Chef Tony's - Bethesda Restaurant - Bethesda, MD

Chef Tony's - Bethesda

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Address:
4926 St. Elmo Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814

Neighborhood:
Bethesda / Chevy Chase

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Cuisine:
Seafood

Price: $30 and under

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Chef Tony's - Bethesda Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.ChefTonysBethesda.com
Email: cheftony@cheftonysbethesda.com
Phone: (301) 654-3737
Hours of Operation: Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Sunday Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Menu: 11 - 3pm, Dinner Seating until 8 pm. Lunch: Tuesday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm. We are closed on Mondays but available for Private Parties. We also have the availability to rent out the entire restaurant for private functions, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners or corporate affairs. Contact Chef Tony to work out a menu and arrangements to fulfill your needs.
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Seafood, Mediterranean
Executive Chef: Tony Marciante
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Delivery, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
Catering: Reap the benefits of 24 years experience offering catered events from the staff of Chef Tony's. Anything from a backyard barbecue to the most upscale wedding can be planned with ease and within your budget. Our catering division has over 20 years in the industry providing upscale but affordable options. Allow our Chef owner to guide you to a great menu to complement your event including the availability of a full wine and bar service to complement your event. Download a helpful checklist at http://cheftonysbethesda.com/lunch-catering-menu.html
Entertainment: Our restaurant features occasional live events including Poetry Reading, Jazz Music, Comedy Nights as well as Morning Business Leadership Breakfast Meetings. Contact Chef Tony if you have interest in working with our restaurant to feature your meeting group or offer your live entertainment suggestion. We provide complimentary WiFi and are happy to work with you to meet your needs and budget.
Special Events & Promotions: Any kind of event we can imagine, we make it happen. When other facilities give you a book of rules, room charges and other constrictions...see Tony for a quick and easy booking process. We're in the business of hospitality and can plan an event quickly.

Getting there

Cross Street: Old Georgetown Road
Public Transit: Easy Three block walk from Bethesda Metro station. At the top of the escalator turn left slightly and proceed to third traffic light on Old Georgetown Road. Turn right on St Elmo, we are on right hand side at 4926. Multiple public bus stops also within walking distance.
Parking: Public Lot
Parking Details: Ample parking across the street in public garage offering pay by phone (setup ahead) http://www.goparknow.com (quarters accepted and happily provided at our bar) as well as street parking available on St. Elmo. Easy front door drop off directly at our curb for guests needing special access. Wheelchair accessible from curb.

A word from Chef Tony's - Bethesda

Daily changing Market Driven menu incorporates Fresh Seafood & Locally Farmed Foods when possible into a creative blend of Mediterranean specialties. Enjoy full size Entrees, Tapas plates & creative Vegetarian/Gluten Free offerings. In house desserts daily round out your experience. In the… pursuit of culinary excellence, expect the Chefs to play with flavors, textures & seasonal offerings to challenge your expectations while keeping value in mind. Five, Ten and Twenty Course Tasting Menus can be arranged as well as Special Event Services and Banquets. A full bar complements the meal and plan your weekend to include the Bottomless Mimosa Brunch every Sunday featuring Farm Stand Egg Dishes Chef Tony’s also hosts many specialty events in Bethesda including Business Mixers, Social Media Events, Rehearsal Dinners & themed dinner parties. After 24 years of procuring top quality products, Chef Tony’s is a unassuming restaurant that continues to impress local diners and trav Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Diner Reviews

