39 Best Restaurants in Baltimore for 2024
The best restaurants in Baltimore make up a thriving culinary scene with plenty of variety. From mildly sweet crab cakes at old-school seafood counters to exotic, three-course meals at fine dining establishments, there is an option to please every palate in Baltimore.
Are you searching for somewhere different to dine in Charm City? Do you hunger for that off-the-beaten-path restaurant option? While the list of Baltimore restaurants is extensive, special spots are not too difficult to find. Here are 39 of the best restaurants in Baltimore for you to explore.
Jump to Section
39 Best Baltimore Restaurants
1. Petit Louis Bistro
Featuring classic French bistro cuisine and an extensive wine list, Petit Louis Bistro is one of the most well-known restaurants in Downtown Baltimore. It is housed in a Tudor-style building in the historic Roland Park neighborhood.
The Vibe
Petit Louis Bistro’s ranking among the best restaurants in Baltimore is due in no small part to its vibe. Great consideration was given to the interior décor, with assistance from renowned designer, Rita St. Clair. Ornate ceilings are inspired by famous French pastry shops, faux-painted walls impart the patina of age and illustrations of rotund chefs adorn the walls.
What to Order
A guest favorite at this Baltimore restaurant is the steak frites, a quintessentially French dish that includes perfectly seared steak and crispy French fries. Another option is the prix fixe menu, including creamy cauliflower soup, juicy grilled salmon, potato rosti, fennel and roasted tomatoes. White wine-poached pears are the perfect end to any meal.
Petit Louis Bistro | 4800 Roland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21210 | $$$
2. Thames Street Oyster House
Thames Street Oyster House serves many of New England’s favorite seafood dishes, including classic Maryland crab soup and crab cakes. Set in on the waterfront, in historic Fells Point, this establishment earns its title among the best restaurants in Downtown Baltimore.
The Vibe
The unpretentious interior of this small row house includes an antique black bar and white tile floors, as well as stained-glass windows and exposed brick. The restaurant feels cozy and comfortable. Spectacular waterfront views can be found on the upper level.
What to Order
The name alone gives away this answer, order oysters. At least 10 different varieties are offered every night. Favorites include the Chesapeake Bay and Kumamoto raw oysters, as well as buttery oysters Rockafeller.
Thames Street Oyster House | 1728 Thames St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$$
3. Alma Cocina Latina
The name “Alma” means soul, and this restaurant is full of soul. The very sense of hospitality is present in every detail at Alma Cocina Latina. Specializing in South American cuisine and comfort food, this is easily one of the best restaurants in Baltimore.
The Vibe
A visit to Alma Cocina Latina invokes feelings of calm and relaxation. The restaurant is filled with monstera vines. Light pours in from every window. The large bar is a focal point and spans the length of the restaurant.
What to Order
A popular option on the best South American restaurant in Baltimore’s menu is the arepitas de queso, cornmeal cakes stuffed with cheese. Finish your meal with the decadent Cacao 7 dessert, perfect for sharing.
Alma Cocina Latina | 1701 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | $$$
4. Woodberry Kitchen
Unparalleled hospitality and culinary excellence are the primary ingredients behind the success of Woodberry Kitchen. Frequently named one of the best restaurants in Baltimore, this establishment has a reputation for using only locally sourced ingredients. Their model prioritizes environmental impact and respects the region’s traditions.
The Vibe
Exposed brick, cement floors, high ceilings and wooden tables give this restaurant a rustic and fresh-from-the-farm feel. Some call the ambience magical, with soft lighting and live music filling the small yet open space.
What to Order
Come with an open mind and enjoy the ever-changing menu of Baltimore foods at one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Selections vary based on the local availability of ingredients. If available, try the gazpacho or crab pot, followed by the smoked whitefish and baked Alaska for dessert.
