Baltimore Restaurants

Baltimore loves seafood, and, in particular, crabs. Soft- or hard-shell crabs, crab cakes, crab dip—the city's passion for clawed crustaceans seems to have no end. Flag down a Baltimore native and ask them where the best crab joint is and you'll get dozens of different options.

But crabs aren’t the only thing on the menu. Baltimore's burgeoning restaurant scene features a world of flavors: Afghan, Greek, American, French, Italian, Korean, and other ethnic cuisines. In recent years, Baltimore’s culinary cred has grown, thanks to the efforts of standout restauranteurs such as Spike Gjerde, Tony Foreman, and Cindy Wolf.

Most of the Inner Harbor has chain and hotel restaurants, so if you want to eat well, spread out. Harbor East is the city's newest center for fine dining. A few blocks east of the Inner Harbor, Little Italy has a host of Italian restaurants, most of which serve classic southern Italian, spaghetti-with-garlic-bread fare. Yet father east, Fells Point has some renowned local restaurants. Or, head north. Charles Village, near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, to the northwest, and posh Roland Park, at the city’s suburban limits, have outstanding dining options. Note that most places generally stop serving by 10 pm, if not earlier.

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  • 1. Akbar

    $ | Mount Vernon

    A few steps below street level, this small restaurant is usually crowded and always filled with pungent aromas and the sounds of Indian music. Among the vegetarian dishes, alu gobi masala, a potato-and-cauliflower creation, is prepared with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt, herbs, and strong spices, then barbecued in a charcoal-fired clay oven. The lunch buffet is another good choice.

    823 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-539–0944

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 2. City Cafe

    $$ | Mount Vernon

    The lofty space and black-and-white tile floors give this casual spot a feeling of classic grandeur. Come here for American fare with a creative twist—shrimp and grits carbonara or juicy lamb burgers. Another standout is the grilled Atlantic salmon with cannellini beans. Service is warm and efficient. For dessert, order the affogato: it's made with salted caramel Taharka Bros. ice cream and served over a steaming cup of espresso. Weekend brunch is very popular.

    1001 Cathedral St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-539–4252

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 3. Dooby's Coffee

    Mount Vernon

    A comfortable spot for a chai latte or espresso creation, Dooby's serves artisanal sandwiches, pastries, and they offer a full dinner menu as well.

    802 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-702–5144
  • 4. Sascha's 527

    Mount Vernon

    At artsy and elegant Sascha's 527 you can choose from a selection of chopped salads and sandwiches.

    527 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-539–8880
  • 5. Sascha's 527

    $ | Mount Vernon

    High ceilings, warm yellow walls hung with paintings, and a giant crystal chandelier add drama to this spacious, artsy spot near the Walters. Choose from an eclectic menu of "bites" (appetizer-size plates), and tasty "big plates" such as shrimp and sausage grits, or bison sliders served on brioche. At lunch there's counter service only, with a choice of fancy sandwiches and enormous chopped salads. If you go for dinner, be sure to check out the extensive wine list.

    527 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-539–8880

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
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  • 6. Tapas Teatro

    $$ | Station North Arts District

    Connected to the Charles Theater, the place for art and indie films in Baltimore, the Tapas Teatro is a popular pre- and post-movie spot. It's often a scene, especially in warm weather, when the glass front is open and tables spill onto the street. Tapas include roasted potatoes, spinach sautéed with crab, and lamb tenderloin. There's also an extensive list of wines by the glass, and if you don't finish them with dinner, you can carry drinks into the Charles. But be careful: it's so much fun to keep sampling that it's easy to run up a hefty bill.

    1711 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-332–0110

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Mon. No lunch., Reservations not accepted
  • 7. Thairish

    $ | Mount Vernon

    Twenty years ago, Thai chef-owner Kerrigan Kitikul named his hole-in-the-wall dive in tribute to his Irish wife, but the food has always been as authentically Thai as anything you'll find in Baltimore. All entrées on the limited menu are $8.95, from the spot-on Pad Thai to the sizzling-hot Panang with just-barely-steamed vegetables in a perfect red curry. There are a few tables, but the business is mostly carryout. For the quickest service—this is a one-man kitchen—avoid the lunch and dinner rushes.

    804 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-752–5857

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Monday
  • 8. The Brewer's Art

    $$ | Mount Vernon

    Part brewpub, part restaurant, and part lounge, this old brownstone has a young, urbane following, who appreciate the ambitious menu, select wine list, and the home-brewed Belgian-style beers. Try the potent, delicious Resurrection ale. The upstairs dining room serves seasonal dishes with high-quality, locally available ingredients to create European-style country fare that is both hearty and sophisticated. In the dungeonlike downstairs bar, the menu and decor are more casual. Made with rosemary and garlic, the classic steak frites are a best bet.

    1106 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-547–6925

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 9. Tio Pepe

    $$ | Mount Vernon

    Candles light up the whitewashed walls of these cellar dining rooms, where the menu covers all regions of Spain. The staple is paella à la Valenciana (chicken, sausage, shrimp, clams, and mussels with saffron rice); a less-well-known Basque preparation is red snapper with clams, mussels, asparagus, and boiled egg. Make dinner reservations in advance; walk-in weekday lunch seating is usually available.

    10 E. Franklin St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-539–4675

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 10. Abacrombie

    $$$ | Mount Vernon
    Closed Permanently

    When new owners took over Abacrombie, local foodies wondered if they could sustain the high standards set by previous chef Sonny Sweetman. They have. Patrons of the nearby opera house and symphony hall still flock to the simple, elegant basement dining room for seafood dishes, rich traditional entrées, and lighter fusion fare. Highlights include the lamb served with mint chutney rather than mint jelly, smashed chickpeas, and deep-fried potato wedges. The milk-chocolate panna cotta is a tasty way to top off a meal. If you can, ask to sit in the skylighted atrium section. Hosts and servers are skillful and accommodating—even during the crush of pre-opera customers. Under its new leadership, Abacrombie is undoubtedly still one of the city's best restaurants.

    58 W. Biddle St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-837–3630

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 11. Donna's

    Mount Vernon
    Closed Permanently

    Donna's is a relaxing Mount Vernon spot for coffee; soups, salads, and sandwiches are also served.

    800 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-385–0180
  • 12. Donna's

    $ | Mount Vernon
    Closed Permanently

    Basic black and light wood are the backdrop for this casual American café and restaurant, part of a local chain (other locations are on St. Paul Street in Charles Village and in Cross Keys in Roland Park). For breakfast, bagels and muffins are served on weekdays and brunch is available on weekends; sandwiches, soups, and salads are the lunchtime offerings; dinner might include balsamic-glazed salmon, herb chicken breast with artichoke hearts, or a daily pasta dish. You can also just stop in for a cup of coffee any time of the day.

    800 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
    410-385–0180

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

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