By Amelia Keefer
Can you believe that over 100 new restaurants opened last year in Montgomery County?
That’s way more than any one person can try. We’ve scanned the list for you and highlighted a few of the most exciting openings, from Bao Bei’s authentic bao buns to Sixty Vine’s unique wine on-tap. There’s lots of new flavors, from all around the world, right down the street. Bundle up, grab your keys, and go out and support these new businesses.
BAO BEI
12015 Rockville Pike, Suite E, Rockville
Opened: August 2025
Cuisine: Taiwanese street food
Chef Kevin Hsieh started Bao Bei as a ghost kitchen out of North Bethesda serving up authentic Taiwanese street food. He and his team were then finalists on Season 17 of The Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race.” After well-deserved success and national recognition, Bao Bei has finally made a more permanent home right here in Montgomery County — Hsieh’s hometown, according to Store Reporter. Google reviewers rave about both the bao buns and the Taiwanese
fried chicken.
DOLAN UYGHUR CUISINE
20-A Maryland Ave., Rockville
Opened: August 2025
Cuisine: Uyghur cuisine
Dolan Uyghur is a chain of restaurants founded by Hamid Kerim dedicated to preserving the unique flavors and culture of the Uyghur people. Rockville is their first Maryland location, according to The MoCo Show, with three already-existing locations in Virginia and Washington DC. Now’s your chance to try traditional Uyghur-style entrees and desserts you can’t find anywhere else in Maryland! Their bestsellers include
their samsa (savory, baked meat pies), Korma Chop and
Hot Chicken Stew.
SIXTY VINES
212 Ellington Blvd., Suite B190, Gaithersburg
Opened: October 2025
Cuisine: On-tap wine with seasonal snacks
The Texas-based winery announced via social media that it has opened up its first Maryland location. They offer over 60 wines on-tap from around the world, paired with wine country-inspired seasonal cuisine. Their sustainable tap system has saved over 676,365 bottles from landfills just this year, according to their website.
BABYCAT BREWERY
4850 Rugby Ave., Bethesda
Opened: October 2025
Cuisine: Brewery with taproom cuisine
The already-loved Kensington-based brewery opened up a new taproom in Bethesda, according to their Instagram account. Unlike the Kensington location—which relies on food trucks to serve food—the Bethesda location has a full indoor kitchen. Expect smash burgers, wings, fries, pizza, hot dogs and chicken tenders. Of course, the real star of the show is the beer, with dozens of home-brewed recipes to try.
THE GOLDEN FIG CAFÉ & BAKERY
10411 Motor City Drive, Bethesda
Opened: November 2025
Cuisine: Mediterranean cafe
Hosting a soft launch at the end of October — according to their Instagram account — Chef Tahar and his family are now serving authentic Mediterranean food and drink, inspired by their Algerian heritage. Their menu options include specialty sandwiches, grill platters and fresh-squeezed juices. Don’t forget to grab some baked goods to-go, like a piece of baklava, a slice of their Golden Fig Cake or a savory quiche.
Unfortunately, we’ve lost some Montgomery County favorites this year. Here are a few key closures to note:
Hollywood East Cafe reportedly closed in August 2025, according to The MoCo Show.
Woodmont Grill reportedly closed in October 2025, according to Bethesda Today.
Casa Oaxaca reportedly closed in November 2025, according to the MoCo Show.
Tako Grill reportedly closed in December 2025, according to Fox Washington, DC.
