Bites Nearby: Espresso Portuguese American Grill

Perched right alongside Centreville Road just before you enter Old Town lies a Portuguese restaurant so tasty it's been featured in Washingtonian Magazine, the Washington Post and Fox 5 Morning News.

The spot was formerly known as "The Gallery" until Portuguese native, Rui Ramos took over ownership back on April 1st, 1997.

Since that April Fool's Day, the Portuguese food Rui has introduced has been no joke. He upgraded the place with a deep pit charcoal grill that sizzles up Portuguese favorites right in front of you. Grilled Cod & Split-Whole Chicken is a popular food staple here.

But it was Rui's "Steak on a Rock" that quickly caught the attention of the Portuguese regulars that frequent the restaurant as well as the media.

 This dish is a 10 oz. NY Strip Steak served sizzlin' hot on a inch-thick granite slab.

The presentation is very similar to a sizzlin' fajita or a meal from a Japanese steak house.

The steak arrives prepared medium rare, but with the heated stone you can literally cook each bite of meat to how you prefer. Simply slice off a piece, seer it on the stone for 5-10 seconds and dip it in one of the four sauces that are included on the platter.

Seasonal veggies & french fries also accompany the tasty dish, and if you want a glass of Napa Valley Red Wine with your steak, not here, all wines served are from Portugal.

Steak on a Rock is only a portion of what this establishment has to offer. A vast variety of seafood entrees perfectly depict popular Portuguese food fare from the coastal country.

• "Camarao Grelhado" - Grilled Shrimp, Rice & Fries" 
• "Alentejana" - Pork & Clams
• "Bacalhua assado com Batata a Murro" - Grilled Cod w/ Smushed Red Potatoes
• "Arroz de Marisco" - Lobster, Clams, Shrimp & Mussels served over a tomato based rice with sauteed green peppers & onions

Before enjoying any of these top-notch meals, indulge in freshly-baked Portuguese bread and an ice cold Sumol—a Portuguese Orange Flavored Carbonated Drink that will quench any thirst.

Espresso offers catering, a 100 person banquet room, and they even sponsor a local Little League baseball team.

Visit their website for more info and to view video of Fox 5 Morning News Segment.