Woodberry Kitchen | 2010 Clipper Park Rd., Ste. 126, Baltimore, MD 21211 | $$$
5. Charleston
Charleston is another of the best restaurants in Baltimore that’s well worth visiting. Opened in 1997 by restaurateurs Tony Foreman and Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic award-winner, chef Cindy Wolf, this establishment offers an ever-changing menu of French-inspired dishes and the Low Country cooking of South Carolina.
The Vibe
White linen tablecloths and fine crystal in this small waterfront setting create an upscale yet cozy atmosphere at one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Expect top-notch service from a professional waitstaff, elegant lighting and simple décor.
What to Order
Choose between three and six courses and a prix fixe menu. Popular choices include the fried oysters and truffle fettuccine. For your main course, choose juicy braised duck. End your meal with lemon raspberry cake.
Charleston | 1000 Lancaster St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$$
6. CLOCK Restoration
Featuring comfort food and prohibition-style cocktails, CLOCK Restoration is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore to visit if you enjoy dining in a historically significant atmosphere. The previous inhabitants, Dahne and Weinstein Jewelers, repaired watches and inspired the name of this speakeasy-style spot.
The Vibe
While CLOCK Restoration bills itself as a speakeasy, the vibe at one of the best restaurants in Baltimore is a bit more casual and sports-bar-like. The space is small and noisy with exposed ceiling beams and industrial-style lighting. Clocks are found everywhere, giving a nod to the building’s historical significance and original occupants.
What to Order
The fried chicken sandwich or shrimp and grits are both excellent choices. Popular libations include the bloody mary or hot toddy.
CLOCK Restoration | 31 S. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
7. The Dara
Serving authentic Thai cuisine, The Dara is viewed by locals as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. It is located on the quiet end of historic Fell’s Point in a 150-year-old building. While the restaurant is new to the area, it has quickly established a stellar reputation.
The Vibe
This best restaurant in Baltimore selection feels small and intimate yet airy, with cathedral-like high ceilings and tall pillars. If you’re looking for date ideas in Baltimore, visiting this unique eatery is a must!
What to Order
Start your meal with crispy, fried lotus root and sweet chili sauce. For your main course, consider the Gaeng Ga-Ti Pu, lump crab meat curry with a crispy soft shell crab. Sweet banana rolls are the perfect choice to finish off your meal.
The Dara | 906 S. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$
8. Harbor Tandoor
The scents of fresh herbs and the smiling faces of a welcoming staff await you at Harbor Tandoor. This is easily one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for enjoying classic North Indian and Nepalese flavors with modern touches.
The Vibe
With a cozy yet bustling atmosphere, Harbor Tandoor is ideal for many occasions. Large, comfortable chairs and bright windows fill the inside space. You could also enjoy the more intimate patio, under the evening stars.
What to Order
Begin your meal with the samosa chaat, a moderately spicy chickpea curry wrapped in a crispy samosa shell. For the main course, try the Harbod Seafood Curry, filled with shellfish and simmered in deeply aromatic coconut curry sauce.
Harbor Tandoor | 803 S. Caroline, Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$
9. Ekiben
For a fast, casual Asian-infused restaurant in Downtown Baltimore, choose Ekiben. With multiple locations, this dine-in or take-out establishment serves authentic Taiwanese rice bowls and steamed bun sandwiches. Locals say it’s worth the wait!
The Vibe
Black awnings shade the entrance, the restaurant maintains a simple décor and hip-hop music fills the air. This atmosphere lends to a more relaxed, leisurely and casual vibe; think fast food rather than elegant dining.
What to Order
The broccoli tempura is crispy and satisfying. For your main meal, try the Neighborhood Bird, curry-fried chicken topped with spicy sambal mayonnaise, crispy pickles and fresh herbs. Choose a bun for added flavor or a bowl for a lower-carb option.
Ekiben | Multiple Locations | $$
10. The Copper Shark
Step into this historic building and discover an intimate bar space that directly leads to an open and airy dining area. The Copper Shark is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for enjoying chef-inspired meals, quick-bite charcuterie boards and authentic bottles of aged, private-label bourbons.
