Chef Tony's has so much going for it. Great location, off the beaten path, in a gated condo. Parking is pretty easy. Getting to the restaurant is fun, a little like Henry and Karen entering the Copa to see Bobby Vinton in Goodfellas. The restaurant is on the Arcade level and is sleek, fresh, well-lighted. There is a separate bar area with softer lighting and an outdoor patio as well. The dishes I've ordered or tried have all been solid. The portions are more than generous, which is nice to know with prices everywhere being higher. My favorite is Dad's Crab Pasta. They also have Pizza, Detroit style. My go-to is the 4-4-2. Deep dish, sausage, bacon, ample sauce, milder cheese blend, hot honey drizzle... You can opt in to receiving messages/ from them, which can be nice, if you want to know about specials and such. Service is on par, prices as well
Christina Hayles
After waiting for over an hour and enduring the frustration of listening to the server gossip with her friends, we were informed that she wasn't assigned to our table, yet our food WASNT ready. Despite our attempts to get attention, no one came to assist us the entire night. We even asked passing staff for our appetizers, but still received nothing after an hour of waiting. We made a reservation to ensure timely service, but even with only five occupied tables, we were left unattended. The only thing offered was dry bread and oil. It wasn't until we requested the manager that the server reluctantly apologized, only to continue lying about not being our server. This has been the worst restaurant experience, and despite our anticipation to dine here, it's nearly 9 PM and we still haven't been served. We watched the server pass by numerous times, make eye contact, and serve other tables, LAUGHING CHATTING, being pleasant then looking at us with dry eyes.. leaving us stranded without food or assistance in the rain. THEN THE ATTITUDE of the server was awful.. the manager came in the final minute, apologized and personally took our order and gave us our food with charge. He was pleasant
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Tom Scollins
Do not let the location fool you, this was the BEST Italian meal I have had in a long time. The menu was uniquely curated, the seafood was fresh and well prepared and the pasta was perfect. Service was a bit slow during our visit, but it was busy and there appeared to be only two wait staff on duty. Our waitress was extremely pleasant to interact with. What a great meal!! I wish we lived closer! Regardless we will be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Wendy Caputo
The restaurant location is a little obscure and a bit hard to find. Once we arrived, we were surprised by the diner like decor of the restaurant and how empty it was.Super super impressed with their ability to accommodate gluten-free options! We ordered appetizers and entrees - overall, the food was delicious, very well prepared, & good size portions. The kitchen turned around the food orders quickly.The service was definitely lacking. Our server was a bit nutty, had an attitude, and had to be reminded of segments of our order. Don't appreciate feeling like we are inconveniencing him for having a 7pm reservation. If that was later than he wanted to stay, then they should stop taking reservations beyond 6 pm. I don't think our expectations were high for service - just looking for our server to be nice. Eye rolling when taking our order is not professional nor respectful.While the food was great, I'm not sure we will return...too many good restaurants in the area that care about customer service.Dietary restrictions: 3 of us were gluten-free and the restaurant was able to accommodate without issue.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 2
Shelley Corley
Jennifer and the chef were wonderful!!!!The food is the best!!!Bravo Chef Tony!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Shrimp Pasta, Seafood Stew, Bethesda's Best Crispy Calamari, Fish
Jason Mascitti
Jennifer was incredibly charming and made the meal as special as it was. The food was simply outstanding, and I’m pretty sure I’ve never had a better seafood meal in my life.I also noticed that the seafood in my medley was plenty full, fresh tasting. So many restaurants skimp when you order shrimp there are two on the plate that was not the case here and I had more than enough food and took some home.I will so be back to this restaurant every time I visit Bethesda.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Rom
Jennifer was a delightful and skilled server. The oysters (fresh) were among the best I’ve ever had. Simply outstanding freshwater trout with lemon caper sauce. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brittany LaFreniere
Have eaten here several times, great food. Service once was a bit off but bus boys were attentive and kind. The parking lot and entrance is confusing. Inside the building is beautiful and nice atmosphere. 10/10 recommend because food is worth it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Crabcake
F B
My wife and I came here Saturday evening dinner, and it was perfect! Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. We couldn't ask for anything else. Thank you so much for an excellent experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Spiral Tote
