Top restaurants list
10 Best Baltimore Restaurants
- 10 restaurants
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Updated December 7, 2025
The top restaurants in Baltimore include Charleston, Woodberry Kitchen, The Helmand, Petit Louis Bistro, Alma Cocina Latina, Ekiben, Clavel, Le Comptoir du Vin, Gunther and Co, and Faidley's Seafood. The city is famous for its blue crabs seasoned with Old Bay, jumbo lump crab cakes, pit beef (a regional style of barbecue), and Berger Cookies.
Baltimore has several historic neighborhoods. Little Italy is a center for traditional Italian-American food, while Fells Point and Harbor East are hubs for upscale dining and seafood. Historic public markets, like Lexington Market, is where local food merchants have operated for generations.
Baltimore is located in the US state of Maryland, situated on the Patapsco River which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The city’s restaurants have direct access to fresh local ingredients like blue crabs, oysters, and rockfish. Of the city's top establishments, Woodberry Kitchen stands out for its use of Chesapeake-sourced ingredients, James Beard Award-winning chef, and unique setting in a restored foundry. For casual dining, Faidley's Seafood comes highly recommended because of its world-famous crab cakes. Those aiming for a fine dining experience, Charleston is a top choice, recognized for its consistent AAA Four-Diamond rating and elegant Low Country food.
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Fast Food Sandwiches American Burgers Dessert SteakCharleston is a fine-dining restaurant in the Harbor East neighborhood, offering food rooted in the traditions of South Carolina Low Country. The restaurant provides a refined dining experience and a well-curated wine list.- Item Prices
- 60
- Average Item Price
- $14.87
Charleston's Menu PricesMore about Charleston's
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Low Country, New American
Signature Dishes:
The menu is presented in a prix-fixe format of three to six courses. Dishes include She-Crab Soup, Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops, Magret of Duck, and Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop.
Location:
1000 Lancaster St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Special Feature:
The restaurant is consistently awarded a AAA Four-Diamond rating and is led by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Cindy Wolf.
What Makes It Special:
Charleston offers a sophisticated prix-fixe menu that allows guests to create their own tasting experience from a list of refined dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
Its unwavering commitment to classic fine dining service, an extensive wine list, and its specific focus on upscale Low Country food make it a premier dining destination.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PMSunday: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Price:
The prix-fixe menu ranges from $99 for three courses to $189 for six courses, and $303 with wine.
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2
Ekiben is a fast-casual restaurant with locations in Fells Point and Hampden, known for its Asian fusion sandwiches served on steamed buns. It has gained a large and dedicated following.- Item Prices
- 18
- Average Item Price
- $9.65
Ekiben Menu PricesMore about Ekiben
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Casual
Type of Food:
Asian Fusion
Signature Dishes:
The Original (Taiwanese curry fried chicken on a steamed bun), Neighborhood Bird (spicy chicken thigh on a bun), Tofu Brah (spicy tofu on a bun).
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Location:
1622 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231 (Fells Point)
Special Feature:
The restaurant is famous for its simple, focused menu where each item is executed with consistent quality.
What Makes It Special:
Ekiben has received national recognition for its unique steamed bun sandwiches and has become a modern Baltimore icon.
What Sets It Apart:
Its cult-like popularity and its specific focus on a small menu of highly craveable items make it a standout in the city's casual food scene.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 10:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 11:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
Buns and bowls range from $13 to $23.
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3
The Helmand is an Afghan restaurant located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. It has been a Baltimore institution for more than 30 years, serving authentic Afghan food in a formal setting.- Item Prices
- 71
- Average Item Price
- $11.31
The Helmand Menu PricesMore about The Helmand
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Elegant
Type of Food:
Afghan
Signature Dishes:
Kaddo Borwani, Aushak, Lamb Lawand, Koufta Challow, Dwopiaza
Location:
806 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Special Feature:
The restaurant is owned by the family of the former prime minister of Afghanistan, adding to its authenticity and unique history.
What Makes It Special:
The Helmand has maintained a reputation for consistent quality and traditional recipes for decades, making it a beloved city landmark.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific focus on authentic Afghan food, including many vegetarian dishes, in a white-tablecloth setting distinguishes it from other restaurants in the city.
Operating Hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
Entrees range from $18 to $30.