The Vibe
The Copper Shark offers an elevated atmosphere geared toward adults looking for a fun night out. The modern and rustic interior, exposed wood beams and brick walls also lend homage to its historical roots.
What to Order
The curried cauliflower is hearty and perfectly seasoned, an ideal appetizer for sharing. For the main course, try their unique twist on spaghetti and meatballs with squid-ink pasta and meatballs of duck and foie gras. The milk chocolate pot du crème is both salty and sweet, a delicious way to end any meal.
The Copper Shark | 921 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$$
11. Toki Underground
In the heart of Baltimore sits Toki Underground. This restaurant offers Japanese-inspired dishes and craft cocktails in a modern, artistic space. The menu is family-friendly and has earned many awards, including Restaurant of the Year by Eater.
The Vibe
The vibe at Toki, one of the best restaurants in Baltimore, is fun and trendy. Booths are large and cozy. The graffiti-filled walls and industrial setting make this space lively and eclectic.
What to Order
Start with the mushroom Dan Dan, silky, lush and hearty. The curry ramen also comes highly recommended. Order it spicy for plenty of flavor. For the vegetarians in your party, vegan ramen with mild sweet undertones is a popular choice.
Toki Underground | 2731 Greenmount Ave., Baltimore, MD 21218 | $$
12. Charming Elephant
Charming Elephant is the best restaurant in Baltimore to visit for authentic Laotian cuisine. Established in 2020, it is owned by first-generation Americans whose parents migrated to this country due to the Secret War in Laos.
The Vibe
The best restaurant in Baltimore for Laotian cuisine is spacious with a simplistic design and a small bar. Plants fill the space making it lush and inviting yet casual. A global track of music always plays in the background.
What to Order
Begin with crispy spring rolls or egg rolls. Next, choose the beef basil and eggplant curry. Thai green tea is the beverage of choice. The coconut milk-infused butterfly mango sticky rice also comes highly rated.
Charming Elephant | 2324 Boston St., Ste. B, Baltimore, MD 21224 | $$
13. Good Neighbor
Recreate that feeling of stepping into a loved one’s home at one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for a casual breakfast or lunch, Good Neighbor. This trendy, gourmet coffee shop provides communal seating and comfy couches, ideal for gathering with friends or working away from the office.
The Vibe
Walking into Good Neighbor is like walking into a design studio. The vibe of this best restaurant in Baltimore pick is simplistic, tranquil and modern yet cool. There are plants everywhere and the quaint space feels open, bright and inviting.
What to Order
Available seasonally, the pumpkin spice latte is warm, sweet and creamy. For lunch at one of the best casual restaurants in Baltimore, grab a chicken salad sandwich, plentifully stuffed with curry-flavored pulled chicken.
Good Neighbor | 3827 Falls Rd., Baltimore, MD 21211 | $$
14. Angie’s Seafood
Angie’s Seafood is a casual seafood restaurant, keeping good company amongst some of the best restaurants near Baltimore’s waterfront. The central point of this space is a lively bar, perfect for mingling with friends. Restaurant reviewers call this one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for a wide variety of seafood dishes.
The Vibe
Angie’s Seafood is vibrant and spacious. There is nothing that particularly stands out about the ambiance, but it is clean and casual with friendly and attentive servers and a lively bar.
What to Order
Start your night at one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for seafood with fresh, crispy fried calamari for the table. Then, choose the lightly breaded, meaty and freshly prepared crab cakes. Pair your meal with a lemon drop martini or Uncle Charlie’s old fashioned to relax and unwind.
Angie's Seafood | 1727 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$
15. NOLA Seafood & Spirits
Discover cocktails and cuisine influenced by the Big Easy at NOLA Seafood & Spirits. Music defines this restaurant’s sense of space. From jambalaya to po’ boy sandwiches, the tastes of New Orleans are abundant in this Baltimore restaurant.
The Vibe
With lively music, a colorful interior and beads on the tables, the vibe at one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for Big Easy cuisine is reminiscent of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras and French Quarter.
