Guardado's Restaurant — Restaurant in Bethesda

There’s something special about small, locally owned restaurants—they have a soul that chain restaurants simply can’t replicate. Guardado’s in Bethesda, MD, embodies that soul with its authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family.

From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed not just as customers, but as guests. The owners and staff exuded a warmth that felt genuine and heartfelt, as if they truly cared about sharing their passion for food with each visitor. The ambiance was cozy and intimate, with soft lighting and a relaxed vibe that made it the perfect place for friends, families, and anyone looking for a great meal with a personal touch. The restaurant was spotlessly clean, and the service was attentive, friendly, and full of personality—not the scripted politeness of a chain, but real hospitality that made us feel valued.

Now, let’s talk about the food—the heart and soul of Guardado’s. Every dish was crafted with care and with bold, authentic flavors. Chef Nicolas Guardado has poured his experience, culture, and passion into the menu, and it shows in every bite.

Our Top Picks:

Gambas Al Ajillo – Tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a rich garlic and olive oil sauce, perfectly infused with the warmth of dry hot peppers and a splash of brandy. Each bite was a beautiful balance of spice and savoriness. Espinacas Con Naranjas – This dish was light yet flavorful, with fresh spinach, crisp green apples, plump raisins, and crunchy almonds creating an unexpected but delicious contrast of textures and flavors. Pimientos Del Piquillo – A must-try for any cheese lover! The Spanish roasted red peppers were stuffed with a creamy blend of spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese, then topped with a rich tomato sauce that tied everything together beautifully. Papas Fritas – These crispy, golden Spanish-style potatoes were perfectly seasoned and elevated by the zesty, creamy aioli and tangy tomato sauce. The perfect side to any meal! Tortilla Española – A classic done to perfection. This Spanish omelet with caramelized onions, eggs, and potatoes was fluffy, hearty, and deeply comforting. Carne a La Parrilla – The grilled NY steak was juicy and cooked exactly right, while the rosemary red wine sauce added a layer of richness and depth that made each bite irresistible. Quesos Españoles – A beautifully curated plate of Spanish cheeses and olives, perfectly paired with balsamic-marinated dried fruit for a mix of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors. Paella Fiesta – This dish was a true showstopper. The saffron-infused rice was perfectly cooked, and the generous portion of scallops, octopus, squid, shrimp, mussels, and tilapia made it one of the most flavorful paellas we've ever had. Paella Negra – For those who love bold flavors, this dish is a must! The squid ink gave the rice a deep, briny richness, while the chicken, chorizo, and seafood added savory, smoky notes that made it completely unforgettable. Platano Relleno – A perfect fusion of sweet and savory! The deep-fried plantain encased melted mozzarella and savory flank steak, creating a balance of flavors that was addictive from the first bite. Homemade Flan – Silky smooth, perfectly sweet, and incredibly creamy. This was one of the best flans we've ever tasted—simple, yet executed flawlessly. Chocolate Mousse with Vanilla Ice Cream – Rich, decadent, and indulgent. The mousse was light yet deeply chocolatey, and the vanilla ice cream added a creamy contrast that made it a perfect ending to the meal. Final Thoughts

Guardado’s is so much more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. It’s a place with heart, warmth, and passion, the kind of place where the food tells a story and where hospitality feels like home. Locally owned restaurants like this remind us why dining out is about more than just eating—it’s about connection, culture, and community.

If you're craving authentic Spanish and Latin American cuisine made with love and tradition, Guardado’s is the...

Guardado's is a Spanish restaurant that serves Spanish and Latin fare. The restaurant gave off a warm and home like vibe with the exposed brick, curtains, bright lime green walls, wood paneling and trims, and wood furniture.

My boyfriend and I came here for Winter 2020 Bethesda Restaurant Week and each of us enjoyed four tapas and one dessert for only $27.

Our server Laura was nice, polite, friendly, and attentive throughout our dinner. Instead of getting a discounted wine bottle, we decided to have a pitcher of Red Sangria, which consisted of red wine, ice, and diced apples. It was strong, sweet, and fruity.

Instead of getting the same tapas, we decided to try eight different tapas - some cold, some hot, some meat, and some seafood.

For the cold tapa, we ordered the Jamon Serrano and Queso Manchego, which consisted of salty serrano ham and four slices of tasty manchego cheese finished with olive oil drizzle and finely grated herbs.

For the hot tapa, we shared the Espinacas Con Naranjas,Tortilla Espanola, and Papas Fritas. The Espinacas Con Naranjas consisted of spinach sauteed with onions, oranges, toasted almonds, and raisins. It was fresh, sweet and savory. The Tortilla Espanola consisted of a thin spanish omelette stuffed with caramelized onions and diced potatoes. The Papas Fritas consisted of crispy deep fried potatoes served in a mildly spicy aioli tomato sauce and topped with a garlic aioli. I liked how every bite was garlicky with a slight kick.

For the meat tapas, we shared the Pollo A La Parilla, Carne A La Parilla, and Chorizo Salteado. The Pollo a la Parilla consisted of two grilled chicken thighs cooked with green olives and mushrooms in a salty brown sauce. I liked how the chicken was one-sided, tender, and had a chargrilled flavor. The Carne A La Parrilla consisted of a piece of grilled NY steak topped with a light cabrales sauce mixed with the au jus and garnished with finely grated herbs. The Chorizo Salteado consisted of spanish sausage sauteed with garlic, crushed tomato, and red wine sauce. It was served in olive oil. I liked how the chorizo had a smoky flavor.

For the seafood tapa, we ordered the Salmon, which consisted of a grilled salmon on a bed of crushed tomatoes cooked with capers, thyme, and roasted garlic. The salmon was fresh and cooked to perfection. I like how the tomatoes had a smoky flavor but I didn't like how they were so tart. Next time, I'd like to try the Octopus and Fried Calamari.

We finished our meal on a sweet note, with a slice of Tres Leches Cake, a moist, not too dense sponge cake soaked in milk, frosted with fresh whipped cream, and served with sliced fresh...

I had a gift certificate that was due to expire soon and suggested to my guest that we give this place a try for our business lunch meeting. Food was pretty great overall, but I was not too impressed their Lomo de puerco dish (grilled pork loin with brandy pineapple sauce). The dishes I really enjoyed were their Ensalada de espinacas con camarones (spinach salad with grilled shrimp) and Tortilla con chorizo (Spanish omelet with Spanish sausage). I could not believe how fresh their salad vegetables were and the Spanish sausage omelet was both a delicacy and nice comfort food. Food is not the most authentic Spanish/latin fusion as it is a bit more americanized.

There was nothing wrong with our server - I was simply expecting more due to the high bar that has been set by other restaurants in Bethesda and similar tapas places. I noticed that they have some good deals for their happy hour and I will be returning to take advantage of...