Top 10 Best Baltimore Restaurants

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.