House of MILAE — Restaurant in Bethesda

Getting to this restaurant can be a little tricky. It is close the Red line at the Bethesda station so it is accessible for people who don’t have a car! As for parking, there are some parking lots and a little street parking located nearby. The restaurant itself is in a little nook, so be on the lookout for the restaurant sign!

Our first impression of the restaurant was that it is small, but modest, some of us even would say that it was cute and relaxing. There was a friendly staff that greeted us once we walked in, and there was enough seating in the place, which was nice for our larger party of six.

Before we ordered our meals, we all tried the bulgogi jeon (pancakes) and the scallion pancakes which were very yummy and we all loved the taste. Since this is a traditional Korean restaurant, you can expect to get the little appetizers in the beginning of the pickled vegetables, potatoes, and other little assortments to share with your group. To dive into the entrees, our group members all got the sweet potato glass noodles, except one who got the soondubu (not noodles).

All in all it was a solid Korean food spot with okay service. Since it wasn’t that busy, the servers seemed a little distracted, but they were very friendly. The food was delicious--the meal was just the right portion size. I liked that there was enough food for all of us to share and try each others' plates. I enjoyed everything! The kimchi was very fresh tasting and service was quick and easy. Some of us thought that the presentation could have had a little more potential, though were happy and satisfied...

I eat a LOT of Korean food so when I say this is some of the best I've had, I have a frame of reference!

We went on a weeknight and things were quiet. I liked that kpop was playing but not too loud and our server (I think it was Lily!) was super sweet and attentive. I think the service was better than the food, and the food was really really good.

I loved that we got a tray of all of the sides! I feel like a lot of places don't do that anymore. All of the sides were good, I especially liked the potato salad and the pickled radish.

We tried the meat steamed dumplings and they were good! I liked the dipping sauce and they had a great flavor.

After that we got two of the bibimbop bowls! We got the crispy "dolsot" ones. They came out so hot and still sizzling! I had the beef, and it was a well marinated bulgolgi. I loved how crispy the rice got, and the toppings went well with the rice and beef. The sauces were really good and I put a ton of the spicy gochujang sauce on mine, it really made it. I liked that you could specify how your egg was cooked too. Everything tasted amazing and it was just the thing for a cold night.

I got a scallion pancake to go for lunch the next day, and it came with all of the sides again! I was so happy to see more of that potato salad. The pancakes aren't flaky layered ones, but crispy flour ones. The dipping sauce they came with was nice. It was a great portion for lunch.

I cannot wait to come back and try the pork belly in a bibimbop bowl! This is definitely my new favorite place...

It’s been a few years since I’ve been here so it felt like the first time. I got there around 8p.m. on a Friday night and it was not too busy. I wanted to sit outside but they do not allow outdoor seating once it starts getting dark. That seemed a bit strange since it is a well lit area with fairy lights all over but it wasn’t a big deal so I just sat inside.

I wanted a cocktail but they do not serve any (which was fine) so I ordered a peach soju. I enjoyed it and had plenty left to take home.

I also ordered a seafood pancake, and pork belly hot stone bibimbap. I ordered the large and had leftovers but if you’re hungry and do not order anything else, you may be able to finish it in one sitting.

The seafood pancake was good, it was just missing something. Maybe just a pinch of salt but I didn’t need to add any because the dipping sauce did the trick. The same could be said for the bibimbap but once you throw in the additions and sauces, it’s perfect.

The kimchi was hands down the best I’ve ever had! The potato salad and fish cake was also very delicious.

My server Brian was great. He answered all my questions and helped me with my selections. Once I told him I like my food very spicy, he brought me some additional spices and sauces to try. Thanks Brian!

My total bill...