The 13 best restaurants in Baltimore

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The open courtyard, ornate, mother-of-pearl-filled tables, and ample selection of Levantine mezze transport guests to Syria, the homeland of co-founder Jay Salkini. Standouts at Ammoora include spreads made with beets, roasted red pepper, and eggplant; burrata sprinkled with honey and za'atar; and skewers of lamb or chicken served with saffron rice. The drinks menu features a generous selection of zero-proof cocktails and several types of arak, an anise-flavored liqueur distilled from grapes.

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Succulent and flavorful rotisserie chicken served in half or whole portion sizes is the star of the show at this BYOB, Black-owned venue near Hollins Market in Southwest Baltimore. But the varied menu should please a variety of palates, with wings, charred shrimp, salmon, and smoked mushroom bowl among the offerings. It recently made a splash on social media after TikTok star Keith Lee gave it a glowing review.

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Jasmine Norton’s revived raw bar and seafood restaurant in Hampden takes an upscale turn with a chestnut bar, marble tables, and gold and brass fixtures. In addition to the signature bivalves, seafood lovers can feast on lobster cavatelli, red snapper nuggets, grilled branzino, and scallops. Don’t miss one of the city’s best cream of crab soup.

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Expertly crafted pierogies, savory pancakes, and a style of thin, crispy pizzas known as tavern pies landed this Midwest-meets-Eastern European fusion on two different New York Times best-of lists. Located in a Fells Point rowhouse, the venue is named for co-owner Robbie Tutlewski’s late Yugoslavian grandmother, whose recipes inspired many of the dishes. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t get a reservation online: they also take walk-ins.

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The chic, two-year-old neighborhood bistro is a worthy successor to Salt Tavern, the beloved predecessor in the Butchers Hill corner spot. The Italian-American fare features fresh-made pasta, locally sourced meat, and seafood, including rockfish, Dover sole, and scallops. The bar menu features an extensive selection of Italian wines, negronis, and unique cocktails.

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Diners crave the tempura broccoli, steamed bun sandwiches, and rice bowls topped with ancho chile pork, Taiwanese fried chicken, spicy walnut shrimp, or tofu at Ekiben’s three Baltimore locations. Broccoli and tofu may seem like unlikely stars among passionate foodies, but Ekiben’s take on veggies and bean curds is unlike any other, combining Indian, Ethiopian, Thai, and Ethiopian flavors. The broccoli is topped with fresh herbs, chopped onions, and rice vinegar, and the tofu bites are smothered in a spicy peanut sauce.

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Mexican food, margaritas, and mezcal make up this bright and bustling taqueria. Natural light fills the space, and its lights strung across the ceiling and white walls interrupted with plants are inspired by the taquerias in Sinaloa, Mexico. Also, stop by owner Lane Harlan and Matthew Pierce’s intimate candlelit speakeasy W.C. Harlan down the street and her latest bar, the Coral Wig, located in the alley of boutique stunner Hotel Ulysses.

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A homage to low-country cooking from James Beard Award finalist Cindy Wolf, Charleston has been wowing diners for more than 25 years. With one of the best wine lists in the city and a prix-fixe menu that explores seafood, poultry, and meat with equal panache, Charleston is a local favorite for celebratory meals. Also, check out Foreman-Wolf’s other restaurants around town: Cinghiale, Petit Louis Bistro, Johnny’s, and the Milton Inn.

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For steamed crabs topped with Old Bay, there is no better spot than the rooftop at L.P. Steamers. This laid-back crab shack in Locust Point is the perfect spot for gathering with friends to pound some steamed crabs with gorgeous views of the Baltimore skyline and Inner Harbor. Fried seafood platters are spot on too, but don't miss the Old Bay fries or crab cakes paired with a cold Natty Boh.

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La Cuchara whisks diners to the Basque region of Spain with bite-sized pintxos, vermouth by the glass, and jamon croquettes. Set in a former manufacturing building, the restaurant’s exposed brick and white-washed dining room walls complete the trans-continental journey. It’s a popular happy hour spot with $6 gin and tonics and $5 beers.

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A cozy, neighborhood spot to catch up with friends over good food and drinks, Hersh’s serves Neapolitan, wood-burned pizza, homemade pasta, creative salads, and antipasti. A thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail list complements the food.

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The Afghani restaurant treats diners to Pillowy warm naan, tender lamb and beef meatballs, and melt-in-your-mouth ravioli filled with leeks in a dining room bedecked with Afghan art and textiles. The star attraction, however, is kaddo bowrani, a marriage of sweet and savory starring baked baby pumpkin topped with garlic yogurt. Dishes like these have made it one of the city’s longest-standing restaurants, winning repeat visits from guests for 35 years.

Dishing up comforting Greek grub like Yaya used to make, Samos has been serving the hungry folks of Baltimore for nearly 50 years, and their success doesn't look like it'll abate any time soon. The main reason behind their longevity? The divine traditional Greek food, including plates of moussaka, souvlaki, and shrimp plaka, is served at three locations: Locust Point, Canton, and the original Greektown spot.