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4
Clavel restaurant was known for authentic European cuisine with a focus on Spanish, Moroccan, and French influences. This restaurant in Brighton Beach, NY offered signature dishes like Turkey Cheddar Club...- Item Prices
- 171
- Average Item Price
- $11.60
Clavel Menu PricesMore about Clavel
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Queso Fundido, Barbacoa, Quesadilla, Cochinita Pibil, Huitlacoche, Lengua
Location:
225 W 23rd St, Baltimore, MD 21211
Special Feature:
The restaurant has an extensive selection of artisanal mezcal and tequila, making it a destination for agave spirits enthusiasts.
What Makes It Special:
Clavel is known for its commitment to authentic nixtamalization, the traditional process of making corn tortillas from scratch.
What Sets It Apart:
Its combination of authentic, high-quality tacos and a deep, well-curated mezcal program creates a unique and high-demand dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
Tacos are priced from $4 to $6 each.
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5
5. Woodberry Kitchen
Woodberry Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant in the Clipper Mill neighborhood, set in a restored 19th-century foundry. The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing ingredients from the Chesapeake region.More about Woodberry Kitchen
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
New American, Chesapeake, Farm-to-Table
Signature Dishes:
The menu changes with the seasons. Staples include the CMP (Chocolate, Marshmallow, Peanut) dessert, Deviled Eggs, and dishes prepared in its wood-fired oven.
Location:
2010 Clipper Park Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211
Special Feature:
The restaurant's menu is built entirely on ingredients sourced from local farmers and watermen, reflecting a strong commitment to the region.
What Makes It Special:
Chef Spike Gjerde won a James Beard Award for his work at Woodberry Kitchen, which is recognized for its leadership in the farm-to-table movement.
What Sets It Apart:
Its rustic, industrial setting in a historic mill, combined with its strict adherence to Chesapeake-sourced ingredients, creates a unique and authentic dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: ClosedWednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PMFriday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Price:
Dinner entrees range from $25 to $67.
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6. Petit Louis Bistro
Petit Louis Bistro is a classic French bistro in the Roland Park neighborhood. It offers traditional French food in a setting designed to replicate an authentic Parisian bistro.More about Petit Louis Bistro
Type of Restaurant:
Bistro
Type of Food:
French
Signature Dishes:
Steak Frites, French Onion Soup, Escargots de Bourgogne, Trout Amandine, Duck Confit, Short Rib.
Location:
4800 Roland Ave Baltimore, MD 21210
Special Feature:
The restaurant is part of the Foreman Wolf restaurant group, known for its high standards of service and extensive, French-focused wine program.
What Makes It Special:
Petit Louis Bistro provides a classic, transportive French dining experience, from its decor and menu to its professional service style.
What Sets It Apart:
Its dedication to recreating the authentic Parisian bistro experience, complete with an all-French wine list, makes it a standout for classic French food.
Operating Hours:
Monday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMTuesday - Friday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMSunday: 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
Lunch Prix Fixe Menu is at $35 per person.
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7
7. Alma Cocina Latina
Alma Cocina Latina is a restaurant serving food inspired by Latin America, with a strong focus on Venezuelan dishes. Located in the Station North Arts District, it offers a vibrant and modern dining room.More about Alma Cocina Latina
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Elegant
Type of Food:
Latin American, Venezuelan
Signature Dishes:
Arepas with fillings like shredded beef or chicken avocado, Pabellón Criollo, Ceviche, Whole Fried Fish.
Location:
1701 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a large, central bar and an open kitchen, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
What Makes It Special:
Alma Cocina Latina provides a contemporary take on Venezuelan and Latin American food, with a menu that is both authentic and innovative.
What Sets It Apart:
Its focus on arepas as a signature item, combined with its modern, art-filled setting, offers a unique cultural and dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMTuesday: ClosedFriday & Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Price:
Entrée ranges from $30 to $65.
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8
8. Le Comptoir du Vin
Le Comptoir du Vin is a small, French-inspired wine bar and restaurant in the Station North neighborhood. It offers a daily-changing menu of rustic dishes served in an intimate, cozy space.More about Le Comptoir du Vin
Type of Restaurant:
Wine Bar, Restaurant
Type of Food:
French-inspired
Signature Dishes:
Scottish Sea Trout W/ Courgettes & Tarragon Aioli, Beef Cheeks, Braised Carrots & Green Sauce.
