20 of Baltimore's best restaurants, according to local influencers
The local trendy restaurants to check out when you're in Baltimore for Natural Products Expo East.
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Ekiben Cuisine: Asian Fusion Neighborhood: Fells Point Distance from BCC: 1.7 miles, 30-minute walk; 10-minute drive Ekiben is a crowd pleaser that has something for everyone, even despite the size of its curated menu. Though the offerings are few, those dishes are executed extremely well, causing Ekiben to see many repeat customers. I always go straight for the Tofu Brah ($10-$13), which you can get in a bun or bowl, featuring crispy tofu in peanut sauce with tropical slaw and rice. If if I'm feeling ambitious, I'll add a side of the Tempura Broccoli ($5.50). Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; closed on Sunday Ekibenbaltimore.com; 410-558-1914 Recommended by Megan of Crunchy Vegan
Golden West Cafe Cuisine: Americana and Southwest Comfort Neighborhood: Hampden Distance from BCC: 4.4 miles, 16-minute drive We vote Golden West Cafe as the Best in Baltimore for omnivore to vegan cuisine! With a charming, eclectic atmosphere and situated on the famous ‘The Avenue’ in the Hampden, this spot is good way to feed your crew. We head there for brunch and dig into the Vegan Shrimp and Grits ($17). Yeah, they're as amazing as they look. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Goldenwestcafe.com; 410-889-8891 Recommended by Roe and E of Brown Kids
Liquid Earth Cuisine: Vegan Neighborhood: Fells Point Distance from BCC: 1.7 miles, 31-minute walk, 11-minute drive Liquid Earth is the go-to destination for Baltimore’s growing vegetarian, vegan, raw and living foods enthusiasts. With a focus on local and organic produce, this small, yet charming restaurant offers raw pizza, burgers, salads, soups, smoothies and shots. I recommend the Royal Flush ($6.50) a fresh-squeezed juice of pineapple, pear, ginger and aloe juice served in a Pyrex beaker – can you say ‘Photo op’? Hours: Wed-Sun 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Closed Mon and Tues Liquidearth.com; 410-276-6606 Recommended by Chelsea of That's Chelsea
Points South Latin Kitchen Cuisine: Latin American, 100% Gluten-Free Menu Neighborhood: Fells Point Distance from BCC: 1.9 miles, 34-minute walk; 12-minute drive Housed in a prime Harbor location, the ambiance at Points South Latin Kitchen is upscale casual and the drink list is extensive. The menu boasts many flavorful meat and seafood options. My favorites are the Spicy Shrimp with Peruvian Pepper Sauce and Gallo Pinto ($28) and Grilled Yellowfin/Bluefin Tuna with Roasted Wild Mushrooms and Yuca Dumplings ($32). A few of the small plates, such as the Calamari with Eggplant ($12) or Shrimp Skewers with Creamy Mojo ($12), combined with a vegetable side or two (hello Crispy Fried Brussels Sprouts), would also make a satisfying meal. Private dining available. Hours: Mon-Fri 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat brunch 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Dinner 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pointssouthbaltimore.com; 443-563-2018 Recommended by Jules of gfJules
Naked Lunch Cuisine: Vegetarian Neighborhood: Hampden Distance from BCC: 5.1 miles, 16-minute drive This all-organic lunch spot is nestled inside MOM’s Organic Market in the heart of Hampden. If you’re experiencing “expo belly” and just need something fresh, head here where you can count on veggie-loaded steamed bowls, salads, vegan burgers, soups, muffins, fresh raw juices and homemade kombucha. We opt for the daily homemade vegan muffin ($2) and the Chick Pea Cauliflower Tacos with Vegan Cream Dressing and Avocado ($10). Add a dash of Siracha and bask in your healthy lunch that supports a fellow natural retailer! Hours: Every day 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Momsorganicmarket.com/nakedlunch; 667-219-2500 Recommended by Trudy and Jet of The Geneus Life
