10 Best Maryland Restaurants

The food that Maryland is famous for include Blue Crabs, Berger Cookies, Maryland Hot Crab Dip, Lemon Sticks, French Silk Pie, and Maryland Crab Cakes. Blue crabs are abundant in Chesapeake Bay and are now considered a staple in the state. The crabs are steamed, not boiled, seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and made into Crab Cakes, Crab Dip, and Mac and Cheese. The famous Maryland food is widely available especially in popular crab houses like Cantler's Riverside Inn in Annapolis and Costas Inn near Baltimore. Berger Cookies, which has been around since the 1800s, feature thick, soft cookies topped with rich chocolate fudge. The Maryland Hot Crab Dip pairs with baguette slices or celery sticks. Lemon Sticks, a Baltimore summer classic, combine peppermint and lemon. French Silk Pie showcases a filling of rich chocolate mousse and topped with whipped cream. Maryland Crab Cakes, a Chesapeake Bay favorite, are served as patties baked, fried, or grilled, often paired with tartar sauce or lemon.

Maryland's state dish is the Blue Crab, which are abundant in the Chesapeake Bay and have become a staple food in Maryland due to the region's brackish waters and rivers which are ideal for crab growth. Famous dishes featuring blue crabs include Maryland Crab Feast, Maryland Crab Cakes, Steamed Blue Crabs, and Crab Soup. The state dessert is the Smith Island Cake, which consists of eight to ten layers of yellow cake with chocolate frosting between and over the layers. The state drink, designated in 1998, is Milk.

The average cost of a meal in Maryland ranges from $8 to $15 per person at budget restaurants, while single meals at casual dining spots typically cost $12 to $20. Group meals for 3-4 people at mid-range establishments range from $50 to $150. High-end restaurants offer meals starting at $30 per person, with prices exceeding $100 depending on the venue and menu. Maryland ranked as the 14th highest state for costs in 2022, according to the EPI's Family Budget Calculator.

The must visit fine dining restaurants in Maryland are listed below:

• The Capital Grille: Known for expertly prepared dry-aged steaks and a wine list featuring over 350 selections, The Capital Grille offers fine dining in Maryland with a wine kiosk housing 3,500-5,000 bottles. Located at 500 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202.
• Gordon Ramsay Steak: Elegant steakhouse featuring dry-aged prime beef, world-famous dishes like Beef Wellington and Sticky Toffee Pudding, and locally sourced ingredients curated by Chef Gordon Ramsay. Located at 1525 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230.
• Fogo de Chão: Renowned for churrasco-style roasted meats cooked over an open flame, Fogo de Chão delivers a cultural dining experience. Located at 825 Dulaney Valley Rd ste 1161, Towson, MD 21204.
• Ammoora: Offers a fine-dining journey through the Eastern Mediterranean with Syrian-inspired dishes in a modern, intimate setting, complemented by soft oriental music and alluring ambiance. Located at 751 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230.
• Magdalena: Celebrates Chesapeake Bay's bounty with seasonally evolving bistro fare, sustainable values, and innovative interpretations of Maryland cuisine. Led by Chef Ülfet Ralph, Magdalena also boasts an award-winning wine list and whiskey collection. Located at 205 E Biddle St, Baltimore, MD 21202.
• Seasons 52: Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering seasonal, lighter dishes grilled or roasted without fryers. Highlights include an extensive wine list and happy hour Monday-Thursday. Located at 10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy Ste 3150, Columbia, MD 21044.
• McCormick & Schmick's: Waterfront restaurant featuring fresh seafood, shellfish, steak, and regionally inspired dishes sourced from local farms and wineries. Offers stunning views of the Potomac River, heated outdoor dining, and water taxi access. Located at 145 National Plz, Oxon Hill, MD 20745.
• Morton’s The Steakhouse: Upscale steakhouse offering prime-aged steaks, seafood, wine dinners, and elegant private dining spaces, conveniently located near Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium. Located at 300 S Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201.
• Petit Louis Bistro: Classic French eatery offering bistro fare, an extensive French wine list, and a lively Parisian atmosphere. Located at 4800 Roland Ave Roland Park, Baltimore, MD 21210-2393.