Location:
1729 Maryland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201
Special Feature:
The restaurant has a strong focus on natural and low-intervention wines, with a curated selection available for retail purchase.
What Makes It Special:
Le Comptoir du Vin was named one of the best new restaurants in America by Bon Appétit in 2019 for its simple, well-executed food.
What Sets It Apart:
Its tiny, intimate setting and its market-driven, daily-changing chalkboard menu create a spontaneous and personal dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Sunday: ClosedWednesday - Saturday: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Price:
Dinner entrees range from $25 to $36.
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9
9. Gunther and Co.
Gunther and Co. is a modern American restaurant located in a restored historic brewery in the Brewers Hill neighborhood. The restaurant features a large, open dining room and a menu with global influences.More about Gunther and Co.
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
New American
Signature Dishes:
Dishes from the wood-fired grill, Oven Roasted Oysters, Duck Confit Potstickers, Thai Seafood Hot Pot.
Location:
3650 Toone St, Baltimore, MD 21224
Special Feature:
The restaurant is set in the former boiler room of the Gunther Brewing Company, and its industrial-chic design incorporates elements of the original building.
What Makes It Special:
Gunther and Co. offers a large and varied menu in a dramatic, high-ceilinged space, making it a popular spot for groups and special occasions.
What Sets It Apart:
Its unique setting in a historic brewery, combined with a globally-inspired menu centered on a wood-fired grill, provides a distinct dining atmosphere.
Operating Hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday & Wednesday: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PMThursday & Friday: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:30 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
2-course pre-fix menu for $48 per person.
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10
10. Faidley's Seafood
Faidley's Seafood is a world-famous seafood stall located inside Baltimore's historic Lexington Market. It has been family-owned and operated since 1886.More about Faidley's Seafood
Type of Restaurant:
Market Stall, Counter Service
Type of Food:
Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Raw Oysters, Fried Fish.
Location:
119 N Paca St Baltimore, MD 21201
Special Feature:
The restaurant is known for its standing-room-only communal tables where guests eat their food right next to the raw bar.
What Makes It Special:
Faidley's is widely considered to serve one of the best crab cakes in a city famous for them, using high-quality jumbo lump crab meat.
What Sets It Apart:
Its long history, location within a bustling public market, and its singular focus on high-quality seafood, especially its iconic crab cake, make it a legendary Baltimore food landmark.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$6 to $30.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Food is Baltimore Famous For?
The Baltimore food scene is famous for blue crabs, especially steamed crabs seasoned with Old Bay, and crab cakes. The best food in Baltimore is often considered to be a jumbo lump crab cake, which is made with large pieces of crab meat and minimal filler. The city is also known for Berger Cookies, a shortbread cookie topped with a thick layer of chocolate fudge, and coddies, which are fried codfish cakes. Pit beef, a style of open-pit barbecue where beef is grilled over charcoal and thinly sliced, is another local specialty.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Baltimore?
The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Baltimore is between $15 and $25. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs an average of $75 to $100. Prices for meals at fine-dining establishments start at $98 per person for prix-fixe menus and vary based on the restaurant and menu selections.
Are There Any Affordable Restaurants or Cheap Eats in Baltimore?
Yes, there are many affordable restaurants and cheap eats Baltimore is known for. The city offers numerous budget-friendly options that are local institutions.
- Lexington Market: This historic public market is home to dozens of food stalls offering great value. Faidley's Seafood is a famous stall for crab cakes and raw bar items, while other vendors sell everything from fried chicken to pizza at low prices.
- Ekiben: This fast-casual spot in Fells Point and Hampden is famous for its steamed bun sandwiches filled with items like Taiwanese curry fried chicken. It offers a high-quality, flavorful meal for a budget-friendly price.
- Attman's Delicatessen: A classic Jewish deli on "Corned Beef Row," Attman's has been serving overstuffed corned beef and pastrami sandwiches since 1915. It is a beloved spot for a great value, hearty meal.
What are the Most Popular Fast--Food Restaurants in Baltimore?
The most popular fast-food restaurants in Baltimore include major national chains and beloved regional favorites known for their speed, convenience, and signature items.
- Royal Farms: This regional convenience store chain is headquartered in Baltimore and is a true local favorite. It is extremely popular for its "World Famous" fried chicken, which is available 24/7 at many locations, making it a convenient and beloved choice. A location is at 36 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202.
