Maryland is nicknamed “Old Line State”; it borders the Atlantic Ocean and has wide coastal plains. It is also commonly known as “America in Miniature” due to the amount of topographies and the variety of climates. Maryland played a historical role in American history; it is one of the 13th colonies and the 7th state to ratify the US Constitution of 1788. The economy of Maryland is diverse, and includes: a federal workforce, tourism, technology and defence contracting. Areas for tourism in Maryland include: Fort McHenry, the Baltimore Museum of Art and the National Aquarium.
In Maryland, their restaurants combine a blend of world-class seafood, renowned cuisines and a wide combination of many international and present-time American dishes. You should prepare for fine dining when going to a restaurant in Maryland. You know those kinds of restaurants that make you feel like you really need to wear a dress to go eat. But, here, Maryland also has some casual restaurants. You know those kinds you could go eat as casually as you want, the ones where you could just throw on a pair of jeans or joggers to eat, friendly eateries to go with all your buddies.
There are many things you should know about restaurants in Maryland. Let us begin with the fact that the water-surrounded city is actually seafood-focused. This should be because, well, you know, there is the Atlantic around the plains of Maryland. The city is famously associated with blue crabs and a variety of fresh-from-the-bay sea edibles. In almost all the restaurants in Maryland, you will find steamed crabs, as well as jumbo lump crab cakes, and the cream of crab soup, seasoned with Old Bay.
Furthermore, you will be pleased to know that Maryland also has a diverse culinary landscape. For example, American classics, that is, pit beef sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles. Adding more to this is the consolation that you do not have to worry about how to find where to eat or prices because restaurants in Maryland are literally around in your neighbourhood, food trucks, public markets, to outdoor waterfronts. Again, the state has numerous high-end restaurants, offering a variety of options.
Top Restaurants in Maryland
1. Cantler’s Riverside Inn
2. Koco’s Pub
3. Le Comptoir du Vin
4. Ekiben
5. Little Donna’s
Top 5 Restaurants in Maryland
In this article, we will be helping you with the top 5 restaurants in Maryland.
1. Cantler’s Riverside Inn
This is in Annapolis, and it is famous for its authentic blue crabs, which are always steamed and seasoned with the popular Old Bay. This restaurant is known for its seafood varieties and specialties. Literally on water, you could be enjoying the sweetest atmosphere, amazing view, mixed with a tasty crab often served directly on a brown butcher paper-covered table. Using your hands to pick those crackers, crab and cake could be all you need in a day. With prices varying, you could have a single crab, half a dozen, or a dozen. Aside from the view of the water, this restaurant features a full bar, free parking, and indoor and outdoor seating. On a first-come, first-served basis without accepting reservations, you will have a lifetime experience.
Other meals include: Crab dip, Steamed Shrimp, Local Oysters (on the half shell), steaks, and chicken.
Hours of Operation: Monday –Thursday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM.
Friday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Sundays, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Address: 458 Forest Beach Road, Annapolis, MD 21409, United States.
2. Koco’s Pub
This is located right in Baltimore, it is exactly where you should go to if you want a good old taste of a classic, rich crab cake. It is a family-friendly pub that is popular for its jumbo-sized crab cakes. They serve a variety of American cuisine, pub fare and seafood, with each jumbo lump crab cake in an 11-oz size, served as a platter, sandwich or with a Caesar salad. This is also a stop for soups, tomato-based Maryland-style “Mom’s Crab Soup” and cream or crab soup, which could also be served in a half-and-half mix. With creamy crab dip, coconut shrimp, fried mozzarella and chicken wings served as appetizers. Dine-in and takeout, some of your favourite preferences!
Other meals are: fish ‘n chips, burgers, and baby back ribs.
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays, 4:30 PM-9 PM.
Wednesday – Friday, 11 AM-9 PM.
Saturday, 12-9 PM.
Address: 4301 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214.
3. Le Comptoir du Vin
This is a top-tier French bistro, one of the places you could go to for French cuisine. This is one of the sophisticated places you could go to dine. It is known for having a curated wine selection and a weekly change of Euro-defined plates. You’d find a Castelfranco Caesar salad with anchovy vinaigrette, duck, terrine, and peposo (must try), Sourdough bread with Normandy butter, chicken liver pate with red wine shallots, and rye crackers served in a cozy, intimate, dimly lit, boutique-like feel room. With menus handwritten on a chalkboard, and a few tables held for walk-ins with desserts that have been consistently called “divine”, including spiced carrot cake, panna cotta and chocolate mousse. Wines are a careful selection of natural wines which are served by the glass or per bottle.
Other meals are: duck ragu, chicken liver pate with red wine shallots, and Castelfranco Caesar salad.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Saturday, 5:30 pm -10:00 PM (last seating is by 9:30 PM).
Address: 1729 Maryland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201.
4. Ekiben
Located in Baltimore, if you are looking for a fast-food casual experience, then Ekiben is the right place! Or, really just looking for where to get tasty bao buns and rice bowls. Ekiben is a fusion restaurant of Asian cuisine. It has three locations in Baltimore, which has gained it local and national recognition –including being a James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic, this restaurant was on Yelp’s top 100 restaurants in the U.S. multiple times. You could have the greatest tofu with spicy peanut sauce, mango/papaya/carrot slaw, fresh herbs and roasted aromatics –called “The Tofu Brah”. Or, think about having Taiwanese curry fried chicken thigh topped with spicy sambal mayo, pickles and fresh herbs –called “The Neighbourhood Bird”. The good thing is that these dishes could be served mild or spicy, just how you like them, with a vegetarian or vegan option.
Other Meals: The Ancho Chile Pork (braised pork in a bold sauce with an herb and cabbage slaw), Tempura Broccoli (side dish with bacon rounds). You could also order online or join the full-service food truck anywhere in the DMV area.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday, 11 AM-3:30 PM & 4:30 PM-10PM.gies
Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM-11 PM.
Address: Felis Point: 1622 Eastern Ave.
Hampden: 911 W. 36th St. (in an alley).
Locust Point (SOBO): 801 E. Fort Ave.
5. Little Donna’s
We mentioned that Maryland has cuisines from all over the world. This is your top stop to satisfy your Italian cravings. This particular restaurant in Baltimore has gained national recognition and even made it to the NYT’s list of exciting restaurants. Popular for their Midwestern comfort food and Neapolitan-style tavern pies: Tavern Pie with tomato sauce, cheese blend with crumbled sausage and banana peppers. Lobster Pierogies (named after the chef’s grandmother) are served with red chilli garlic oil, sour cream and sesame. Metered parking on Eastern Ave is recommended because the restaurant is in a residential area with no dedicated lot. Free street parking is possible, but might be difficult in the evenings. However, the atmosphere is cozy and romantic –take your date, family, or you could do a solo dining too. You could get take-outs and curbside pickup with cocktails, beer and wine.
Other meals are: Kielbasa-stuffed pork Schnitzel served with pickled celery and fennel, Pickle Plate.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Thursday, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
Friday & Saturday, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM.
Address: 1812 Bank Street, Baltimore, MD 21231.
Reservation: (Call between 2 pm-4 pm on Tuesday – Saturday to book in advance online, while other tables are saved for walk-ins).
CONCLUSION
Looking for where to get some tasty dishes in Maryland? Above are the top 5 restaurants in Maryland, whether you are craving some French cuisine, Italian, American or Asian, the above restaurants in Maryland are the perfect stop for you.
