Simona Cafe — Restaurant in Bethesda

I stopped into Simona Café early Thursday morning before catching the Vamoose bus to New York, and it was the perfect start to my day. I hadn’t grabbed breakfast before leaving the house, so I was relieved to find a cozy café right around the corner from the bus stop.

This spot brought back memories—it used to be a Starbucks I went to when I worked in an office nearby about 8 years ago. Now transformed into Simona, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome as I walked in and the inviting vibe: people reading newspapers, working on laptops, or enjoying a quiet coffee.

Although I originally didn’t plan on ordering coffee (I wanted to nap on the bus), I couldn’t resist trying their espresso. Served in a glass cup, it was excellent—smooth with bright citrus notes. I also ordered the scrambled egg and cheese on focaccia, added prosciutto, and loved how unique and delicious it was. I spent ~$17 for the espresso and the focaccia breakfast.

I grabbed a seat by the window, which made for a perfect morning—espresso in hand, breakfast on the table, and people-watching as the city came alive. Before heading to line up for the bus, I stopped by the restroom, and I have to call it out: clean, well-maintained, and clearly cared for—something I really appreciate when traveling.

Overall, Simona is a gem in downtown Bethesda. Whether you work nearby or are like me, waiting for the Vamoose bus, it’s a fantastic spot to fuel up with quality food and coffee. I’ll...

Tucked into the corner of Waverley and East West Highway, on the ground floor of the Bethesda Office Center, this spot is a true hidden gem. Whether you’re meeting friends, grabbing a bite solo, or looking for a cozy place to plug in and work with free WiFi — this café checks all the boxes.

They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and the vibe is warm, welcoming, and just the right amount of laid-back.

The menu is full of delightful surprises — from breakfast favorites to creative charcuterie and cheese boards, plus tasty sandwich add-ons. One standout? Their house-made focaccia bread — absolutely delicious! The avocado toast came perfectly seasoned with a little kick that takes it up a notch.

They also feature a great rotation of seasonal drinks that hit the spot no matter the time of year.

Whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to go, the service is friendly and efficient.

Definitely worth a visit — once you go, you’ll want to come back. Don’t sleep...

Don’t be misled by the 4-star rating and the handful of positive reviews. I came here expecting something great based on their marketing and online menu, but the reality was completely different. You can tell right away what kind of café this is as soon as you walk in. The coffee was awful — it literally tasted like water. I spent over $50 and couldn’t even finish anything, especially the coffee which was supposed to be “good.” Even the carrot cake latte had no flavor at all, it tasted like acid water. On top of that, the drinks weren’t even served as advertised — instead of a proper cup and saucer, everything came in cheap, flimsy cups that looked like they were from a dollar store. I wanted to try something new, but honestly, I should’ve just gone to Tatte — great coffee, much better quality, and actually...