Baltimore is a city known for its sports, aquarium, terrible emphasis of o’s, and crabs seasoned with lots old bay; however, often it is overlooked for its culinary geniuses. These food prodigies have established amazing restaurants all over the city. There is an extensive range of restaurants, from fine dining with Cindy Wolf (restaurateur and James Beard award winner) to the oyster shucker on the sidewalk in Fells Point. The city has it all. Even if you’re a native to B-more or a visitor, these are some places that you should try!

Everyday Eats

1. Corner Pantry: A small ‘aesthically pleasing’ shop serving up brunch treats and lunch feasts. It has trendier items like acai smoothie bowls and traditional British cuisine like beans on toasts and coronation chicken salad. You can’t help, but feel like you’re waiting for Blair Waldorf to meet you as you sip on your latte and stare into the peonies on the table (*a gossip girl reference). One must have if you go is their sausage roll, the puff pastry surrounding the meat is spectacular.

2. Papermoon Diner: A little diner offering an eccentric dining experience, when you first walk in you are welcomed by an array of colorful art. All different kinds of collectibles and figurines hang from the walls. It may offer typical diner food, but it is creative with the variety of foods it serves from vegan nachos to a captain crunch milkshake. One must have if you go is the bread pudding, but you have to get it a la mode (a big scoop of ice cream). You will not regret it.

3. Golden West Café: A quaint café offering Tex-Mex cuisine and staple brunch foods. The atmosphere is warm yet fresh. It also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, but also looks to please carnivores; serving up pancakes with bacon in them. One must have if you go is one of their quesadilla, absolutely delicious.

4. Rocket to Venus: A trendy bar and restaurant that has a great atmosphere and amazing artwork. You know you have arrived at the restaurant when you see a cute little rocket on top of the building. It offers bar food staples like spicy buffalo wings, but also insane innovations like PB&J pancake battered and fried sandwich. One must have if you go are the fried pickles.

5. Grano Pasta Bar: A little hole in the wall that is able to transport you to Italy. It only has about three tables and a long countertop with stools. It is a perfect place for a casual date night as it has a nice ambiance but serves up simple yet fulfilling dishes at an average price of $10. One must have if you go is the linguini with the vodka sauce, every twirl and bite are magical.

Perfect for Special Occasions

6. Food Market: Not exactly a market, but truly a mecca of food. It has an industrial feel to the restaurant. It offers upscale American food like beef short ribs with mash potatoes or a grilled pork chop. Service is top notch and your glass is always full. One must have if you go is the Amish soft pretzels with the beer-cheese fondue, its whimsical vibes make for any special occasion.

7. Woodberry Kitchen: A farm to table restaurant truly coining the term. Walking into the main dining room, you are welcomed by high ceiling and wood lined walls with shelves of their homemade pickles and fixings. All of the wait staff is dress in flannels and aprons. The kitchen is open so you can see the chefs finishing the dishes. One must have if you go is the bakeshop board, (if attending for brunch) or the meatloaf (if attending for dinner), both lip-smacking delicious.

8. Ambassador Dining Room: A luxurious Indian restaurant in the heart of Baltimore (right by Johns Hopkins campus) serving dinner and a weekend brunch. The brunch buffet is a great deal of $25 including bottomless drinks. Vats of buttery naan are waiting for you. One must have if you go is the chicken tikka masala, creamy spicy chicken with fragrant rice.

9. Sotto Sopra: A classic yet modern restaurant serving Italian cuisine. All of their ingredients are extremely fresh and you can taste it in the quality of the food. The chefs create amazing food with minimal ingredients. One must have if you go is the squid ink pasta.

10. La Cuchara: A fairly new restaurant serving a mix of French and Spanish cuisine. When you first walk in you feel like you are a part of Burberry catalog shoot, tufted walls and dark wood surround you. Waiters serve you the most delicious bread and perfectly salty butter. The menu is extensive, but not overwhelming. One must have if you go patatas bravas, garlicky spicy potatoes.