Washingtonian Magazine has released its annual list of the area’s 100 Very Best Restaurants, which features two local eateries: Beteseb in downtown Silver Spring and Motorkat in Takoma Park.
Beteseb Restaurant at 8201 Georgia Ave., previously named by Eater D.C. as an essential Ethiopian restaurant and featured in chef Marcus Samuelsson’s PBS television series No Passport Required (video below), is ranked #88 by Washingtonian staff for its vegetarian platter, green salad, and beef tibs:
Lately, we’ve gravitated to this homey Silver Spring dining room for our injera fix. The vegetarian platter is a gorgeous color wheel showcasing turmeric-spiced cabbage, vibrant sautéed greens, and three kinds of lentils, each distinct and delicious. Green salad, often an afterthought, gets a zippy dressing. Omnivores: Add the excellent beef tibs to your platter. Even if you upgrade to the juicy rib eye, Beteseb offers incredible value.
Beteseb was ranked #90 on last year’s list.
Motorkat ranked #97, with Washingtonian staff noting its curried fried chicken and Motorpup hot dogs:
This casual Takoma Park new-comer is the kind of place you want to spend lots of time, thanks to the comfy booths, cheeky drink names, and family-friendly atmosphere. It serves some of the best fried chicken in town, paired with forbidden rice and a Madras curry that makes the whole thing really zing. Keep to the fried theme—order a Motorpup off the kids’ menu and delight in the crispy, fried exterior of this excellent hot dog.
Motorkat opened in the former home of Republic at 6939 Laurel Ave. in 2023.
Other Montgomery County eateries highlighted in Washingtonian’s list include Caruso’s Grocery, Melina, A&J Restaurant, Aventino, and Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana.
Check out the full 100 Very Best Restaurants 2025 list at washingtonian.com.
Photo: © Ben – stock.adobe.com