Persimmon

This dinner was unforgettable in every way!! The owner himself was lovely, intimate, warm, hysterical, and completely involved… you know he loves his business when he wears every hat. He was pouring our wine, grabbing our drinks from the bartender, reading off the specials to us and taking our orders. He checked on us all the time. THE FOOD WAS SCRUMPTIOUS. Had the butternut squash soup. Best butternut squash soup I’ve ever had. Had the scallops. Best scallops I’ve ever had. The rest of the staff was so attentive and helpful. Totally recommend, we will be back!!!

Persimmon is a Bethesda staple for good reason! Some of the best food in town which is saying a lot. Food and drinks are exceptional and fairly priced, service is impeccable and easy parking. Everything we’ve tried has been worth recommending so just order what looks good to you. Some of our personal faves are the seared tuna (zesty for spicy lovers and spicy for spice wimps,) the salmon with pesto risotto and the bouillabaisse. The bouillabaisse comes with at least 12oz of seafood so it’s probably the best value on the menu. The seared tuna is one of my favorite dishes ever even outside of Bethesda. QUICK TIPS: 1.) Make reservations, this is a cozy and small restaurant which is very popular with locals - don’t chance it especially for dinner. 2.) Parking is easy and plentiful, navigate to the public parking lot behind the restaurant. And its free on Sundays FYI.

My boyfriend and I came had a reservation tonight for our second anniversary and had an amazing meal and excellent service. I highly recommend the scallops and my boyfriend LOVED his rack of lamb. Also the bread is insanely addictive. I got the vibe that of the servers didn’t hear us while taking away my plate so I double checked and there was a mix up and my leftovers were tossed. The owner heard about this, handled it and ordered me a new dish to go immediately. All of the staff were amazing and very attentive. Thank you so much for making this meal so much more special for us and for being so generous!

We had the pleasure of celebrating our anniversary at Persimmon in Bethesda, and it truly exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. For a Monday night, the restaurant was impressively full by 7 PM — a clear sign of how beloved this place is. I’d definitely recommend making a reservation. We ordered the specials: the red snapper and halibut, both perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. The flavors were fresh, balanced, and thoughtful — exactly what you’d hope for in a chef-driven kitchen. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the staff clearly takes pride in what they do. What really stood out was the portion size. At many upscale restaurants, you expect to leave a little hungry — not here. While not quite shareable, each dish was generously plated, leaving us completely satisfied without sacrificing elegance or quality.

I order my lamb chops medium rare and get them as pictured. It's super rare. Anyone can see that they're not medium rare with that color gradient. I ask the waiter if they can get cooked longer and he fires back with some snark, "So you wanted them medium then". I didn't want to argue with an old man who's eyes were obviously failing him so I just asked him to tell the kitchen to cook the lamb a little longer than the medium rare he claimed it was. Thankfully they complied and it came out better (medium but at least it wasn't raw) but then another waiter went up to me and asked if I was done with my plate while I was still eating. Maybe I soured the mood and it's their way of asking me to hurry up and leave. I don't give bad reviews for service often and I tolerate a lot of stuff as long as the service even attempts to make amends. I got over 400+ reviews at the time of this review. Most of my reviews are pretty positive, I only give low scores for food poisoning in the past, but this place annoyed me a little too much and ruined my evening.

Had a wonderful dinner with great service. The drinks were fun and imaginative, & the dessert was spot on. The main courses were perfectly prepared and plated with care. The meal turned an end of vacation evening into a celebration.

I’m not even done with desert but I have to stop and talk about how great this place is. Everything for top to bottom is phenomenal. The owner and staff and attentive and fun. The food cemented itself in our top 10 meals of all time because it truly is that good. I had mussels and fries to start and a duck breast for dinner. My girlfriend had the branzino special and that was a Michelin star meal. Wherever those Michelin people are, they need to be here instead. Atmosphere brings it all together for a full 10/10 experience. Enjoy!

FABULOUS!! Probably one of the best meals for delicious food I have had in the USA in the 10 months since moving to NYC from London. I was in Bethesda with friends for a wedding, and we were recommended to come to Persimmons for dinner- it was amazing. Our starter of raw tuna and avacado was divine. My crab cakes were real Maryland crab. The scallop were delicious, and the halibut lightly baked and firm. Highly recommend. And the service was exemplary.

