Timpano Italian Chophouse - North Bethesda
There are so many cool things going on at Timpano Italian Chophouse, which boasts three locations in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Rockville, Md. The third outpost is a bright and cheery addition for the Tavistock Restaurant Collection, which also owns Napa Valley Grille, Joe’s American Bar & Grill and ZED451.
On Timpano's dinner menu, appetizers are meant to share. Start with the "deconstructed" bruschetta, which is made of Burrata mozzarella, balsamic tomatoes, roasted garlic, olive tapenade, grilled ciabatta and vanilla-poached apricots. Another crowd pleaser are the fire-roasted meatballs marinated in housemade marinara, basil chiffonade and garlic crostini.
For main dishes, you cannot go wrong with the steak or chop offerings. They're aged and range from a hand-cut filet to double-thick pork chop. Freshly made pastas are also a great bet, and you'll want to dig into generous portions of veal & wild mushroom rigatoni, housemade lasange or meatball Bolognese.