I love this place. Food was excellent, my favorite starters is the Tuna Tartare, and I had scallops for main course. It was absolutely delicious. Service was excellent, atmosphere was cozy. Highly recommend it. read more

Persimmon Restaurant - scallops on risotto - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Best restaurant around in my opinion. Reliably excellent food and Attentive service. My bouillabaisse was probably the best I can remember having. Full of a nice variety of fish in a light broth. Not an empty table on this Friday night. Very highly recommended. read more

What a cozy little restaurant! Fairly small and limited seating but a great dining experience! My date and I went there for drinks and dessert. They had a number of specialty and dessert cocktails. I had the Espresso Martini and Goodnight Delight. Both very tasty! We also tried the Molten Lava Cake and Apple Crisp. Both great! While we didn't have dinner, every dish that passed our table looked and smelled amazing! I'll be coming back for dinner for sure! Also, the service staff was very friendly and attentive! Our waters were refilled and they checked on how we were doing. read more

Persimmon Restaurant - Molten Lava Cake - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

This restaurant is the quintessential neighborhood gem. Like others have said, it's cozy and has a great ambiance...a nice little buzz of conversation and generally not too loud. I've been going here since they opened 25 or 30 years ago and it just keeps getting better and better to the point where I hate to go elsewhere. The service is excellent as is the food. From the pecan crusted rack of lamb, scallops on a bed of wild mushroom risotto, the sesame crusted tuna on a bed of large couscous and the duck breast...they all hit the mark. Daily fresh seafood...the Halibut is always a great choice. Love the apps, like tuna tartar, mussels, wasabi crusted oysters. Fabulous drinks...try the persimmon tini, very nice wines by the glass. Anyone who complains that they don't have free parking must be from out of town. You'd be hard pressed to find free parking in downtown Bethesda anytime except on a Sunday. read more

Persimmon Restaurant - Halibut with veggies and potatoes - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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I went here for dinner and loved the atmosphere. We had the tuna tartare, crab cake, and mushroom risotto. All of them were great. I especially loved that the tuna tartare came with nacho-style chips. The risotto was rich and full of deep, earthy mushroom flavor. The service was also amazing. One of the servers paid close attention and even noticed I had left my umbrella, then brought it to me before I walked out. Such a thoughtful touch. read more

(4) ~ very good overall food & Service DRINKS: ** Coffee (Quartermaine) = (4.15) Very fresh ** Water (tap) = (4) very good, must be filtered;) FOOD: ** Artichoke Bisque (seasonal) = (4.25) Very tasty ** Chocolate Cream Pie Martini (see photo) = (4.15) Very good ** Mushroom & Blue Cheese Ravioli = (4) very blue cheesey ** Braised Shirt Ribs = (4) very filling ** French Fries (old bay) = (4) very good * Lobster Roll = (3.75) Good, but would be better if they buttered the toasted roll like they do in Maine;) *** Vanilla Bean Cheesecake = Next time... read more

Persimmon Restaurant - Chocolate Cream Pie Martini - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Parking is not free, that is the worst part about this experience. The food is okay. I needed salt but the waiter never came back. I ate my food as is. Wouldn't return as there are too many places with similar menus, free parking and better options. read more

Persimmon Restaurant - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Came here on a weekday with two work friends while in Bethesda, MD. It's a nice cozy place so it's best to have a reservation. The host made us feel welcome and asked for our seating preference. We chose to get seated at a corner table. By definition, a bistro is a small, casual restaurant with a relatively inexpensive, simple menu. Judging by the interior and the menu, they lived up to being an American bistro. I had the Daily Fresh Catch which was Chilean Sea Bass with a mélange of shrimp, asparagus, potatoes, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and lemon butter sauce. This was delicious and the flavors was just right. The different flavors complemented each other. We shared the Trio of Profiteroles for dessert. It was three cream puffs with vanilla ice cream, drizzled generously with caramel and chocolate sauce. I root for places like this. They have delicious food and the unpretentious service they provide makes one experience joy. read more

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Great food and service. Our waiter was very now knowledgeable of the menu on what to get and share. read more

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The service is excellent! The staff makes you feel appreciated and like family. They all really love their jobs and customers. The food is always consistent with great staples and nice specials. Drink options are also notable!! Lots of love for this restaurant. read more

I had to read the fools that gave Persimmon a 1 star, what a shallow little group of Karen's. Anybody native to Bethesda - Chevy Chase will tell you the best restaurant in Bethesda is Persimmon for 30 year. Without issue the most consistent and best restaurant in Bethesda, lamb is over the top. read more

