Tavira Restaurant

4.5 ( 307 reviews )
Checking... 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
$30–50
8401 Connecticut Ave, Lower level garage, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, United States
+1 301-652-8684

Tavira Restaurant, nestled in the basement of the old Chevy Chase Bank building, is a hidden gem transporting diners straight to Portugal. Renowned for its authentically prepared Portuguese dishes, the menu highlights an array of seafood options, including perfectly grilled calamari and whole branzino that has diners raving about its exquisite flavors. Customers such as 'Kitchen Boy' and 'Beatrice Gomes' laud the consistent quality and fresh ingredients reminiscent of Madeira's best offerings.

The ambiance is both charming and inviting, complemented by a thoughtful wine list heavily featuring underappreciated Portuguese varietals, making the dining experience truly special. For newcomers, 'Harry Fang' advises patience in navigating the parking situation, but the destination rewards you with unforgettable meals and friendly, professional service. First-timer 'Joetta Bridges' was mesmerized by the atmosphere, while 'Karen Rosenthal' appreciated the warm bread and was captivated by the fresh seafood, all at reasonable prices. Tavira Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Portuguese cuisine, ensuring an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has no-contact delivery
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has great wine list
    • Has live music
    • Good for watching sport
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Has all you can eat
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves happy-hour drinks
    • Serves happy-hour food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Has private dining room
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Cosy
    • Romantic
    • Upmarket
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
  • Planning
    • Dinner reservations recommended
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed

Reviews For Tavira Restaurant

Kitchen Boy
Jun 30,2025
Have been coming here off and on for years. Quality has remained consistently high. Truly a Portuguese restaurant, heavy on seafood obviously but has meat options as well. All choices well prepared and delicious. The grilled calamari (pictured) was perfectly cooked and prepared. Had whole grilled branzino but the picture shows the ravaged carcass of the fish so clearly it also was delicious. The decor is charming. The 3rd pic was more impressive in person with wall mural reflected in the framed mirror. Wine list leans heavily toward underappreciated Portuguese wines which are wonderful. We've never personally been disappointed and the staff are consistently friendly, professional and attentive. We should be coming here more often.
Beatrice Gomes
Jun 10,2025
This is excellent, authentic Portuguese food with ingredients and dishes that taste like they were fed to you in Madeira itself. Every single thing we ordered was fantastic and I am recommending this to all of my family when they visit the area. For anyone coming for a first visit, park in the parking garage with a Tavira sign over the entrance. Then, along one of the walls of the parking garage there will be black doors with large windowpanes that have a faded “Tavira” sign on it. That is your entrance so you don’t get stuck at the wrong one!
Harry Fang
Jun 4,2025
Wonderful flavors, seafood is a must. Hidden restaurant in the old Chevy Chase Bank/CapitalOne building in the basement. Good value for Chevy Chase /Bethesda. Hopefully you hey can survive with their real estate rates increasing because of the new development.
Joetta Bridges
May 24,2025
First time visiting and the atmosphere from the moment we entered was phenomenal. The food was awesome, truly authentic dishes. A meal never to be forgotten.
Karen Rosenthal
Apr 1,2025
Don't be fooled by the strange location (and be patient attempting to find the parking lot!!) This place is worth it! Wonderful food and friendly service. Definitely makea reservation, it can get crowded. Love the warm bread, we inhaled it. I went with seafood everything and it was fresh and delicious. Prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the food. Highly recommend.
Scott LaBorwit
Mar 26,2025
We came to this restaurant for the first time and we’re so impressed with how authentic and fresh everything was. We had an amazing lunch and the waitress could not have been more helpful and knowledgeable. Can’t wait to go back.
G.B. Reed
Mar 25,2025
Great meal. Definitely go for the three course meal. Everything was fantastic. Waiter had what seemed to be four pages of the daily menu specials memorized. Restaurant was a little difficult to find at night, as the entrance is located in the bottom of the parking garage.
T Pham
Mar 15,2025
Absolutely delicious! We came here for a lovely dinner. The restaurant is cozy and beautiful, and the food brings back memories of our trip to Portugal. I love the fried cod fritters. We had the calf liver, which was cooked so well and tasted like a steak. The braised pork was so tender and delicious with bread. Topped it off with a warm pasteis de nata The staff was friendly and welcoming

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