Land of Kush Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian Neighborhood: Mt. Vernon Distance from BCC: 1.4 miles, 26-minute walk; 9-minute drive Even though the line can be long and the seats are always filled at Land of Kush, don’t let that deter you from stopping here for your fill of plant-based Southern comfort food! Everything is savory, from the Kush BBQ Ribs ($8) to the Vegan Baked Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens and Candied Yams (each $5). Make sure you wash down your soul food meal with a glass of the homemade lemonade. Hours: Mon-Wed and Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Thurs 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Landofkush.com; 410-225-5874 Recommended by Jaz of J.Chavae
Hilo Poké & Sushi Cuisine: Sushi Neighborhood: Remington Distance from BCC: 3.9 miles, 12-minute drive This sushi bar is housed inside R.House—a modern food hall in the up and coming Remington neighborhood. Close to the Johns Hopkins University campus, R.House is a great people-watching spot where you’ll see an eclectic mix of doctors, students, young families and millennials hanging around for the hip vibe and free Wi-Fi. Hilo offers fresh sushi and poke bowls made to order right in front of you. All of their signature items can be made into a poké bowl, burrito or salad. I like to order Remington’s Garden that comes with a delicious truffle vinaigrette ($12). Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Hilopokesushi.com; 443-681-1910 Recommended by Jules of gfJules
Stall 11 Cuisine: 100% Plant-Based Neighborhood: Remington Distance from BCC: 3.9 miles, 13-minute drive Recently named the “Best Vegan Restaurant” by Baltimore Magazine, Stall 11 is every plant-based eater’s dream and appeals to flexitarians, too. Also located in the R.House Food Hall, Stall 11 has several heavy standouts, including the Loaded Mac ‘N Cheeze, Funghi Philly Sandwich, and the Bacon Chedda Burger. However, my favorite item is the Korean BBQ Cauliflower Bites ($10), which are vegan and gluten-free. Hours: Sun-Wed 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Closed on Thurs; Fri-Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Stall11baltimore.co; 443-681-1911 Recommended by Chelsea of thatschelsea.com
Ampersea Cuisine: Fine Dining, Seafood Neighborhood: Fells Point Distance from BCC: 1.8 miles, 33-minute walk; 14-minute drive This hidden, waterfront wonder is a mission-driven, modern restaurant with a fine-dining focus. Menu items feature produce locally grow by the Baltimore youth who attend the restaurant's farm education partner school, Living Classrooms Baltimore. When you get there, make sure to do three things: 1. ask for a table with a view, 2. ask for Chef Nelson's Special and 3. if it's during happy hour, ask for a Cocktail Du Jour ($6). This is our favorite way to enjoy the harbor. Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Ampersea.com; 443-681-5310 Recommended by Roe and E of Brown Kids
L’Eau de Vie Organic Brasserie Cuisine: Plant-based French Neighborhood: Fells Point Distance from BCC: 1.6 miles, 30-minute walk, 10-minute drive This seasonally minded restaurant serves up delicate and delicious plant-based appetizers, paninis, sandwiches, salads and dinner plates with a homey vibe and French flavor infusion. You’ll be greeted with a warm hello and can chose from indoor or patio seating. If you go, we highly recommend the Crispy Frites served with a variety of housemade dipping sauces ($8). While you’re there, pick up one of the fresh juices or smoothies ($8) that are nutritious and worth every penny. Brunch served on the weekends. Hours: Mon-Tues 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wed-Fri 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. organicbrasserie.com; 443-759-8758 Recommended by Trudy and Jet of The Geneus Life
The GruB Factory Cuisine: Vegan Comfort Neighborhood: Mount Vernon Distance from BCC: 1.4 miles, 31-minute walk; 14-minute drive Okay, there's only one thing to say about this place: Best. Vegan. Mac. And. Cheese. In. The. City. Period. The oooiest, gooiest, cheesiest, soy-free, vegan Mac and Cheese you'll probably ever eat, and for under five bucks, no less! I mean look at it. For attendees looking for a bit more comfort food in their plant-based plates, look no further. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 443-602-7018 Recommended by Roe and E of Brown Kids
