The 14 Best Restaurants in Baltimore: A Local's Guide to Charm City

NiHao

By Dana Gargano | Feb. 10, 2025

I grew up in Baltimore, which means I've consumed enough Old Bay to qualify as a spice rack. I thought I knew every corner deli, crab shack, and dive bar slinging Natty Bohs. But Baltimore's food scene is like that friend who keeps reinventing themselves—just when you think you've got them figured out, they show up with a new tattoo and a story about backpacking through Thailand. So, I hit the streets again, determined to find the spots that even I, a seasoned Baltimore eater, had somehow missed. Turns out, Charm City still had a few tricks up its sleeve. Here is an updated list of Baltimore’s best restaurants, with three new favorites that are officially on my must-eat list.

1. Woodberry Kitchen

Woodberry Kitchen is like that friend who insists on only eating organic but somehow makes it work. Tucked away in Clipper Mill, this spot is a love letter to Mid-Atlantic cuisine. They source everything locally, and by “everything,” I mean they could probably tell you the name of the cow your steak came from. The roasted chicken is a must-try—juicy, flavorful, and raised with the sort of love and care usually reserved for house pets.

2. Clavel

If you're in the mood for something that’s part taco joint, part mezcal bar, Clavel is your place. Located in Remington, this low-key spot has some of the best tacos and ceviche you’ll find outside of Mexico. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming atmosphere—this place knows what it's doing, especially when it comes to their mezcal cocktails, which might leave you planning a spontaneous trip to Oaxaca.

3. Alma Cocina Latina

Craving Venezuelan cuisine? Alma Cocina Latina in Canton serves arepas so good you'll wonder why you ever settled for a sandwich. The sleek space and inventive menu make it a perfect spot for when you want to impress out-of-towners, or just want to feel like you're impressing them. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of their tasting menus that combine the flavors of Latin America with local ingredients.

4. La Cuchara

For a taste of Basque country in the heart of Baltimore, La Cuchara in Hampden is where you want to be. The wood-fired dishes and tapas-style small plates make it the perfect place to indulge in a long, leisurely meal that will leave you full but still pretending you have room for one more pintxo. It’s also a great spot for people watching if you’re into that sort of thing.

5. Charleston

If you want to feel fancy without having to adopt a fake accent, head to Charleston. Chef Cindy Wolf’s restaurant is the gold standard of fine dining in Baltimore. The tasting menu changes frequently, but the Lowcountry flavors are a consistent hit. Yes, the wine list is longer than a CVS receipt, but trust the sommelier. They know what they're doing, even if you can't pronounce half the wines.

6. NiHao

The traditional Cantonese dishes at NiHao in Canton are authentic and delicious. I'm obsessed with chef Peter Chang’s spicy dry pot dishes, so packed with Szechuan peppercorns that they'll numb your tongue in the best way possible. It's the perfect spot when you want to grab a quick bite or have a proper Chinese feast.

7. Tagliata

This Harbor East hotspot is where you go when you want to impress a date or convince your boss you're cultured enough for that promotion. The handmade pasta at Tagliata is so fresh you half expect to see an Italian nonna rolling it out in the back. And let's talk about that wine list – it's longer than a CVS receipt and twice as likely to leave you dizzy. Just don't blame me when you wake up the next morning wondering why you thought it was a good idea to order both the 40-day dry-aged ribeye and the lobster fra diavolo.

Le Comptoir du Vin Baltimore braised lentils with fatty goose liver

8. Le Comptoir du Vin

Tucked away in Station North, this French bistro is like that friend who studied abroad for a semester and came back with an accent. But unlike that friend, Le Comptoir du Vin's Gallic pretensions are actually charming. The rustic dishes here – think braised lentils with fatty goose liver – are served up in a space so intimate you'll be eavesdropping on your neighbor's life story. The wine list is curated tighter than a Parisian's wardrobe, making it the perfect spot for when you want to feel sophisticated without having to learn how to pronounce "Gewürztraminer."

9. Gertrude's

Nestled in the Baltimore Museum of Art, Gertrude's Chesapeake Kitchen is like that cool aunt who knows how to make crab cakes that would make a crabber weep. It's the kind of place where you can get your culture fix and your seafood fix in one fell swoop. Chef John Shields’ menu reads like a love letter to the Chesapeake Bay, with enough local ingredients to make a locavore swoon. And that garden patio? It's the perfect spot to pretend you're sophisticated while you're really just there to stuff your face with Smith Island cake. Just remember, if you don't Instagram your crab cake, did you even really eat in Baltimore?

10. Ekiben

When you’re in the mood for something a bit more casual but still packed with flavor, Ekiben is the spot. Known for their Asian fusion steamed buns, this place takes street food to another level. Their famous “Neighborhood Bird” fried chicken sandwich has a cult following, and for good reason. Just be prepared to wait in line—it’s worth it, trust me.

11. The Helmand

If you’ve never had Afghan food, The Helmand in Mount Vernon is the place to start. Owned by the brother of Afghanistan’s former president, this restaurant offers hearty, flavorful dishes like kaddo borawni (pumpkin) that will make you forget all your previous biases about vegetables. Plus, the naan is so addictive you might contemplate stealing a basket to go.

12. Thames Street Oyster House

You can’t talk about Baltimore without mentioning seafood, and Thames Street Oyster House is where you go when you want to impress out-of-towners. Located in Fells Point, it's the sort of place where the oysters come with a backstory. Ask for a seat upstairs for a view of the harbor while you devour a lobster roll that could make a grown person weep. Remember, if you don’t Instagram the seafood tower, it doesn’t count.

13. The Food Market

If you like your meals with a side of wit, then The Food Market in Hampden is your jam. It’s all about American comfort food done with a twist. Think duck confit sliders and crispy pork belly with a serving of sass from the waitstaff. Chef Chad Gauss knows his way around a plate, and if you don't leave here full, it’s your own fault.

14. Peter's Inn

In Fells Point, Peter’s Inn is a small spot with a rotating menu that changes as frequently as the seasons. One night you might find steak with blue cheese butter; the next, it’s local rockfish. The dining room is intimate—by which I mean you’ll overhear every conversation—but the food and the quirky vibe are worth it. Just don’t expect to walk in without a reservation.

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