parking situation is a mess, as it is in a strip mall. Portions of the dishes are on the smaller side, and the price is on the higher end, but welcome to Bethesda, a city that tailors to the folks who like to show that they are well to do, or at least like to pretend that they are. Place is worth checking out at least once in your lifetime, before we have a Tea Party candidate President, and we all are forced to move to Canada.
(4)
Linda M.
I must borrow from another post and take the remark verbatim because I had the same experience and worse. The other reviewer said, "We felt rushed from the beginning, which was not appreciated given the prices (approx. avg drink @ $12-14 and entrees $26 - 30). Very noisy. Believe the chef has really good ideas and skills, but the small size of the space, the need to cram in a bar in the middle, and urge to move customers through like a fast food restaurant totally detracts from the experience. No need to return as there are many more attractive options in the area." I too have no plans to return. I arrived a bit before our reservation time, and my friend arrived less than 10 minutes after our reservation time. The host continued to pass by and make comments about the fact that she had "finally" arrived, even after she courteously called the restaurant to let them know she was running less than 10 minutes behind. We were rushed from start to finish, and as soon as our server picked up the check, the host came to the table and asked us to move to the bar. He stood and stared at us until we got our things to leave, and then showed us not a place at the bar, but the door. He opened the door and we walked out. I have no plans to walk back in.
(2)
Monte M.
We've come to really enjoy this eatery so close to home. The goal seems to be to provide the customer with a mouthwatering, delicious and well prepared meal and the restaurant generally succeeds. Flavors join together in fresh and wonderful ways and we've not been disappointed yet. The bartenders take extra care to prepare your drinks carefully and with pride and are given the leeway to be innovative and bold - much like the food itself. Bar plates consisting of fresh meats and cheeses provide the perfect complement. An informal and welcoming interior provides just the right atmosphere. Glad this restaurant is here!
(4)
Megan H.
*3.5, if possible! Tucked away in the Balducci's shopping center, near Bluemercury, sits Wildwood Kitchen. I ordered the Cranberry Caipirinha, which was wonderful. Sweet, tart, and just the right amount of rum. The bartender seems to put a lot of work into his cocktails, so it was greatly appreciated. I was sick with a fever and nothing on the menu looked "blow my mind outstanding", so I tried the soup of the day - an Italian Wedding Soup, which had meatballs, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese on top. They were very generous with the number of meatballs and the broth was richly flavored without being overly salty or oily. No negatives about the restaurant, but nothing really stood out to me and made me want to come back either. I was really hoping that there would be one dish that drove me crazy, giving me a reason to start a fan club solely dedicated to it, but I've yet to discover that here. Service was friendly and the cozy atmosphere was great, but I'll have to give this restaurant another try in the future.
(3)
Shana K.
Fantastic hidden away restaurant. The food and cocktails are delicious. The service is excellent. Since the place doesn't get mobbed, they'll let you sit and chat for as long as you'd like. Definitely go check them out. We went for brunch on Easter and had a lovely time.
(4)
bob s.
This is a surprising local joint. The menu is Americana with well-prepared dishes. My wife and I had a salad, octopus, salmon and risotto. They use fresh premium ingredients and cook everything perfectly. The prices were a tad high, but the food met expectations. Jamie, the bartender, knocked it out of the park. I thought that bartenders were people who mixed off the shelf ingredients. Jamie mixes her own infusions, sitting fruit on premium liquor to draw out the perfect flavors, and uses her infusions to create drinks that you would only expect to find at the final round of the world series of bartending. We told her what we liked, and she just kept mixing us drinks and each drink was better than the last. I highly recommend that you try the food and drinks at Wildwood Kitchen. I know I will be going back for more.
(5)
Ruth W.
The atmosphere was elegantly simple, the food delicious (albeit outrageously expensive), and the wait staff attentive. My experience would have been lovely and at the top of the charts if it weren't for an appearance by the owner. Perhaps halfway through our meal, the owner (we knew who he was because the told every table) appeared and began to wander the restaurant speaking with guests and asking how their experience was. Usually I like this. I appreciate it when a manager takes the time to speak with everyone. But this was different. I wanted to shield my plate from his facial sweat and hold my nose against his beer-ripened breath. Other than announcing who he was and being rather a greasy fellow, he spoke well and seemed genuinely interested in our opinion. I told him that my meal was delicious and that our server was wonderful! I almost let his appearance slide until I overheard him speaking to his staff. I get that he owns the place but no human has the right to speak to other humans like that. Treating wait staff, bar staff, and managers like trash is no way to run your business- especially when you're doing it in the dining room in front of paying customers. While the food was great and the service positively memorable, I cannot justify supporting his business again.
(1)
Patrick N.
Took the family here for Mother's Day. The food was great, they also have fantastic coffee. Service was a+, staff was friendly, knowledgeable of the menu, and accommodating of special dietary restrictions. Will definitely return.
(5)
Barbara S.
My husband and I enjoy this restaurant and the many people we suggested it to like it a lot as well. It is very relaxed and we never feel rushed thorough a meal. Alton, the manager, is engaging and clearly cares about the experience diners have at the restaurant. When I asked if the bread prepared at dinner could be given to a friend and me during lunch, Emma made sure that happened. Our waiter, Ben, was attentive, informed and fun. When I asked for ingredients in a soup, Ben went to the chef to ask. The pumpkin soup was a favorite of mine! I enjoy this restaurant time and time again.
(5)
Andrew L.
DON'T EAT HERE........When they brought out burnt bread crust I thought it was a joke. Then they brought out the special, scallops, on the thinnest and overcooked bed of Spanish rice I've ever eaten. The portions were small and while my plate should have been $24-$28 (tops) they charged $34.99. Too pricey. Service was slow but I feel that is because the back end was slow. There were only three other customers in the place. Please spend less on decor and get the menu and your prices right.
(1)
Mary Jo D.
This was the slowest service I can recall in any similar upscale restaurant. It took almost 15 minutes for the first bottle of wine we ordered to arrive. It took more time for the waiter to ask for our order. Three of us ordered the same dish. He came back and said they only had 2 portions left, then scurried away and came back again to say they did have a third portion. By the time our food arrived (we only had one course) we'd been there well over an hour. It looked like they had taken the two portions and cut them up and redistributed into three portions. While the flavor of everything was excellent, the experience was quite sour.
(2)
Chuck E.
First, I have to say that, when the food finally arrived an hour after we ordered it, it was delicious. However, for me dining out is about more than just the food, although that is at the top of the list. During our 10 minute wait at the beginning of our visit for our bottle of wine to be brought and the 1 hour wait for the entrees, our waiter was no where to be seen--no, "gee, we are sorry, the kitchen is all backed up" or anything. Maybe we just hit a really bad night. As the four of us walked out last evening, we all said, "never again." But you might still want to try it because of the food, but forewarned is forearmed. If a half hour goes by and you don't see any results from your order or you don't have a visit from your waiter, you might want to start raising your hand.
(2)
Jodi J.
My friend and I went here for dinner recently; we stumbled upon it and the ambiance seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. The food was good and we enjoyed our meal. I had the pumpkin soup and a beet salad; my friend had the hangar steak. My soup was delicious if a bit on the lukewarm side. The beet salad was nothing special. I have had better elsewhere including at Matchbox Pizza. Though I did not try it, the hangar steak was said to be very good. I think there were several items on the menu that were overpriced. The service was also very good, though perhaps a bit "too" good. There is a very fine line between checking on your customers, as our waiter did appropriately, and constantly interrupting them to ask how things are going. Other than our waiter at least three other people came over to see how we were enjoying ourselves. I felt like every time I was about to start a sentence or take a bit of food someone was interrupting us. I would rather have that than a completely inattentive staff, but again there is an art to how many times and when to approach the table and in this case it is something to work on. My biggest complaint was the price of the drinks. Cocktails were $13.00 each. IOW a simple vodka and soda was $13.00. Seriously? I find that outrageous. This is not New York City or even downtown DC, where I would still find a cocktail at $13.00 expensive but not be so shocked to find it. This really turned me off. It was enough to make me not want to go back, especially since I'd like to go somewhere I can have a second drink if I want to and not feel like I am blowing up the bill for a simple night out with a friend. It probably takes this place off my list for places for casual lunches while out shopping. So in summary, its a decent place with a nice feeling, but I think the pricing is far too high especially but not only for the bar, given what it is. It's too bad, because I would otherwise love to frequent a place like this in this neighborhood.
(3)
David W.
There are many things to like - excellent food, great decor, hip 40-something crowd, attentive service. My wife and and particularly like coming here for desert and coffee. They also have outside seating, which is a nice way to enjoy desert and coffee. They used to have a chocolate mousse desert that was worthy of obsession (in a good kind of way). That's been moved off the menu and a new version has been substituted. We miss the previous version but the addition of the lemon pudding desert is a nice consolation. In the meantime, please bring back the previous chocolate mousse desert!
(4)
Howard M.