My boyfriend and I came and checked out Persimmon on this past Saturday after a long day scouting for a new car. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, and is very accessible to everything. The restaurant is very cute, with a modern bistro feel. The menu was succinct, with items that were contemporary American with a modern twist. Highlights: Wasabi crusted oysters ( was told this had been an item for 20 years!!) Tuna tartar--moist and flavorful (Persimmon uses avocado as a chaser) Lamb chops Filet mignon Service: We were served by the actual owner, who was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. We were served with a quickness, until mid meal when we were supposed to receive our entrees. We had to wait over an hour for our entrees, and were notified by the owner that WiFi and the ticket entry machine was experiencing minor glitches, which prolonged the service. The restaurant owner kindly comped our drinks and some of our appetizers because of the long wait. We were grateful for that accommodation! We will be back on a less busier (and better tech connected) day!

Parking is not free, that is the worst part about this experience. The food is okay. I needed salt but the waiter never came back. I ate my food as is. Wouldn't return as there are too many places with similar menus, free parking and better options.

Came here on a weekday with two work friends while in Bethesda, MD. It's a nice cozy place so it's best to have a reservation. The host made us feel welcome and asked for our seating preference. We chose to get seated at a corner table. By definition, a bistro is a small, casual restaurant with a relatively inexpensive, simple menu. Judging by the interior and the menu, they lived up to being an American bistro. I had the Daily Fresh Catch which was Chilean Sea Bass with a mélange of shrimp, asparagus, potatoes, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and lemon butter sauce. This was delicious and the flavors was just right. The different flavors complemented each other. We shared the Trio of Profiteroles for dessert. It was three cream puffs with vanilla ice cream, drizzled generously with caramel and chocolate sauce. I root for places like this. They have delicious food and the unpretentious service they provide makes one experience joy.

We had a great dinner here last night. We started with 2 appetizers that the 4 of us shared. One of the dishes was ravioli with Gorgonzola cheese inside & the other was trout spring rolls. Both were delicious. For our main course, we shared an order of lamb chops (called rack of lamb on the menu). It was excellent. We asked for medium rear, which was perfect--juicy & flavorful.

This was a great experience. Definitely get a reservation if you can, it's a really busy place. The food was delicious, and they have a nice section of wine. The decor is tastefully done. It has the feel of a locally owned neighborhood restaurant that has a really great feel. i'll definitely be back.

Had a nice client lunch here this week. The service and food were top notch. Our server was fantastic, and the owner stopped by several times to make sure everything was amazing and to our liking. I had a wedge salad with chicken, others at the table tried the grilled chicken sandwich, and the beet salad with chicken. Timing was good for lunch time, we were still in and out within an hour. I would definitely come back if I was in the area again.

everything is good and beautifully served, Friendly pleasant staff Small restaurant and bar uses lots of space.

Food was ok - nothing special. A little in the heavy side for a seafood place. Service was also good. It was pretty loud in the dining room so it was difficult to have a conversation.

My favorite restaurant in the DC / Bethesda Area!!! The food, service, ambiance and crowd never disappoints. All this at a truly reasonable price too. I adore that the staff goes out of their way to do special requests with a smile. I often see some if the same people Because they have such a loyal following in the area. Their crab cakes, rib eye and filet mignon beat Capital Grill every day of the week and at a better price. I promise if you give it a try you'll be hooked too!!!

This is a great place! We went for the first time with another couple on a Friday night, and the place was packed. I definitely recommend making reservations! A very friendly waiter, who is also one of the owners, greeted us right away. My partner and I started with Old Fashioneds and shared the tuna & avocado tartare, which was delicious! For my entree, I chose the Black and White Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna served with couscous, and it was absolutely delicious! My partner got the lamb, and our friends got the short ribs and the fish of the day, which was bronzino. Everyone loved their entrees! For dessert, my partner and friends got the chocolate mousse, and I opted for a decaf espresso. I love this place and can't wait to go back!