"Good food, nice environment and not expensive. Food delicious and well cooked. Service a little slow at the beginning but improved, relax atmosphere."
Dined on 4/15/2014
"We have eaten at Chef Tony's about a half dozen times and have never been disappointed. Chef Tony himself checks in with the guests and the servers are very accommodating. The portion sizes are generous, and I usually find myself taking home leftovers. Great food, good variety of choices, nice atmosphere especially in the rear area of the restaurant. This will be one of our regular choices for Bethesda restaurants. Thanks, Tony!"
Dined on 4/12/2014
"We have dined at Chef Tony’s quite a number of times. What we like most about the restaurant is the quality of the food. Fish has always been fresh and includes what is freshly available at the time. Preparation and presentation have been superb. The wine list and list of stronger spirits are short, but we have always found choices from each group that suits our taste – I even found a new single malt whisky on the list that I had not seen before. The atmosphere can be intimate and it is quite enough to have good conversation with your guests."
Dined on 4/11/2014
"We had brunch at Chef Tony's last Sunday. Omelets were good, if a bit big; baguette french toast was OK; salads were the best; crab soup was the worst (too salty to eat!) and scallops were marginal."
Dined on 4/6/2014
"I felt the food was excellent and it was nice to see the Chef Tony stopped by our table. We were able to discuss a few of our choices with him as there were so many to choose from."
Dined on 4/5/2014
"Little outdated looking, service felt rushed, food wasnt brilliant. Had a nice time but was a little underwhelmed."
Dined on 4/5/2014
"Our boys LOVE their meal (steak skewers) and the personal service from Chef Tony. He delivered the food and even autographed the boys cups. They had a blast and it's now their favorite restaurant."
Dined on 3/30/2014
"We made reservations for 6 adults, 1 child, and a baby. Unfortunately, baby and her mother couldn't be there....but the restaurant staff was wonderfully adaptable and provided a perfect table for the 5 adults and 1 child. The service was attentive and responsive, and the server had excellent knowledge of the menu. The food was impeccably prepared, including some meals that you really don't find elsewhere. One of our party is a vegan, and that was "no problem." In short, a great evening in a small neighborhood gem, much more enjoyable than some of the "bigger name" Bethesda restaurants."
Dined on 3/28/2014
"Loved the food and service!! The crustini bread and appetizers (we order the fried calamari and mussels) were top quality and quantity- the four of us were nearly full after that- in a good way- the entree quantity was perfect for a second meal from leftovers- which is always handy on weekends. Servers were patient, knowledgeable, and as suave as could be hoped for in casual-fine Italian dining. Dessert choices were delectable- we had the creme brulee- a little softer than I'm used to but still great tasting, impressively refreshing- naturally flavored raspberry sorbet, and tiara misu. The hostess honored our request for the best table to celebrate a new baby- perfect ambiance and noise level in the back dining area but not cornered."
Dined on 3/29/2014
"Very good entree but a bit pricey. Our appetizers were straight out of the 80s appetizer playbook and were small."
Dined on 3/15/2014
"Four if us had Sunday brunch. Excellent service; we stayed as long as we wanted. Cost embience with reasonable pricing. Food was good and portions generous."
Dined on 3/23/2014
"We have come to love Chef Tony's. Great people, relaxed environment, good prices, and incredible food."
Dined on 3/21/2014
"This was my third visit and each time the food was excellent. The seafood dishes were fresh and special requests were met without a fuss. We split a dessert, the sinful Chocolate, which was not overly sweet but satisfied that chocolate craving. The service was friendly and efficient. The atmosphere was relaxed and you were not made to feel as if you had to hurry up and leave. I will definitely be returning and telling friends about this."
Dined on 3/21/2014
"What with an open mind, upon walking up on this place appeared to look like a nice gem in Bethesda, MD. Once inside the greeter was great and we were seated quickly. The ambiance was perfect as we were celebrating our anniversary, menu was very simple and direct. Limited choices of meals and the way the food was served, kinda like a higher classed fast food restaurant. There were no varied offerings on the side items and meals according to the waiter. The wait service was just fair emptied glasses of tea and water way too often (glasses were small). Ordered MD crab soup and fried oysters just average the soup was jelled and not very hot, did have crab meat in it though. Will not return!"
Dined on 3/15/2014
"Chef Tony is a big friendly fellow, present in the restaurant, and the staff seem like a team with good spirit. The menu presents a big range of seafood dishes and other types of food. The wine list is a good selection; we particularly enjoyed glasses of two different whites that were served in nice stemware at the right temperature. There is a vibrant bar, a good choice of cocktails, and an kind efficient and approachable bartender. We had several nicely cooked seafood dishes, as well as fresh oysters, properly presented. The restaurant decor has a comfortable neighborhood feel, rather than downtown design, but the neat white tablecloths keep the place looking crisp."