If you want to have a relaxing slow paced dinner, don't go here. After ordering drinks, my guest and I were asked by two different waiters and the manager if we were ready to order dinner. Explaining that we needed a little time to catch-up, the manager told us that he needed to "turn the table". Being a Monday night with empty seats, this comment from the manager was not only unnecessary, but something that I have never been told. Upon leaving, I spoke to the manager who said that he expected patrons to spend about an hour and a half. What's up with that Robert Wiedmaier?
(2)
Erin D.
As for the food, I've only ever had the cheese, so how can you go wrong there? This review is purely about the bar. At first, I too was shocked by the price of drinks...but then I realized what I was paying for. Jami, the bartender, creates her own flavors and unique mixes and they are PHENOMENAL. She obviously cares a great deal about mixology, puts an amazing amount of effort into her work and is able to create a drink asking simply what tastes you like. I can't say enough good things about this bar and about Jami herself and I feel so fortunate that this is just a few minutes down the road from our house. Getting an amazing bar experience while not dealing with downtown parking? Uhhh, yes please.
(5)
Adam B.
I've been coming out to this part of Bethesda for years, but who knew they had something this high-quality without having to drive to Downtown Bethesda or DC? Guess it might make some sense that a place like Wildwood Kitchen would be located in the same place as Balducci's. I mean, we're not talking Giant here across the street! The place is small. Not a lot of tables. So make sure you get a ressie before coming. You'll need it. The decor is contemporary. Sleek but nothing that makes you think it's a suit and tie place. It's not. Interesting note, on the bar, there's a couple of Neopresso machines there. Kind of surprised you'd see what essentially is something I could get at Macy's at a place like this. But there they were! They do make great espressos and I knew they were making a play to get restaurants to use their units. Still, it's the first time I ever saw one in an establishment before. I was a bit surprised by the beer selection. I know Robert Wiedmaier owns places like Brasserie Beck and other establishments with great beer lists. This one was actually mediocre, at best. I would have liked to have seen more local choices like a Starr Hill or Heavy Seas into the mix. Now onto the food. The bread? It's unique. They get it from a local bakery and the interesting thing is it's toasted with spices on it. I taste paprika. Definitely an unusual turn. Eventually I got some bread untoasted or seasoned and it was actually better that way. Caesar Salad? Really nice. Not too overpowering with garlic and a good balance of flavor. Main was the Provencal Seafood Stew. Great flavor and a decent amount of seafood. But only one scallop? I would have liked to have seen at least two. Good scallop though. My only complaint about the dish was I would've liked to have seen more 'stew' since it was more like a sauce rather than a broth. I was hoping to dunk a lot of bread into my stew and that really didn't happen. Tasted the Red Wine Braised Beef and that was fork-tender. Just a perfect rendition. Overall, a very nice addition to the Bethesda dining scene and certainly a much better call than practically anything at the mall down the road.
(4)
Barry S.
Very solid. Lamb meatballs in Harissa was very good. Probably my favorite thus far around Bethesda. A far better value than Newton's Table. Wish I could go 4 but not a "go out of my way" kind of place. Solid 3 though.
(3)
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Address :10223 Old Georgetown Rd
Bethesda, MD, 20814
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Frank F.
This may be my new favorite restaurant in the neighborhood--and we sorely need options. The interior is very handsome, the service friendly and attentive, but the real draw is the superlative food. It was, without exaggeration, the best meal I've had at a local restaurant in a very long time. The dining room is a bit on the noisy side, but not so noisy that you cannot hold a conversation--and we were seated in the center of the room. The prices are not cheap, but justified by the quality of the cuisine. Update (8/25/14): Sadly, I have to reduce this place from 5 to 3 stars. We went back last night and, while the service is as attentive as ever, the food was entirely mediocre. What happened? Hopefully they only had an off night, but nevertheless, at these prices I expect consistency.
(3)Allison C.
I came here for Brunch one Sunday during the holidays and I did not regret it. The food was fantastic, especially given its location in an upscale strip mall. My husband and I split a potato and quinoa soup that was a special. It was savory and delicious and we finished every spoonful. For our main course, he had the steak and eggs, another special. The steak was tender, flavorful and succulent when complemented by 2 runny, over-easy eggs. I had the poached eggs with hollandaise, which came with a short rib hash. The eggs were perfectly poached but the short rib hash was to die for. I appreciated the interesting twist on a dish that's often tired (Eggs Benedict) . The service was fine - I have nothing especially positive or negative to say, except that it was a bit confusing how two servers were tag teaming my table. I will definitely be back and will encourage others to try out Wildwood Kitchen as well.
(4)Steven W.
Wildwood Kitchen has probably stepped into the Top 5 Best Restaurants in Montgomery County. Easily the best the Shops at Wildwood has ever seen. I guess not surprising based on the family of restaurants it was born from (Marcel's, Brasserie Beck, Brabo etc...) I went yesterday, with a friend, and although it seemed a bit on the expensive side for lunch ($54 for two entrees, two iced teas and a salad, before tip), the quality of the ingredients, execution in the kitchen, and creativity and flavor combinations of the dishes made it feel worth it. Let's be honest; it fits right into this shopping center, where a pillow sham at Yves Delorme can set you back $155. The service was very friendly and the restaurant is much more casual than Marcel's or Brabo, which is perfect for the location. I look forward to trying dinner one night.
(4)Bob C.
Most sophisticated and nuanced cocktails in Bethesda. The food is outstanding, with subtle elegant flavors. A cozy atmosphere and knowledgable staff who will impress foodies who appreciate well-informed pairing suggestions.
(5)Brian S.
I was excited when I heard Robert Wiedmaier was opening a neighborhood restuarant in the sleepy shopping center of Wildwood. We are fans of his other restaurants downtown as well as Mussel Bar in Bethesda. The first few months being open, the restuarant was fully booked every night. The buzz has quieted down and remains busy on weekends but easy to get a reservation on a week night. The owners are apparently growing their franchise and aggressively building out new locations all over the DMV. I hope that Wildwood Kitchen doesn't get overlooked as they expand. The food was tasty, atmosphere cozy but a big concern is the high prices and limited menu make it a place that we won't frequent. Pros: Food is good. Mixologist makes some unique cocktails at the bar. Atmosphere is small but cozy. The meatball appetizer is awesome and then mashed potatoes are delicious! The duck entree was also very good. Decent wine menu. Cons: Expensive! Small Menu. The scallops were a recommendation but the appetizer came with two small scallops.
(3)Eric J.
I got the ribs. It felt thoroughly slow-cooked and the meat just dissolved in your mouth. It's a nice dinner place to take your special someone to for a nice relaxing night.
(3)Lola C.
I went there for my 21th birthday on my friends recommendation, with my Mom and my Brother. I had a fantastic time. Two of our plates were very good but my Mom's one was sadly, too salted. I don't remember what it was though. The atmosphere is relaxed but classy, we loved the inside and decorations. Everything is sober. Waiter was attentive and nice, but not overly (which is perfect!).
(4)Maggie B.
Although the waitstaff was nice, that's the only positive attribute I discovered at this restaurant. We went at lunch time, and we were the only people in the restaurant. I ordered a salad, and the women I was with both ordered burgers. An hour later, I was brought a Caesar salad...with no dressing. Although the burgers weren't still mooing when they came out, they certainly weren't cooked, either. Save your money, McDonald's has a dollar menu with better food.
(1)goldie f.
Our experience at Wildwood was close to a 5-star restaurant. The food, service and ambiance were terrific. Acoustics very good, so even though the place was full, it was not loud. We were greeted warmly and seated promptly. Attentive service continued through the evening. The food was magnificent, from calamari, to heirloom tomatoes & mozzarella, to watermelon gazpacho .. . on to pork loin chop, duck, steak and rissotto (which was the best I've ever tasted). The desserts were awesome; we ordered one of each. Thank you Wildwood, my new favorite Bethesda restaurant!
(5)John M.
Gave Wildwood Kitchen a second chance this evening. A few months ago we tried this new restaurant in the Wildwood shopping center knowing that this was a location in need of a good restaurant and believing that any good spot would indeed draw good traffic. First impressions were mixed: it was small and very loud but the food on our first visit was pretty good, but pricey. Paid much more close attention this evening and came away thinking that this is a "FAIL" for us, with the following notes: AMBIANCE: Even though we were seated near the front, it was still very noisy. It is a small space with the bar in the center of the room. As a result, conversational noise from the bar overrides even the normal conversations at dinner tables. Hard surfaces everywhere bounce noise around. Tables are Formica imitations of wood grain; no tablecloths to soften sound. Chairs are hard-backed; again no cushioning of sound. MENU: Maybe (as I recall) six entrees; roughly the same number of appetizers, including salads. Waitress offered two appetizer and one entree specials, but it was very difficult to hear her descriptions. SERVICE: With absolutely no complaint on our waitress' attentiveness, we felt like we were being rushed from the beginning of our dinner experience. Menus and water options were offered immediately. We were asked if we wanted to order dinner very quickly, before even asking if we wanted cocktails. We asked to order cocktails, and did so, and while they were on order finally (still very quickly) ordered one appetizer and our three meals. Following this we received some great bread to sample but then the waitress stopped by to let us know that the bar was backed up and our cocktails might take a while. Our one appetizer was delivered with the cocktails followed pretty quickly by the entrees. FOOD QUALITY : Mixed results. One entree-- a fish special -- was rated excellent. A second -- a salmon -- was good, but nothing to write home about. The third, breast of duck -- although requested "medium" was delivered rare and basically not acceptable to eat. To the restaurant's credit they offered to provide an alternative and removed this entree from our check. OVERALL QUALITY: We felt rushed from the beginning, which was not appreciated given the prices (approx. avg drink @ $12-14 and entrees $26 - 30). Very noisy. Believe the chef has really good ideas and skills, but the small size of the space, the need to cram in a bar in the middle, and urge to move customers through like a fast food restaurant totally detracts from the experience. No need to return as there are many more attractive options in the area.
