Rockville Bakery Named a Top D.C. Area Restaurant

Z&Z Manoushe Bakery secured a spot on The Washington Post's list of the region's top dining destinations.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Dining Out

Rockville Bakery Named a Top D.C. Area Restaurant

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The Washington Post has ranked Z&Z Manoushe Bakery, located at 1111 Nelson St. in Rockville, among the ten best restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area. The establishment claimed the number 9 spot on the publication's list of 40 restaurants.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the bakery's successful evolution from a local farmers market stall into a brick-and-mortar storefront serving Middle Eastern street food. It marks a significant milestone for the family-run business in its ongoing growth within the region.

Z&Z Manoushe Bakery opened its current Rockville storefront in 2021. The business originated from a farmers market operation that sold a family za'atar blend and traditional Middle Eastern street food.

The players

Z&Z Manoushe Bakery

This family-owned bakery and restaurant serves traditional Middle Eastern street food and is based in Rockville.

Issa Dubbaneh

He is the family patriarch who entered the restaurant industry in 1981 by opening the Chicken Basket in Gaithersburg.

Danny and Johnny Dubbaneh

They are the founders of Z&Z Manoushe Bakery who grew the business from a farmers market stand to a brick-and-mortar location.

The details

Founded by Danny and Johnny Dubbaneh, the bakery continues a legacy of family involvement in the local culinary industry that spans four decades. The shop specializes in Middle Eastern street food, building on the experience of their parents, Issa and Muna Dubbaneh, who entered the restaurant business in the early 1980s.

Issa Dubbaneh immigrated to the United States in 1977.
Muna Dubbaneh moved to Wheaton in 1980.
Issa Dubbaneh opened his first restaurant, Chicken Basket, in 1981.
Z&Z Manoushe Bakery opened its Rockville storefront in 2021.
The Washington Post published its list on October 14, 2026.

Culture Shift

The inclusion of a specialized Middle Eastern bakery in a top-tier regional dining list reflects a shift toward elevating artisanal, family-focused street food in the D.C. area. This trend highlights a broader appreciation for heritage-driven culinary concepts over traditional fine dining establishments.

Residents may see an increase in foot traffic at the 1111 Nelson St. storefront due to the bakery's new designation. Customers should anticipate potential wait times as the business experiences heightened local attention following the publication's list release.

The takeaway

Supporting local, family-founded establishments like Z&Z helps maintain the diversity of the regional culinary ecosystem. Readers can visit during off-peak hours to better experience the bakery's offerings as demand fluctuates following this recognition.