At first glance, Baltimore can seem a little rough around the edges. To non-natives, it's a tough-to-love city which they probably associate with gangs and violence due to the bad rep it's gotten in the past; but that's not all Baltimore is. Baltimore is a thriving city that also happened to come in second place on Zagat's Top 17 Food Cities of 2015, and being a Baltimore native and foodie myself, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots to munch:

1. The Local Fry

21 E Cross St
Baltimore, MD 21230

If you're a french fry fan, this place is a must-try. With over 15 different variations of fries as well as a selection of salads, sandwiches, and rice bowls, you won't have to worry about not having enough options.

My favorite: Kimchi Pork Fries

2. Thai Arroy

1019 Light St
Baltimore, MD 21230

While the inside of this restaurant is a little small and on a busy Friday night can seem a little cramped, this is probably one of the best Thai places in Baltimore. I wasn't super familiar with Thai food when I first started eating here so each visit was usually me pointing to a random item on the menu and hoping for the best. But I've never had a bad meal here; everything is good.

My favorite: Pad Krop with crispy pork, tofu tod (appetizer), mango sticky rice (dessert)

3. Tela Mares

318 S Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21231

Finding an authentic Latin restaurant can often be a struggle, but located in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore, Tela Mares definitely hits the spot. Offering a variety of Mexican, Salvadoran, and Honduran specials, there's definitely something for everyone here.

My favorite: Jalisco platter (Two beef enchiladas, one chicken taco, one pork tamale), pupusas revueltas (appetizer), horchata (beverage)

4. Charm City Wings & Waffles

807 Washington Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21230

If you're looking for some delicious greasy goodness for a reasonable price, this is the place to go. Chicken and waffles are their specialty but if that's not your thing, they still have a variety of salad and seafood options to choose from (their shrimp and grits are A+). They also provide over 10 different homemade sauces to choose from.

My favorite: 3 piece chicken & red velvet waffle

5. Dukem Restaurant

1100 Maryland Ave
Baltimore, MD 21201

To those not familiar with Ethiopian cuisine, most of the food is served on a platter on top of injera bread (a type of sourdough flatbread with a spongy texture) with multiple filling options to eat it with. I usually have no clue what half the things on my plate are, but everything is always delicious and Dukem definitely serves some of the most flavorful meat I've ever eaten.

My favorite: Dukem Special Lamb Tibs, sambusa with meat (appetizer)

6. The Helmand

806 N Charles St
Baltimore, MD 21201

The dishes served at The Helmand are a wonderful fusion of flavors from India, Iran, Greece, and Afghanistan. On top of the delicious food, the service here is always exquisite with the servers making sure you want for nothing. If you eat nothing else here, make sure to at least try the kaddo borwani, an appetizer of pan-fried and baked baby pumpkin served with a yogurt garlic sauce. I'm not usually a fan of any type of squash, but I could eat this dish for days.

My favorite: Mantwo, kaddo borwani (appetizer)

7. Blue Moon Cafe

1621 Aliceanna S
Baltimore, MD 21231

Advertising "breakfast with a rock & roll attitude," Blue Moon Cafe definitely isn't your typical eatery and isn't something to miss out on. Most of the dishes are pretty heavy so there's no doubt you'll be leaving here fulfilled and even on the weekends when it can sometimes be an hour wait: it's worth it. If you get the Captain Crunch french toast, you'll be in for the best breakfast of your life.

My favorite: Captain Crunch french toast

8. Delights by Mina

105 N Charles St
Baltimore, MD 21201

This restaurant specializes in African dishes as well as offering a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes. The soup kandje, an African "gumbo" of beef, chicken, and shrimp served on rice with veggies is my absolute favorite and I'd definitely recommend trying it. The crepes are also all delicious and Mina's even offers a full breakfast menu.

My favorite: Soup kandje, raspberry lemon crepe

9. OK Oriental Food

2101 E Monument St
Baltimore, MD 21205

Located in Northeast Market by Johns Hopkins, this unassuming stall actually offers some pretty awesome Korean food.

My favorite: Chicken bulgogi and kimchi with lo mein and bean sprouts

10. Kilwins

1625 Thames St
Baltimore, MD 21231

So after you've eaten at all the other restaurants listed, I thought I'd give you a great place for dessert. The ice cream made here is their own original recipe and everything else is all hand-crafted.

My favorite: Apple Pie Caramel Apple (caramel apple dipped in white chocolate and dusted with cinnamon sugar)

I've thoroughly enjoyed these places over the years and will definitely miss them when I start college in the fall. So if you're ever in Baltimore, definitely stop by a couple of them. You won't be disappointed.