Dined on 3/14/2014
"Food was great. The interior of the restaurant needs updated drastically."
Dined on 3/13/2014
"This is my first time at this restaurant and the food was very tasteful and well prepared. I was quite impressed with the chef and it was only having lunch with a colleague. Now I plan to take my wife there for dinner one of these days. We also had a terrific waiter that was very attentive to our unique needs."
Dined on 3/12/2014
"I AM A FAN! My husband and I had dinner her last night (Wednesday) and we had a wonderful dinner. There was not too many people there due to the terrible weather. We enjoyed the extensive wine and cocktails list and feasted from the 3 Course Prix Fixe Menu which had a lot of options. We even met Chef Tony who is a very charming man and cannot wait to return her sometime for their awesome brunch accompanied by bottomless mimosas or one of Chef Tony's cooking classes! This is truly a hidden gem in Bethesda! Also, I got a call the following afternoon to thank me for coming to Chef Tony's! Brownie points! ;)"
Dined on 3/12/2014
"attractive small Bethesda neighborhood restaurant. Cuisine is Meditteranean style seafood. Wonderful! Romantic spot. Not a good place to take little kids."
Dined on 3/9/2014
"Dinner was delicious. My scallops were perfect and the calamari appetizer was nicely done and a good amount for 4 to share. The waiter was very helpful with suggesions!"
Dined on 3/8/2014
"The fish was fresh and tasty. Commend for using local produce and fresh catch. Sonia's cheesecake is exceptional."
Dined on 3/7/2014
"The food was outstanding and as dishes are made in house, there were lots of gluten-free options. Waiter was knowledgable and checked with the chef to ensure everyting ordered could be prepared GF. The non-GF dinners were happy as well."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"This is my second time going to Chef Tony's and have thoroughly enjoyed the food and atmosphere each time. It is a perfect place to go on a special occasion and I will definitely be returning."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"We have been dining at Chef Tony's for years. This visit was the best ever by far. They have expanded their menu choices The mussel appetizer and the grilled Romaine were wonderful. I had the cod special and it was outstanding. The fish was a thick large portion perfectly seasoned and the accompaniments were delicious. My wife had the trout and it was outstanding."
Dined on 3/7/2014
"We had great service, but the food was just average. Nothing to scream about. Funny that they have crayons, kids menu, and booster seats but no kids cup??"
Dined on 3/6/2014
"My fiance and I celebrated our engagement at Chef Tony's and the food was excellent! I really enjoyed the Italian paella and the grilled ceasar salad. The only complaint I would have is the service. Our waiter was not very attentive- he did not offer me a refill of my soda, mis-heard someone's order, and did not inform us that one of the salads would be late until all the other salads were served. The chef did give us one salad for free, since it was late, which I really appreciated. Overall, the food was excellent, but I think the service was off."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"I made a reservation days before, requesting a front window table (nice, open space) but was seated instead in the cramped alcove (a lugubrious spot; its aesthetics need attention). Was told I could wait 25 minutes until one of the front tables opened up, but we had a movie to catch later. It was still a 10-15 minute wait to sit anywhere. I'd been to Chef Tony's about half a dozen times before, and the food was always elegantly done--until this evening. The crab bisque appetizer and the grilled monkfish entree were both way too salty--didn't send back because we had a movie to catch. The cheesecake was too sweet, and instead of decorating the plate, the cake was all tarted up. A misfire. Pungo Sauvignon not a good offering, either."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"First time dining at this restaurant (at the recommendation of a friend). Tucked in between other businesses, it is almost hidden away. We arrived shortly before our reservation and were promptly seated. Our waiter provided excellent suggestions for appetizers, (seafood) entrees, wine to go along with them and dessert. Everything was delicious and prepared perfectly. Staff was attentive but not intrusive. Overall, an excellent experience."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"I first dined here several months ago and had a HORRIBLE experience. The service was hands-down the worst I ever experienced. A friend and I decided to give it another chance for dinner and our experience this time around was a complete 180. The service was excellent and the food was amazing. I'll definitely make another trip back here in the future!"
Dined on 2/28/2014
"Although we have lived in Bethesda for 20 plus years, this is the first time we've dined at Chef Tony's. Not sure how we've missed this really nice restaurant for the past 6 years. The food was very good, the service very friendly and responsive, and I liked the small, but not cramped feeling of the place. I got the trout and my husband ordered the paella, both of which were well-prepared and tasty! My only complaint was the Manhattan I ordered straight up, which came room temperature and not tasting like a Manhattan usually does. Manhattans straight up are generally made in ice-filled shakers, so that they come chilled without being on ice--it is essential to the taste and feel of the drink. Aside from the cocktail, a great dinner!"