Hubby & I dined here twice recently with 2 different couples, and we all enjoyed what we ordered. Plus, we were warmly greeted, and the service was excellent. My first dinner was a veal chop entree. You don't see veal offered very much, and this chop was generous, rather reasonable at $30, and very well seasoned. My second entree was a fish dish similar to rockfish & served with a generous portion of vegetables. Again, well seasoned and delish. I preceded it with an excellent cup of Manhattan clam chowder. This is a very good restaurant. Highly recommended. Request seating in a booth for a quieter dining experience.

Service is always top notch as is the food. My favorites are the tuna & avocado tartar appetizer and the smoked trout spring rolls - the two appetizers are certainly enough for a dinner if you're not a voracious eater. Otherwise you could add the roasted beet, goat and mesclun salad - getting hungry just thinking about it!

#Bethesda #American Had salmon and calamari and dessert forgot the names. But mostly generally all good and we enjoyed here

Came here with my then fiancé now husband this past spring for an early dinner. Staff was very nice and food was very good! What else can I ask for? Would totally come back!

Came here after trying a couple of years ago (pre-Covid). Service was slow and I had to flag down the only server a couple of times. He saw I was waiting for someone else but he still could have come around to say hello and take my drink order. At other times he was a bit dismissive and unfriendly...hence the 4 stars. As for the food, we ordered the beet salad and they split for us and it was great! I had the filet for dinner and it was delicious and a great portion, especially for the price. My husband ordered the mushroom ravioli as an entree since there was only one other vegetarian option (and he doesn't like risotto). He really enjoyed it but there were no vegetables that accompanied it. They could have easily made it an "entree" since it was almost $30...for 6 ravioli. Bottom line, great food but service was ok.

This place is a neighborhood gem. It's been a long while since I've been here. They no longer have a happy hour but I tried their sunset dinner special (between 5-6pm during the week) which is a great deal. You get an app, entree, and dessert for $38. The beet salad, scallops with mushroom risotto and molten chocolate cake were all delicious. Everyone there was super friendly and attentive. It's a small place so would make a reservation during busier weekend nights.

Amazing warm staff with hospitality that takes over as much as the food! If you are looking for a neighborhood local vibe with the best tuna tar tar and beyond you must try it out ! Be prepared for a night full of laughter and a staff that truly makes you feel at home !

I am so enjoying that the new managers of Persimmon have added lunch service hours, as I personally would rather have a good lunch than a big dinner. Nothing makes my day more than a well prepared lunch. My favorites here are the Hanger Steak and the Nicoise Salad with seared Tuna or their fabulous Shrimp. The new owners have maintained the quality of service set by the founders. Persimmon is a holdover from the age of Bethesda's era of great chef-owner restaurants. I think that keeping up with friends and business associates by meeting at Persimmon for lunch can't be beat.

I was given a "taste" of wine - but it was that wine where they pour customers' glasses into a mix, making a vinegary poisonous mix.l - so today, I feel sick. The ownership changed this year: it's gone downhill. My bouillabaisse was ok - but I realized it was spiced with a lot of MSG. The one scallop was divine. Both pieces of fish, which were as tough as leather. My mother's steak ("medium rare") was tough to the point of inedibility. When the waiter (and part owner) asked, and we told him, he could not have shown less interest. Ditto re: the "molten" chocolate cake (there was no molten sauce in it). I had to ask him for a water refill. Summary: corners being cut; a lack of interest in the diners' experience, or the food's quality. Wouldn't go back.

I grew up in Bethesda and for some reason had never made my way to Persimmon until recently. I'm so bummed it took me this long! The food was ***phenomenal.*** The spring rolls, wedge salad, scallops, salmon... absolutely unreal. The service was excellent, too. The staff recently bought out the restaurant from the original owner and are lovely. Please try it!

Persimmon was wonderful service (although expect a small wait because they are VERY popular). The food was excellent. The charcuterie board was incredible with chicken pate. The empanadas are very good. Both the filet and salmon were amazing. We cleaned our plates and had dessert. The waiters are kind and genuinely care about if you enjoyed your time. Definitely recommend going! (Make a reservation).

food service and owner outstanding. Drinks-house specialties- the three we had were outsdaning- my daughter said best crabcakes ever has- and we have had alot , tuna tartare empanadas and trout eggrolls so tasty- the scallops and mushroom risotto was plentiful and full of flavor- wonderful service and birthday profterole surprise -cannot wait to go back

Zaki and Said, along with the Chef took this restaurant over and it just gets better and better (if that's possible). My husband, Aldo, and I absolutely love this place!! The entire staff is so welcoming ~ smiles/hugs at the door when we step in... The food is amazing~ EVERYTHING~ and there's a warm atmosphere to boot. We often go for date night, we've celebrated birthdays and we've brought friends and family because we KNOW it will never disappoint. A+ for this restaurant. I highly recommend it. Can you tell?!! ~Cathy P.

