Maryland Restaurant and Dining Guide

From these waters once sailed ships laden with spices that shaped America’s palate. Today, Maryland, with its rich history and diverse influences, is a culinary playground, and boy, is it a treat! Maryland has been a melting pot, with waves of immigrants introducing flavors that we've blended in our own unique way. Baltimore's Ekiben isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience that gives a nod to our historic ports. Then there’s Columbia's Royal Taj, where the spices will remind you of tales from yesteryears. Head to Germantown’s Picca Pollo A La Brasa, and Frederick's Dutch's Daughter for a mix of old-world charm and modern-day zing. In Hagerstown, Schmankerl Stube carries traditions in every bite, and don't even get me started on Annapolis' Boatyard Bar & Grill. Craving a taste of Maryland's past and present? You’re in the right spot. This guide’s got all the deets you need!

Baltimore: Melody of Modern Eats

A walk through Baltimore is like stepping into a lively, flavor-packed time machine. The city was among America's busiest ports in the 19th century, attracting waves of immigrants and, with them, a world of flavors.

But let's get real – Baltimore's not just living in the past. The culinary scene here is straight-up popping. Take The Helmand, a veteran since 1989, dishing out Afghan delights like the Zardalu Challow; imagine sun-dried apricots and spicy lamb, with a side of history. And while you're pondering over past flavors, how about those Lamb Loin Chops? Marinated, grilled, and telling tales of a land far away. Then there's Ekiben, shaking things up with its no-frills take on steamed buns. Ever had Taiwanese curry fried chicken on a bun? You've got to try The Neighborhood Bird Bun, a dance of flavors that's music to your taste buds. Speaking of bold flavors, don't even get me started on their Ancho Chile Pork Bun.

Clavel’s the jam for those craving a sip and bite in a hip atmosphere. Their Carnitas Con Salsa Verde will have you nodding in approval, while the Pescado Culichi is a nod to coastal Mexico's culinary wonders. Maggie's Farm is a cozy spot that knows how to do comfort food right. Their Roasted Cauliflower Steak brings the world to your plate, and their Maryland Crab Cake is a pure Baltimore, no chaser.

Post-feast, how about soaking in some culture? The National Aquarium is an underwater journey you won’t forget, while The Walters Art Museum showcases history in brush strokes. And The American Visionary Art Museum is the city's quirky cousin you’ll love meeting.

Columbia Chow: A Modern Take with Classic Twists

The whispers of Columbia's past can be heard in every corner of the city, and if you listen closely, they're tempting you with delights. Columbia, conceptualized as a planned community in the 1960s, isn’t just a testament to urban development. It’s a beacon for food lovers craving a blend of the traditional with the chic.

Tino's Italian Bistro & Wine Bar, nestled in a cozy strip-mall spot, is pure gold. Think fresh mortadella, salami, and a punch of flavor, all wrapped in one killer sub – that’s their Italian Cold Cut Sub. But if you're leaning toward the cheesier side of life, their Cheese Calzone is the real MVP – soft, gooey, and packed with cheesy goodness.

Then, groove your way over to Stanford Grill. With its snazzy jazz vibes and a patio that's all about the chill, you'll find it hard to resist dishes like the Kent Island Fish Sandwich. And let me tell ya, their Rattlesnake Pasta is a dance of flavors, from the spice kick to the smooth Alfredo, that will leave you hankering for an encore. For those vibing with spiced-up flavors, Royal Taj Restaurant serves up some boss Indian dishes. Ever tried the Malai Kabab? It’s like a melody of ginger, garlic, and sour cream that you won't forget. And their Chicken Methi is basically tradition on a plate, cooked with love and a sprinkle of fenugreek.

Beyond the bites, Columbia dishes out some rad attractions. Robinson Nature Center offers a dose of natural beauty, while Lake Elkhorn Park is the spot for those Sunday picnics. For the shopaholics among us, The Mall in Columbia won’t dissapoint.