- Chick-fil-A: This national chain is highly popular in Baltimore for its consistent quality, efficient service, and signature chicken sandwiches. Its reputation for speed and friendly service makes it a go-to for a quick meal.
- Ekiben: While fast-casual, Ekiben operates with the speed of a fast-food spot and is one of the city's most popular local establishments. It is famous for its Asian fusion steamed bun sandwiches, especially The Original chicken bun, and has a cult-like following. A location is at 1622 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231.
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Known for its New Orleans-style fried chicken, this national chain is very popular in Baltimore. Its spicy chicken, biscuits, and red beans and rice offer a distinct flavor profile that has a strong following.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Baltimore?
The new restaurants in Baltimore offer fresh concepts and flavors, and these establishments are listed below:
- The Tilted Row: Located in the Bolton Hill neighborhood, this restaurant offers upscale comfort food with American and international influences in a renovated historic townhouse. Located at 305 McMechen St, Baltimore, MD 21217.
- Ash Bar: Situated inside the Hotel Ulysses in Mount Vernon, Ash Bar is an all-day dining room and bar serving American classics in a stylish, retro-inspired setting. Located at 2 E Read St, Baltimore, MD 21202.
- Gilda: This is a modern Italian restaurant from the Foreman Wolf group, located in the Hampden neighborhood. It serves pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes. Located at 3500 Chestnut Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211.
What are the Best Burger Spots in Baltimore?
Baltimore has several restaurants that are famous for their burgers, each with a special preparation, as shown below:
- Abbey Burger Bistro: This Fells Point and Mount Vernon restaurant is famous for its build-your-own burger menu. What makes its burger special is the wide selection of patties, including Angus beef, bison, and shrimp, along with dozens of toppings and sauces.
- Clark Burger: Located in the Station North neighborhood, this spot is known for its Montreal-style burgers. Its burgers are special because they are served on a simple bun and are often paired with poutine, a classic Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
- The Dizz: This Remington neighborhood bar is known for its "Dizz-Iz-It" burger, which is consistently named one of the city's best. The best burger in Baltimore according to many locals, it is special for its classic, no-frills preparation on a brioche bun.
Which Restaurants in Baltimore Serve Vegan Food?
Baltimore has a strong selection of restaurants that serve vegan food. The Land of Kush is a popular, fully vegan restaurant specializing in soul food, with dishes like vegan BBQ ribs and candied yams. Harmony Bakery is a 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery that also serves savory items like vegetable pot pies and quiches. Dodah's Kitchen is another all-vegan spot known for its comfort food, including vegan crab cakes and mac and cheese.
Which Restaurants in Baltimore Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Many restaurants in Baltimore serve gluten-free food. Harmony Bakery is a dedicated gluten-free and vegan bakery offering both sweet and savory items. The Helmand, an Afghan restaurant, has many naturally gluten-free options among its lamb, chicken, and vegetable dishes. For upscale dining, Charleston offers a prix-fixe menu and can accommodate gluten-free requests with its refined Low Country dishes.
Which Restaurants in Baltimore's Inner Harbor Serve the Best Food?
The restaurants in Inner Harbor and the immediate surrounding area offer a mix of options, with several top-rated establishments like the Capital Grille, Charleston, and Rusty Scupper Restaurant and Bar. Capital Grille, located directly on the harbor, is one of the top inner harbor restaurants for upscale dining. It is a nationally known steakhouse that specializes in dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. In the adjacent Harbor East neighborhood, a short walk away, Charleston is a premier fine-dining restaurant with a specialty in refined Low Country food served in a prix-fixe format. For panoramic views of the harbor, the Rusty Scupper Restaurant and Bar on the south side serves classic American seafood, including crab cakes, oysters, and grilled fish.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Baltimore?
The most famous types of food in Baltimore reflect its coastal location and historic neighborhoods, as listed below:
- Seafood: Given its location on the Chesapeake Bay, seafood is the most famous food in Baltimore. The city is a top destination for blue crabs, crab cakes, and oysters.
- Italian: The Little Italy neighborhood is a historic center for Italian-American food. The city has many restaurants serving classic pasta dishes, pizza, and other Italian specialties.
- American / Tavern Food: Baltimore has a long history of neighborhood taverns. Many local spots are famous for classic American pub fare, including burgers, pit beef, and wings.
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