+1 301-947-5400
Fontina Grille, nestled in the heart of Rockville, MD, is a gem for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine with a delightful seafood twist. This inviting restaurant masterfully blends the comforting warmth of traditional Italian fare with the vibrance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creating an experience that delights both the palate and the spirit.
Step inside, and you’re immediately embraced by a warm, charming atmosphere that feels like a cherished neighborhood spot but with a sophisticated edge. Whether you're seated at a cozy table or enjoying the bar’s lively energy, the attentive staff—often praised for their friendly and personalized service—ensures every visit feels special.
Fontina Grille’s menu is a vibrant mosaic of flavor, perfect for those craving classic Italian dishes or innovative seafood plates. Their wood-fired pizzas are a standout, with options like the Figs & Prosciutto that marry sweet and savory notes perfectly, and the Chicken Pesto Pizza bursting with basil pesto, feta, and artichokes—a true celebration of rustic Italian flavors. The Fontina White Pizza, richly layered with fontina, mozzarella, and gorgonzola cheeses, offers a luscious, creamy experience that lingers on the palate.
Seafood lovers will fall in love with dishes like the Lunch Shrimp Fra Diablo, brimming with a spicy kick, and the elegant Lobster Ravioli, which combines tender pasta parcels with a decadent, silky filling. The Cioppino and Mussels Ala Diablo showcase the kitchen’s deft touch with seaside flavors, each bite evocative of a Mediterranean coastal breeze. Meat and pasta fans, meanwhile, can indulge in classics such as the Chicken Marsala, the richly comforting Spaghetti Carbonara with Milanese Chicken Parmigiana, or the perfectly spiced Meatball Fra Diablo.
For lunch enthusiasts, Fontina offers satisfying options like the Fontina Burger—a juicy Black Angus patty with fresh lettuce and tomato balanced by melted American cheese on a brioche bun—and the decadent Wild Mushroom Burger, featuring wild mushrooms sautéed to earthy perfection and enhanced with truffle oil. Those looking for heartier sandwiches will appreciate the flavorful Parmesan Subs available with chicken, meatball, or eggplant Parmesan fillings.
Don’t save all your appetite for the main course—Fontina Grille’s desserts are nothing short of sublime. The Crème Brulee offers a creamy custard beneath a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, while the Brooklyn Blackout Cake delivers intense, velvety chocolate bliss. And the Homemade Tiramisu, with its delicate layers of mascarpone cream and espresso-soaked ladyfingers, is a rich, satisfying conclusion that transports you straight to Italy.
What truly makes Fontina Grille shine is how deeply they care about crafting an enjoyable dining experience. Customers frequently praise the warm, attentive service and how the food consistently hits the mark—whether it's the salmon salad praised for its freshness and vibrant feta, or the expert preparation of dishes like bronzini that evoke the elegance of European seaside dining without unnecessary heaviness.
In a nutshell, Fontina Grille is more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination where classic Italian flavors meet fresh seafood in a welcoming setting, making every meal memorable. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely dinner with friends and family, you’ll leave with a full belly and a happy heart.
Love this place! Fontina Grille is always a hit. I usually get the salmon salad and lunch-sized penne vodka—so good every time, and there’s always enough for leftovers. I ordered from the parking lot and got my food super fast. The salad comes with feta and red onion (not in the pic), which I gave to my sister—she’s all about it. Definitely recommend!
This is the kind of place you wish every neighborhood had, great food, amazing ownership friendly staff, and a warm charming atmosphere. I live in VA, but regularly go to this area for family. Whenever I can I get to go and drive it 30 minutes to have with my family at home. The mushroom appetizer is awesome, the lasagna really good, and the Veal dishes are fantastic. To top it off the tiramisu is creamy and not overly sweet. It’s the kind of place you could go regularly, and not get bored because you know the food is good, the informants are quality and they operate with care. The one time I had a chance to eat in I ate at the bar and the waitstaff/bartender was great!
Came on a Sunday evening, not dressed up or anything and sat at the bar. The bartender was directly very nice (a tall beautiful blonde gal). She made me a great margarita. They have summer specials and I came wanting a steak and ended up getting one of their specials - the bronzini. It was very well cooked and delicious! It reminded me of Europe right away - no grease, no extra stuff. For desert I had the tiramisu and if you are a fan of this dessert, make sure you come here to try it and see how it’s actually supposed to taste . All in all a great vibe and a great place whether you feel like dressing up and be fancy or just show up in he most casual of outfits! A+ , totally recommend, the food is the best.
My boyfriend and I went on Sunday, and our waitress was very attentive. Although she was busy, she consistently checked in on us to ensure everything was to our liking. The food was delicious!- definitely try the Meatball Fradiablo and Lobster Ravioli! My only suggestion to the restaurant would be to inspect their tableware more carefully, as two of ours had broken edges and some felt greasy and dirty on the sides.
Great atmosphere and plenty of seating. Melissa is a wonderful server- so attentive! Took friends here and they loved it. Both had pizza and blackened chicken alfredo. I get the shrimp and crab aurora but i switch out the aurora sauce for alfredo-- freakin amazing. We had the bomba dessert too and was enough to share;) Has a chocolate shell that will take you back to your childhood along with good ol' vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Even a surprise cherry inside the dessert. Go Now friends. You won't be disappointed! Also the foccacia in the bread basket with the olive oil/parm is delicious. Sorry no pix- we had just gone apple picking and we were all so hungry! lol
Came for the Wednesday buy one get one half off pizza deal. I felt it was very worth the price. My favorite was the Steak House. It was very tasty without being oily. I thought the Pizza Ala Vodka and Wild Truffle were good too but they were definitely more on the oily side. Will definitely come back for this deal in the future and also plan to try the Monday pasta deal sometime. Recommend!