This is literally my favorite restaurant in Bethesda hands down! I have been coming here for years! The food is not only delicious but consistent. It is nice to see that new management is not trying to change the old tried and true menu but instead enhance it with new dishes and new specials. You can't go wrong with the quaint atmosphere here. You can stop in for a quick drink or have friends and family for an intimate dinner. Zaki, Said and Elmy are the ultimate team!

Persimmon is a treasure. I live in the neighborhood and feel lucky to have this restaurant close by. The filet mignon and rack of lamb are consistently excellent as are the fish/seafood specials. I'd choose the meat dishes they serve over any comparable restaurant in Bethesda. The owners are warm and welcoming. I've been eating at Persimmon for years and there's is ample reason I continue to see the same people eating there year after year.

Simply excellent! The Food is flavorful and well-presented. The service is very friendly and attentive - Have visited numerous times and have never received anything but excellent service. The ambiance is unassuming but warm. Furthermore, has a very convenient parking area right behind the restaurant. In summary kudos to Saif, Zaki and the crew. This restaurant is a must visit in this area and, in my opinion, the best value when one considers the excellent quality vs. the reasonable cost. As another reviewer stated, the restaurant is under new management; however the experience remains the same as ever.

Persimmon is one of my very favorite restaurants! The food is excellent, the menu always interesting, and the service wonderful. The new owners of Persimmon, former employees, are extremely warm and friendly and go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. With successive visits, I find they remember my preferences and strive to provide a perfect dining experience, at lunch or dinner. I feel fortunate to live near such a delightful restaurant, where I have spent many happy evenings.

Excellent food and service. It is not on the printed menu but if you are craving a burger, Persimmon has the best Cheeseburger and Fries in Bethesda hands down!

My wife and I went on Thursday night for her birthday and they were simply super! My wife had the lamb and I had the chicken. I'm a huge fan of French style roast chicken and nobody does it better than Persimmon! I think this has been the best all around restaurant in Bethesda for a long time. The ownership has changed recently and if anything, the dining experience is even better than ever. I can't wait to go back!

Wonderful food and service. The owner is amazing at making you feel special. The food was delicious and so creative.

It shows the restaurant close at 9:30, and last order at 9:00, we arrive to the restaurant at 8:40, and the woman at front desk said the kitchen is closing. But the kitchen guy said to her that they are not close yet. I can't believe while the chef said so in front of us. The woman kick us out saying it is Wednesday, we close early Extremely bad experience in years of dining outside and write restaurant review for FT. This is the first time in our life been kicked out of a restaurant with awful attitude. Not recommend to anybody

This literally is the best restaurant Bethesda has to offer! Sometimes a tiny little diamond in the rough emerges and this is the spot.