Germantown: A Tasty Blend of Cultures

Once a sleepy railway stop in the 19th century, today, Germantown's got some boss spots that blend tradition with the now. Ever wondered how flavors have evolved over the years?

At Picca Pollo A La Brasa, the Peruvian beats are loud and clear. Oh boy, their Beef Heart Anticuchos. Marinated, skewered, and paired with Peruvian corn - it's straight fire. And if you're looking to shake things up, the Lomo Saltado with its sautéed steak and tomatoes is pure magic.

But hey, maybe you’re in the mood for Thai? Sabai Sabai Simply Thai brings the streets of Bangkok right to Maryland. Their Tom Kha is a creamy, zesty soup that'll have you craving seconds. And for those wanting to play it cool, the Green Papaya Pad Thai is just the right kind of different. Let’s switch to some hearty Italian? Mamma Lena Trattoria Napoletana, a family-run gem, is the place. Their Ai Quattro Fromaggi Pizza is a cheesy dream come true, while the Alle Vongole Pasta has that classic Italian flair that’s always a win.

And when you’re not munching, Germantown has some rad spots. Lancaster County Dutch Market is the spot for a little bit of everything. Or breathe some fresh air at Ridge Road Recreational Park or Butler's Orchard. Both offer up the perfect mix of leisure and adventure.

A Dash of The Unexpected Flavors in Frederick

Once a pivotal crossroads during the Civil War, today, Frederick's a crossroads of flavors, a tantalizing blend of the old and the new.

Dutch's Daughter, with its swanky dining room and the vibey downstairs bar known as The Dungeon, serves dishes that are straight up legendary. Their Crab Imperial is a rich combo of jumbo lump crab meat broiled to perfection in a creamy sauce. And if chicken's your jam, the Chicken Oscar, topped with crab and smothered in Hollandaise, is where it’s at.

For a trendy twist on American classics, Hootch and Banter is the spot. The Figgy Smalls with its pan-seared scallops and fig bacon jam is a game changer, and their Filet Wellington Minis is simply mind-blowing. They’ve taken a traditional dish and made it Insta-worthy. If you’re leaning towards something with a little Latin flair, Cacique Restaurant should be on your radar. Whether it’s the sizzling Fajita Cacique or the creamy Spinach Enchiladas, every bite is a fiesta.

But hey, between meals, don't skip on the history. Pop into the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and immerse yourself in some poignant stories. Or maybe stroll to the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum and marvel at German Colonial architecture.

Hagerstown: Bavarian Roots and American Flair

Straight to the point. Schmankerl Stube? Total gem. Decked out servers in traditional garb make sure you're treated right. Their Herzhafter Sauerbraten is real talk - tender pot roast swimming in sweet-sour goodness. And the Schwäbisches Zwiebelfilet is a medley of beef and pork that's gonna make you wanna cancel your other dinner plans.

But then, there’s 28 South. The place is all about flipping the script. Housed in a building that’s got stories to tell, they dish out some next-level New American grub. Pesto Salmon, anyone? That pan-seared delight paired with sundried tomato & basil pesto is a whole mood. And the Lamb Osso Buca? Trust me, you haven’t had lamb till you've had it this way.

When you need a breather, why not chill at Hagerstown City Park? Grab a shady spot and munch on those leftovers. And for a taste of culture, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit. This place has got you covered if you, like me, got a thing for 20th-century art.

Annapolis Eats: From Harbor Heritage to Fusion Flair

Annapolis – it's more than just Maryland's capital. This bayside beauty, with its colonial roots and bustling harbor, mirrors the rich past in its present-day munch scene.

Swing by Tsunami for a bite, and you'll see what I mean. This joint is all about the twist – taking the traditional and flipping it on its head. Their Tsunami Roll? Think shrimp tempura getting cozy with avocado and a drizzle of eel sauce. And if you're all about that steak life, their Beef Tataki, with that sweet kick of honey-sriracha eel sauce, is seriously on point.