I regret sleeping on this place for so long! This cozy restaurant tucked in downtown Bethesda not only has great food but also an authentic feel and highly attentive team. The owner, Said, took care to make us feel welcome and taken care of during the entire meal, and did the same for all the other tables. It's rare to find that level of attention these days. As for the food, the duck breast was cooked nice and tender over a bed of delicious sweet potatoes and greens in a tangy tamarind sauce. My spouse had a branzino fillet special that was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. The restaurant also has a solid wine and cocktail list worth checking out. Overall a great experience and we'll definitely be making a return visit. Great spot if you're looking for high quality dining with a neighborhood feel. read more

We love this cozy little spot and come back often! We've tried about a dozen plates now and can recommend them all. Without exaggeration, everything from appetizers to desserts has been so yummy I bounce in my seat from happiness. My personal favorite is the tuna with couscous and the Atlanta bouillabaisse which is the dish pictured here. Every plate I've had tastes *chef's kiss* amazing but the bouillabaisse is an absolute deal. You get about a pound of seafood! Quick tips: 1.) Always make reservations, it's a small restaurant and extremely popular with locals. Even on a frigid rainy night, the restaurant was packed and there was a line waiting to be seated. 2.) Park in the public lot behind the restaurant. The lot is huge and offers spaces very close to the restaurants front door. read more

Persimmon Restaurant - Atlantic Bouillabaisse - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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Had a nice client lunch here this week. The service and food were top notch. Our server was fantastic, and the owner stopped by several times to make sure everything was amazing and to our liking. I had a wedge salad with chicken, others at the table tried the grilled chicken sandwich, and the beet salad with chicken. Timing was good for lunch time, we were still in and out within an hour. I would definitely come back if I was in the area again. read more

We had a great dinner here last night. We started with 2 appetizers that the 4 of us shared. One of the dishes was ravioli with Gorgonzola cheese inside & the other was trout spring rolls. Both were delicious. For our main course, we shared an order of lamb chops (called rack of lamb on the menu). It was excellent. We asked for medium rear, which was perfect--juicy & flavorful. read more

Persimmon Restaurant - Lamb chops - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

My boyfriend and I came and checked out Persimmon on this past Saturday after a long day scouting for a new car. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, and is very accessible to everything. The restaurant is very cute, with a modern bistro feel. The menu was succinct, with items that were contemporary American with a modern twist. Highlights: Wasabi crusted oysters ( was told this had been an item for 20 years!!) Tuna tartar--moist and flavorful (Persimmon uses avocado as a chaser) Lamb chops Filet mignon Service: We were served by the actual owner, who was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. We were served with a quickness, until mid meal when we were supposed to receive our entrees. We had to wait over an hour for our entrees, and were notified by the owner that WiFi and the ticket entry machine was experiencing minor glitches, which prolonged the service. The restaurant owner kindly comped our drinks and some of our appetizers because of the long wait. We were grateful for that accommodation! We will be back on a less busier (and better tech connected) day! read more

Persimmon Restaurant - Filet Mignon w/ mashed potatoes and Sauted Spinach - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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Came here after trying a couple of years ago (pre-Covid). Service was slow and I had to flag down the only server a couple of times. He saw I was waiting for someone else but he still could have come around to say hello and take my drink order. At other times he was a bit dismissive and unfriendly...hence the 4 stars. As for the food, we ordered the beet salad and they split for us and it was great! I had the filet for dinner and it was delicious and a great portion, especially for the price. My husband ordered the mushroom ravioli as an entree since there was only one other vegetarian option (and he doesn't like risotto). He really enjoyed it but there were no vegetables that accompanied it. They could have easily made it an "entree" since it was almost $30...for 6 ravioli. Bottom line, great food but service was ok. read more

Persimmon Restaurant - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

This was a great experience. Definitely get a reservation if you can, it's a really busy place. The food was delicious, and they have a nice section of wine. The decor is tastefully done. It has the feel of a locally owned neighborhood restaurant that has a really great feel. i'll definitely be back. read more

My favorite restaurant in the DC / Bethesda Area!!! The food, service, ambiance and crowd never disappoints. All this at a truly reasonable price too. I adore that the staff goes out of their way to do special requests with a smile. I often see some if the same people Because they have such a loyal following in the area. Their crab cakes, rib eye and filet mignon beat Capital Grill every day of the week and at a better price. I promise if you give it a try you'll be hooked too!!! read more

This is a great place! We went for the first time with another couple on a Friday night, and the place was packed. I definitely recommend making reservations! A very friendly waiter, who is also one of the owners, greeted us right away. My partner and I started with Old Fashioneds and shared the tuna & avocado tartare, which was delicious! For my entree, I chose the Black and White Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna served with couscous, and it was absolutely delicious! My partner got the lamb, and our friends got the short ribs and the fish of the day, which was bronzino. Everyone loved their entrees! For dessert, my partner and friends got the chocolate mousse, and I opted for a decaf espresso. I love this place and can't wait to go back! read more

We have been dining at persimmon for more than 20 years, and this special neighborhood restaurant delivers every single time. The staff and owners are attentive and friendly, and the food is delicious. This is a Bethesda gem! read more

everything is good and beautifully served, Friendly pleasant staff Small restaurant and bar uses lots of space. read more

Nice venue, good service & well prepared food. A hidden gem in Bethesda. Parking lot easily accessible less than a block away.

