10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Baltimore

Faidley’s Seafood’s world-famous crab cakes is a must-try and no foodie guide to Baltimore would be complete without highlighting it. This joint is located in Lexington Market, one of the longest-running public markets in the USA. It also sources fresh and high-quality seafood every day, giving you a plethora of options besides crab cakes.

The standing-room-only oyster and clam bar is excellent for enjoying raw seafood, and a warm bowl of clam chowder makes for a comforting meal on a cold autumnal day. If you can’t decide on just 1 item, Faidley’s Pick Three Assortment Platter allows you to sample whatever catches your fancy. Try visiting in the mid-afternoon to avoid the downtown lunch invasion.

Annabel Lee Tavern is a cozy eatery in the Canton area of Baltimore. It has a literary flair, named after Edgar Allen Poe’s last poem. A contrast to the dark themes of the author’s writings, its vibe is warm and welcoming, the staff genial, and the food creative.

Start your evening with a serving of chunky buffalo mushrooms glazed in hot sauce or the refined blackened tuna wontons. For mains, try the Annabel Lee staple – tuna panini served on divine broiled flatbread. The accompanying cocktail list is full of Poe-themed concoctions with creative names, such as The Masque of the Red Death. Don’t leave without indulging in the gut-busting Edgar A. triple-chocolate pate. The tavern only has around 50 seats, so make sure to make a reservation ahead of time.

Located in Midtown Baltimore, The Helmand has been delighting locals with exotic Middle Eastern flavors since 1989. The menu has plenty of succulent meats and aromatic vegetable dishes that satisfy patrons’ hunger and curiosity.

The feature dish of The Helmand is kaddo borwani – a paradox of sweet and savory with pan-fried pumpkin drizzled with garlic-yoghurt sauce. Make sure to order a couple of servings of pillowy naan to polish off any leftover sauce, as well as an order of tender meatballs for a well-rounded meal. A fun fact about The Helmand – the owners are directly related to the former Afghan president, Hamid Karzai.

Chaps Pit Beef is a low-key stand serving up Baltimore’s famous pit beef sandwich. Located in the Pulaski Industrial Neighborhood, this no-frills sandwich shop has constant lines running around its building.

Here, the pit beef is directly cooked over charcoal, then thinly sliced before piled high on a soft bun. Finally, it’s topped with grated horseradish and raw onions. If you return for a second visit – which is highly likely – try the house-made pork sandwich. Pair either sandwich with one of Chaps Pit Beef's home-style sides and you'll have a very filling meal.

For a different type of Chesapeake seafood, head to Thames Street Oyster House, located in the historic Fells Point district. Enjoy a drink at the downstairs main bar, revel in gorgeous views of the bay from the upstairs dining area, or sip an Orange Crush on the peaceful patio.

Serving only the freshest seafood nightly, the loaded raw bar is a must-try for shellfish lovers. Divulge in a New England-style lobster roll or cast iron crab cakes, along with a tossed cucumber salad and a shareable lobster pie. Join the throng of local ‘yo-pros' taking advantage of dynamite weekday happy hour deals from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Di Pasquale’s Italian Marketplace is part cozy dining experience, part specialty food market. Featuring traditional Italian fare at its finest, this is a true Italian ‘bring-your-appetite’ adventure.

The homemade lasagna covered in made-fresh-daily mozzarella – meat or vegetable – is the go-to item for locals. But don’t stop there, order a delicious brick-oven pizza along with a warm bowl of minestrone. Top it all off with a cannoli or fried dough stuffed with Italian Nutella. The staff makes you feel like part of an Italian family, but don’t lollygag as DI Pasquale’s closes at 6 pm.

Woodberry Kitchen is a leader in Baltimore's farm-to-table movement, sourcing only seasonal produce from local farms. The brick walls and high ceilings shed light on its past as a forgotten steel mill, yet the natural light makes this 2-storey restaurant feel bright and airy. Patrons looking for an intimate dining experience should head to the cavernous upper level – otherwise, grab a seat in the chic main hall or massive patio.

The gluten-free menu is robust with options ranging from creative seafood dishes to zucchini topped flatbreads, indulgent desserts, and a stellar cocktail list. However, Baltimore natives truly flock to Woodberry Kitchen for 2 things – the Tilghman Island crab cake and the CMP (ice cream sundae topped with hot fudge and marshmallows).

Ekiben’s diminutive storefront is packed daily with patrons looking to divulge in its Asian fusion delicacies. Combining Ethiopian, Thai, Taiwanese and Indian flavors, the creative owners have made tofu and bean curds must-try dishes in Baltimore.

The fast-casual eatery is mostly known for its Neighbourhood Bird dish – Taiwanese-style fried chicken with sambal mayo and pickled cucumber. Make sure to grab a steamed bun sandwich before exploring Fells Point. Ekiben also has a popup menu on Wednesdays, serving seasonal dishes and local craft beers.

Petit Louis is Baltimore's go-to lunch spot, offering a French café ambience partnered with an impeccable menu. Situated north of the city, in the Roland Park neighbourhood, wine with lunch is absolutely acceptable here.

The rotating prix-fixe lunch menu is the best way to enjoy French cuisine. It offers unique appetizers such as squash beignets, hearty meat-based entrées, and scrumptious desserts such as chocolate mousse. Keep your eye out for the roaming cheese cart circling the tables regularly. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Station North Arts Café Gallery in Baltimore’s arts district combines beautiful local art with affordable comfort food. Here, colorful portraits and abstract art watch over you as you dig into a platter of stacked pancakes covered in syrup.

Simple home-cooked food is why locals flock to the cafe – standouts include the soft Belgian waffles and Reuben sandwich served with tomato soup. You’ll feel like you are eating in grandma's kitchen thanks to friendly banter and big smiles. Station North Arts Café Gallery is excellent for a quick lunch before gallery-hopping North Avenue for the day.