19July2023 Great anniversary dinner at Chef Tony’s spot in Pooks Hill(we’ve eaten at the Rockville spot a couple times when it was called Amalfi) and our waiter M(Ukrainian waiter)was so personable and attentive. He worked well between us and with the 2 other tables he had.The parking is in the area of the condominium where the signs say,residents(in front of bldg’n). When you drive up to the gate (left gate barrier)the guard gives you a parking pass for being on the property and directions how to get to the restaurant. Excellent service at the guard shack.This location is located inside The Promenade condo building. As you enter through the door labeled ARCADE and It is a mini maze to get to the restaurant, once inside the building; as it is to get to the bathrooms. Once in the restaurant, to the left is the bar and to the right is seating for the restaurant. This spot is not cozy like the Rockville spot. It is industrial/cafeteria like(Silver Diner). One of the wines we wanted wasn’t available and a dish that we wanted wasn’t available. So we picked another dish and different bottle of wine. Our bottle of wine was good. The food was delicious. Started off with appetizer size bread and oil. My oysters on the half shell ? was perfectly chilled and was plated beautifully. My seafood stew ? was delicious except a couple of my grains of rice ? were under cooked. The Sonia’s Vanilla cheesecake was wonderful (Walnut crunch crust, Strawberry ? Malbec sauce).Overall service by M(Ukrainian waiter) was great. Due to our experience with M(Ukrainian waiter) and our food, we’ll visit again.Parking: The parking is in the area of the condominium residents(in front of bldg’n). When you drive up to the gate (left gate barrier)the guard gives you a parking pass for being on the property and directions how to get to the restaurant. Excellent service at the guard shack.
The asparagus showed up, looking like someone ate half. It's not worth the money. This has to be a joke.
Trish Lavelle
Was here for a birthday. Dishes were described in detail but the actual dish ...mine ..(halibut with crab dressing on a cauliflower mash) was less than par..fish dry no sauce and no sign of crab ! By the time I got my plate back everyone was finished with theirs ! Maybe this was a bad nite but I was more than disappointed. Don't think I'll be coming again !
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
K. Archila
This was my second time there and I have to say I don't think I will be back.Last time, the pizza we ordered was not cooked properly and they took it back to the oven to finish cooking. That took forever and they brought back the pizza when we were paying for our dinner. All they offered was $10 off for next time we order pizza.This time, we ordered 3 fried fish dishes. After we ordered the food, the waiter came back and said the fish they had were bigger than usual so the price had to increased from $33 to $44. ?. My sister decided to share her fish with her husband. My husband decided not to get the fish anymore and tried to order a pizza but we were then told that they were no longer making pizzas (even though we saw people leaving with some pizzas later that night). Then, my husband tried to order a cheeseburger. Later the waiter came back and said that there were no more cheeseburgers. At that time we were already tired of so many issues so we complained and asked them to honor the original price of the fried fish but they refused to do that and instead they said they were making the cheeseburger. I don't know about you, but I think this whole situation was a bit weird!! It's like they wanted to force us to pay for the expensive fish. It took them more than 1 hour to serve our food! After all of this the waiter apologized but the chef never came to say anything and the restaurant did not offer anything to us for the inconvenience.We will not be back due to the lack of communication between the staff members, the lack of food options, and the lack of attention to the customers. We still paid about $250 and I cannot believe the chef did not come out to speak with us this is not the best way to run a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Karen A.
This was my second time there and I have to say I don't think I will be back. Last time, the pizza we ordered was not cooked properly and they took it back to the oven to finish cooking. That took forever and they brought back the pizza when we were paying for our dinner. All they offered was $10 off for next time we order pizza. This time, we ordered 3 fried fish dishes. After we ordered the food, the waiter came back and said the fish they had were bigger than usual so the price had to increased from $33 to $44. . My sister decided to share her fish with her husband. My husband decided not to get the fish anymore and tried to order a pizza but we were then told that they were no longer making pizzas (even though we saw people leaving with some pizzas later that night). Then, my husband tried to order a cheeseburger. Later the waiter came back and said that there were no more cheeseburgers. At that time we were already tired of so many issues so we complained and asked them to honor the original price of the fried fish but they refused to do that and instead they said they were making the cheeseburger. I don't know about you, but I think this whole situation was a bit weird!! It's like they wanted to force us to pay for the expensive fish. After all of this the waiter apologized but the chef never came to say anything and the restaurant did not offer anything to us for the inconvenience. We will not be back due to the lack of communication between the staff members, the lack of food options, and the lack of attention to the customers. We still paid about $250 and I cannot believe the chef did not come out to speak with us this is not the best way to run a restaurant.
Shamelle Lyles
This place is a hidden gem! I was pleasantly surprised by the food, the service, and the professional staff. The food was delicious, fresh, and well seasoned.
