Opal

In quiet Chevy Chase, on the border of Bethesda, this buzzy restaurant is well on its way to becoming a neighborhood essential. Far from flashy, the team isn’t out to redefine a cuisine or break any culinary boundaries. Ricotta dumplings, beef tartare, a properly cooked filet of trout – these are familiar flavors handled in a confident manner. There is the occasional surprise, like the excellent lamb-stuffed pita. And for dessert, there is no escaping the tiramisu ice cream, a triumphant finale that nobody will want to share. A reasonably priced set menu appeals to those not in the mood to make any decisions. Either way, the homey space fills up fast, and even the bar can be packed out with guests perfectly content to eat while standing.