Dined on 2/28/2014
"It took over 15 min to get a waiter to take our order. This was after we waive down several of the staff. After the waiter came, we ordered a bottle of wine. 5 min later, he came back and told us that they didnt have that wine any more. He did make a decent recommendation, but by that point we were already starving. For apps we had ceviche and tapas sampler. Good, but nothing spectacular. The entrees on the other hand were delicious. We had salmon and monkfish. Both were cooked to perfection. I even dipped bread on the accompanying sauce on the monkfish. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake (more like fudge) and creme brulee. Both were also very good. Long story short, if the service was improved, I would go here more often."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Food was great! Good, honest answers to which dishes were better...and we had dishes that were "off the beaten path"...those we just can't get elsewhere. Hope to come back again!"
Dined on 2/18/2014
"My boyfriend and I went to Chef Tony's for the first time this past weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day. They were offering a 4-course meal with a complimentary wine. Food: Food was very good overall. Our favorites include the mussels, cream of crab soup, and trout. Grilled ceasar salad was bad. Service/Ambience: Our waiter was awesome. They stuck us in a back corner in which we were crammed between two walls and I was facing a mirror. It was really awful to not take in the experience of the whole restaurant. It also echoed really bad in our little corner. It was our waiter who turned the experience around and didn't make me feel like I was forgotten in the corner. He was personable and even educated us on some wine facts."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"I was looking for a nice Seafood Restaurant to take my wife to the day after Valentines Day. I stumbled accross this restaurant and was able to get the reservation time that I wanted. They offered the option to chose from the previous day Valentines Day special, which turned out to be great option for us. The waiter took her time to answer all of the questions that we had relating to the menu and wine selections accompanied by samples of the wines in questions. Awesome service!!! Food was delicious and very well seasoned!!! I will return to this restaurant with no problem and highly recommend trying this one. Also it was a pleasure to be greeted at the table by the Chef himself."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"This was the second time that have come here for a celebratory lunch and it is the 2nd time that I have been both thoroughly pleased with the service and food!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"- Noted via Opentable's request box that one guest is gluten free, and requested a table far from the entrance. So first disappointment was when we were seated at the closest table to the entrance. At the very least it should be noted that they were aware of my request but simply weren't able to accommodate for whatever reason. Without that it just seemed like they ignored my request. No guidance regarding gluten free options either. - Server seemed nice and willing, but unfortunately also seemed flustered. Kinda seemed like she just started? - Food was a bit lacking. Break down: Calamari was mushy, carrot soup was delicious, chicken pasta just didn't taste good, bread pudding was ok, and coffee was delicious."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"I have eaten at Chef Tony's 6 - 8 times in recent months - and I always enjoy it. The fish selection is excellent, and the service is just right. When we ate there last Saturday evening the restaurant was full, which pleased me. I want them to be successful! Also, I have eaten there with Groupons, and they didn't make me feel like a second class diner because of that - but rather as a valued guest. This restaurant is quite near our home and I will be eating there often in the future."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Cream of Crab soup is always really good. I tried Stuffed Salmon for the first time and it was great."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"over cooked fish, some dishes good, but no consistency. Owner holds (non-pleasant) employee meetings in dinning room in. What can I say...not what I expected for $140 meal for two. Much better options out there."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"My wife and I chose Chef Tony's for our first Valentine's Day as a married couple. The ambiance reminded us both of restaurants from home with the low lighting, nostalgic scenery and intimate, but uncrowded quarters. The food was very good, my wife had a cheese plate, crab bisque, seared pepper-crusted tuna, and fried plantains; while I enjoyed calamari, a thick carrot soup, crab and shrimp stuffed salmon, and banana bread pudding. The house red wine was reminiscent of some of the house wines that we enjoyed while traveling Europe; and the experience overall was very enjoyable. Our waiter, Axel, was very attentive and if he didn't know an answer he would quickly find out. Overall Chef Tony's was a very good value and we will be back."
Dined on 2/14/2014

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