Thames Street Oyster House Cuisine: Seafood Neighborhood: Fells Point Distance from BCC: 1.8 miles, 35-minute walk; 11-minute drive Thames Street Oyster House is, hands down, the best place to get seafood in Baltimore—and I would know because I’ve tried them all. The New England Lobster Roll ($28) is my favorite and it's stuffed to the brim with tail meat (the sweetest part of a lobster). The shrimp are the largest I've seen in my life and the oysters are fresh as can be. It's not all about the size, though, as everything served here is top quality and rave-worthy delicious. Reservations are a must, but if you’re lucky you can sometimes snag a last-minute spot at the bar or outdoor patio. Hours: Lunch Wed – Sun 11:30 – 2:30 p.m.; Dinner Sun – Thurs 5 – 9:30 p.m. (raw bar open until 10:30 p.m.) and Fri-Sat 5 – 10:30 p.m. (raw bar open until 11:30 p.m.) Thamesstreetoysterhouse.com; 443-449-7726 Recommended by Jordan of JZ Eats
Paulie Gee’s Cuisine: Wood-fired pizza Neighborhood: Hampden Distance from BCC: 4.7 miles, 18-minute drive For made-to-order wood-fired pizzas that are loaded with local ingredients, it doesn’t better than Paulie Gees. It has a robust menu of vegan pizzas (oooh, with the most delicious creamy cashew dollops!), as well as unique combinations for flexitarians to omnivores. It is hard to choose a favorite pizza from their menu but my top three are In Ricotta Da Vegan, Vegan Greenpointer, and The Heat is On ($15-$19) while omni friends might dig the Blue Pit Brisket or Hellboy Pizza, featuring Bershire hot soppressata and hot honey. Hours: Tues-Thurs 6 – 10 p.m.; Fri 6 p.m. – midnight; Sat 1 p.m. – midnight; Sun 1 – 9 p.m.; Closed on Mon Pauliegee.com; 410-889-1048 Recommended by M’assiel Alejandra
Sweet27 Cuisine: Global café, Gluten-free bakery Neighborhood: Charles Village Distance from BCC: 2.7 miles, 15-minute drive This multicultural bar, café, restaurant and bakery is a fusion of global cuisines and special diets. Vegans to meat-eaters will have a lot to choose from in this two-sided space, where the options only increase after 4:30 p.m. when the restaurant side opens. My go-to entree is the Garlic Tomato Shrimp ($12) with a side of Plantains and Black Beans ($4.50) and Garlic Mashed Potatoes (can you tell I love garlic!?) Don’t leave this place without picking up a gluten-free cupcake from the café/bakery side. They are incredibly moist, and I dream about the Carrot Cake Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting—it is EVERYTHING! Hours: Café and Bakery Mon-Sun 9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Restaurant and Bar Sun-Thurs 4:30 – 10:30 p.m. and Fri-Sat 4:30 – 10:30 p.m. Sweet27.com; 410-464-7211 Recommended by Jaz of J.Chavae
Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse Cuisine: All Vegan Everything Neighborhood: Mount Vernon Distance from BCC: 1.6 miles, 29-minute walk; 13-minute drive This worker-owned and -operated coffeehouse and bookstore is more than just a place to park for the afternoon with your laptop. This hidden gem is one of the best vegan restaurants we've visited. Seriously. For a casual lunch, you won’t be disappointed with the hot Reuben Sandwich ($9) piled high with brined seitan and sauerkraut. If brunch is more your style, we recommend a short stack of Lemon Blueberry Pancakes ($8). They are the most deliciously moist, vegan pancakes you’ll ever taste. Trust us, just go—and stay for the bookstore below. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Closed on Monday Redemmas.org; 410-601-3072 Recommended by Roe and E of Brown Kids
sweetgreen Cuisine/Offerings: Seasonal Bowls Neighborhood: Fells Point Distance from BCC: 1.4 miles, 25-minute walk; 9-minute drive If you’re the kind of person that craves a hearty salad, this is the stop for you. With locations along the east coast, Sweetgreen’s menu changes five times per year in order to showcase in-season produce and support local farmers. This fast-casual restaurant offers an assortment of colorful salads and grain-veggie-protein bowls ($10 - $12). I love to order the Hummus Tahina (insider tip: add the corn and sweet potato). Hours: Mon-Wed 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Thurs 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Fri-Sun 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. sweetgreen.com; 410-537-5006 Recommended by Jaz of J.Chavae