What to Order
Begin your night at one of Baltimore’s best restaurants with fresh, charbroiled oysters. Creamy, saucy shrimp and grits are an exceptional choice for your main course. For dessert, try the spongy bread pudding or fresh beignets.
NOLA Seafood & Spirits | 36 E. Cross St., Federal Hill, Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$
16. Limoncello Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar
Irresistible Italian cuisine is on the menu at Limoncello Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar. Their story goes back to the Italian coastal town of Monte di Procida, just outside Naples, where the three partners of this popular establishment were raised. When they moved to Baltimore, they brought their love for Southern Italian food with them, and Limoncello Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar was born. Today, it is easily one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for Italian comfort food.
The Vibe
With a vibrant décor and a spacious interior, Limoncello provides an upscale, open and airy feel. There are several private booths, appropriately spaced apart. The layout makes this one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for enjoying an intimate dining experience.
What to Order
Soft and milky mozzarella D.O.P. is an excellent starter. Lobster ravioli or the smoked salmon bellavista are great picks from the sea. End your meal at one of Baltimore’s best restaurants with torta al limoncello, spongy cake with limoncello-infused mascarpone cream and blueberry compote.
Limoncello Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar | 900 E. Fort Ave., Ste. 101, Anthem House, Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$$
17. Ammoora
Enjoy authentic Levantine cuisine, culture and design at Ammoora, one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for a unique night out. Housed within the Ritz-Carlton Residences Baltimore, Ammoora provides guests with an intimate and contemporary fine dining experience.
The Vibe
Ammoora transports guests to the heart of Syria. The architecture, scents and sounds create an authentic Mediterranean experience. The restaurant is upscale, refined and immersive.
What to Order
Awarma hummus is fragrant, smooth and delicious, with succulent beef short ribs in the center of the bowl. For your main course at one of Baltimore’s best restaurants, try the kebbet karaz, meatballs in a tart cherry sauce. Jeweled rice is enticing and flavorful, infused with rose petals, raisins and pomegranate.
Ammoora | 751 Key Hwy., Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$$$
18. Clavel
Clavel is family-run and touted by locals as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for Mexican food. The owners pay respect to Northern Mexican culinary tradition with their menu. Sustainability is another important part of their creation process and is evident in every meal.
The Vibe
Stone walls and floors surround wooden bench-style seating and soft-white strands of lights hang from the ceilings. Clavel is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for guests who favor an authentic taqueria environment.
What to Order
Fresh and packed with flavor, the guacamole and chips are certain to tempt your taste buds. For the main dish, mixta with lamb comes highly recommended. It is paired with a carnitas quesadilla and drizzled with zesty homemade green salsa.
Clavel | 225 W. 23rd St., Baltimore, MD 21211 | $$
19. Bondhouse
Bondhouse is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore, adopting an elevated tavern menu. Ingredients are locally sourced, and a wide range of home-cooked and seasonally-inspired options are available on their unique menu. The bar is extensive and the creations of the experienced bartenders are divine.
The Vibe
This is one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for finding a sustainably-sourced menu and an atmosphere to go with it. The interior is rustic and comfortable with an upscale farmhouse feel. Outside, the "barn" provides a true oasis for dining and gathering.
What to Order
Bondhouse is one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for pairing cocktails with your meal. Guests recommend the Negroni bianco, featuring Forager gin, Lillet, dry vermouth, and maraschino liqueur. Pair it with cornbread for the table, warm, crumbly and served in a cast-iron skillet.
The chicken pot pie is a popular main course, consisting of a flaky pastry crust overflowing with seasoned chicken and fresh vegetables. End the night with warm bourbon-glazed bread pudding, topped with vanilla ice cream.
Bondhouse | 701 S. Bond St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$
20. LP Steamers
A go-to spot for great seafood and a casual atmosphere, LP Steamers is well-established and boasted by locals as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. They are the recipients of many awards including Best Crabhouse in Baltimore and Best Stuffed Crab in Baltimore.
