This cozy, all-day cafe tucked off Flower Avenue offers something for everyone. Breakfast starts with toast topped with seasonal fruit and honey lemon ricotta, while lunch loops in sandwiches made with pizza dough bread and everything seasoning. Look for freshly baked Neapolitan-style pizzas and variety of homemade pastas at night. There’s also a full bar, specialty coffee drinks like pistachio lattes, and homemade soft serve in inventive flavors like dark chocolate cherry with a hint of black pepper. 

Owner Hatib Joof opened Mansa Kunda in 2019 with the intention of introducing diners to his native west African cuisine. It’s one of the only places around to try peanut butter chu, a dish that originated in Gambia. Other highlights include ebbeh, the Gambian version of gumbo; yassa chicken, a tangy spicy onion dish; and fufu, a dough made out of cassava or plantain flour. If the menu at this welcoming neighborhood restaurant and bar isn’t enough of an education, there’s also stacks of African themed books to pursue through if you have to wait for a table. 

With a host of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, Seoul Food serves Korean flavors while catering to nearly every dietary restriction. Dumplings, bibimbap bowls, and Korean tacos are on the menu. All can be paired with Charm City mead, ciders, and beers. The well-decorated space is just as Insta-worthy as the food.

One of two locations in Maryland, this women-owned establishment puts out an array of delectable, freshly baked pastries like lemon squares, brownies, and brioche cinnamon rolls. From challah to toasted onion dill bread, they have a huge variety of some of the best loaves in town. Stop in for a sandwich — the chicken salad is especially delicious — and take home a loaf for later. 

Catering to vegans since 2018, the neighborhood’s starring Mexican attraction recently relocated into a light-filled space that’s triple the size of the original down the street. Husband-and-wife owners David Perez and Carolina McCandless turn to hand-pressed tortillas made with nixtamalized heirloom corn to produce an array of sophisticated tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, and savory enchiladas with tres moles. Besides fabulous margaritas, the chic bar sends out inventive mezcal and rum-based cocktails. Brunch calls for brioche French toast with mezcal mascarpone, chilaquiles rojo, and a nopales (cactus) scramble. 

Roscoe’s saves Neapolitan lovers in this neck of the woods a trip to D.C. standard-bearers like 2 Amys. The family-friendly menu includes pizzas, crostinis, paninis, salad, and the house specialty: tiramisu.

Middle Eastern flavors shine at this restaurant in the heart of Takoma Park. Sizable meze platters that come loaded with hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, grape leaves, and falafel are more than enough for two. Other popular items include chicken kebab wraps with homemade tzatziki sauce, flatbreads, falafel bowls, Greek salads, and even burgers.

This women-owned and family-run Vietnamese kitchen started out as a food truck before going the brick-and-mortar route in Takoma Park. Muoi Tieu, which means “salt and pepper,” specializes in fresh spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, rice vermicelli noodle bowls, sizzling crepes, and hearty pho. Home-cooked favorites include banh beo (small steamed rice cakes), braised pork belly, and fried branzino with a savory ginger nuoc cham. If there’s room for dessert, don’t skip the Vietnamese flan or steamed banana cake. They also serve beer, wine, and sake. 

This kid-friendly Italian restaurant has roots in the old country. Owner Marcello Minna’s mother ran the first Trattoria da Lina in Puglia, Italy, but closed it when he moved to America to study. He opened in Takoma Park in 2017.

Since opening last spring, Motorkat has quickly become a hip local hot spot for happy hour, fresh local oysters, and excellent cocktails. Innovative offerings include homemade potato chips served with caviar-topped caramelized shallot dip and a smoked salmon Reuben. A “yappy” hour caters to pets and their parents every second Saturday of the month.

This neighborhood Thai and sushi spot shines with signature rolls and a la carte nigiri options like tamago, unagi, and hamachi. It also offers free delivery.

Lost Sock Roasters, one of the region’s best coffee shops, opened its first retail shop in 2021. It’s narrow, yet comfortable storefront in Takoma serves pour-overs showcasing beans from Ecuador and other South American countries as well as toasts, cheesy pan de yuca, and Argentine-style empanadas. The small-batch coffee company could be found long before opening its first shop, selling brewed coffee at Call Your Mother and A Baked Joint, among other places.