Then there's Boatyard Bar & Grill. You can almost hear the waves crashing and sailors chatting when you walk in. Their Grilled Swordfish Chimichurri is the real deal – fresh, zesty, and just a hint of the ocean. Oh, and that Roasted Bone-in Jerk Chicken paired with Crab macaroni? It’s like a dance party for your taste buds.

In between bites, take a breather at the William Paca House & Garden. It's history, greenery, and serenity all rolled into one. Or, for the nature lovers, Quiet Waters Park is pure zen – with trails, boats, and some sick art galleries.

Let’s get real – Maryland is a treasure trove of gastronomic tales. From Baltimore’s harbor eats to Frederick’s rustic spots, the state dishes out stories flavored by time. Hagerstown’s throwback diners, Annapolis with its harbor vibes, colonial whispers, and modern munch scene, Columbia and Germantown, bridging classic comfort with modern finesse - every town in Maryland has a vibe. Maryland's food scene is like that perfect playlist – a mix of golden oldies with some chart-topping hits. With each bite, you’re reliving a piece of history or diving headfirst into a current trend. Cool, right? From the fresh catch of the bay to farm-fresh veggies, this state keeps things fresh and fiery.

Ready to chat about your favorite Maryland meal at the next dinner party? Or better yet, swing by Maryland and taste the hype for yourself. Because let’s face it, there's no better way to appreciate history and hospitality than on a plate, right here in Maryland.

Must-Try Restaurants in Maryland

Ekiben

1622 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231

We had an amazing to go dinner at Ekiben.We tried the spicy Neighborhood Bird as a bun, love to see a fried chicken thigh sandwich!We also had a beef bo...

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Superb128 Reviews4.7

Maggie's Farm

4341 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214

Cheeseboard is POPPIN’ at MAGGIES FARM in Lauraville, Baltimore! ????? Definitely something meant to be shared and adored w/ a group of two or more.Chees...

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Superb64 Reviews4.5

Tsunami

51 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401

The hot tea came out cold, the sushi was chewy and tasteless. Very artificial taste, especially the rice, and the seaweed was very plasticy. Service was ...

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Good83 Reviews3.9

28 South

28 S Potomac St, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Reservations made, was seated right away, Sophie our server was prompt and friendly.Calamari average frozen and fried.Handcut fries were good, I'd q...

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Good260 Reviews4

Schmankerl Stube

58 S Potomac St, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Good standard German food. Great meal.Wheelchair accessibility: There are recessed street ramps

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Superb98 Reviews4.6

Tino's Italian Bistro & Wine Bar

8775 Centre Park Dr, Columbia, MD 21045

Tino's is a quaint cozy Italian spot. The prices were great, and their daily specials make everything very bang for your buck.I went on a Sunday for...

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Good119 Reviews4.2

Royal Taj Restaurant

8335 Benson Dr, Columbia, MD 21045

The food was delicious and the service was phenomenal. They really treat you like royalty here. The Rasmalai comes with 2 pieces, but since we were split...

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Superb304 Reviews4.8

Clavel

225 W 23rd St, Baltimore, MD 21211

Arrive 15 minutes before they open, or be prepared to wait over 45 minutes for a table.Waiting isn't half bad though, they do have a separate waitin...

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Superb117 Reviews4.6

Sabai Sabai Simply Thai

19847 Century Blvd Ste M, Germantown, MD 20874

This place has fantastic vegan options. My wife and I have had takeout several times and it is always delicious, usually prepared ahead of the estimated ...

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Good72 Reviews4.1

Picca Pollo A La Brasa

13000 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874

This is my second time at Pica every time we come food is delicious and the staff are polite and friendly! Definitely recommend Pica

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Good109 Reviews4.2

Mamma Lena Trattoria Napoletana

13507 Clopper Rd, Germantown, MD 20874

If you want family style food and service, this is the place, they will take good care of you always.