(2)Lou K.
So the atmosphere is very inviting and the servers are very earnest and eager to please so that's not it. My first time there I was put off by the bartender giving me the most expensive glass ( over $20 ) while I waited for my friends when I asked for the house Cabernet. So it was annoying but not a deal breaker. Returned today with my daughter and found the menu seriously lacking. We both had the salmon which was almost too oily to eat. So I think I'm done here. Bye wildwood kitchen,
(2)Y G.
My husband and I live nearby, and have been to this place several times. We always had great food experience there, however, our recent visit was really disappointing. We sit in the bar and ordered lunch. Bartender gave us black table mats. What we noticed right away was that....the table mats were stinky, smelled like sour, wet cloths. We told the bartender that the mats are stinky, and we don't need them on the bar counter. Bartender seemed a bit surprised, but placed the table mat back to near the sink in the bar. Our lunch (salad) was brought by the Chef himself, and it was very good, as always. Then we witnessed that the bartender handed "the black table mat" to other customer who just came in. Luckily (?) it seemed that this customer did not find any problem with the mat, and she had her lunch and drink on the mat. We hesitated to say anything to her about the table mat because it would embarrass the bartender, but we were very sad to watch that the bartender did not clean or check the mat we just declined to use and returned. There was another problem. We ordered bread service but they obviously forgot. The bartender asked us "how is everything?", so we said "we are waiting for bread". But it did not come..... the bartender asked us again the same question. TWICE !!! After finishing lunch, finally the bread came, so we had bread as dessert. In summary, it was a kind of disastrous lunch experience in such a great foodie restaurant. I felt sorry for the Chef who prepares such wonderful dishes. They need to hire better bartenders who are more attentive and careful to customers. As their neighbors, we wanted to be loyal customers and big fans of this exquisite restaurant, but this experience turned us off. Very sad.
(1)Astar J.
Food is average for the price I have had better food. The wine glasses were incorrectly served. Red wine were served in a white wine glass. Seared scallops were too salty. Only two pieces of scallops for $14 and not worth it. Also the fishy smell is still on the scallop as you can tell it's old. Understaff for a slow Tuesday evening. I'm not impress with the blond waitress either. I don't plan to return to this place! Wine glass was empty for a while. Cod was not enough seasoning. Bf had the tender beef which was good. Need improvements but not worth a fancy dinner more like a casual lunch place.
(2)Cindy S.
Just love this place and the staff is great. Chef is warm and friendly. Most importantly the food is fantastic. I have to admit I got here at least 3-4 times a month and have never had a bad meal and certainly don't expect to. Warm and friendly environment. Happy hour is cozy and lively. Bread is to die for...but don't forget to try his soups..yummy. I am going there today for lunch and can't wait to find out what the specials will be for today.
(4)Jaime S.
Don't come here if you have a mobility disability. I recently had dinner here with several friends, one of whom has a disability. He had a bad stroke a few years ago, and he can't walk well. I made a reservation for 5:30 PM on a Saturday night in March 2013 for 5 people, and I made the reservation weeks before. I spoke to the then-manager, and I asked for a seating at the front of the restaurant. I explained that my friend couldn't walk very far. Seating us close to the entrance would minimize his struggle to walk. The manager promised to set us up there. However, when we arrived at 5:30, I was told the manager was no longer there. The hostess (who I think usually works at Marcel's) said that she couldn't give us the tables in the front that I requested, even though they were empty at the time. She said it was a Saturday night, and she couldn't give up that space. So where did she put us? At a table in the very back of the restaurant, where he had to struggle to walk across the entire length of the restaurant. When we saw the table, it was actually a table for 4 people. The 5th seat was at the end, and whoever sat there would have to keep his legs open around the metal legs of the table. In other words, this table could not seat 5 people comfortably. I said that was unacceptable so they placed us in a booth with a 5th chair. Although the food is excellent here, I was very disappointed with the service last night. They made no accomodation for my friend, despite my early planning, conversation with the then-manager, and developing rapport with some of the staff. The hostess didn't even apologize for the inconvenience to my friend or try to butter us up with the change in seating. My husband and I have gone to this restaurant several times. Some of the staff knows us now. But the service and inconsideration from that hostess has really turned me off.
(2)Lowell N.
Nice location with excellent service, but food was just OK. I enjoyed the pumpkin soup; the lamb meatballs were so-so. GF liked the gnudi for appetizer, but risotto was unremarkable. Our server entertained us with his knowledge about the preparation and ingredients of the food, and the service was very attentive. We really wanted to like this place (we are Brabo fans) but at least for this visit, it was not a particularly notable experience.
(3)Charlie B.
Most expensive drink prices in the north Bethesda/Rockville area. For the price of food, portions are extremely small. A nice dinner for two with 1 appetizer and 4 drinks will cost approximately $220.00 and upwards with gratuity. Our waiter seemed overly pushy/aggressive. Now to the food: very good and no complaints there! Restaurant is very well decorated and has a nice vibe.
(4)Charles H.
Probably one of the better meals that you'll ever have in a strip mall. Came in for lunch last week. Parking was a little tough even at 1:00 p.m. but no wait once inside. Pretty space decorated in a traditional aesthetic. Start out with a nice sliced artisan loaf with olive and chili oil. Ordered the jumbo lump crab salad with horseradish and creme fraiche dressing over bibb lettuce ($24). Nice portion of crab over beautiful lettuce. Obviously you don't want to over-season any nice seafood, but I think that they may have forgotten the horseradish. The overall impression was a bit too subtle for my taste. Pleasant service, but a little pricey for lunch. Probably a better choice for dinner.
(3)Kristen R.
Some of the reviews on Wildwood kitchen really annoy me. Really shows how uptight and snooty the residents of Bethesda can be sometimes. Wildwood kitchen is a great restaurant. I've been here multiple times and each time I leave extremely satisfied. The drinks made by the bartender Giancarlo are world class. The food is perfectly portioned and cooked with skill. The prices are on par with a above average restaurant, but this place is great so I feel like i'm getting a good deal. I've never had to wait around for my food, apps and entrees usually come pretty fast. I'm usually in and out within an hour or less. The place is small, but I don't feel packed in like bigger sized restaurants. For you uptight Bethesda people, stay away. Go to bethesda row for overpriced, overcrowded, overrated, crappy restaurants. That's what you deserve.
(5)Doo P.
This place is small. And as others have noted even with a reservation you can still be waiting... So try to come early like 5:30 or 6. Since it's small it can get a bit loud as well. But, all that doesn't bother me... as long as the food delivers. First of all the bread is great! Other places give you butter, but here they give you a tuna spread with your rustic toasted bread that's buttered & seasoned with garlic & spices. Each dish is seasoned right, which means not too salty. I've found that lately everywhere I go restaurants over salt their dishes. Desserts are okay, but nothing special. If you are not in the mood to go all the way into the city & live in MD. This is a good alternative.
(4)Melissa G.
I was somewhat surprised to see the mixed reviews. The food in Wildwood is outstanding. It really is very good. I agree with other posts that the restaurant is small and the ambiance is loud. We only sit at the bar because the booths just don't look inviting, oh and more honest they are always full. The setting is a total mismatch with the food quality. The bartender is easy going and cool. To start they serve a delicious tuna rillette spread. We love it! The lamb meatball is amazing. The pork belly is out of this world. The service is attentive, respectful but also laid back. I prefer this to Basserie Beck any day. Definitely visit for yourself.
(4)Sophie M.
Very pricey however I have never been disappointed with a meal there and it has been worth it every time. Their shrimp and endive salad is incredible, light and perfect for a summer lunch. The hanger steak is really amazing. I've never eaten anything there I haven't loved. They also have a very talented mixologist who makes the best drinks in Bethesda. The service is amazing, the parking is easy and although it is small the atmosphere is delightful. It is for sure one of my favorite new restaurants!
(5)Mickey L.