Chef Tony's has so much going for it. Great location, off the beaten path, in a gated condo. Parking is pretty easy. Getting to the restaurant is fun, a little like Henry and Karen entering the Copa to see Bobby Vinton in Goodfellas. The restaurant is on the Arcade level and is sleek, fresh, well-lighted. There is a separate bar area with softer lighting and an outdoor patio as well. The dishes I've ordered or tried have all been solid. The portions are more than generous, which is nice to know with prices everywhere being higher. My favorite is Dad's Crab Pasta. They also have Pizza, Detroit style. My go-to is the 4-4-2. Deep dish, sausage, bacon, ample sauce, milder cheese blend, hot honey drizzle... You can opt in to receiving messages/ from them, which can be nice, if you want to know about specials and such. Service is on par, prices as well
After waiting for over an hour and enduring the frustration of listening to the server gossip with her friends, we were informed that she wasn't assigned to our table, yet our food WASNT ready. Despite our attempts to get attention, no one came to assist us the entire night. We even asked passing staff for our appetizers, but still received nothing after an hour of waiting. We made a reservation to ensure timely service, but even with only five occupied tables, we were left unattended. The only thing offered was dry bread and oil. It wasn't until we requested the manager that the server reluctantly apologized, only to continue lying about not being our server. This has been the worst restaurant experience, and despite our anticipation to dine here, it's nearly 9 PM and we still haven't been served. We watched the server pass by numerous times, make eye contact, and serve other tables, LAUGHING CHATTING, being pleasant then looking at us with dry eyes.. leaving us stranded without food or assistance in the rain. THEN THE ATTITUDE of the server was awful.. the manager came in the final minute, apologized and personally took our order and gave us our food with charge. He was pleasant
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Do not let the location fool you, this was the BEST Italian meal I have had in a long time. The menu was uniquely curated, the seafood was fresh and well prepared and the pasta was perfect. Service was a bit slow during our visit, but it was busy and there appeared to be only two wait staff on duty. Our waitress was extremely pleasant to interact with. What a great meal!! I wish we lived closer! Regardless we will be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
The restaurant location is a little obscure and a bit hard to find. Once we arrived, we were surprised by the diner like decor of the restaurant and how empty it was.Super super impressed with their ability to accommodate gluten-free options! We ordered appetizers and entrees - overall, the food was delicious, very well prepared, & good size portions. The kitchen turned around the food orders quickly.The service was definitely lacking. Our server was a bit nutty, had an attitude, and had to be reminded of segments of our order. Don't appreciate feeling like we are inconveniencing him for having a 7pm reservation. If that was later than he wanted to stay, then they should stop taking reservations beyond 6 pm. I don't think our expectations were high for service - just looking for our server to be nice. Eye rolling when taking our order is not professional nor respectful.While the food was great, I'm not sure we will return...too many good restaurants in the area that care about customer service.Dietary restrictions: 3 of us were gluten-free and the restaurant was able to accommodate without issue.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 2
Jennifer and the chef were wonderful!!!!The food is the best!!!Bravo Chef Tony!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Shrimp Pasta, Seafood Stew, Bethesda's Best Crispy Calamari, Fish
Jennifer was incredibly charming and made the meal as special as it was. The food was simply outstanding, and I’m pretty sure I’ve never had a better seafood meal in my life.I also noticed that the seafood in my medley was plenty full, fresh tasting. So many restaurants skimp when you order shrimp there are two on the plate that was not the case here and I had more than enough food and took some home.I will so be back to this restaurant every time I visit Bethesda.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer was a delightful and skilled server. The oysters (fresh) were among the best I’ve ever had. Simply outstanding freshwater trout with lemon caper sauce. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Have eaten here several times, great food. Service once was a bit off but bus boys were attentive and kind. The parking lot and entrance is confusing. Inside the building is beautiful and nice atmosphere. 10/10 recommend because food is worth it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Crabcake
My wife and I came here Saturday evening dinner, and it was perfect! Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. We couldn't ask for anything else. Thank you so much for an excellent experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
