"Tucked into the corner of Waverley and East West Highway, on the ground floor of the Bethesda Office Center, this spot is a true hidden gem. Whether you’re meeting friends, grabbing a bite solo, or looking for a cozy place to plug in and work with free WiFi — this café checks all the boxes. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and the vibe is warm, welcoming, and just the right amount of laid-back. The menu is full of delightful surprises — from breakfast favorites to creative charcuterie and cheese boards, plus tasty sandwich add-ons. One standout? Their house-made focaccia bread — absolutely delicious! The avocado toast came perfectly seasoned with a little kick that takes it up a notch. They also feature a great rotation of seasonal drinks that hit the spot no matter the time of year. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to go, the service is friendly and efficient. Definitely worth a visit — once you go, you’ll want to come back. Don’t sleep on this place!"

"I stopped into Simona Café early Thursday morning before catching the Vamoose bus to New York, and it was the perfect start to my day. I hadn’t grabbed breakfast before leaving the house, so I was relieved to find a cozy café right around the corner from the bus stop. This spot brought back memories—it used to be a Starbucks I went to when I worked in an office nearby about 8 years ago. Now transformed into Simona, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome as I walked in and the inviting vibe: people reading newspapers, working on laptops, or enjoying a quiet coffee. Although I originally didn’t plan on ordering coffee (I wanted to nap on the bus), I couldn’t resist trying their espresso. Served in a glass cup, it was excellent—smooth with bright citrus notes. I also ordered the scrambled egg and cheese on focaccia, added prosciutto, and loved how unique and delicious it was. I spent ~$17 for the espresso and the focaccia breakfast. I grabbed a seat by the window, which made for a perfect morning—espresso in hand, breakfast on the table, and people-watching as the city came alive. Before heading to line up for the bus, I stopped by the restroom, and I have to call it out: clean, well-maintained, and clearly cared for—something I really appreciate when traveling. Overall, Simona is a gem in downtown Bethesda. Whether you work nearby or are like me, waiting for the Vamoose bus, it’s a fantastic spot to fuel up with quality food and coffee. I’ll definitely be back."

"What a pleasure to be here! Come for the coffee but don't leave without a sandwich (the Franklin) or pastry. Great location, lovely decor, even the coffee cups round out the experience."

"The vibes are cozy, staff are very friendly (but albeit a bit quiet when announcing some orders), and both the food and coffee are delicious. The Franklin is awesome, fully loaded sandwich, and I love the homemade focaccia! Just wish it was a toast instead because the density of the bread makes the fillings squidge out when you try to eat it."

"Absolutely amazing coffee and beautiful environment! Staffs are very welcoming and friendly! Love this place and will be back for the food and wine next time!"