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Superb100 Reviews4.5

The Helmand

806 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Food was bomb! The food came out pretty quickly, and our waters were were always filled. The food came out hot and pretty quick and it was just so flavor...

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Superb126 Reviews4.6

Stanford Grill

8900 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045

I've eaten here a few times and the food is very good. The wait staff are friendly and the atmosphere is nice. There is plenty of parking, but a lit...

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Superb686 Reviews4.3

Boatyard Bar & Grill

400 Fourth St, Annapolis, MD 21403

Even though we were looking for steamed crab (our fault, didn’t do out research) the drinks were good, the Antoine oysters are one of the best things I’v...

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Superb365 Reviews4.7

Hootch and Banter

49 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701

Hootch and Banter has good food, minus the in house ketchup. It's nasty. Just bring your own Heinz bottle for real.

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Superb77 Reviews4.6

Cacique Restaurant

26 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701

We had a great time and enjoyed our experience throughout. Some dishes, like the Lomo Saltado were exquisite. The ceviche and the mussels were also exce...

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Good86 Reviews4

Dutch's Daughter

581 Himes Ave, Frederick, MD 21703

When I say beautiful ? I mean beautiful ❤️ For this place to be packed on Easter but still have amazing service, food and staff! Ummm I was speechless ? ...

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Superb164 Reviews4.6

Recently Opened Restaurants

Last Slyce

1640 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

I arrived on a Saturday afternoon, in between lunch and dinner, so the entire Broadway Market was more or less empty. The gentleman at Last Slyce running...

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Good62 Reviews4.2

The Ruxton Steakhouse

720 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21202

Celebrating my birthday ALL month landed me here. Ambiance and decor amazing, along with the music. Service: I arrived for happy hour and sat at the bar....

Superb52 Reviews4.5

DIG

4733 Elm St, Bethesda, MD 20814

My newest obsession! Dig is a new spot in Bethesda with healthy home-style concept. The employees are amicable and welcoming. It was my first time at Dig...

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Superb33 Reviews4.5

Naz’s Halal Food - Takoma Park

7671 New Hampshire Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912

No one cares about working hereHe doesn’t know EnglishOne arrogant man handling aloneHe denied me to give the

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Good23 Reviews4.1

Peri-Peri Original

10812 Town Center Blvd, Dunkirk, MD 20754

Very very very tasty food great service highly recommended nice place to eat great friendly and amazing service great food great place to eat exeallent f...

Superb1 Reviews5

El Patrón Taqueria (Mobile Unit)

518 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146

Decided to order online after driving by a bunch of times on my way home from work. Was very happy with our food! Quantity for the price was great! Order...

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Superb2 Reviews4.5

Sabores Unidos

7400 Pulaski Hwy, Rosedale, MD 21237

Authentic and delicious South American cuisine. We tried the tacos, carne asada, and flautas. Everything was delicious and the green and red sauces were ...

Superb3 Reviews5

Relax.Love.Heal.LLC

7929 Eastern Ave #1038, Baltimore, MD 21224

Poor0 Reviews0

El Taquito Leon Restaurant

8304 Philadelphia Rd, Rosedale, MD 21237

Great experience. Friendly staff and excellent service. Taco Tuesday is my next visit.

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Superb6 Reviews4.5

Illusion Club & Restaurant

Baltimore, MD 21224

Illusions Bar & Theater is an awesome place to go! Amazing magic! Spencer will wow you with his mentalism talent and Nicole will stun you with unique...

Superb64 Reviews4.9

Planet Smoothie

1991 E Joppa Rd #15, Parkville, MD 21234

Staff was so sweet, bowl was so amazing. Some of the berries were tart and mixed with the sweet honey drizzle it just ? looking forward to ordering every...

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Good3 Reviews3.7

Tb

305 Ballenger Center Dr, Frederick, MD 21703

As fast food places go.... This might be my preferred location to get my not really Mexican fix. I've always been greeted friendly. Last night I was...