19July2023 Great anniversary dinner at Chef Tony’s spot in Pooks Hill(we’ve eaten at the Rockville spot a couple times when it was called Amalfi) and our waiter M(Ukrainian waiter)was so personable and attentive. He worked well between us and with the 2 other tables he had.The parking is in the area of the condominium where the signs say,residents(in front of bldg’n). When you drive up to the gate (left gate barrier)the guard gives you a parking pass for being on the property and directions how to get to the restaurant. Excellent service at the guard shack.This location is located inside The Promenade condo building. As you enter through the door labeled ARCADE and It is a mini maze to get to the restaurant, once inside the building; as it is to get to the bathrooms. Once in the restaurant, to the left is the bar and to the right is seating for the restaurant. This spot is not cozy like the Rockville spot. It is industrial/cafeteria like(Silver Diner). One of the wines we wanted wasn’t available and a dish that we wanted wasn’t available. So we picked another dish and different bottle of wine. Our bottle of wine was good. The food was delicious. Started off with appetizer size bread and oil. My oysters on the half shell ? was perfectly chilled and was plated beautifully. My seafood stew ? was delicious except a couple of my grains of rice ? were under cooked. The Sonia’s Vanilla cheesecake was wonderful (Walnut crunch crust, Strawberry ? Malbec sauce).Overall service by M(Ukrainian waiter) was great. Due to our experience with M(Ukrainian waiter) and our food, we’ll visit again.Parking: The parking is in the area of the condominium residents(in front of bldg’n). When you drive up to the gate (left gate barrier)the guard gives you a parking pass for being on the property and directions how to get to the restaurant. Excellent service at the guard shack.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Stew, Cannoli
Restaurantji Recommends
The asparagus showed up, looking like someone ate half. It's not worth the money. This has to be a joke.
Was here for a birthday. Dishes were described in detail but the actual dish ...mine ..(halibut with crab dressing on a cauliflower mash) was less than par..fish dry no sauce and no sign of crab ! By the time I got my plate back everyone was finished with theirs ! Maybe this was a bad nite but I was more than disappointed. Don't think I'll be coming again !
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
This was my second time there and I have to say I don't think I will be back.Last time, the pizza we ordered was not cooked properly and they took it back to the oven to finish cooking. That took forever and they brought back the pizza when we were paying for our dinner. All they offered was $10 off for next time we order pizza.This time, we ordered 3 fried fish dishes. After we ordered the food, the waiter came back and said the fish they had were bigger than usual so the price had to increased from $33 to $44. ?. My sister decided to share her fish with her husband. My husband decided not to get the fish anymore and tried to order a pizza but we were then told that they were no longer making pizzas (even though we saw people leaving with some pizzas later that night). Then, my husband tried to order a cheeseburger. Later the waiter came back and said that there were no more cheeseburgers. At that time we were already tired of so many issues so we complained and asked them to honor the original price of the fried fish but they refused to do that and instead they said they were making the cheeseburger. I don't know about you, but I think this whole situation was a bit weird!! It's like they wanted to force us to pay for the expensive fish. It took them more than 1 hour to serve our food! After all of this the waiter apologized but the chef never came to say anything and the restaurant did not offer anything to us for the inconvenience.We will not be back due to the lack of communication between the staff members, the lack of food options, and the lack of attention to the customers. We still paid about $250 and I cannot believe the chef did not come out to speak with us this is not the best way to run a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
This was my second time there and I have to say I don't think I will be back. Last time, the pizza we ordered was not cooked properly and they took it back to the oven to finish cooking. That took forever and they brought back the pizza when we were paying for our dinner. All they offered was $10 off for next time we order pizza. This time, we ordered 3 fried fish dishes. After we ordered the food, the waiter came back and said the fish they had were bigger than usual so the price had to increased from $33 to $44. . My sister decided to share her fish with her husband. My husband decided not to get the fish anymore and tried to order a pizza but we were then told that they were no longer making pizzas (even though we saw people leaving with some pizzas later that night). Then, my husband tried to order a cheeseburger. Later the waiter came back and said that there were no more cheeseburgers. At that time we were already tired of so many issues so we complained and asked them to honor the original price of the fried fish but they refused to do that and instead they said they were making the cheeseburger. I don't know about you, but I think this whole situation was a bit weird!! It's like they wanted to force us to pay for the expensive fish. After all of this the waiter apologized but the chef never came to say anything and the restaurant did not offer anything to us for the inconvenience. We will not be back due to the lack of communication between the staff members, the lack of food options, and the lack of attention to the customers. We still paid about $250 and I cannot believe the chef did not come out to speak with us this is not the best way to run a restaurant.
This place is a hidden gem! I was pleasantly surprised by the food, the service, and the professional staff. The food was delicious, fresh, and well seasoned.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Créme Brûlée, Calamari Fried, Seafood Linguini, Cream of Crab Soup