The Vibe
This is your cliché crabhouse with a simplistic design and brown-paper-covered tables. Plates and utensils are only provided by request. Sharing is encouraged here.
What to Order
LP Steamers is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for enjoying dozens of Maryland crabs. Buckets are poured directly on the table and are seasoned with Old Bay. A side of hush puppies and cinnamon butter is the perfect compliment. Wash up in one of the two communal sinks once you are done feasting.
LP Steamers | 1100 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$
21. The Local
The Local supports local and brings an elevated approach to dining in Hartford County. With an experienced and award-winning staff, this establishment has certainly earned its title as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Some of the team’s accolades include 2023 Best Chef in Maryland, 2022 Best New Restaurant and 2022 Best Chef.
The Vibe
Clean lines, simple décor and tastefully placed local artwork define the look and feel of this best restaurant in Baltimore pick. It intermingles elegance with farmhouse design to create a special gathering place.
What to Order
The menu is seasonal and ever-changing, so go with an open mind and try something new. When available, opt for charred octopus or sea bass. Both are cooked to perfection, meaty and full of flavor. The flourless chocolate torte is amazing, rich and decadent with intense cocoa flavor.
The Local | 1918 Belair Rd., Unit BC, Fallston, MD 21047 | $$
22. Miss Shirley’s Café
Established in 2005, Miss Shirley's Café offers an upscale yet casual dining experience providing some of the best breakfast in Baltimore. Their offerings include all-day breakfast, brunch and lunch. The menu places this establishment as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for enjoying Southern fundamentals.
The Vibe
A tin ceiling, walls adorned with pictures of local celebrities and plenty of windows letting in the light create an open and inviting feel at this establishment. It is the best restaurant in Baltimore to visit for a more traditional American diner feel.
What to Order
The fried chicken, biscuit and gravy omelette has guests raving. Juicy chicken is cooked inside the omelette and is the perfect complement to the cheese, peppers, tomatoes and onions. Served with a pimento biscuit and smothered in gravy, it makes for a filling and satisfying meal.
Miss Shirley’s Café | 750 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
23. CookHouse
In a setting hearkening back to the Gilded Age, CookHouse brings a bistro ambiance to the historic Bolton Hill neighborhood. Serving classic American cuisine with a modern twist, this establishment makes the list of best restaurants in Baltimore with a friendly staff and high-quality food and drink.
The Vibe
Exposed brick walls and thoughtfully placed, modern artwork with gold-leaf frames provide an atmosphere that is reminiscent of the Gilded Age. The restaurant is cute, quaint and very popular.
What to Order
Balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts whet your appetite for the main course. Next, perfectly cooked burgers are a classic choice. This is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for some incredible cocktails too. The espresso martini is rich, bold and creamy.
CookHouse | 1501 Bolton St., Baltimore, MD 21217 | $$$
24. The Royal Blue
Venture to the Royal Blue to enjoy unique bar food and dancing the night away. The spacious interior includes a full-service kitchen, 1970s-style lounge area, a large dance floor and a lively bar. It is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for dancing, dining and all-round fun.
The Vibe
The restaurant is dimly lit and always alive with music and dancing. Disco balls cascade from the ceiling, providing a true '70’s vibe.
What to Order
For something light, share an order of chilled deviled eggs. Those with hardier appetites enjoy the Smashburger, seasoned and smothered in sticky onions, applewood smoked bacon and American cheese. Royal Blue is also known as one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for unique drinks. Try the Fuego Fuego if you like your drinks on the spicy side.
The Royal Blue | 1733 Maryland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21201 | $$
25. Ejji
Ejji is one of the best ramen restaurants in Baltimore and so much more. Infused with a Malaysian twist, this is the place to go to explore exotic flavor combinations. The owners call it home-cooked Asian comfort food. Guests simply call it delicious.