Good1 Reviews4

The Lodge Annapolis

177 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401

I went to this restaurant to celebrate my birthday. However, the reservation process could have been more transparent, as we received conflicting informa...

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Good181 Reviews3.7

Charms Market & Deli

645 E Patapsco Ave, Baltimore, MD 21225

Great place with awesome food! The pizzas were absolutely delicious!! My co-workers & I super enjoyed it & the pizzas were only five dollars! Wha...

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Superb34 Reviews4.9

New York Fried Chicken Fish & Grill

1632 E Joppa Rd, Towson, MD 21286

I do but don’t want people to know how good this spot is. Heard about it from people at the Muay Thai/bjj gym right around the corner that they were goo...

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Superb32 Reviews4.7

Recent Reviews

Lindy's Restaurant

11800 Bedford Rd NE, Cumberland, MD 21502

Sadly, everything changes these days. I have went to this restaurant since I was 17 years old. I am 70 years old now. We loved going there. But the last ...

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Good194 Reviews3.6

The Starting Lineup Bar and Grill

213 Penn St, Baltimore, MD 21230

The owner of this bar thinks it's appropriate to call autisic people the R word and today he used his car to try to push me out of a parking spot he...

Superb38 Reviews4.3

Wesley's Restaurant

3700 Telegraph Rd, Elkton, MD 21921

Easter Buffet was extra special with a variety of entrees. The menu included a wide variety of seafood, ham, roast beef along with vegetables, rolls, an...

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Good218 Reviews4.1

Jiffy Shoppes

6212 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD 20747

I have been eating here since I was a little girl. I have never had an issue. Food is delicious. Prices are great. Service is always on point. The owner ...

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Superb136 Reviews4.5

The corner grill

1406 Cedarhurst Rd, Shady Side, MD 20764

Great bar food. Great service. A down-to-earth local bar with a variety of entertaining characters. Everyone is welcomed.

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Superb79 Reviews4.4

Muoi Tieu

7006 Carroll Ave Ste. A, Takoma Park, MD 20912

The venue offers an incredibly fair price for its stunning ambiance and outstanding food and service. The cuisine is both authentic and creatively enhanc...

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Superb31 Reviews4.8

Black Flag Social House

2050 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104

Great beer, great food, great atmosphere. I totally recommend this place to anyone looking for someplace fresh and fun.

Superb48 Reviews4.7

Bakehouse

69 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701

While there were not much left when we got here around 10 on a Saturday, ery thing we got was absolutely amazing. Our favorites were the mini blackberry ...

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Superb99 Reviews4.9

Halal Food

4202 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215

This place is exactly what you heard about!! I've been been eating in this carryout since I was a kid and been friends with these brothers since I w...

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Good19 Reviews4.2

Ligaya's Filipino Food

11406c Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902

Food was not delicious. Staff were not customer friendly. I would not recommend this place to anyone. We are never going back here. The staff needs more ...

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Superb38 Reviews4.5

The Bell House Catering

1825 George Ave Suite 1, Annapolis, MD 21401

I would like to share how lovely last night's private chef meal experience was with The Bell House Catering on 03/16/24. A dear friend arranged a sm...

Superb28 Reviews5

Kabob N Karahi

15521 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905

Delicious Mango Lassi— wish they had more choices for people eating alone. Good and economical food choice and quick, friendly service! Had to take a pho...

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Good92 Reviews3.5

Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings

5595 Spectrum Dr, Frederick, MD 21704

Best food in the area! Always good music and service is fast asf✨ Also, the sauce is saucing ??

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Good66 Reviews4.1

Ruby's Southern Comfort Kitchen

4410 Mitchellville Rd, Bowie, MD 20716

We tried it one time and it was not great but we did get them a chance..so give them a chance and give them your opinion..Vegetarian options: No taste......

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