I have driven by this restaurant so many times. I am glad that we had the opportunity to dine at Persimmon Restaurant. The food is great. Portion sizes are impressive as well. I recommend the lamb empanadas to start and the bouillabaisse as an entree. read more

Delectable food and very friendly staff including the owner! A good selection of types of food that should cater to all tastes. Highly recommend!! Our table had their crab cakes, salmon, halibut special, all were great choices. read more

Came here with my then fiancé now husband this past spring for an early dinner. Staff was very nice and food was very good! What else can I ask for? Would totally come back! read more

Quality of food is inconsistent. If you're going to charge upwards of $50 for crab cakes, they had better be fresh. The ones served here are not. They smelled and tasted fishy and should not have been served. Try at your peril. read more

The food was good, but the manager made me (84 years old) leave while waiting for my 93 year old husband to come from the bathroom -- so that others can sit there. Unacceptable behavior! read more

This place is a local jewel. The food is all great but Im a particular fan of the duck, outstanding. The staff is so welcoming. I am frequently out of town for periods of time, but when I come back I am greeted warmly and the bar remembers my drink order without exception. What a great place! read more

Food was ok - nothing special. A little in the heavy side for a seafood place. Service was also good. It was pretty loud in the dining room so it was difficult to have a conversation. read more

#Bethesda #American Had salmon and calamari and dessert forgot the names. But mostly generally all good and we enjoyed here

This place is a neighborhood gem. It's been a long while since I've been here. They no longer have a happy hour but I tried their sunset dinner special (between 5-6pm during the week) which is a great deal. You get an app, entree, and dessert for $38. The beet salad, scallops with mushroom risotto and molten chocolate cake were all delicious. Everyone there was super friendly and attentive. It's a small place so would make a reservation during busier weekend nights. read more

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Far from the beltway madness and just at the edge of the Bethseda madness you will find Persimmon. (Sounds like the beginning of a Grimm Fairy Tale...and it is.) This is a comfortable welcoming neighborhood spot for financially comfortable neighbors. It is a long tube with a window in front looking out at bewildered tourists endlessly looking for a place to park. Persimmon used to be white linen table cloth haute cuisine until the owners said ok to shirt tails out and yoga pants are in which is a better fit for the woodsy feel to the place. There are a few paintings of vegetables on the walls but don't let that scare you. There is meat on the menu. One wall filled with spirits has all the fixins' to turn patrons to vegetables. Slip into one of the cozy booths have a cocktail and try to decide how many really cool starters you can start with before you get truly serious about dinner. The Vibe: Down to Earth in a town that buzzes like a cheap TV. Persimmon is as inviting as Cheers and populated by the cast of Friends as opposed to the Walking Dead like many other spots in Bethseda. The Bar Program: Comprehensive. Interesting cocktails, draft beers and lots of nice wine. There is something for everyone even if you've recently sworn off the sauce. I had a Canton Ginger Breeze which carted me away to the old Kowloon District of Hong Kong. Ginger Liqueur, Dark Rum, Pineapple and Lime juices got my juices flowing. Now, a whiff of Jasmine and a fire red Cheongsam slashed up to...ah those wonderful days at the Peninsula Hotel but that's a different review. The Staff: Warm as a puppy's tummy and just as amusing, friendly and as fun as the whole litter. You want it? Lorena's gonna bring it...in a hurry. The Food: Bethseda must have 200 restaurants within a square mile. Most of them or MOR or MEH or both. Persimmon looks down on them from on high with a wry smile because their kitchen has gotten it right. The Steamed P.E. I. Mussels were a perfect balance for the Crispy Empanadas stuffed with Beef and Onion, encased in pastry as flaky as our Cabinet. A bold Chipotle Aioli elevated them from bar food to raise the bar food. The Smoked Trout Spring Rolls with Spicy Slaw, Hoisin and Peanut Sauce would be right at home at the Mayflower in Singapore. (Me too.) They were delicious, hot and complex...(There's the scent of Jasmine and that Red Cheongsam again). Finally, there was a Duck Confit Salad with a well selected Blue Cheese, Apple Spears, House made Potato Chips and a Port Vinaigrette. While the duck wasn't exactly Confit it was appropriately ducky as if it had escaped from an enchilada in a Rick Bayless Cookbook. The sole standout were the Crispy Oysters laying on a structure of Red Onion, Red Bell Peppers, and Fennel with a heady broth underneath. It was as if Hog Island Oyster Co. mated with a Popeye's Chicken Shack. The oysters were fresh and large. They were flattened before they hit the dredging station and then took a dip in the fryer. WOW...were they special. Think Oyster Schnitzel. I had just enough real estate left for the Jumbo Maryland Crab Cakes with Bacon Mashed Potatoes piped in a row as thick and long as a trucker's forearm. Two hills of roasted fresh Corn Hash with a Sweet Corn Sauce supported the perfectly seared Crab Cakes which had no filler, BTW. Two cones of Onion Strings were better than Crack or religion and were an impulse buy as they marched by to another table. Persimmon, sing a hymm'n say grace you're dining in the right place. read more

