I’ve heard of Frank Pepe’s but didn’t realize they franchised, until a colleague told me about this location. Based on the reputation and promise of New Haven style pizza, I had to make the drive to Bethesda to check it out.
The restaurant is tucked inside the Montgomery Mall. I was expecting a wait, but we were able to walk in and sit down immediately. The restaurant wasn’t busy and the waitstaff members were quick to take our drink orders, while we looked over the menu.
They have a very straightforward menu - pizza with a variety of toppings, and salads. We decided to try the basic tomato and mozzarella pizza, as well as the meatball and ricotta pizza. They certainly did not disappoint - absolutely fantastic! The toppings, sauce, and crust were delicious; and I loved the little bit of char on the crust. Everything was delicious!
The waitstaff were friendly, polite, and efficient. I truly have no complaints. The prices are slightly higher than a typical pizza chain; however, this pizza is superior and well-worth the higher cost. I look forward to visiting again to try some of their different pizzas. If you’re looking for great pizza and in the Bethesda area, this is definitely worth a visit! Thanks!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
TL;DR: Best pizza you can find in all of the DMV. You cannot go wrong.
Yes, this is a chain from New Haven. That said, I've never been more satisfied with a pizza anywhere around here unless I'm heading to NY.
The crust has that delicious crunch. The Pepperoni's got the grease and texture you're looking for (and it's non-beef!). The sauce has this satisfying sweet with a tangy bite. The cheese is... cheese! Molten goodness.
We got half double pepperoni, half Sausage. Best non-veg red/white pizzas IMO.
Definitely add this place to your pizza-tasting collection!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Pepperoni & Hot Cherry Peppers
the pizza was great. i like the chard edges. the service was slow as the waite staff explained there is only three of them but waiting for pizza for 30 mins a bit much. the italian beer was amazing. and pizzas were tasty, and i signed up for their app and got 10$ off. i will go back again or do pick up
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
The Special
Ordered the Original w/Sausage and it was great. It’s Neopolitan style. Many different options to get the pizza the way you want. Salads, beer and wine available. Service was fine.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 1
Recommended dishes
Fresh Tomato Pizza
Not very often do I leave 4 ★ ☆ ✰ reviews.
The server was helpful and explained everything as it was our first time.
The pizzas are pretty big so look around to see what sizes ppl have for reference.
We got small and couldn’t eat all. So we took them to go.
Will definitely be back for more!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
"I cannot say enough good things about Frank Pepe's pizza. It is hands down the best pizza I have ever had. The crust is perfectly crispy and charred, with just the right amount of chewiness. The sauce is flavorful and perfectly balanced with the fresh mozzarella cheese. The toppings are always fresh and of high quality. Every time I go to Frank Pepe's, I am blown away by the amazing taste and quality of the pizza. The service today was significantly better than last time I was there. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. If you're looking for the best pizza around, you simply have to try Frank Pepe's. It's worth every penny."
I want to mention that Yordy, our waitress today was so cheerful and on point and even the manager, Darius, came by and was happy to hear we were pleased. If you want an authentic, delicious pizza, come try it out!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Disappointing and, yet again, definitely not New Haven quality. We’ve been Pepe’s fans for decades but we’re spoiled being in New Haven. Unfortunately the Bethesda branch of Pepe’s is certainly not living up to the long standing reputation for incredible pizza.
Tonight’s pizza was very sparsely topped. Contrary to New Haven’s famous clam topped white pizza that’s loaded with fresh clams and chopped garlic, ours tonight had hardly any clams. We also ordered a classic margarita with anchovies and found hardly any anchovies on the pizza.
The only thing that prevented a one star review it was the sauce which was actually really good. We’re not giving up yet but it’s not looking good.
The pizza was awesome! Fresh ingredients and great flavor. Salad was huge. Very good food. Took entirely to.lomg to check out and once food brought never followed up. Had to flag waitress down to pay. Clean place, I will come back!
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5
My mom and I ate here this afternoon and LOVED our food and experience. We ordered a large Caesar salad and a medium half veggie special/half pepperoni doppio, which turned out to be enough food for probably 4 people. The salad and pizza were delicious — the veggie special was fully loaded with toppings and the crust was crisped to perfection. Our server was super kind and attentive. The ambiance was casual and non-pretentious — great for a cozy lunch. Yum! We’re eager to try the clam pizza next time. Glad to have this close by!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
The Veggie Special
** Please hit the thumbs 👍 if this review helped you**
Yori was very nice and always made sure our drinks were filled! We got a small coal fired pizza for 2ppl with a small ceaser salad and the pizza was perfectly crispy. I honestly do not know why this place has 4 stars. It's definitely a 4.7.
2ppl get a small pizza...trust me
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