Wildwood Kitchen (WK) is simply the most exciting foodie experience in a long time. It has brought back the foodie excitement for me and my dining companion. Simply put, the outstanding trinity of food, ambiance, and service made it a casual version of our favorite experience at Marcel's! As fans of Chef Robert Wiedmaier and having tried his other four restaurants (Marcel's, Brasserie Beck, BRABO/Tasting Room/Butcher's Block, and Mussel Bar), we were thrilled to try Wildwood Kitchen. Walking in on a late afternoon (a real plus since lunch is offered Tuesday through Sunday from 11am-5pm), we were struck by its beautifully designed and decorated interior. The dark green tones, solid tables, glass, and big herb plants by the windows where we sat (lots of natural light to warm the winter) were matched by high ceilings, lighter colored wood floor, and glass jars of homemade cocktail components at the end of the bar. A trademark to Chef Wiedmaier's restaurants has been outstanding service. Our server Shane epitomized the WK's theme: a neighborhood restaurant that is comfortable and approachable yet maintaining the high standards of fine dining of being knowledgeable and professional. Having heard that WK was going to be a lighter take on French cuisine reflecting Chef Wiedmaier's personal commitment to health eating, we could see it reflected across the menu and on our table--EVOO infused with rosemary and with chilies. Both had wonderful flavors (chili being quite spicy for Mediterranean standards) and whet our appetites. For appetizer, we naturally went with seafood, which happens to be our favorite section of food as well as a good way to gauge the kitchen's abilities. We ultimately decided on the Crispy Sardine, which was absolutely divine in flavor, texture, and balance! Quite simply, one of the best fish dishes ever! For entree, my DC ordered the Clam Pappardelle, a symphony of flavorful clams, tender pasta, earthy chanterelles, savory cheese, and lightly bitter pesto. This was one of the best pasta dishes we had in recent memory, rivaling the top ones at Fiola. To warm up, I chose the rich Kobe Burger, which shined in its naturally decadent glory--supremely juicy in the traditional medium. Adding depth were the smoked Havarti, sauteed Onions and Shiitake. Paired with a salad of Bibb Lettuce lightly dressed, the burger had great balance. Thoroughly impressed, we decided to order dessert, which has traditionally been most fine dining restaurants' weak spot. The Cappuccino Torte did not disappoint. It was wonderfully aromatic with hazelnuttines in its Creme Anglaise and crunchy candied forms, adding delightful layers to the Tiramisu torte itself. A generous dollop of Whipped Cream (had a pleasantly mascarpone-like substance) found its way into our coffee, which was surprisingly light-roasted yet nicely flavored. Not coincidentally, heading the kitchen that day was Chef Brian McBride, former Executive Chef of Blue Duck Tavern and Partner-Chef of the Wiedmaier restaurants. After some so-so experiences at Mussel Bar, we had not gone for a while until our last visit, when Chef McBride just happened to be there. Needless to say, the same pizzas that were hit-or-miss were all home runs when he was present! And despite being a far more casual restaurant than Marcel's, WK turned out food impressed us on equivalent levels as Chef Wiedmaier's flagship. Being the closest proximity to us among Chef Wiedmaier's 5 restaurants is a real plus, too! We are really excited and planning what to order next at Wildwood Kitchen!
(5)SY C.
Came here for lunch with a friend. I ordered the tomato soup and made the Green Salad into an entree with the addition of duck confit. My friend had the Caesar Salad appetizer and the Braised Beef Sandwich. The tomato soup wasn't what I expected. I was a little confused if maybe it was pumpkin because of the slight sweetness, but no matter, it was very, very tasty. (I'm sure it was tomato, but I expected a tomato bisque, which it wasn't supposed to be anyhow)! There were layers of flavors and the serving and presentation of the soup was nice. The Green Salad with duck confit was incredible. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE a tasty salad. The flavors of the roast sweet potato, pecans, cranberries, and goat cheese was absolutely lovely. The duck confit was fall-off-the-bone delicious. I highly recommend this salad. So my friend's Caesar had a few greens that looks like it had been cut a bit earlier before serving. When she mentioned this to the waiter, he promptly took the salad back without a pause. Then one of the chefs brought out a new plate for her. They then took the salad off the bill. Now that is service! She thoroughly enjoyed her new Caesar salad and said the Braised Beef Sandwich was extremely tender and tasty. The portions for this item are pretty large, well worth the price. Our waiter (forgot to get his name) was extremely nice and helpful. Overall, great service, wonderful food. I will definitely come back and try out the other dishes!
(5)Angela Z.
Loved this place so much that I told my hubby this was where I wanted to go for my 50th birthday. Made reservation for 9 and were not disappointed. They even made me a yummy cake! See prior review for why I love this place- it is still wonderful.
(5)Tough C.
Empty on a Tuesday. Had rainbow trout which was well cooked but needed seasoning. Salmon was good. A bit overpriced.
(3)Peter L.
The food is good, but the drink prices are really out of control. Come on guys...you can do better than that. A neighborhood eatery needs to be affordable for all to enjoy a night out and to charge $13 for a drink...hmmm. The death of most small eateries is value and price not meeting each other...well...although it is a nice place there are many other places to eat in Bethesda that have a great value with price points that allow for longevity.
(3)K C.
Delicious! Every dish exceeded my expectations. I already had some snacks prior to arriving and was expecting to have leftovers for the next day. Dish after dish, I spooned/forked every bite on the plate into my mouth. I shared the pea soup, lamb meatball, sea bream and short ribs. There were no left overs and I had to waddle out of the restaurant. Decor is cute, nice place.
(5)Iona D.
Servers unfriendly. Food cold and very expensive. Maybe just a bad night but we have given it a few visits and there is always a dish that disappoints
(1)Ricardo G.
Bottom Line: Amazing food, absolutely on point. If you can't eat here, come for the amazing drinks. If there were competition in the area, which there isn't, it still wouldn't live up to these cocktails. Something this neighborhood has needed, Wildwood Kitchen's food is wonderful and on point in every way. Excellent food from beginning to end, with a liquor and wine selection to match. Foodies will be pleased as a local star Chef arrives in their hood, but the breakout star is the bar and it's bartender Giancarlo who mixes up some fantastic drinks to please any palette. Crowd was opening week crowd, skewed older, but may change. They said they had reservations booked all through the night, which I found a bit odd considering that almost every table was empty and was for quite some time until those who had reserved arrived. Maybe that's how things are done there, but it's not the norm from what I have seen at other restaurants. We ended up eating at the bar with no issues, and honestly preferred it. Now, to the drinks. If you're familiar with spots like The Gibson in DC or any cocktail-focused bars in NYC, etc, you'll definitely want to come here. The drinks are strong, perfectly balanced, and for those who like classic cocktails this is the place to go. Though there is a menu of 'selected' drinks such as martinis, etc, you'll want to ask Giancarlo or the bartender to mix up something special for you. I was supremely impressed with their selection of scotch, rye, and spirits overall. I'm not talking about top shelf regulars, they had very specific liquors that only good bars would know about and stock (rye especially). Recommendation, try Giancarlo's take on a Manhattan. He makes all his own bitters and ingredients for the drinks.
(5)Nikki S.
Went here on a whim for a birthday dinner with my boyfriend. We didn't have reservations, though I totally recommend making them. While we were able to grab a table for two at 5:30/6PM, the restaurant was already packed! It's not a large restaurant, though it did have a comfortable and casual kinda feel. I was sold by the cheese and meat platter, and my main meal, a special, was delicious and tender (gnocci with pork ragu - om nom). The wine menu met my expectations and price points (Oregon Pinot Noirs? Yes, please). We sat towards the front (by the windows) and were able to overlook a well-packed bar; their bartenders seemed to be serving-up some awesome mixed drinks! I would not, however, recommend the restaurant for parties larger than six - from a brief scan of the restaurant, it looks like large tables can be problematic and require some table rearranging.
(4)Scott M.
So so experience. Ate at the bar and ordered two appetizers: The scallops and the seasonal pumpkin soup. Soup was great, though could have been a bit more substantial. The scallops were way too salty. As there are a multitude of other options in the area, I doubt I'll be back.
(2)Lori C.
Wow- really expensive for not such a great menu. I am a fan of RW but this one isn't on my top 100 list. I will go back to Marcel's and Brabo because I love them. I will wait to see what happens to the menu here before I come back to give it another try.
(3)Nicole L.
Located in the same strip mall as Balducci's, Wildwood is the new casual kitchen by Robert Wiedmaier - it had a small dining area with a nice bar, the decor was contemporary with a touch of nature. We had a booth seat which had a great view of the restaurant. We also loved that it wasn't too echoey like many restaurants in DC. The manager and staff were friendly and prompt with the service. We started off with the heirloom tomato salad and pork belly - they were nice enough to split it into two for us. Before the appetizers we had some good country bread with a tuna ganoush and a small dose of the gazpacho that was perfect for summer! My white wine was a Macon-Verget it was lovely -medium bodied and dry. The heirloom tomato salad was simple showcasing the taste of summer. Now the pork belly - it was one of the best I had in a long time. Moist and soft inside and crunchy skin perfectly executed. I also enjoyed my seabream dish though it was slightly over-peppered for me. My fiance's roasted chicken was very deliciously moist also a well-executed dish. Wildwood was easily the best kitchen on old georgetown rd! What a great addition to the area.