The Vibe
Located upstairs and inside Whole Foods, the restaurant is modestly appointed with tall tables, metal stools and very few decorations. This gives it a cafeteria vibe. It is easily one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for a quick lunch or family outing.
What to Order
If you love authentic Asian flavors, you must taste the Fiery Noodles, hand-pulled and loaded with spice, a real fan-favorite. Ejji has guests with dietary restrictions covered too. Their selection includes plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.
Ejji | 711 S. Central Ave., Fl. 2, Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
26. Chachis
Chachis is quickly earning its title as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Owned by husband-and-wife team Karl and Stephanie Diehn, both restaurant veterans, this rotisserie chicken joint serves up dry-brined and heartily seasoned rotisserie deliciousness.
The Vibe
Counter-service, picnic-style wooden tables and benches give this restaurant a low-key, casual vibe. All are welcome. Consider this as one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for family-style dining.
What to Order
The signature dish at one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for casual dining is rotisserie-style chicken. Order a whole, half or quarter. The Schmaltz Potatoes are also a menu favorite. Sundered and placed at the bottom of the rotisserie chicken, they collect all the juices. Each bite is loaded with flavor.
Chachis | 2223 Maryland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21218 | $$
27. Tagliata
A sampling of Little Italy exists in the heart of Charm City. Tagliata is one of Baltimore’s best restaurants with three distinct dining areas and an impressive menu featuring homemade pasta, hand-cut steaks and the largest wine list in Baltimore.
The Vibe
Tagliata provides guests with a breezy outdoor courtyard adorned with strung lights. There's also the lively piano lounge with an expansive marble-topped bar and comfortable seating or the elegant dining room providing impressive views of the open kitchen.
What to Order
Prepare your palate with the roasted carrot salad. It is ever-so-slightly smoky with sweet honey carrots and rich greens. Next, go for the Tuscan fried chicken. The lemon and orange peel add a refreshing touch of flavor. The servers at Baltimore’s best Italian restaurant are knowledgeable, so be sure to ask for their wine pairing recommendations.
Tagliata | 1012 Fleet St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$
28. La Cuchara
Located in the historic Meadowview Mill, La Cuchara is one of the best Basque region restaurants in Baltimore with a seasonal, simple rotating menu. Here, you will find delicious dishes that represent the asadors and pintxo bars of the Basque region.
The Vibe
High ceilings, exposed brick, a central bar and an open kitchen give this restaurant a communal dining feel. A visit here is like celebrating a meal at home with your friends and favorite chef.
What to Order
Much of the menu at the best restaurant in Baltimore is filled with tapas and small bites. The shrimp with garlic and preserved lemon is a highlight. Tart lemon and pungent garlic make for a unique flavor combination. Add an order of beef empanadas and crispy oysters for your table. Leave room for honey rosemary crème brûlée.
La Cuchara | 3600 Clipper Mill Rd., Ste. 125, Baltimore, MD 21211 | $$$
29. Mama’s On the Half Shell
Mama’s On the Half Shell is a classic dining establishment, long recognized as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for fresh seafood. An impressive raw bar is present in this sit-down, casual dining establishment. It is said that everyone is welcome at Mama’s.
The Vibe
One of the best restaurants in Baltimore for seafood is dimly lit yet lively and eclectic with dark wood paneling and local memorabilia on the walls. The impressive oyster bar spans the entire first level. Upstairs, a large fireplace creates a warm and inviting ambiance.
What to Order
The oysters are fresh, salty and shucked when ordered. Mama’s crab cakes are boasted as some of the best in Maryland. Those with a hardier appetite will enjoy the rockfish, broiled and stuffed with crab cake. Grab an Orange Crush from the bar during your visit to Mama’s, one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Guests say it is tasty, tart and citrusy.
Mama’s On the Half Shell | 2901 O’Donnell St., Baltimore, MD 21224 | $$
30. Puerto 511
Chef Jose Victorio, professionally trained in Peru, Spain and Italy, brings a sophisticated aesthetic to Charm City. Puerto 511 is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for Peruvian cuisine.
