Wild Tomato

Wild Tomato Restaurant Review:

In this casual offshoot of his Persimmon restaurant in downtown Bethesda, chef Damian Salvatore takes American dining to a whole different crowd in the ’burbs. Located in a small strip mall in the upscale part of Cabin John/Potomac, Wild Tomato can get quite crowded, as folks have learned that the place’s generous portions mean eating well without breaking the budget. That being the case, pace yourself, perhaps starting with the classic wedge salad if you plan on heartier fare for the main course, such as the cioppino or steak frites. If you have an entrée salad in mind, such as the Cobb or Bistro Caesar, kick off the meal with spicy short rib sliders or a platter of piled-high nachos. Very good, too, is the Wild Tomato burger with toppings of cheese, crispy onion, avocado or bacon. Save room for dessert: the crème brûlée is a classic, but you may want to try something kicky, like the chocolate cream pie martini. There's a very short wine list, but this is really a family gathering place, not a bistro.