(5)Shayan K.
I think we found our new place! Loved everything about this little restaurant. We started with a few of Wildwood's special drinks, and each was uniquely delicious. The food was on another level. We had high expectations, and from the appetizers (baby octopus and scallops) to the entrees (filet mignon and duck breast), they were met, and even better than we expected. On top of everything, Wildwood was incredibly accommodating in regards to our gluten free diet. It was noted that pretty much anything we order can be modified. I'm looking forward to recommending this place to all my friends and family!
(5)Cortland Native C.
Loved, loved, loved this place. Yes, its small but it was a great place for lunch. Frequently I'm distracted by the hubbub of a noisy restaurant but sitting in a booth provided a nice audio cocoon. Our waiter was a informed foodie and sold the menu well. He even gave us a bit of epicurean theater as he described each course. His recommendations were all en pointe. I started with the gazpacho, followed by the octopus and ended with the tuile cookies and chocolate mousse. A most memorable meal.
(5)Steven T.
Celebrate my birthday for dinner and it was a great experience !! Great appetizer octopus salad, duck pate, and grip sardines. We had a fabulous chorizo bucatini and duck breast with reduction and top it off with pottiferoles!
(4)Peter L.
I have to say that I was a little disappointed...too expensive and the value is just not there. There is also an arrogance in the air...for God's sake this restaurant is in a strip mall...tone down the arrogance and set some price points that the community can afford...downtown Bethesda is down the street and you can find a better value from about 70 other restaurants close by.
(1)Sonia V.
We were excited to try this place last night. We made our reservation on Open Table, but didn't know to ask to be seated away from the kitchen. They seated us in a very distracting table where you could hear the noise from the kitchen. The host was very accommodating and moved us to another location. Off to a good start. While the food was excellent, the service was very disappointing. Our waitress should not have been in that position and was in WAY over her head. Her English skills were such that she should have been working in a diner if she really wanted to be a waitress. This is not the place for her. She had no concept of the wine selection nor did she understand the menu selections...or was unable to articulate the descriptions. She also misunderstood me and delivered the wrong wine AND entree!! We had to wait as my husband had his entree and mine had to be prepared. Despite the SNAFU, the kitchen was able to turn it around fairly quickly. I feel bad for the young girl who should really find another job. Why they hired her i the first place is curious... We may give it another try, but it won't be high on our list. We will surely ask for another waiter!
(2)Joe R.
I had lunch here on a Sunday about a week and a half ago and was impressed. I am a huge fan of Brasserie Beck downtown, among other Robert Wiedmaier establishments, and was excited to try this out. Good clean food. The restaurant is small and contemporary with a very relaxed atmosphere. Service was fast, friendly and helpful. We ordered 4 appetizers between the two of us to try more of the menu. Grilled Maine Scallops - Amazing. I would recommend this dish to anyone. Scallops were perfectly cooked. My favorite dish of the lunch. Grilled Octopus - This was great too, cooked well, clean flavors and perfect amount of acidity Crisp Portuguese Sardines - This was the one dish I was disappointed by the sardines appeared to be pan seared on a thin crostini (the crispy element) which absorbed all the oil and it was greasy. Duck Liver Pate (special) - This was awesome. The waitress described it as the chef's take on PB&J. It was rolled in hazelnuts and served with some sort of reduction. Really rich and delicious. Topped the meal off with a pot of coffee which they bring out in a personal French press for the table. Nice touch. Look forward to having dinner here in the near future.
(4)Giancarlo B.
Top notch R Weidemeier restaurant. Awesome to have such great food in such and easy location, especially for folks that live up there. We ate at the bar and really loved the food, I had a beautiful chop that was cooked perfectly and my friend had scallops that were perfect! I wish they would open on Mondays too!
(5)john r.
Wonderful bar. The homemade tonics are quite good. Condiments are all marinated in house. Lots of regulars, which is always a good sign. Feel very lucky to have this right in the neighborhood.
(5)David S.
I've been here twice and everyone in our party has raved about the food and service. Fish - cod steak, scallops, sardines - is cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. Lamb meatball appetizer is awesome. We anticipate returning often.
(5)Catherine M.
Let me just say that I would give Wildwood Kitchen 5 stars just for the drinks. Mixologist Giancarlo is a genius, and his handcrafted cocktails (made in part from tinctures he created himself) are divine. The food is really good too. My clams and pasta with pesto was bright and flavorful. My friend's octopus was amazing - the best by far that either of us have ever had (and she's a real foodie; I'm a wannabe). Service was a little spotty, but that's the only blip, and honestly, we were having such a great time that the service wasn't really an issue.
(5)guillaume c.
love the place ,the food is great and the service nice.saturday night is busy but that is a good sign .
(5)Roberto I.
Small menu but everything was great ....food, service and drinks were all great. Small and cozy...Premium dining for sure!!!
(5)Dave T.
Went to Wildwood for the first time Monday. The staff was extremely friendly & attentive. Everyones food was outstanding. Our group for the most part had the salmon or the short ribs which were both excellent. My only disappointment was the wine list, not very good for such a nice restaurant. All wines were very low end.
(4)Robin V.
I shop at Wildwood a lot, and I noticed that a new restaurant opened, but I had no idea it was Weidmaier. After a basketball game (and dressed very casually) at 9:30 on a Saturday, I suggested to my husband that we go for a bite. He thought I meant the Woodmont Grill so he was annoyed when we pulled up (thinking he was going to get a burger). A half hour later he could not have been happier. Very reasonably priced wine with a freebee tuna caper spread with very nice bread. Grilled Octopus, one of our favorites and very hard to find -- a nice texture with a good grilled taste and spicy peppers. I had an appetizer for dinner - a very generous portion of littleneck clam pappardelle with chanterelle mushrooms and italian croutons. Very tasty and more than enough for a late dinner, resulting in a very reasonable price for a meal. Sea bream for my husband, just enough for him. I sooo wish I didn't know that they have the best chocolate mousse napoleon for dessert. Not too sweet and very chocolately. I will be back for that alone. The staff clearly takes pride in their product. Knowledgeable and friendly. I work and live nearby so I am thrilled to have this (with a free parking lot). Planning my next trip already.
(4)Carol F.
Walked in with one friend without a reservation at 6:15 on a Wednesday night. The host was very accommodating, explained that they were full with reservations but offered to seat us if we did not need to stay for a long meal. We appreciated the welcome. We sat near the window so the noise level was totally minimal. The food was EXCELLENT; fresh, innovative, tasty. The waiter made great recommendations and the staff was friendly and prompt with all our requests (drinks, salt, fresh silverware). I would recommend making a reservation for the busy nights, but for a mid-week walk-in we were more than satisfied. Will definitely go back. And Loved the crusty country bread.
(4)Lydia B.
While others talk about the great drinks, I cannot say I ordered one. Perhaps I would be more inclined to give a better review had I had a good, stiff drink. Instead, we ordered wine. The first one we ordered was unavailable, the second one that was recommended to us was undrinkable. We were told it was nuanced, but that would only be the case if you thought nuanced for a Cote du Rhone meant a light-bodied wine with a singularly sour taste. The third one was drinkable, but disappointing. Really, if I can find decent wines at every price point, why can't a fine restaurant? As for the menu, I can only comment on the couple of dishes I had tried. The grilled octopus was superb. So many places get it wrong--rubbery, overwhelming charcoal flavor--but here, it was wonderfully tender and delicately flavored. I do not hold my main course in such high regard. The bacon-wrapped chestnut-stuffed duck breast with brussels sprouts did not have brussels sprouts. They substituted cauliflower, which was acceptable to me, but I should have been told about the substitution. The chestnut stuffing had no oomph. No character. I, too, could chop up chestnuts from a jar and call it stuffing. Then again, I like chestnuts. As for the duck, what duck? The bacon overwhelmed everything else in this dish. I could not taste duck. It was somewhat dry and surprisingly lean. If you told me that they had substituted pork tenderloin for the duck, I would not be surprised. The lights were low, how could I tell? In any case, unless you are one of those people that wants everything bacon flavored, I would not select the duck. The decor was very pleasing, and the wait staff was superb. They were professional, courteous, and tried to please. It is because of them, and the convenient location, that I would give Wildwood Kitchen another chance.
(2)Milton K.
I went twice. I thought that it was too expensive the first time, and this was confirmed the second time. In addition, we had to wait for 25 minutes in spite of a reservation and all we got was "sorry for the wait". The food was good, but not worth paying these prices in a strip center on Old Georgetown Road.
(2)Jim F.
I have been to Wildwood kitchen three times since it opened. I feel you really need to dine at a place more then once before you can get a true feel for the food consistency and service. On all three occasions the food was impressive and spot on. By the way I ordered a different appetizer and entree each time. I applaud the executive chef Anthony and his kitchen staff. I rate the service a bit inconsistent with room for improvement but not bad overall. It is a new restaurant and the front of the house seemed a bit nervous and awkward. The bartender Giancarlo made us drinks at the bar while we waited for our table.You can truly see his passion for mixing drinks. He is a great asset for the restaurant, both entertaining and the drinks were great. I highly recommend Wildwood kitchen a little pricey but well worth it.