The most popular fast food in Maryland are listed below:

• Chick-fil-A: Popular American fast-food chain known for chicken sandwiches, Mediterranean salads, and excellent customer service.
• McDonald's: Iconic global fast-food chain renowned for burgers, fries, breakfast options, and the Big Mac
• Jimmy John's: Sandwich shop offering fast service and fresh-made sandwiches, including options attached to convention centers.
• Chicken Rico: Peruvian fast-food chain recognized for flavorful Peruvian chicken and casual dining experience.
• Nalley Fresh: Fast-casual restaurant featuring customizable salads, bowls, and wraps made with fresh ingredients.
• Subway: Global sandwich chain offering customizable healthy subs with fresh toppings.
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Sandwich chain known for warm, toasted sandwiches, milkshakes, and casual dining atmosphere.
• Stuggy's: American eatery specializing in unique hot dog creations, including a popular crab mac hot dog.
• Shake Shack: Fast-casual burger chain serving burgers, shakes, and fries with a focus on quality and service.
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Fast-food restaurant famous for fried chicken, biscuits, and Cajun-inspired menu.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill: Mexican fast-food chain known for customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos made with fresh ingredients.

The newest restaurants in Maryland are listed below:

• Nana: Casual taqueria in Towson highlighting the flavors of Sinaloa, Mexico, with tacos al pastor, tortas, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and rotisserie chicken. Located at 6901 York Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21212.
• The Urban Oyster: Full-service seafood dining in Hampden, showcasing dishes like fried oyster deviled eggs, grilled branzino, catfish tacos, and a raw bar. Located at 914 West 36th Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21211.
• Benny's: Sicilian-American restaurant in Little Italy offering Sicilian pies, housemade pasta, ribeye, and meatballs. Located at 300 South High Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
• Facci: Italian restaurant expanding to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, serving wood-fired pies, seafood linguine, lobster ravioli, and an extensive wine list. Located at 414 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
• Amour d’La Crêpe: Parisian-inspired creperie in Fells Point offering sweet and savory crepes, smoothies, and toasts. Located at 626 South Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21231.
• Thai Cottage Bistro: Thai restaurant in Rockville specializing in innovative and authentic Thai dishes for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Located at 9613 Medical Center Dr Ste G, Rockville, MD 20850.
• Juicy Seafood: Cajun-style seafood restaurant in Silver Spring featuring seafood boils, deep-fried options, appetizers, and a full bar. Located at 2259 Bel Pre Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20906.
• BETH'S: Casual American dining spot in Bethesda offering fresh food and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. Located at 4948 Fairmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814.
• The Farmhouse Bistro: Farm-to-table restaurant in Poolesville offering fresh, locally sourced dishes and curated wine pairings. Located at 16601 W Willard Rd, The Crossvines, Poolesville, MD 20837.

Yes, many of the best restaurants in Maryland cater to a range of diets, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sustainably sourced options. True Food Kitchen in Annapolis emphasizes nutrient-dense, responsibly sourced dishes like the O.G. Tuscan Kale Salad and Grass-fed Burger. The Farmhouse in Gambrills champions farm-to-fork cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Bread and Butter Kitchen provides vegan and dairy-free options, while Bruster’s Real Ice Cream features oat milk ice creams and sorbets. Cava allows custom bowls with dairy-free proteins, bases, and sauces, ensuring flavorful and inclusive dining experiences.

Restaurants in Maryland that serve vegan food include East Moon Asian Bistro, Silver Diner, Chihuahua Brothers, and Love Life Café. East Moon Asian Bistro, located at 6107 Highbridge Rd, Bowie, Maryland, is a modern Asian restaurant offering vegan options such as sesame tofu, Szechuan eggplant, tempura, stir-fry, lemongrass vegetables, broccoli with garlic sauce, and more. Silver Diner, a retro 1950s-style diner chain based in Maryland with locations across the eastern states, provides clearly labeled vegan choices, a kids' menu, and plant-based milk for vegan milkshakes, with an outlet in Lanham, Maryland. 

Chihuahua Brothers, a vegan Mexican taqueria in Baltimore, Maryland, offers tacos, burritos, Mexican pizza, and more. Love Life Café, a Black-owned café in Laurel, Maryland, features three plant-based milk options such as soy, oat, almond, a vegan croissant, and other vegan food items.