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Service is always top notch as is the food. My favorites are the tuna & avocado tartar appetizer and the smoked trout spring rolls - the two appetizers are certainly enough for a dinner if you're not a voracious eater. Otherwise you could add the roasted beet, goat and mesclun salad - getting hungry just thinking about it! read more

I am so enjoying that the new managers of Persimmon have added lunch service hours, as I personally would rather have a good lunch than a big dinner. Nothing makes my day more than a well prepared lunch. My favorites here are the Hanger Steak and the Nicoise Salad with seared Tuna or their fabulous Shrimp. The new owners have maintained the quality of service set by the founders. Persimmon is a holdover from the age of Bethesda's era of great chef-owner restaurants. I think that keeping up with friends and business associates by meeting at Persimmon for lunch can't be beat. read more

Amazing warm staff with hospitality that takes over as much as the food! If you are looking for a neighborhood local vibe with the best tuna tar tar and beyond you must try it out ! Be prepared for a night full of laughter and a staff that truly makes you feel at home ! read more

I was given a "taste" of wine - but it was that wine where they pour customers' glasses into a mix, making a vinegary poisonous mix.l - so today, I feel sick. The ownership changed this year: it's gone downhill. My bouillabaisse was ok - but I realized it was spiced with a lot of MSG. The one scallop was divine. Both pieces of fish, which were as tough as leather. My mother's steak ("medium rare") was tough to the point of inedibility. When the waiter (and part owner) asked, and we told him, he could not have shown less interest. Ditto re: the "molten" chocolate cake (there was no molten sauce in it). I had to ask him for a water refill. Summary: corners being cut; a lack of interest in the diners' experience, or the food's quality. Wouldn't go back. read more

*****Restaurant Week Dinner Review***** Tell me again why it's been about ten years since my last visit? This place is a hidden gem. It's a place you may not notice if you're zipping down Wisconsin Ave in Chevy Chase (technically Bethesda). My friend and I made a last minute reservation on a Saturday night. I was surprised, but excited we got a table. Big bonus for having a huge surface public parking lot directly behind the place. Free on Saturday! We both started with the roasted beet and goat cheese salad. Delicious. I scarfed it down, and didn't even leave a speck of food. For my entrée I had the fish of the day which was suppose to be branzino, but switched to rockfish, which I hungrily ordered. It was delicious too, as was her entrée, scallops over mushroom risotto. For dessert I ordered the pumpkin cheesecake after looking at picture after picture of it posted on this site. I won't be posting my pic, but I did on FB. :). It was very good, but not delicious. Four stars worthy. It was huge though, and I did eat it all! They were out of my first choice, molten chocolate cake. My friend ordered the replacement chocolate flourless cake. I had a taste and we both agreed it wasn't the best version out there. I will now be back, and I won't wait another ten years. They have an interesting looking happy hour 4-7 Tuesday-Friday. read more

Persimmon Restaurant - Rockfish. Served the same way as the grouper during RW. - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

It shows the restaurant close at 9:30, and last order at 9:00, we arrive to the restaurant at 8:40, and the woman at front desk said the kitchen is closing. But the kitchen guy said to her that they are not close yet. I can't believe while the chef said so in front of us. The woman kick us out saying it is Wednesday, we close early Extremely bad experience in years of dining outside and write restaurant review for FT. This is the first time in our life been kicked out of a restaurant with awful attitude. Not recommend to anybody read more

I grew up in Bethesda and for some reason had never made my way to Persimmon until recently. I'm so bummed it took me this long! The food was ***phenomenal.*** The spring rolls, wedge salad, scallops, salmon... absolutely unreal. The service was excellent, too. The staff recently bought out the restaurant from the original owner and are lovely. Please try it! read more