Far from the beltway madness and just at the edge of the Bethseda madness you will find Persimmon. (Sounds like the beginning of a Grimm Fairy Tale...and it is.) This is a comfortable welcoming neighborhood spot for financially comfortable neighbors. It is a long tube with a window in front looking out at bewildered tourists endlessly looking for a place to park. Persimmon used to be white linen table cloth haute cuisine until the owners said ok to shirt tails out and yoga pants are in which is a better fit for the woodsy feel to the place. There are a few paintings of vegetables on the walls but don't let that scare you. There is meat on the menu. One wall filled with spirits has all the fixins' to turn patrons to vegetables. Slip into one of the cozy booths have a cocktail and try to decide how many really cool starters you can start with before you get truly serious about dinner. The Vibe: Down to Earth in a town that buzzes like a cheap TV. Persimmon is as inviting as Cheers and populated by the cast of Friends as opposed to the Walking Dead like many other spots in Bethseda. The Bar Program: Comprehensive. Interesting cocktails, draft beers and lots of nice wine. There is something for everyone even if you've recently sworn off the sauce. I had a Canton Ginger Breeze which carted me away to the old Kowloon District of Hong Kong. Ginger Liqueur, Dark Rum, Pineapple and Lime juices got my juices flowing. Now, a whiff of Jasmine and a fire red Cheongsam slashed up to...ah those wonderful days at the Peninsula Hotel but that's a different review. The Staff: Warm as a puppy's tummy and just as amusing, friendly and as fun as the whole litter. You want it? Lorena's gonna bring it...in a hurry. The Food: Bethseda must have 200 restaurants within a square mile. Most of them or MOR or MEH or both. Persimmon looks down on them from on high with a wry smile because their kitchen has gotten it right. The Steamed P.E. I. Mussels were a perfect balance for the Crispy Empanadas stuffed with Beef and Onion, encased in pastry as flaky as our Cabinet. A bold Chipotle Aioli elevated them from bar food to raise the bar food. The Smoked Trout Spring Rolls with Spicy Slaw, Hoisin and Peanut Sauce would be right at home at the Mayflower in Singapore. (Me too.) They were delicious, hot and complex...(There's the scent of Jasmine and that Red Cheongsam again). Finally, there was a Duck Confit Salad with a well selected Blue Cheese, Apple Spears, House made Potato Chips and a Port Vinaigrette. While the duck wasn't exactly Confit it was appropriately ducky as if it had escaped from an enchilada in a Rick Bayless Cookbook. The sole standout were the Crispy Oysters laying on a structure of Red Onion, Red Bell Peppers, and Fennel with a heady broth underneath. It was as if Hog Island Oyster Co. mated with a Popeye's Chicken Shack. The oysters were fresh and large. They were flattened before they hit the dredging station and then took a dip in the fryer. WOW...were they special. Think Oyster Schnitzel. I had just enough real estate left for the Jumbo Maryland Crab Cakes with Bacon Mashed Potatoes piped in a row as thick and long as a trucker's forearm. Two hills of roasted fresh Corn Hash with a Sweet Corn Sauce supported the perfectly seared Crab Cakes which had no filler, BTW. Two cones of Onion Strings were better than Crack or religion and were an impulse buy as they marched by to another table. Persimmon, sing a hymm'n say grace you're dining in the right place.

We made this a Valentine's day dinner and it was a great choice. We didnt try entrees but we killed the appetizers. Our favorite are the smoked trout spring rolls and the tuna avocado tartar. We will definitely be coming back to try some main dishes. Service is friendly and prompt.

*****Restaurant Week Dinner Review***** Tell me again why it's been about ten years since my last visit? This place is a hidden gem. It's a place you may not notice if you're zipping down Wisconsin Ave in Chevy Chase (technically Bethesda). My friend and I made a last minute reservation on a Saturday night. I was surprised, but excited we got a table. Big bonus for having a huge surface public parking lot directly behind the place. Free on Saturday! We both started with the roasted beet and goat cheese salad. Delicious. I scarfed it down, and didn't even leave a speck of food. For my entrée I had the fish of the day which was suppose to be branzino, but switched to rockfish, which I hungrily ordered. It was delicious too, as was her entrée, scallops over mushroom risotto. For dessert I ordered the pumpkin cheesecake after looking at picture after picture of it posted on this site. I won't be posting my pic, but I did on FB. :). It was very good, but not delicious. Four stars worthy. It was huge though, and I did eat it all! They were out of my first choice, molten chocolate cake. My friend ordered the replacement chocolate flourless cake. I had a taste and we both agreed it wasn't the best version out there. I will now be back, and I won't wait another ten years. They have an interesting looking happy hour 4-7 Tuesday-Friday.

Never apologized , never said we will ask the chef to remake it ... totally disgusted !

