Baltimore is a city with a lot of heart, famously known for its impressive art scene, the Baltimore Ravens, and as the setting of the hit musical “Hairspray.”
Oh, and the food. We couldn’t forget all the glorious food.
Baltimore is a foodie’s dream. With so many restaurants and cuisines to explore, Charm City draws people in from all around the country. If you’re visiting for the weekend or simply can’t decide where to go for dinner tonight, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve compiled 10 of the best Baltimore restaurants— ranging from fine dining to casual, with local and international flavors.
1) Clavel: Mexican 🌮
“Hip, happening, and delicious!” was one reviewer’s take on the vibrant Mexican restaurant Clavel. Another reviewer lauded “the best tacos in the city, hands down.”
Clavel is a bright and modern restaurant space featuring a menu of tacos, ceviches, cocktails, and mezcals. This family- and minority-owned hotspot makes all their corn and flour tortillas by hand, and the corn is sourced from small farms in Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico.
Their Mexcaleria tasting room is a two-time James Beard semi-finalist in the “Outstanding Bar” category.
- 📍 Address: 225 W 23rd St, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.7 stars
2) Tagliata: Italian Chophouse 🍝
Boasting the largest wine list in Baltimore, Tagliata is one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. The menu features a dozen selections of handmade pasta, as well as steaks, chops, and charcuterie boards.
You’ll love the Tuscan farmhouse feel of the interior. Sip a glass of Italian wine as you watch the talented chefs hand-roll your fresh pasta. Plus, enjoy live piano music every night in the lounge!
- 📍 Address: 1012 Fleet St, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.5 stars
3) Locust Point Steamers: Crab House 🦀
As a seaport along the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is no stranger to delicious seafood. If you enjoy fresh-caught crab, Locust Point Steamers is the place to check out. This critically acclaimed casual seafood joint is recognized as one of the best crab houses, not only in Baltimore but in the entire region.
- 📍 Address: 1100 E Fort Ave, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.5 stars
4) foraged.: Seasonal Foraged Flavors 🍄
foraged. a hyper-seasonal eatery puts a new spin on farm-to-table dining. Founded by Chef Chris Amendola, this unique restaurant features a menu comprised entirely of local and seasonal ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons so that the best seasonal ingredients can be featured.
- 📍 Address: 1709 N Charles St, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.6 stars
5) The Bygone: Fine Dining 🍷
29 stories up on the top of the Four Seasons Hotel sits The Bygone— an elevated dining experience with 1920s vibes. The only thing better than the food and craft cocktails is the breathtaking view of Baltimore.
The dining experience features a rotisserie oven where fish, whole birds, and wild game are slow roasted over an open fire. The Bygone sources ingredients from local farmers and fishermen whenever possible, so you can feel confident that this food is fresh and delicious.
Before you visit, keep in mind that The Bygone has an elegant dress policy to promote the fine dining atmosphere.
- 📍 Address: 400 International Drive, 29th Floor, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.4 stars
6) Cindy Lou’s Fish House: Seafood 🦞
For fresh seafood with a Southern flair, check out Cindy Lou’s Fish House on the waterfront. You’ll enjoy the gorgeous view of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor while you dine on the fresh, local ingredients.
They host happy hour every Monday-Thursday from 5-7 pm. You can host private events at Cindy Lou’s, and the space is perfect for birthday parties, corporate events, or even weddings.
Online reviews note friendly and attentive the service is. Be sure to try the fried green tomatoes, smoked trout, or pan-roasted salmon.
- 📍 Address: 1215 Wills St, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.2 stars
7) Kumari Restaurant & Bar: Indian 🇮🇳
Kumari Restaurant offers delicious, authentic Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese food in a no-fuss, casual atmosphere. Their lunch buffet is hard to resist, but it’s also a popular dinner joint. Located in the hip and historic Mt Vernon neighborhood, it’s neighbors to the Walters Art Museum, Peabody Library, and numerous other international restaurants.
Try one of their many delicious curries at whatever spice level you prefer. Or, order something tasty from the Tandoori grill and accompany it with a classic mango lassi.
- 📍 Address: 911 N Charles St, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.3 stars
8) Ethel’s Creole Kitchen: New Orleans Cuisine 🍤
If you ever get a craving for authentic New Orleans gumbo or jambalaya, Ethel’s Creole Kitchen is the best place for it in Baltimore. You’ll also find Louisiana po’boy sandwiches, signature cocktails, and Chesapeake classics like crab cakes and oysters. We’re hungry just thinking about it!
- 📍 Address: 1615 Sulgrave Ave, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.6 stars
9) Samos Restaurant: Greek/Mediterranean 🥙
Voted the best Mediterranean restaurant in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine, Samos Restaurant is not to be missed. Owner and head chef Nicholas Georgalas has been with the restaurant since its inception in 1977! The Greek recipes are authentic and have been meticulously perfected over the decades.
Grilled meats and seafood are the specialties at Samos, so be sure to enjoy a classic Greek platter, skewers, or pita wrap. They have three locations across Baltimore, but the original is right in Greektown.
- 📍 Address: 600 Oldham St, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.7 stars
10) Minato Sushi Bar: Japanese 🍣
Also located in Mount Vernon’s Cultural Arts District, we have Minato Sushi Bar. We’re all too familiar with intense sushi cravings, and Minato never disappoints. They have been voted #1 Sushi Bar by Baltimore City Paper six times!
The casual, vibrant atmosphere is the perfect place to enjoy lively music, creative cocktails, and of course, high-quality and fresh sushi. Check out their impressive happy hour menu from 4-7 pm Monday-Saturday.
- 📍 Address: 1013 N Charles St, Baltimore
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.4 stars
We’re Proud to Serve Baltimore Residents
If you weren’t hungry already, we’ll bet that you are now! With so many incredible restaurants in Baltimore, it was hard to narrow down the top 10. If you try out one of these restaurants, let us know what you think.
Our team of home improvement specialists is proud to serve Baltimore home and business owners. If you ever need contracting services, reach out to our crew at Vanguard General Contracting. We’ll definitely be hitting up these local places after completing your project!