(4)Joey S.
We decided to have a nice evening out at this new establishment, though hearing mixed reviews. It was a disappointment. The medallions of duck were not edible; chewy and only three were given (the size of quarters, and I am not exaggerating). I believe this entree was $32.00. We let the waiter know that the duck was not edible and he huddled with other waiters and ran into the kitchen. Meanwhile, there was a manager who did not want to have a thing to do with anything. He hung out in the front avoiding any action on the floor and the waiters clearly were not going to let him know there were issues. Next to us three couples were complaining about the drinks and food as well. They sent the same drink back twice and finally the patron announced to the Waiter "you drink it and tell me if you would pay for this". Minutes passed and the waiter came back and offered to replace the duck with, yes, three quarter size scallops. The scallops were edible and tasty but appetizer portion size. My wife and I suspected that the chef left for the night or summer weekend and the waiters were trying to cook - yes, that bad (and it was Saturday evening). In the end, we decided to enjoy the bottle of red wine and chalk it up to a bad night at Wildwood. I do not think we will go back. The icing on the cake was when we walked towards the exit and the manager turned his head away from us and did not even ask how our evening was. Rest assured, we were very polite to the waiters and felt badly for them and left a generous tip. They were put in a tough spot. Joey
(1)Ali J.
I give this restaurant 4 stars just for the phenomenal drinks! My friend and I showed up just after 7 p.m. on a Saturday night. Although the 5 or more booths in front of us were empty (and stayed empty for the hour!) we were told that no tables were available so we waited until two spots opened at the bar. Service was slow because the staff was having problems with their computer system but all was forgotten when Giancarlo worked his magic behind the bar. The "Moscow Mule" and "Ginger Martini" (not on the menu) were to die for! We watched Giancarlo mix drink after drink using different fruit and herb-infused simple syrups. Not wanting to order a full dinner at the bar, I opted for an appetizer (scallops) and shared a small cheese plate with quince which were delicious! I'll definitely be back in a few weeks when things get ironed out out but all in all I'd recommend this spot.
(4)Heshie G.
Yes I agree with several reviewers comments about Marcel's and Becks. Both pricey, have huge service issues, you have to beg for bread, and the team can be snooty. Mussel Bar is simply not good food. That's not Wildwood Kitchen. The staff could not be nicer. Bread arrives toasted with a superb spread without delay. Chef Matthew will accommodate your dietary requests. Every dish comes out succulent. Don't miss the opportunity to have Jamie mix you a craft cocktail. It is tight on space and tough to accomodate large parties. Best of all, the owner and his ex cop manager are never there so the drama they tend to bring with them is nowhere to be seen in this busy but smoothly functioning operation. I highly recommend a meal here and do make a reservation as others have suggested. A solid 3 as a terrific neighborhood restaurant that will never be a 4 as its just not trying to be all that with servers in delightfully casual blue jeans and woolrich plaid shirt uniforms.
(3)Karen A.
I went here for a late lunch with my father on 1/17/13. He had been a few times and enjoyed it, save for one bad experience, and wanted to give it another shot. He thoroughly enjoyed his burger and roasted fingerling potatoes (I tasted a potato, but not the burger), however my lunch was a different story. I ordered the Caesar salad with grilled hangar steak. Our server, while delightful, didn't ask how I wanted the meat cooked. The salad arrived wilted and overdressed, as though the lettuce was past its prime before being dressed, and the dressing accentuated the problem. There were also a few brown edges on the leaves. The croutons had either been made days before and had turned rancid, or had been made more recently, but with rancid oil. Either way, rancid croutons. The steak was cooked to medium rare, which was fine, however it looked as though it had been cooked, sliced, then placed under a heat lamp for several hours. It had the look of meat that is in the prepared foods case in the supermarket. It was definitely not freshly cooked and sliced to order; there was not a drop of jus on the plate, even when I cut into the meat. I didn't eat much of it, but my dad wasn't bothered by it and the thought of wasting food isn't an option with him, so he polished it off. The dressing was tasty, as was the Parmesan crisp served on top. Zero ambiance (not bad or good, it felt like a restaurant in a strip mall, which is what it is), but it may be better at night.
(2)Shannon D.
A brief update on one specific dish: Heirloom tomato salad. Sometimes you order this salad in the dead of winter, hoping the chef found those special, actually ripe red globes that make you remember summer breezes. Rarely win that bet, but if you did, it would taste like these. Five kinds of tomatoes, thick, pungent balsamic vinegar dabs, basil swipes across the plate, with impossibly thin wisps of crispy baguette. But the best part was the mozzarella, so fresh the center was spreadable creamy. If you think mozzarella is just white Styrofoam, you'll think again after this. Perhaps the best fresh mozzarella I can remember. An app to dream of next January. Oh, and the house-made tonics were excellent combinations of ingredients that sound weird but add both refreshing hints of sweetness (without sweetners) and bold flavors that power through any residual oils or grease in your mouth. Wouldn't expect less from a place with creative alcoholic beverages and these deliver.
(5)Trish J.
Never in my life have I been told "I know you have reservations, but I'm just not sure if we are going to be able to seat you tonight. Would you mind eating here at the bar or coming another night?" Yes, I would mind eating at the bar or coming another night. That's why I made reservations! Seriously, This whole experience left me livid. We got there and were shuffled around a small waiting area while the people that came in after us were seated. Then we were told eat at the bar or leave in no uncertain words. Any person in their right mind would have left then and there, which is what we should have done.... The scene goes as follows: "Okay, Brian will be your waiter. He'll be with you shortly." 5 minutes later. "Okay, Brian's a little busy so he asked me to get your started." Order. Drinks come, food comes, dessert comes. No Brian. Is he real? Was he ill? Oh well, the server we ended up with was decent. The food on the other hand.... what was good was in *tiny portions*. My husband had to eat again later just to get his calories for the day. The octopus and the flat iron tasted like they had been previously chewed, spat out, and arranged in a haphazard manner on a plate. Disgusting, but given the demographic of the diners I'm guessing that maybe they like it. I think we were at least 30 years younger than the next youngest patron. Perhaps why we were encouraged to leave? This is the second time we've been burned by age in the North Bethesda area. Do people under the age of 45 scare restaurant staff? Is there a preconceived notion that we can't afford to eat there? Whatever it is, it's annoying, rude, discriminatory and it's getting old. No pun intended.
(1)Kristin J.
Went here last week for a business dinner. When I called to update our reservation from 5 to 6, the person on the phone couldn't understand what I meant. He kept asking if I wanted to cancel the reservation... Umm no I wanted to add a person. Ok so once we were there half of our party was already seated, which was good because there was no one to greet us at the door. We sat ourselves. We had a waiter "in training" and I understand there is a training process but it must have been the first day. He did not anticipate our needs but he could at least pour wine. Speaking of which I noticed the EVP of our company having a hard time getting the waiter to understand which bottles of wine he wanted. We knew he did not. Ok slightly irritating but not everyone knows wine. While taking our order I was up first, ordered the salmon and he asked me how I'd like it cooked. Never having been asked this question I froze. It would have been nice if the service level was that of a waiter noticing hesitation on the side of the guest and gave the most common options to assist. Slightly embarrassed at the lack of knowledge on my part I just guessed. Kitchen was kinda slow but the restaurant was 3/4 full so I can accept that. The food was good but not for nearly $30 a plate, or maybe I ordered the salmon wrong. Who knows! At this point I'm struggling to find a reason to go back and try again, which is a shame since it is right by the office. I would definitely not take clients there as of now, but maybe I'll wait a few months I'll try again with my husband. Not sure but I will not recommend Wildwood Kitchen for more than take out.
(2)Maria graciela D.
I recently visited Wildwood kitchen with the hope of finding a good restaurant in an area of Bethesda that really needs one. To my dismay, the service was quite poor. Our order was mixed up with someone else's and we had to wait for over 45 minutes fro braised beef? Secondly, and most important I was charged for a refill of a diet coke. My diet coke cost me $6.00. The dishes were OK but not great. Perhaps the chef needs to spend sometime in this restaurant to see if deserves more stars. For now, I will give it 2.
(2)Fred K.
Ate here for the first time last night for dinner. We started off with two great cocktails (ginger martini and pear martini). They lowered the price to $13 instead of $15 for its cocktails. The duck liver pate appetizer was one of the best pate I've eaten and is more than enough for 2 or even 3 people to share. The duck breast entree was delicious and same with the monkfish. The bread pudding for dessert was ok. It's definitely an older crowd and will come back. It is a bit pricey, about $160 for two people, 4 cocktails, 1 app, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert.
(4)Kevin Z.
