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B’More Bites: Must-Try Restaurants in Baltimore for 2024

Josh Wood

Charm City’s culinary scene is hotter than ever, bubbling over with innovative chefs, globally-inspired flavors, and historic haunts that redefine comfort food. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, Baltimore’s diverse restaurant landscape offers an adventure for every palate. Ditch the same-old dining routine and dive into the guide from CJ Digital for the must-try restaurants in Baltimore for 2024.

Fine Dining with a Twist:

  • Petit Louis Bistro (Roland Park): For a touch of Parisian elegance, Petit Louis Bistro remains a Baltimore staple. This Tudor-style haven boasts an extensive wine list and classic French bistro fare. Think steak frites with a perfectly pan-seared sear, or duck confit that falls off the bone. Don’t miss their decadent chocolate mousse for a truly luxurious ending.
  • Le Comptoir du Vin (Station North): Head to the artsy Station North district for Le Comptoir du Vin, where Chef/Owner Rodney Mayo takes diners on a global culinary journey. The ever-evolving tasting menus showcase seasonal ingredients with a focus on French technique and international influences. Be prepared to be surprised and delighted by each course.

Upscale Casual:

  • CookHouse (Bolton Hill): Nestled in the heart of Bolton Hill, CookHouse is a haven for inventive, New American cuisine. Chef Brandon Evans crafts dishes that are both beautiful and comforting, using local, seasonal ingredients. From wood-fired roasted octopus with chorizo to perfectly cooked scallops nestled in creamy grits, CookHouse offers a taste bud tantalizing experience.
  • Little Donna’s (Upper Fells Point): Craving Italian with a modern twist? Look no further than Little Donna’s in the trendy Upper Fells Point neighborhood. This spot is all about fresh, housemade pastas. Slurp down pillowy gnocchi with lamb ragu or savor their signature tagliatelle with crab and mascarpone. Don’t forget to indulge in their house-made focaccia – it’s the perfect pre-pasta appetizer.

Ethnic Eats:

  • Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant (Federal Hill): Embark on a flavor adventure at Dukem Ethiopian, a Federal Hill gem. Here, the traditional Ethiopian dining experience reigns supreme. Injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread, serves as both plate and utensil for scooping up savory stews and spiced vegetables. Opt for a vegetarian sampler platter to experience a symphony of flavors, or try the lamb tibs for a heartier option.
  • Alma Cocina Latina (Butcher’s Hill): Get your Latin fix at Alma Cocina Latina in Butcher’s Hill. This vibrant restaurant offers a delicious exploration of Central and South American flavors. From melt-in-your-mouth Colombian empanadas to vibrantly spiced Peruvian ceviche, Alma Cocina Latina is a fiesta for the senses. Wash it all down with a refreshing house margarita for a truly authentic experience.

Iconic Baltimore:

  • Thames Street Oyster House (Fells Point): No Baltimore dining guide is complete without mentioning a classic seafood spot. Thames Street Oyster House in Fells Point is a must for any self-respecting crustacean connoisseur. Their Maryland crab soup is a revelation, boasting rich, creamy broth brimming with lump crabmeat. And of course, you can’t go wrong with their classic jumbo lump crab cakes, perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection.
  • The Helmand (Mount Vernon): For a taste of Afghanistan right in the heart of Mount Vernon, The Helmand is a Baltimore institution. This family-run restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can savor flavorful stews like qabuli palaw (lamb and carrot pilaf) or mantu (dumplings) filled with ground lamb. Don’t forget to try their legendary bolani – flatbreads stuffed with savory fillings like potato and scallions.

Beyond the Plate:

  • Birria Love (Multiple Locations): Birria tacos are having a moment, and Birria Love is at the forefront of this trend. This popular spot, with multiple locations across the city, offers melt-in-your-mouth birria – a slow-braised meat traditionally made with goat but available in variations like beef or even vegan options. Served on warm tortillas with a consomé for dipping, these tacos are pure flavor bombs.
  • La Michoacana Ice Cream Shop (Fells Point): Craving something sweet after a savory adventure? Head to La Michoacana Ice Cream Shop in Fells Point. This Mexican-style ice cream parlor boasts a staggering array of flavors, from classic staples like chocolate and vanilla to adventurous options like avocado or mango with chile. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try a scoop (or two) of something unexpected.

Baltimore’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from tradition, innovation, and global inspiration. This list merely scratches the surface of the incredible dining experiences awaiting you in Charm City. So grab your appetite, your sense of adventure, and get ready to embark on a delicious exploration of Baltimore’s best restaurants.

Pro Tip: Be sure to make reservations in advance, especially for popular fine-dining establishments and weekend nights. Baltimore’s best bites are becoming increasingly sought-after!

Bonus Bites:

Looking for something beyond the mainstream? Baltimore offers a wealth of hidden culinary gems waiting to be discovered. Here are a few off-the-beaten-path options to tantalize your taste buds:

  • Ekiben (Federal Hill): This tiny spot packs a big punch with its delicious Japanese bento boxes. Choose from a variety of protein and vegetable options, all beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.
  • Chaia (Butcher’s Hill): Vegetarians and vegans rejoice! Chaia offers a delightful selection of plant-based comfort food that even meat-eaters will love. Think jackfruit BBQ sandwiches, creamy mac and cheese made with cashew cheese, and decadent vegan desserts.
  • Claws & Co. (Canton): Calling all crab lovers! Claws & Co. is a casual seafood haven specializing in all things crab. From steamed Maryland blue crabs to crab cakes and crab dip, this spot is a crustacean paradise.

Cheers to Baltimore!

Baltimore’s vibrant restaurant scene is not just about the food – it’s about the experience. From romantic fine-dining to lively family outings and adventurous explorations of global flavors, Baltimore’s restaurants offer something for everyone. So grab your friends, family, or significant other, and get ready to discover the delicious reasons why Baltimore is a true foodie destination.