Nestled into the leafy heart of Chevy Chase, Martin’s Additions is one of those neighborhoods that surprises and delights anyone with a passion for great food. With its quiet, tree-lined streets and welcoming village vibe, this pocket of Maryland packs a culinary punch that rivals bigger downtown destinations. Whether you’re an early riser desperate for a bakery fix, a family seeking kid-friendly eats, or a foodie searching for neighborhood hidden gems, Martin’s Additions delivers with style, taste, and a hearty dose of local charm.
The Heartbeat of Brookville Road: Where Traditions Begin
Brookville Road is Martin’s Additions’ main artery, and the epicenter of its food scene. This storied strip, particularly near Quincy Street, is the go-to for locals and the spot every food-loving friend insists on showing you.
- La Ferme Restaurant (7101 Brookville Rd)
La Ferme is the undisputed grand dame of Martin’s Additions dining. Tucked inside a converted house, this French bistro radiates warmth with its stone walls, wood-beamed ceiling, and fireplace. Classic French fare—think buttery escargots, onion soup topped with gooey cheese, and roast duck with cherry sauce—stars here. The outdoor patio is perfect for a lingering summer dinner. It’s a bit of a splurge ($$$), but locals know it’s a must for anniversaries, birthdays, or just treating yourself to perfect soufflé.
- Bread Furst Bakery (formerly, 7014 Brookville Rd)
For years, Bread Furst—founded by James Beard Award-winning baker Mark Furstenberg—delighted the neighborhood with its crusty baguettes, seeded rye, and top-notch babka. While the bakery itself has closed in Martin’s Additions, the spirit lingers in local conversation and cravings. The tradition of outstanding neighborhood bakeries remains, inspiring Martin’s Additions to support small-batch bread and pastry pop-ups, which often use the village's community spaces for weekend stints.
Modern Mornings and Lazy Lunches: Cafés & Daytime Eats
Martin’s Additions is a waking dream for daytime dining—think coffeehouse chatter, the smell of breakfast sandwiches, and bakeries that turn any morning into a celebration.
- Brookville Market & Deli (7027 Brookville Rd)
This unassuming corner market is the village’s beating heart—a place where you grab your New York-style bagel and lox, or a made-to-order deli sandwich layered with Boar’s Head meats. Prices are moderate ($), and you can linger at the outdoor picnic tables, making it a go-to spot for lunch breaks or easy weekends. The regulars swear by the turkey Reuben.
- Little Red Fox Pop-Up Café
While the beloved Little Red Fox on Connecticut Avenue closed, their community-driven energy is very much alive through collaborations and pop-up appearances at events and markets in Martin’s Additions. When in the neighborhood, keep an eye out for bake sales and pop-up events—expect hearty breakfast burritos, fresh-baked cookies, and nutty granola.
Dinner Destinations: Cozy Nights and Family Feasts
The evenings in Martin’s Additions bring families and friends out for comfort foods and memorable meals. The dinner scene reflects the neighborhood’s emphasis on quality over flash, with dishes and atmospheres that keep you coming back.
- Barrel & Crow (Neighborhood Pop-Up)
This Bethesda mainstay occasionally sets up shop in Martin’s Additions for themed nights and community events. Their signature fried chicken sandwiches and creative seasonal cocktails draw a crowd—watch for events hosted around holidays or local festivals.
- Pizzeria Paradiso (Special Events, Various Locations)
This D.C. favorite has, over the years, brought their wood-fired ovens to community gatherings at the Martin’s Additions Playground or Village Green. Local families plan their weekends around these pop-ups for charred-crust pizzas topped with garden-fresh produce and gooey mozzarella.
Sweet Treats & Hidden Gems
Even in this small neighborhood, there’s always something sweet or unexpected around the corner. Hidden-gem status can mean seasonal food trucks, home-grown ice cream socials, and pop-up pastry shops.
- Food Truck Fridays at the Village Green
On select Fridays, the Village Green (intersection of Brookville Rd and Quincy St) hosts a rotating selection of food trucks. From gourmet grilled cheese to Korean BBQ and local ice cream, you never know who’ll roll in. Follow the Martin’s Additions neighborhood association on social media for schedules—regulars include El Pollo Submarine (Latin street eats, $) and Moo Moo’s Creamery (farm-fresh small-batch ice cream, $).
- Homemade Pies & Pop-Up Bake Sales
Martin’s Additions is uniquely proud of its bake sale culture. Local home bakers, often organized through the village email list or at seasonal fairs, turn out impressively flaky pies (try the apple or pecan in fall), cakes, and lemon bars. These events often pop up in front yards or the local community center, supporting neighborhood schools and causes.
Distinct Neighborhood Flavor: What Makes Martin’s Additions Special
What distinguishes Martin’s Additions’ food scene isn’t just the dishes—it’s the sense of community. There’s a neighborly buzz at the market, friendly waves at food trucks, and the genuine pride that comes from supporting spots where the owner knows your coffee order by heart.
The neighborhood’s food culture thrives on “pop-up” creativity, seasonal gatherings, and an anything-but-corporate vibe. Locals organize backyard pizza nights, outdoor potlucks, and even an annual “Soup Swap”—bring a pot, share a recipe, and leave with a new favorite dinner.
For visitors, it may take more than a single afternoon to uncover all Martin’s Additions’ food secrets. But for those lucky enough to spend time here, there’s immense reward in exploring Brookville Road’s cozy storefronts, walking the leafy greenspace to a Friday food truck, or grabbing a slice of homemade pie from a neighbor. This village-within-a-city serves up community with every meal—and that’s what makes Martin’s Additions truly delicious.