Went here for the first time today for lunch, and had a great experience. The waiter was very knowledgeable and went over the specials and made recommendations. Food came out in time, and was extremely good, even stayed for dessert. Parking might be tight because of shopping center location, but well worth it.
(5)Samantha L.
I've always been a fan of all of Robert Wiedmaier's restaurants.However, I liked Mussel Bar and Brasserie Beck better. I've been here at least 3 times this year - April, May, and June. The restaurant has a modern look to it. Although parking may be limited at times, it's a great place for a date or business luncheon. At Wildwood Kitchen, you can't really be disappointed about the taste or quality of the dishes. However, for the portion size, the price is a bit high. Some of my favorite dishes (in no particular order): 1. Classic Caesar Salad with Anchovies - small salad, fresh ingredients, and delicious tasting 2. Pan Seared Salmon - served with red quinoa, roast shiitake, granny smith apple, and coriander vinaigrette - crispy salmon skin, cooked to medium well 3. Roasted Amish Chicken - served with braised red cabbage, plumped raisins, potato puree - tender meat, cooked to perfection 4. Grilled Octopus - garnished with black mushroom puree, salsa verde, garlic chips, parmesan - tender tentacles, spicy 5. Pumpkin Soup - made with mascarpone cheese, onion Marmalade, and basil Oil - creamy, sweet, delicious 6. Beet Salad - served with honey greek yogurt, oranges, spiced walnuts, micro greens - colorful, sweet, delicious as well 7. Arborio Risotto - served with saffron, clams, octopus, shrimp, scallop, salmon - risotto was perfect, fresh seafood 8. Roasted Dorade 9. Lamb Meatballs - potato puree, harissa, shaved Parmesan, sauteed Spinach, crispy Onion - great flavor
(4)Pat C.
Good, creative food unfortunately overshadowed by poor service. Busy Saturday night is no excuse for ignoring guests after being seated, not bringing any water or offering drinks for far too long. Also overpriced.
(2)Jim H.
A very nice and open concept. Large mixed drink selection menu but was surprised to see no draft beer. They then decide to charge $8 plus for bottled beer..seems a bit much. They present a limited menu of appetizers and main course. The food is beautifully prepared and tasty.
(3)Al D.
This is my go-to spot when I'm in Bethesda. I go here once or twice a month when I have meetings. The service is great and very accommodating. Lunch menu has a fairly decent selection was quick professional service. Everything on the menu is cooked to perfection as expected for a quality restaurant. My favorite is the seafood stew. I could only say you would have to try it to taste so delicious blend of taste it provides.
(5)Kaitlin C.
Delicious healthy menu with super fresh ingredients! Great place for lunch! Had a lovely beet and scallop salad nice ambience and friendly service
(5)William W.
Great food, perfect portions, and phenomenal drinks. Love how it all changes with the seasons and I'm never disappointed with the variety in both the drink and food menus.
(5)Doug S.
I like checking out brunch menus. This is a local Bethesda haunt in the wildwood shopping center. Mimosa, by bartender Giancarlo, is a slightly unique blend. More like sangria influenced mimosa. Shrimp & polenta was very good brunch item. Just the right amount of tomato based spice for a Korean person who likes a little spice. They convinced me to try their rendition of carrot cake. This was not a traditional carrot cake. No super sweet frosting. More like a rendition of a flourless cake. I thought the cake was good but for more mature tastes. Waiters were very attentive, informative, & accommodating even though I came in my rag clothes. Good to have a nice local restaurant!
(4)Mike S.
Excellent food and very good service. The staff made an effort to squeeze us in on a Friday when we had no reservation. I will definitely go back for a special occasion.
(4)Greg O.
Looking for a place for lunch, we decided to give Wildwood Kitchen a try. It's in the Balducci's strip mall, and is rather unassuming from the outside. Since it was Sunday, they had a brunch and lunch menu available. I opted for a bacon, egg lettuce and tomato sandwich. It was a good size sandwich, and the bacon was nice and crispy the way I like it. The side salad was fairly fresh. The service was very friendly and attentive throughout. The place is a bit on the pricey side though for the food offerings, but not out of line with typical brunches around this area. If I lived in the area, I would probably come back, but its not a place I would out of my way to visit. I'd give it closer to 3.5 stars, but Yelp won't let us do half stars yet...
(3)Stephanie P.
Mother's Day brunch was amazing! Food and service were fantastic. We are never disappointed here.
(5)Bill G.
Wildwood Kitchen is easily the best restaurant in the Wildwood / Georgetown Square neighborhood. I have been there many times since my first review in 2013. The food is always fresh, tasty and exquisitely prepared and presented. And the menu is always interesting and evolving so regulars don't get bored. The service is friendly and never lets you down. The space itself is always immaculately clean. You could go to another, cheaper place in the area, but why not make your night (or day) out count and have something truly unique and delicious?
(5)Helen W.
We've had a number of outstanding meals here....but don't know what went wrong Sunday. Brunch was deplorable. We were a table of six. It took 45 minutes to get served. 4 out of 6 dishes were unacceptable: cold eggs and a caesar salad with shrimp that came with no shrimp. The waitress was inattentive and defensive. After we complained to the manager, a couple from a table nearby stopped at our table to say that they had experienced the same problems. As we left, 3 friends arrived for brunch. They told me later that this was the worst experience they had ever had there. They won't go back until someone assures them that the problems have been fixed. The manager offered various 'fixes' and complimentary desserts, which we declined. Her gestures were appreciated...but could not wipe out the overall disappointing experience.
(1)Samantha S.
Great food great service! Everything about this place is just wonderful! The cocktail list is so unique the bartender came over to explain things and you can really see her passion in it. We loved all of our dishes you can see the Chef really loves what she does. it just shows on the dishes. When we were on dessert the Manger came by to see how everything was. It was nice to see him take an interest! Thank you Wildwood! We will be back!
(5)Mark R.
The food was excellent!! The atmosphere is amazing and the service was friendly enough. It took a while for our food to arrive but the wait was well worth it. They also have a great selection of unique cocktails. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Ahmed A.
Ate here a couple of times only as it was nearby & convenient, the quality of the food is really good & the staff are friendly & helpful. Parking situation is a mess, as it is in a strip mall. Portions of the dishes are on the smaller side, and the price is on the higher end, but welcome to Bethesda, a city that tailors to the folks who like to show that they are well to do, or at least like to pretend that they are. Place is worth checking out at least once in your lifetime, before we have a Tea Party candidate President, and we all are forced to move to Canada.
(4)Linda M.
I must borrow from another post and take the remark verbatim because I had the same experience and worse. The other reviewer said, "We felt rushed from the beginning, which was not appreciated given the prices (approx. avg drink @ $12-14 and entrees $26 - 30). Very noisy. Believe the chef has really good ideas and skills, but the small size of the space, the need to cram in a bar in the middle, and urge to move customers through like a fast food restaurant totally detracts from the experience. No need to return as there are many more attractive options in the area." I too have no plans to return. I arrived a bit before our reservation time, and my friend arrived less than 10 minutes after our reservation time. The host continued to pass by and make comments about the fact that she had "finally" arrived, even after she courteously called the restaurant to let them know she was running less than 10 minutes behind. We were rushed from start to finish, and as soon as our server picked up the check, the host came to the table and asked us to move to the bar. He stood and stared at us until we got our things to leave, and then showed us not a place at the bar, but the door. He opened the door and we walked out. I have no plans to walk back in.
(2)Monte M.
We've come to really enjoy this eatery so close to home. The goal seems to be to provide the customer with a mouthwatering, delicious and well prepared meal and the restaurant generally succeeds. Flavors join together in fresh and wonderful ways and we've not been disappointed yet. The bartenders take extra care to prepare your drinks carefully and with pride and are given the leeway to be innovative and bold - much like the food itself. Bar plates consisting of fresh meats and cheeses provide the perfect complement. An informal and welcoming interior provides just the right atmosphere. Glad this restaurant is here!
(4)Megan H.
*3.5, if possible! Tucked away in the Balducci's shopping center, near Bluemercury, sits Wildwood Kitchen. I ordered the Cranberry Caipirinha, which was wonderful. Sweet, tart, and just the right amount of rum. The bartender seems to put a lot of work into his cocktails, so it was greatly appreciated. I was sick with a fever and nothing on the menu looked "blow my mind outstanding", so I tried the soup of the day - an Italian Wedding Soup, which had meatballs, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese on top. They were very generous with the number of meatballs and the broth was richly flavored without being overly salty or oily. No negatives about the restaurant, but nothing really stood out to me and made me want to come back either. I was really hoping that there would be one dish that drove me crazy, giving me a reason to start a fan club solely dedicated to it, but I've yet to discover that here. Service was friendly and the cozy atmosphere was great, but I'll have to give this restaurant another try in the future.
(3)Shana K.
Fantastic hidden away restaurant. The food and cocktails are delicious. The service is excellent. Since the place doesn't get mobbed, they'll let you sit and chat for as long as you'd like. Definitely go check them out. We went for brunch on Easter and had a lovely time.
(4)bob s.