Restaurants in Maryland that serve gluten-free food include The Red Bandana Bakery, Seoul Spice, Sanctuary Modern Kitchen, A Better Choice Bakery, and One Dish Cuisine. The Red Bandana Bakery in Bethesda is a dedicated gluten-free facility specializing in vegan, dairy-free, and low-sugar baked goods. Seoul Spice in College Park provides customizable Korean-inspired rice bowls, tacos, and salads. 

Sanctuary Modern Kitchen in Frederick crafts gluten-free comfort foods like French onion soup and buffalo wings, A Better Choice Bakery in Brunswick offers gluten-free, dairy-free products with soy-free and corn-free options. One Dish Cuisine in Ellicott City serves gluten-free dishes and baked goods, catering to those with multiple food allergies.

Yes, restaurants in Maryland are healthy and the top contenders are The Land of Kush, Treehouse Juicery, and Baby's on Fire. The Land of Kush in Baltimore provides a premier vegan experience, Treehouse Juicery focuses on healthy American coffee and tea, and Baby’s on Fire blends coffee, and food in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. Maryland restaurants adhere to COMAR 10.15.03, ensuring food safety through inspections, licensing, and compliance. The Queen Anne's County Food Protection Program oversees restaurants, schools, markets, and mobile units. New legislation in Montgomery County requires restaurants to offer healthier children’s meals.

Yes, Maryland is a good destination for food, offering a wide mix of dining experiences that cater to all tastes. The state is home to acclaimed restaurants like The Farmhouse Bistro, which ranked as one of the top new restaurants in the country. Maryland hosts numerous food festivals, including Howard County Restaurant Weeks & Craft Beverages, taking place from January 20 to February 2, 2025, where locals and visitors can indulge in two weeks of celebrating local flavors, craft beverages, and community spirit. The Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point State Park is held every year in September, showcasing the best of Maryland’s coastal bounty, while the Crab Feast is an annual tradition that draws crowds eager to enjoy fresh Maryland blue crabs usually in August. 

Other popular events include the Corn Roast Festival in Westminster and OysterFest in St. Michaels. Maryland also offers culinary tours, such as the Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour, which takes participants through Fells Point, Baltimore’s historic waterfront district. Tourists get to sample dishes typical of the Chesapeake Bay region, paired with unique local beverages, while exploring the area's historic architecture. 

The famous cuisines in Maryland are listed below:

• Chesapeake Bay Cuisine: Maryland’s coastal cuisine is famous for fresh seafood like crabs, oysters, and rockfish, often seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and served in dishes like crab cakes and steamed crabs.
• Southern Maryland Cuisine: Features comfort foods like fried chicken, hush puppies, and other dishes influenced by the Southern U.S.
• Pennsylvania Dutch Cuisine: Found in western Maryland, this cuisine offers hearty meals such as stuffed meats, baked goods, and savory stews.
• Appalachian Cuisine: Influenced by the Appalachian Mountains, features dishes like baked ham, potato soups, and stews, made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Native American Cuisine: Reflecting the region’s indigenous roots, this includes dishes made with wild game, corn, and other local ingredients.
• Baltimore-Style Cuisine: Unique to Baltimore, blends seafood with urban flavors, including crab cakes, pit beef, and Italian-American staples found in the city’s neighborhoods.

The type of food Maryland usually offers includes Smith Island Layer Cake, a traditional dessert with multiple thin layers and chocolate icing, as well as Maryland crab cakes made with fresh blue crab. Seafood plays a significant role, featuring specialties like Maryland Rockfish & Mango Ceviche, crispy Maryland Blue Catfish, and creamy Maryland Crab Soup. Other foods in Maryland which are local favorites include Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham, Grilled Old Bay Wings, and Deal Island Devil Cream.

Yes, Maryland offers unique dining experiences and the ones that come highly recommended are the Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise, Annapolis Ghost Tours Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl, Harpers Ferry and Big Cork Vineyards Wine Tasting Tour, and Illusions Bar & Theater. The Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise lets guests enjoy scenic views of the Inner Harbor while savoring freshly prepared meals and live DJ entertainment. The Annapolis Ghost Tours Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers ghostly tales paired with drinks at historic pubs. The Harpers Ferry and Big Cork Vineyards Wine Tasting Tour combines exploration of Harpers Ferry’s rich history with a wine tasting at a local vineyard.