The emergence of Rockville, Md., as a dining destination in the D.C. area occurred more than a decade ago. Back then, food critics gave props to a handful of restaurants steared by chefs willing to test the culinary waters. Today, restaurants in Rockville make weekly agendas for those living in both Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The food scene in Rockville has exploded and now includes dozens of eateries that get four or more stars on sites like Yelp.

See where Rockville ranks on our list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live 2015.

What further cements Rockville as one of the Top 10 Foodie Cities is the easy access residents have to healthy foods and fresh ingredients along with a preference for locally owned restaurants over fast-food places or chains. A low obesity rate - well below the national average - shows Rockville residents care about what they're eating and/or they are burning off those high-calorie meals.

While exploring the many things to do in Rockville, head to Rockville Pike, which is a great starting point when searching for restaurants, and one of the best restaurants to try is Pizza CS. The thin crust Neapolitan-style pizzas at Pizza CS wow new customers and quickly create loyal fans. Closer to downtown you’ll find Yuan Fu Vegetarian, which serves a variety of Chinese-inspired dishes, and Kielbasa Factory, which offers Polish meals.

See why Rockville was one of our Top 10 Best Cities for Families in 2015.

Among the restaurants that helped elevate Rockville’s restaurant scene is Il Pizzico, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015. This elegant Italian restaurant offering homemade pastas is a favorite for date nights and celebrations. Diners looking to spice things up can head to La Brasa Latin Cuisine, which serves sophisticated versions of Cuban, Mexican and Peruvian meals.

Don’t Miss: gelati at Carmen’s Italian Ice & Cafe, pulled pork at Urban Bar-B-Que, ramen at Temari Japanese Cafe