honeygrow Cuisine: Stir-Fry Neighborhood: Harbor Point Distance from BCC: 1.5 miles, 28-minute walk; 11-minute drive Order one of the classic stir-fries or create your own from a selection of noodles, plant- and animal-based proteins, vegetables, sauces and a plethora of toppings and garnishes ($10-$12). Here’s my recipe for success: Rice noodles, sesame garlic sauce, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts, broccoli, red onion, sesame seeds and fried shallots. Place your order on one of the large digital screens and watch the cooks get to work making your food! Don't forget to add a fresh-pressed juice or honeybar (made just from fruit and honey) to round out your meal. Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. honeygrow.com; 667-212-3934 Recommended by Jaz of J.Chavae
Charm School Chocolate Cuisine: Chocolate, Coffee Neighborhood: Hunt Valley Distance from BCC: 17.7 miles; 28-minute drive Chocolate lovers of all kinds should check out this new sweet spot just north of the city line. Charm School Chocolate handcrafts vegan coconut-milk chocolates from scratch, importing cocao directly from growers. After sorting, roasting, winnowing and grinding the beans (and inserting a little artistic magic), Chef Rosen—a Maryland-born chocolatier—creates award-winning bars and confections ($8). Inquire about tours of the chocolate factory, which are not yet offered at press time, but coming soon. CSC also serves Brewing Good Coffee, a Maryland-based coffee roaster who, with the slogan "Drink Coffee. Save Animals," donates 10% of all sales to animal non-profits. Hours: Fri 4 – 8 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; closed Mon-Thurs Charmschoolchocolate.com; [email protected] Recommended by Megan of Crunchy Vegan
Bmore Licks Cuisine: Ice cream Neighborhood: Canton Distance from BCC: 2.2 miles, 44-minute walk; 12-minute drive Celebrate a successful Expo East with a few scoops from Baltimore’s premiere ice cream parlor. This impressive sweet spot offers more than 100 flavors of handmade ice cream, including several vegan options (which is our jam!). Trudy’s favorite non-dairy ice cream flavors are the Banana, Coffee Oreo and Chocolate ($6-$8). Don’t forget to snap a photo next to the giant ice cream mural wall at this go-to dessert spot in Bmore! Hours: Every day 12 – 10 p.m. Bmorelicks.com; 410-732-5425 Recommended by Trudy and Jet of The Geneus Life
Pure Chocolate By Jinji Cuisine: Dessert, Chocolate Neighborhood: Mid-Govans Distance from BCC: 9 miles, 22-minute drive Do you love organic chocolate? According to City Paper (and me, too), you can find the best organic chocolate in Baltimore nestled inside Belvedere Square Market. At Jinji’s retail shop, indulge in sweet treats like truffles, fudge and bark. Take some of their liquid chocolate to go as a keepsake from Baltimore to use in or on your desserts at home. Stick around to explore all the other marketing offerings, including lobster rolls, smoked sandwiches, ramen, bagels, quick-fired pizza and crepes. All Jinji’s chocolates are free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Jinjichocolate.com; 410-394-9901 Recommended by Chelsea of That's Chelsea
Pure Chocolate By Jinji Cuisine: Dessert, Chocolate Neighborhood: Mid-Govans Distance from BCC: 9 miles, 22-minute drive Do you love organic chocolate? According to City Paper (and me, too), you can find the best organic chocolate in Baltimore nestled inside Belvedere Square Market. At Jinji’s retail shop, indulge in sweet treats like truffles, fudge and bark. Take some of their liquid chocolate to go as a keepsake from Baltimore to use in or on your desserts at home. Stick around to explore all the other marketing offerings, including lobster rolls, smoked sandwiches, ramen, bagels, quick-fired pizza and crepes. All Jinji’s chocolates are free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Jinjichocolate.com; 410-394-9901 Recommended by Chelsea of That's Chelsea
As you make your travel and show schedule for Natural Products Expo East this September 11-14, don’t forget to build in some time to visit one or more of Baltimore’s trendy eateries. We asked local influencers for their dining recommendations and the dishes that keep them going back for seconds. Whether you’re hungry for an off-the-beaten-path plant-based café, in need of a quick lunch at a local market, or craving an upscale experience where the seafood flows, here are 20 pit stops that won’t disappoint.
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