Heading to Baltimore
If you have a trip to Maryland planned, save my top 13 places to eat and drink while visiting Baltimore! When you think of Baltimore food, steamed crabs and crabcakes may come to mind however, there is so much more to the food scene than Chesapeake fare.
Baltimore has excellent restaurants, food halls, and unique spots to enjoy fun cocktails and wine. Join me as I share my top 13 picks.
Foraged
The James Beard nominated chef, Chris Amendola, has created a truly unique concept in the city’s heart. Foraged is described as hyper-seasonal and features not only seasonal but local ingredients. As you can imagine, the menu changes daily to showcase the freshest in-season items.
I’m not sure why I just recently visited this delicious restaurant that has been open since 2017. I visited during ramp season and enjoyed sourdough focaccia with whipped ramp butter which was a super yummy start. While this dish likely won’t be on the menu when you arrive, I can guarantee that whatever you choose will not disappoint.
Reservations are recommended via Tock, a $10 deposit per person is fully refundable upon arrival. Street parking is available. I didn’t notice a dress code on their website so I opted for jeans, booties, and a sweater.
Sally O’s
The bright, tropical decor of Sally O’s can’t be missed. This casual neighborhood restaurant features fun dishes from top chef alum Jesse Sandlin. Don’t miss their great happy hour but if you do, not to worry, they also have a late-night menu.
Reservations avaialble on Tock.
Charleston
Hands down, Charleston was probably my favorite meal that I’ve enjoyed in Baltimore! This fine-dining restaurant offers beautiful and delicious plates of food by restauranteurs Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf. Located in the Harbor East neighborhood, it is centrally located and easy to get to from many popular hotels in the area.
With an ever-evolving menu, you can choose between a 3-6-course meal and be sure to be satisfied. They also have a very impressive wine list if you’d like to pair some wine with your dinner. If you are visiting with a larger group, they have beautiful private dining rooms and special events such as Mother’s Day tasting menus. Be sure to check out their website prior to your visit to see if there are any events planned.
Reservations for Charleston can made be on Resy.
Woodberry Kitchen
I’m sure you are getting hungry by now and we are not even halfway through this list! Next up, Woodberry Kitchen offers award-winning cuisine featuring local, mostly organic ingredients. This restaurant prides itself on a true farm-to-table menu. For more information on their Mid-Atlantic region growers, check out their website.
The restaurant recommends making your reservations at least one month in advance although they do have a limited number of walk-ins at their bar. Reservations can be made on Resy.
Cinghiale
Looking for Italian food in Baltimore? While there are some more traditional Italian restaurants in Little Italy, Cinghiale offers a fun atmosphere and an amazing Salumi and Formaggi selection. This is the second restaurant on my list from Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf and for good reason. From handmade pasta to their wine list, you truly can’t go wrong.
Happy hour is from 4-6 pm and does not disappoint! Reservations can be made on Resy. Private dining is also available.
The Food Market
With two locations in the Baltimore area, you can enjoy tasty comfort food even if you aren’t staying in the city. Their newest dining room in Columbia, MD offers the familiar favorites from their Hampden location.
The Food Market offers a lovely happy hour and a very fun brunch complete with a long list of brunch cocktails. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.
The Bluebird Cocktail Room
Possibly the coziest cocktail bar in Baltimore, The Bluebird Cocktail Room offers creative cocktails in addition to the classics. There is a limited menu available at Bluebird. My recommendation would be to stop here for a pre or post-dinner drink and possibly a snack and then head onto one of the other restaurants on this list.
Reservations are available on Resy.
Petit Louis
The last of the Foreman-Wolf restaurants on the list, Petit Louis is a French classic in Baltimore and consistently lands on the Best Restaurants lists. You’ll find all of the familiar French fare prepared with super fresh and local ingredients. Alongside the delicious dishes is an incredible wine list, a total win/win.
Reservations are available on Resy.
Tio Pepe
You can’t discuss Baltimore’s best food and not mention Tio Pepe! This Spanish spot features authentic (very large) dishes inspired by Spain. Tio Pepe has been around for over 50 years so many people from Baltimore have likely celebrated a special occasion of some sort here. While they have a fantastic wine list, I would personally recommend having the sangria.
As you can see in the photo below, we wrapped up our dinner so that we could save room for dessert, priorities!
Thames Street Oyster House
Found on the waterfront in the Fells Point area, Thames Street is a raw bar and features Maryland classics all in the same. I’ve eaten here several times and it is always perfect. While I could easily enjoy the seafood tower every time, their salads and crab cakes are also pretty delicious. They also have a great bar program featuring classic cocktails and of course, oyster shooters.
Reservations are available on Resy.
R House
This food court contains ten stalls ranging from pizza to poke bowls and many varieties in between. You’ll even find a cocktail bar, R bar where you can grab a cocktail and pair it with whatever you are in the mood for that day. Be sure to check out their social media or website for their pop-up stall where you can find fun new concepts every few weeks or months.
The Helmand
Located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, you can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating at this Baltimore institution. Eating at The Helmand was my first introduction to Afghan cuisine and I was hooked. The spices and flavors are exceptional and the service always matches making it a great experience.
Reservations are avaialble on Resy.
Grand Cru
Honorable mention goes to Grand Cru in Belvedere Square. While I haven’t been there since they recently expanded, I’ve enjoyed many delicious wines from around the world with friends here. I would recommend taking an Uber or Lyft.
Top 13 Places to Eat & Drink in Baltimore
- Foraged
- Sally O’s
- Charleston
- Woodberry Kitchen
- Cinghiale
- The Food Market
- La Cuchara
- Petit Louis
- Tio Pepe
- Thames Street Oyster House
- The Helmand
- R House
I hope you find something you enjoy on my top 13 places to eat and drink in Baltimore list! While I love traveling abroad and experiencing the cuisine, sometimes you can find delicious food stateside as well. Be sure to save this post for your next trip to Baltimore. Safe and healthy travels!