This is a surprising local joint. The menu is Americana with well-prepared dishes. My wife and I had a salad, octopus, salmon and risotto. They use fresh premium ingredients and cook everything perfectly. The prices were a tad high, but the food met expectations. Jamie, the bartender, knocked it out of the park. I thought that bartenders were people who mixed off the shelf ingredients. Jamie mixes her own infusions, sitting fruit on premium liquor to draw out the perfect flavors, and uses her infusions to create drinks that you would only expect to find at the final round of the world series of bartending. We told her what we liked, and she just kept mixing us drinks and each drink was better than the last. I highly recommend that you try the food and drinks at Wildwood Kitchen. I know I will be going back for more.
(5)Ruth W.
The atmosphere was elegantly simple, the food delicious (albeit outrageously expensive), and the wait staff attentive. My experience would have been lovely and at the top of the charts if it weren't for an appearance by the owner. Perhaps halfway through our meal, the owner (we knew who he was because the told every table) appeared and began to wander the restaurant speaking with guests and asking how their experience was. Usually I like this. I appreciate it when a manager takes the time to speak with everyone. But this was different. I wanted to shield my plate from his facial sweat and hold my nose against his beer-ripened breath. Other than announcing who he was and being rather a greasy fellow, he spoke well and seemed genuinely interested in our opinion. I told him that my meal was delicious and that our server was wonderful! I almost let his appearance slide until I overheard him speaking to his staff. I get that he owns the place but no human has the right to speak to other humans like that. Treating wait staff, bar staff, and managers like trash is no way to run your business- especially when you're doing it in the dining room in front of paying customers. While the food was great and the service positively memorable, I cannot justify supporting his business again.
(1)Patrick N.
Took the family here for Mother's Day. The food was great, they also have fantastic coffee. Service was a+, staff was friendly, knowledgeable of the menu, and accommodating of special dietary restrictions. Will definitely return.
(5)Barbara S.
My husband and I enjoy this restaurant and the many people we suggested it to like it a lot as well. It is very relaxed and we never feel rushed thorough a meal. Alton, the manager, is engaging and clearly cares about the experience diners have at the restaurant. When I asked if the bread prepared at dinner could be given to a friend and me during lunch, Emma made sure that happened. Our waiter, Ben, was attentive, informed and fun. When I asked for ingredients in a soup, Ben went to the chef to ask. The pumpkin soup was a favorite of mine! I enjoy this restaurant time and time again.
(5)Andrew L.
DON'T EAT HERE........When they brought out burnt bread crust I thought it was a joke. Then they brought out the special, scallops, on the thinnest and overcooked bed of Spanish rice I've ever eaten. The portions were small and while my plate should have been $24-$28 (tops) they charged $34.99. Too pricey. Service was slow but I feel that is because the back end was slow. There were only three other customers in the place. Please spend less on decor and get the menu and your prices right.
(1)Mary Jo D.
This was the slowest service I can recall in any similar upscale restaurant. It took almost 15 minutes for the first bottle of wine we ordered to arrive. It took more time for the waiter to ask for our order. Three of us ordered the same dish. He came back and said they only had 2 portions left, then scurried away and came back again to say they did have a third portion. By the time our food arrived (we only had one course) we'd been there well over an hour. It looked like they had taken the two portions and cut them up and redistributed into three portions. While the flavor of everything was excellent, the experience was quite sour.
(2)Chuck E.
First, I have to say that, when the food finally arrived an hour after we ordered it, it was delicious. However, for me dining out is about more than just the food, although that is at the top of the list. During our 10 minute wait at the beginning of our visit for our bottle of wine to be brought and the 1 hour wait for the entrees, our waiter was no where to be seen--no, "gee, we are sorry, the kitchen is all backed up" or anything. Maybe we just hit a really bad night. As the four of us walked out last evening, we all said, "never again." But you might still want to try it because of the food, but forewarned is forearmed. If a half hour goes by and you don't see any results from your order or you don't have a visit from your waiter, you might want to start raising your hand.
(2)Jodi J.
My friend and I went here for dinner recently; we stumbled upon it and the ambiance seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. The food was good and we enjoyed our meal. I had the pumpkin soup and a beet salad; my friend had the hangar steak. My soup was delicious if a bit on the lukewarm side. The beet salad was nothing special. I have had better elsewhere including at Matchbox Pizza. Though I did not try it, the hangar steak was said to be very good. I think there were several items on the menu that were overpriced. The service was also very good, though perhaps a bit "too" good. There is a very fine line between checking on your customers, as our waiter did appropriately, and constantly interrupting them to ask how things are going. Other than our waiter at least three other people came over to see how we were enjoying ourselves. I felt like every time I was about to start a sentence or take a bit of food someone was interrupting us. I would rather have that than a completely inattentive staff, but again there is an art to how many times and when to approach the table and in this case it is something to work on. My biggest complaint was the price of the drinks. Cocktails were $13.00 each. IOW a simple vodka and soda was $13.00. Seriously? I find that outrageous. This is not New York City or even downtown DC, where I would still find a cocktail at $13.00 expensive but not be so shocked to find it. This really turned me off. It was enough to make me not want to go back, especially since I'd like to go somewhere I can have a second drink if I want to and not feel like I am blowing up the bill for a simple night out with a friend. It probably takes this place off my list for places for casual lunches while out shopping. So in summary, its a decent place with a nice feeling, but I think the pricing is far too high especially but not only for the bar, given what it is. It's too bad, because I would otherwise love to frequent a place like this in this neighborhood.
(3)David W.
There are many things to like - excellent food, great decor, hip 40-something crowd, attentive service. My wife and and particularly like coming here for desert and coffee. They also have outside seating, which is a nice way to enjoy desert and coffee. They used to have a chocolate mousse desert that was worthy of obsession (in a good kind of way). That's been moved off the menu and a new version has been substituted. We miss the previous version but the addition of the lemon pudding desert is a nice consolation. In the meantime, please bring back the previous chocolate mousse desert!
(4)Howard M.
If you want to have a relaxing slow paced dinner, don't go here. After ordering drinks, my guest and I were asked by two different waiters and the manager if we were ready to order dinner. Explaining that we needed a little time to catch-up, the manager told us that he needed to "turn the table". Being a Monday night with empty seats, this comment from the manager was not only unnecessary, but something that I have never been told. Upon leaving, I spoke to the manager who said that he expected patrons to spend about an hour and a half. What's up with that Robert Wiedmaier?
(2)Erin D.
As for the food, I've only ever had the cheese, so how can you go wrong there? This review is purely about the bar. At first, I too was shocked by the price of drinks...but then I realized what I was paying for. Jami, the bartender, creates her own flavors and unique mixes and they are PHENOMENAL. She obviously cares a great deal about mixology, puts an amazing amount of effort into her work and is able to create a drink asking simply what tastes you like. I can't say enough good things about this bar and about Jami herself and I feel so fortunate that this is just a few minutes down the road from our house. Getting an amazing bar experience while not dealing with downtown parking? Uhhh, yes please.
(5)Adam B.
I've been coming out to this part of Bethesda for years, but who knew they had something this high-quality without having to drive to Downtown Bethesda or DC? Guess it might make some sense that a place like Wildwood Kitchen would be located in the same place as Balducci's. I mean, we're not talking Giant here across the street! The place is small. Not a lot of tables. So make sure you get a ressie before coming. You'll need it. The decor is contemporary. Sleek but nothing that makes you think it's a suit and tie place. It's not. Interesting note, on the bar, there's a couple of Neopresso machines there. Kind of surprised you'd see what essentially is something I could get at Macy's at a place like this. But there they were! They do make great espressos and I knew they were making a play to get restaurants to use their units. Still, it's the first time I ever saw one in an establishment before. I was a bit surprised by the beer selection. I know Robert Wiedmaier owns places like Brasserie Beck and other establishments with great beer lists. This one was actually mediocre, at best. I would have liked to have seen more local choices like a Starr Hill or Heavy Seas into the mix. Now onto the food. The bread? It's unique. They get it from a local bakery and the interesting thing is it's toasted with spices on it. I taste paprika. Definitely an unusual turn. Eventually I got some bread untoasted or seasoned and it was actually better that way. Caesar Salad? Really nice. Not too overpowering with garlic and a good balance of flavor. Main was the Provencal Seafood Stew. Great flavor and a decent amount of seafood. But only one scallop? I would have liked to have seen at least two. Good scallop though. My only complaint about the dish was I would've liked to have seen more 'stew' since it was more like a sauce rather than a broth. I was hoping to dunk a lot of bread into my stew and that really didn't happen. Tasted the Red Wine Braised Beef and that was fork-tender. Just a perfect rendition. Overall, a very nice addition to the Bethesda dining scene and certainly a much better call than practically anything at the mall down the road.
(4)Barry S.
Very solid. Lamb meatballs in Harissa was very good. Probably my favorite thus far around Bethesda. A far better value than Newton's Table. Wish I could go 4 but not a "go out of my way" kind of place. Solid 3 though.
(3)