The Vibe
The spot is intimate and warm with tasteful decorations. Upstairs, guests find a small dining room, while the downstairs is more open and filled with a warm glow from the lovely fireplace.
What to Order
This is one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for a prix fixe menu. Guests rave about everything from the perfectly seared anticucho to the sweet Peruvian corn and cordero and beet salad.
Puerto 511 | 102 W. Clay St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | $$
31. Little Donna’s
Chef Robbie’s Yugoslavian grandmother, Little Donna, inspired him. Little Donna’s is built upon her memory. Opened in 2022, it quickly became known by locals as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Chef Robbie blends Yugoslavian and Polish cuisines to create a delightful menu filled with unexpected flavor combinations.
The Vibe
Little Donna’s is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for a homey atmosphere. The host is likely to remember you by name after a single visit. Guests say this place feels like a family dining room, quaint yet open, bright and always inviting.
What to Order
Diners come for the schnitzel, pork stuffed with locally sourced kielbasa. For dessert, the flourless chocolate brownie parfait is a must. It is filled with brownie chunks and topped with whipped cream and boozy cherries.
Little Donna’s | 1812 Bank St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$$
32. Café 1908
A hidden gem and touted by locals as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for a quick bite at lunchtime, Café 1908 is perhaps one of Charm City’s best-kept secrets. Ideally located near Penn Station and perfectly situated for take-out or a quick dine-in experience, this is a must-visit when you are in the area.
The Vibe
With limited seating and an order-at-the-counter setup, Café 1908 is casual and inviting. It is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore to visit when your time is limited and a grab-and-go option is more appealing than a two-hour sit-down meal.
What to Order
Spice things up with a Bang Bang shrimp wrap and garlic fries. In the mood for more seafood? The flaky, peppery catfish sandwich, grilled and served on a fresh, hot bun, will certainly tempt your tastebuds.
Café 1908 | 7 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | $
33. Easy Like Sunday
Easy Like Sunday sits on the list of best restaurants in Baltimore with globally-inspired dishes and a comforting all-American brunch. The eatery prides itself on choosing locally sourced ingredients and also offers a selection of gourmet coffees and cocktails.
The Vibe
Family-owned and operated, Easy Like Sunday provides a relaxed atmosphere. The well-appointed dining room offers ample seating, chandelier lighting and a wall full of windows. Outdoor seating is also available on the comfortable patio.
What to Order
A popular item at Baltimore’s best restaurant for brunch is the perfectly textured, rich and creamy shrimp and grits. For a sweet and fragrant drink option, try the maple lavender latte.
Easy Like Sunday | 66 Village Square, Baltimore, MD 21210 | $$
34. Ramen Utsuke
Ramen Utsuke is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for casual dining, take-out and Japanese comfort food. Conveniently located close to the inner harbor and offering an upbeat atmosphere and speedy service, Ramen Utsuke is a great option for a quick lunch or laid-back dinner with friends.
The Vibe
Contemporary Asian-fusion décor, high ceilings and plenty of seating create an inviting atmosphere at one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for casual dining. Everyone is friendly, the music’s volume is quiet enough for conversation and the staff is knowledgeable.
What to Order
Choose the soft and salty edamame for your appetizer. The portion is generous and ideal for sharing. Next, opt for the black and red pork tonkatsu. Its flavorful broth delivers a kick! Honey mango hot tea also receives rave reviews. The flavor and aroma are both divine.
Ramen Utsuke | 414 Light St., Ste. 103, Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
35. Allora
Allora, where the plating is beautiful and the dishes are divine. This pick makes the list of best restaurants in Baltimore and holds the title of the only Roman bistro in Charm City. They welcome you to "be their guest" and "come into their living room," with a mission of bringing people together over a full table and shared experiences.
The Vibe
This tiny Roman bistro is bright and airy with adorable mirrors of various shapes and sizes adorning the walls. Guests describe it as feeling like home, one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for gathering with friends.
