Simona Cafe Has Arrived – New Aesthetic Cafe in Bethesda
Exciting news, Nomsters – Simona Cafe is now open in Bethesda! They’ve already made a name for themselves with their delicious sandwiches, baked goods, and seasonal drinks, and I finally had the chance to stop by with my friend @hellominje.
We’d already had wayyy too much caffeine earlier in the morning, so instead of going for drinks, we focused on handhelds + baked goods – and trust me, it was the right call.
What We Ordered
The Nova (Minje’s Pick)
Minje went for The Nova: open-faced house-made focaccia topped with smoked salmon, lemon ricotta, smokey red pepper salsa, pickled red onions, and arugula. The salmon was super fresh, the focaccia was pillowy, and the flavors balanced perfectly. Definitely the star of the meal.
The Lyon (My Pick)
I ordered The Lyon, made with prosciutto di Parma, whipped butter, and sliced cornichons on a fresh baguette. I opted to swap the baguette for focaccia, and it was still really tasty. That said, the Nova edged it out as the favorite of the day… but I definitely enjoyed both, lol.
Baked Goods
We shared two baked goodies:
- Chocolate Cherry Scone – sweet, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent.
- Zucchini Bread – made in-house, though a little on the dry side for my taste.
It’s worth noting that their baked goods are seasonal and baked in-house, so there’s always something new to try.
If the house-baked angle appeals to you, PopUp Bagels Bethesda is another new spot in the neighborhood worth knowing about, with a rip-and-dip bagel concept that’s been getting a lot of buzz.
Atmosphere & Vibes
Simona Cafe is super aesthetic, making it an easy choice whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite, catch up with a friend, or settle in for a work session. The space has that cozy-but-modern vibe that just makes you want to linger.
They also offer breakfast options and seasonal beverages if you’re in the mood for more than sandwiches and pastries.
Location
📍 4520 East-West Hwy, Bethesda, MD
Overall, Simona Cafe is a fantastic new addition to Bethesda’s food scene. From the fresh, flavor-packed sandwiches to the house-baked treats, it’s the kind of spot that works for both casual eats and productive mornings.
If you’re building a full Bethesda food day, Kapow Buddy at Westfield Montgomery mall is a great lunch stop, with a build-your-own Thai bowl concept that’s casual, fast, and worth knowing about. If you’re putting together a full Bethesda day, Kako Claw at Westfield Montgomery is a claw machine arcade right in the mall that makes a fun stop to round things out.
I’ll definitely be back to try their seasonal drinks and more of their menu – and if you’ve been, I’d love to know what you thought! Drop a comment below, Nomsters 🫶