2.5 stars... won't disgust you/make you sad/make you sick, but it won't have your mouth shouting with joy. Came here for Restaurant Week, and this place strikes me as a good place to bring a group of picky eaters to drink and mingle a while and have a solid meal--there's a wide menu and their wines are great. However, NOT a place I would bring someone who appreciates good food. It's like... an off-brand Cheesecake Factory without indulgent flavors or portion sizes. For example: - The mussel appetizer is a large portion and cooked well, but the sauce saturated with butter has no depth of flavor - Their tuna tartare was just like a solid tartare... topped with guacamole - The duck confit salad felt like your basic Costco spring mix with shreds of duck - Their catch of the day had no distinct flavor and the "gnocchi" was more like pan-fried potato nuggets - The molten chocolate cake was more of a warm cake-brownie, they didn't quite hit the "molten" mark I WILL say they cook their proteins perfectly. I didn't experience anything under- or over-cooked. I just feel like they need a little bit more in-spice-aration (inspiration?) to follow it up. It seems like they've got folks in the back that have great skill but not great creativity. In short, it's a place with menu items that seem impressive but are just lackluster and generic in their delivery.

We tried Persimmon during restaurant week and didn't have the problems some people mentioned. Menu is very large and plenty to choose from. Appetizers: mussels we a large portion and very good, tartare with avocado ok, smoked trout spring rolls taste but really small. Dinner: scallops and risotto too salty, branzino with gnocchi where just ok . It could have been other type of fried fish and the gnocchi!?! Where hard to find. The lobster roll was the best but I would not pay the original price of $24 for it. Dessert: cream brûlée was very good and the molted cake as well. Servers need training in how to serve and politeness. Overall a 3,5 rating.

Tried Persimmon's lunch special for Bethesda Restaurant Week and it was a pleasant experience. The quiet, bistro feel is filled with an inviting aroma when you are seated. The waitstaff was attentive to everyone as they were seated, and the food came out tasting great. The chef really pays attention to the details of each dish. I had the steak frites and the meat was cooked perfectly, and my boyfriend ordered the mussel frites which came with a really tasty broth. The desserts were decadent and delicious, and for just $16 it was a really great deal. The restaurant week menu came with plenty of options to choose from, and personally, I'm always a fan of restaurants who offer a variety and offer it well. Would definitely go back again.

The food is always consistent and delicious! I never take a photo because I can't wait to eat it. I always always order the salmon! Highly recommend it! Love the people that work here too.

I checked out Persimmon Restaurant during January 2017 Bethesda Restaurant Week. The 3-Course Tasting Menu for $36 consisted of a starter, an entree, and a dessert. You could pick from anything on their regular dinner menu. For drinks, we ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio, a cocktail Canton Ginger Breeze, and an unsweetened Iced Black Tea. For my starter, I picked the Steamed PEI Mussels - Meunière Style. The mussel were medium-sized and not sandy (meaning that they were well shucked). I liked the taste of broth, which consisted of lemon, white wine, brown butter, and parsley. The other thing that was missing was probably french toast points for dipping as I felt like the remaining broth was wasted. The other guests at the table ordered the Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Orange, Fennel, Arugula, and Passionfruit Vinaigrette and the Roasted Beet, Goat Cheese, and Mesclun Salad with Julienne Apples, Candied Walnuts, Balsamic Vinaigrette and Port Reduction Drizzle. Both of these salad were a great choice. However, I don't know why it said Pan Seared Sea Scallops if there was only one scallop in the salad. Since they were not offer Filet Mignon, for my entree, I picked the fresh catch, which was Grouper Fillet. It was served over a bed of sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, sun-dried tomato, asparagus, potato ragout in a lemon butter sauce. I liked how the fish was simply seasoned and the combination of ingredients in the ragout. The other guests at the table ordered the Sautéed Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Bacon Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Corn Hash, and Sweet Corn Sauce and the Sautéed Dorade with Sautéed Broccoli and Potatoes in Beurre Blanc sauce. I liked that the jumbo crab cake was pure crab meat and no fillers. I liked how the dorade was lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. For dessert, we ordered Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée and Pumpkin Cheesecake With Caramel Sauce and Fresh Whipped Cream. Both of the desserts were delicious choices. If I had to order a dessert again, it would be the Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Persimmon has served tasty food and given friendly, proficient service to me over the years. I've been coming here for lunch for what seems forever. After a tough morning, there is nothing better than to sit in a comfortable chair at the inviting bar and order up a satisfying mid-day meal. I come a bit after the rush, and can have their bar mostly to myself--it's a wonderful spot to unwind. Their lunch goes from 11 AM to 5 PM; Persimmon does not close between lunch and dinner as so many restaurants do--a big plus to me. My go-to is the crab cake sandwich, with slaw and fries; always done with a light touch. They can do fish here. If the lobster roll is ever offered as a special--grab it. Also, the steak frites plate, with Borderlaise sauce and sauteed spinach, is lovely. Of the salads, I can recommend the roasted beet, goat cheese, apple and mesculan salad with a vinaigrette port wine dressing as well as the classic ceasar. I find the desserts to be quite solid; am pretty sure that I've tried them all. The carrot cake; the molten chocolate cake with ice cream; and the spiced red wine poached pear with ice cream are three traditional standouts that have earned my seal of approval.