What to Order
Pair the fig with prosciutto toast, pasta Amatriciana and the orange salad with fresh-shaved Parmesan. The dish is unique and its ample size is a perfect choice for sharing.
Allora | 1005 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | $$$
36. Underground Pizza
Underground Pizza (UPC) was born out of the pandemic and is now considered one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for pizza lovers. Today, there are three locations in and near Baltimore. Pizzas are crafted with unique flavor combinations and produce "ah-hah" moments for the people who enjoy them.
The Vibe
UPC is a fun and funky spot with exposed brick and colorful images of pop stars on the walls. Seating is limited with bar stools and a select few high-top tables throughout the establishment.
What to Order
While everyone comes for the pizza, this is also one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for mozzarella sticks. Their cheese-pull is rated as perfection! Portions are generous, and a large pizza will easily feed several people, with leftovers.
Underground Pizza | 30 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
37. Charmed
Charmed is known for its exceptional service, full-flavored menu selections and welcoming atmosphere. At this pick for one of the best restaurants in Baltimore, every decision they make is ruled by taste, and the staff’s goal is to make extraordinary food and pair it with exceptional customer service, so every meal is special from start to finish.
The Vibe
Black shadows of cityscapes and friendly and inspiring quotes adorn the walls of this small breakfast, brunch and lunch hot spot. Lending to its name, the space is small yet charming and one of the best restaurants in Baltimore to meet with a friend or grab a cup of coffee.
What to Order
Charmed offers a different baked good every day, and locals advise trying them all. This is also one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for a healthy lunch. The chicken wrap is fresh and packed with colorful vegetables.
Charmed | 824 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
38. Chaps Pit Beef
Chaps Pit Beef is a fan favorite and is frequently recommended as one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Their pit beef is infused with a hint of smoky charcoal goodness and delivered with a smile.
The Vibe
This is a no-frills restaurant with picnic-style tables, benches and an open kitchen. Order at the counter and pick your food up to dine in or take out.
What to Order
The most popular choice is a pit beef sandwich, chock-full of beef and served on a fresh, warm bun. Crispy fries make a perfect complement. Multiple sauces are available for topping and dipping. This is one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for trying different flavor combinations with the same meal.
Chaps Pit Beef | Multiple Locations | $$
39. Ovenbird Bakery
Located in the heart of Downtown Baltimore, this artisan bakery uses herbs and spices from Turkey and the Mediterranean to produce warm sourdough breads, fresh pastries and high-quality sandwiches. Ideal for breakfast, brunch or lunch, Ovenbird Bakery is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for afternoon snacks and community gatherings.
The Vibe
A bit different from some of Baltimore’s best restaurants for sit-down dining, this is a corner bakery with a friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere. While small and with limited seating, the space is bright and airy with impressive display cases and the scents of sourdough bread filling the air.
What to Order
Generously stuffed with salmon, the lox sandwich is a fan-favorite. Pair it with a cinnamon pear London fog to add a hint of sweetness to your meal. Toffee pistachio white chocolate cookies are kissed with salt, large and hearty, making them the perfect dessert.
Ovenbird Bakery | 300 S. Exeter St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $
Try Cooking Baltimore Foods
While dining in the best restaurants in Baltimore is always a culinary dream, learning to cook at home is more intimate, immersive and fun. Cooking classes in Baltimore are interactive and led by 5-star chefs. They help refine your skills in the kitchen while you create exciting new dishes.
Whether you are making Maryland crab cakes or pit beef, step-by-step instructions make it possible to create Baltimore restaurant-inspired meals certain to wow your family and friends. Try your hand at international cuisine, or learn how to create sinfully delicious desserts with classes catered to all skill levels.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Baltimore is a metropolitan city with an animated art scene, rich history and distinct neighborhoods that embrace the culinary arts. Baltimore’s best restaurants cater to every mood, every price point and every occasion. Why not try one today?
For even more ways to explore Baltimore and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.