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What are the best restaurants in Baltimore? Once known primarily for steamed crabs and seafood generously dusted with Old Bay, Baltimore has quietly transformed into a dining destination making big waves in the food world. Over the past decade, I’ve watched the city build on its celebrated staples while embracing bold and exciting concepts. Now it feels like a new restaurant or café is opening its doors every day. But it’s the mix of old and new that’s most exciting. One way to locate and enjoy Baltimore’s charm is by eating here—from historic public markets and food halls to hyper-local tasting menus and intimate dining rooms that, no matter how buzzy they become, still feel like your own special place. Whether you are in the mood to splurge on dining or looking for something more affordable, there’s a restaurant with exceptional fare and warm hospitality for you. Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Baltimore right now.
If you’re not looking for Le Comptoir du Vin in Baltimore’s Station North Arts District, you might miss it, but once you step inside the candlelit European bistro adorned with hundreds of bottles of natural wine, you’re in for a dining experience centered in comfort, outstanding ingredients, and thoughtful attention. Their menu rotates weekly and is handwritten on a board placed in the center of the restaurant. Start with the sourdough bread and Normandy butter, then the Castelfranco salad tossed in a peppery house-made Caesar dressing. If available, you must try Cheddar + Green Onion Toasty, a melty grilled cheese with sharp cheddar and peppery green onions or the Chicken, Leek + Morel Pie, a golden brown, chicken pot pie with shredded chicken, mushrooms and veggies. Their beef cheeks dish is among my favorite entrees I’ve had in Baltimore: tender, savory, and rich. Le Comptoir du Vin’s new sister restaurant, The Wren, is also earning national recognition, so it’s safe to say Will Mester, Millie Powell, and Rosemary Liss know how to excite diners from everywhere.
