10 Best Baltimore Restaurants

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.

  1. Charleston's 1
    Charleston's 0.00 (0 Reviews)
    Fast Food Sandwiches American Burgers Dessert Steak
    • Item Prices 60
    • Average Item Price $14.87
    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.

    Charleston's 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.

    Charleston's Menu Prices
  2. Ekiben 2
    Ekiben 0.00 (0 Reviews)
    • Item Prices 18
    • Average Item Price $9.65
    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).

    Ekiben 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).
    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.

    Ekiben Menu Prices
  3. The Helmand 3
    The Helmand 0.00 (0 Reviews)
    • Item Prices 71
    • Average Item Price $11.31
    Type of Restaurant:

    Casual Elegant

    Type of Food:

    Afghan

    Signature Dishes:

    Kaddo Borwani, Aushak, Lamb Lawand, Koufta Challow, Dwopiaza

    The Helmand 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.

    The Helmand Menu Prices
  4. Clavel 4
    Clavel 0.00 (0 Reviews)
    • Item Prices 171
    • Average Item Price $11.60
    Type of Restaurant:

    Casual Dining

    Type of Food:

    Mexican

    Signature Dishes:

    Queso Fundido, Barbacoa, Quesadilla, Cochinita Pibil, Huitlacoche, Lengua

    Clavel 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.

    Clavel Menu Prices
  5. Woodberry Kitchen 5
    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.

    Woodberry Kitchen 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.

  6. Petit Louis Bistro 6
    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.

    Petit Louis Bistro 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.

  7. Alma Cocina Latina 7
    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.

    Alma Cocina Latina 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.

  8. Le Comptoir du Vin 8
    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.

    Le Comptoir du Vin 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.

  9. Gunther and Co. 9
    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.

    Gunther and Co. 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.

  10. Faidley's Seafood 10
    Faidley's Seafood
    Type of Restaurant:

    Market Stall, Counter Service

    Type of Food:

    Seafood

    Signature Dishes:

    Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Raw Oysters, Fried Fish.

    Faidley's 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.