A guide to Baltimore’s food scene

Baltimore has a rich and diverse food scene, influenced by its waterfront location, immigrant population, and industrial heritage. From classic crab cakes to snowballs to pit beef, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Baltimore.

Iconic Baltimore foods

• Maryland blue crab: Crab is king in Maryland, and Baltimore is one of the best places to try it. You can find crab cakes, crab soup, and other crab dishes at restaurants all over the city.
• Snowballs: Snowballs are a Baltimore summer staple. These shaved ice treats are topped with syrups and flavorings, and they’re the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
• Smith Island cake: Smith Island cake is a dense, chocolatey cake with seven layers of cake and icing. It’s a popular dessert at weddings and other special occasions.
• Berger cookies: Berger cookies are a Baltimore classic. These chocolate chip cookies are made with a secret recipe and have been enjoyed by locals for generations.
• Pit beef: Pit beef is a thinly sliced beef cooked over a pit fire. It’s typically served on a bun with horseradish and barbecue sauce.
• Natty Boh: Natty Boh is a Baltimore-brewed beer that’s been a local favorite for over 100 years. It’s a light, refreshing beer perfect for enjoying on a hot day.
• Coddie: Coddie is a traditional Baltimore dish made with cod, hard-boiled eggs, and crackers. It’s a popular comfort food that’s often served on holidays.

Where to eat in Baltimore

Baltimore has many restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Here are a few suggestions for where to eat in Baltimore:

• Fells Point: Fells Point is a historic waterfront neighborhood with a vibrant dining scene. Some popular restaurants in Fells Point include Thames Street Oyster House, Nick’s Fish House, and Faidley’s Seafood.
• Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon is a charming neighborhood with a mix of independent shops and restaurants. Some popular restaurants in Mount Vernon include The Bygone, Alma Cocina Latina, and Clementine.
• Canton: Canton is a trendy neighborhood with a mix of new and established restaurants. Some popular restaurants in Canton include Thames Street Oyster House, Rye Street Tavern, and Woodberry Kitchen.
• Little Italy: Little Italy is a historic neighborhood with various Italian restaurants. Some popular restaurants in Little Italy include Di Pasquale’s Italian Marketplace, Sabatino’s, and Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop.
• Hampden: Hampden is a quirky neighborhood with a mix of independent shops and restaurants. Some popular restaurants in Hampden include The Avenue, Blue Moon Cafe, and Woodberry Kitchen.

Must-try Baltimore dishes

If you’re visiting Baltimore, there are a few dishes that you need to try:

• Crab cakes: Crab cakes are a Baltimore staple, and there are many great places to find them. Some popular restaurants for crab cakes include Faidley’s Seafood, Nick’s Fish House, and Thames Street Oyster House.
• Snowballs: Snowballs are a Baltimore summer staple. You can find snowballs all over the city, but some popular spots include Hampstead Snowballs, Snoballs of Baltimore, and Chaps Pit Beef.
• Pit beef: Pit beef is a Baltimore classic. You can find pit beef at many restaurants around the city, but some popular spots include Chaps Pit Beef, Don’s Pit Beef, and Attman’s Deli.
• Natty Boh: Natty Boh is a Baltimore-brewed beer that’s been a local favorite for over 100 years. You can find Natty Boh at most bars and restaurants in the city.

Other Baltimore food experiences

In addition to eating at restaurants, there are other ways to experience Baltimore’s food scene. Here are a few ideas:

• Visit a public market: Baltimore has several markets with fresh produce, meats, seafood, and other food items. Some popular public markets in Baltimore include Lexington Market, Cross Street Market, and Hollins Market.
• Take a food tour: Several companies offer tours of Baltimore’s food scene. These tours are a great way to learn about the city’s food history and try dishes from various restaurants.
• Attend a food festival: Baltimore hosts several food festivals throughout the year. These festivals are a great way to sample food from various vendors and learn about the city’s diverse cuisine.