Manoli Canoli is what I would recommend - right by the highway and easy parking. The food is good too.

There’s also a new restaurant that is supposed to be opening (has opened?) in the new Amazon Fresh complex. It’s by the same people as Opal in DC. If it is open, might be a slightly more upscale option.

What about Lia's?

Downtown Bethesda has plenty of restaurants and is pretty close to the Beltway.
La Ferme is not North Chevy Chase but pretty close.

Black Market Bistro in Garrett Park. Close to both North Chevy Chase and the Beltway.

Tavira is delicious! It's kind of hidden away in the basement of a medical building, but very quiet and a good place to talk. There is parking and it's super convenient to the Beltway.

OP here. Thank you for your replies!

Manoli Canoli is our family's go-to takeout place. Hole in the wall but great food. They get a pretty good neighborhood crowd, albeit on the elderly side.

You could also try some of the places in Old Town Kensington, like the Dish and Dram or Frankly Pizza. They're about 5 minutes north of the intersection between Conn and the beltway.

There are also a couple of restaurants near the beltway on old Georgetown rd that could be an option.

There's really only 2: Tavira and Manoli Cannoli, both on CT ave.

I'd appreciate your help as I am not familiar with the N. Chevy Chase area at all. Meeting an old friend on her drive home to NY who will have been in DC for a conference next weekend. Would love a restaurant where we can sit for a long time and is near where she can jump on the Beltway right after. Any ideas?