Went here for dinner during restaurant week and had a really nice time. The menu had a lot of options. I had the ahi tuna and my friends had the steak and the duck. The drinks were good. Our server was super sweet and attentive. I would definitely come back here.

Great location, great food, great drinks.... first time however that either my husband or I experienced bartenders that are so rude and walk away from you as you are ordering. The bar was busy, but not packed. People in the booths and restaurant area looked quite happy so perhaps try that experience?

Just had a wonderful pick-up experience - exceedingly gracious and helpful hostess and delicious food! Look forward to returning.

We had an outstanding experience beginning with the Bartender, Tanya who ensured our drinks at the bar were perfect! Then by surprise, Tanya was also our server and continued all the way through our meal with exceptional service. We started with Tuna Tar Tar & Lobster Rolls, both amazing, light and flavorful and Tanya ensures my request of no cilantro- much appreciated! Than between us we ordered the black and white sesame crusted tuna, lobster risotto, crab cakes and short ribs...WOW! Literally each dish we would recommend! The flavors & freshness were beyond amazing! Finally we had the trio of profiteroles which are the real deal! Persimmon is consistent and reliable for dine in, cook to order,quality dining!

Happy hour at persimmon is the best kept secret in Bethesda and I have mixed emotions about letting that secret out because I'm still able to find a seat at the bar for HH on Fridays. Let's start with the tuna tartar bites. A generous single serving of tuna tartar mixed with avocado on a crispy cracker served with seaweed salad. A great taste for 3$, I don't recommend sharing. Then comes the taco, julienned shrimp, house slaw, soft shell, and I'm guessing that was remoulade drizzled on top. I added a picture of, look at it then order it then show it off to your Twitter followers then eat it. You may have to get some Twitter followers before you order it. I've also had the blackened chicken sandwich, which comes on a dinner roll with bacon, onion tomato lettuce. This is a great sandwich, I'm pretty sure bacon makes the world go round, I just haven't proven it yet. For desert we got profiteroles, if you listen to the flight of the conchords song "hurt feelings" you'll realize that this dessert is under appreciated. Two puff pastries with ice cream in between, served over a chocolate and caramel syrup lattice. Still doesn't get the respect that it deserves. Almost forgot to mention the staff. Tim took great care of us at the bar, no issues with water/beer/wine refills. I highly recommend this HH, and I will be disappointed if they get too busy for me to be able to find a seat in the future.

I ordered the bistro burger to satisfy a craving on a rainy day. The bistro burger comes with bacon, grilled onions and cheese. Sounds yummy, right? I walked a block in the rain very happily to get my burger. Got back to my office and prepared to feast! The bacon was thick cut and yummy. The fries were perfect. I bit into my burger and saw red, literally. Now, we all made an error on this. The person who took my order didn't ask how I wanted my burger cooked and I forgot to volunteer the information. I called and told them I needed a burger cooked well done. They happily obliged. I walked back over in the rain to swap out the burgers. I got my burger back to the office and prepared to feast (again). I bit into the burger only to find more red than I did the first time! I had to walk back down and get my money back at that point! It's really unfortunate that I couldn't eat the burger bc I was really looking forward to it.

This restaurant always provides great food. However what I really love is the exceptional service. I always want to change what is on the menu a little bit and they always accommodate my request. Will be back next month.

This is a legit "nice weekend dinner" place in Bethesda, where you can get fresh fish, a steak, or a few crab cakes. Seating and service are homey and casual. Definitely a place where seafood lovers can meet up with a friend who just wants a bowl of pasta or a steak and have a conversation. I'm a big fan of places like these.