RESTAURANTS Two rules of dining in Baltimore: Don’t leave town without going mano a mano with a platter of steamed crabs or losing your heart to a luscious lump crab cake, and see for yourself how Baltimore earned its reputation for serving up some of the best Italian food on the eastern seaboard. Here are some recommended spots gleaned from reader polls and restaurant reviews:
Obrycki’s is consistently voted Best of Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine for steamed crabs. It’s a classic crab house with expense-account prices and is said to be a favorite of one-time Baltimore resident, Oprah Winfrey (1727 E Pratt St., 410.732.6399).
Baltimore’s alternative weekly gives the nod to informal and affordable L.P. Steamers. Follow the City Paper‘s in-the-know suggestions: request a roof-top table and accompany your crustaceans with a pitcher of Natty Bo (1100 E. Fort Ave., 410.576.9294).
Good choices for crab cakes include casual Bo Brooks Restaurant on the waterfront in trendy Canton (2701 Boston St., 410.558.0202) and Regi’s American Bistro, a cozy Federal Hill eatery where the rest of the menu equals the excellence of its pan-seared crab cakes (1002 Light St., 410.539.7344).
The dueling aromas of red sauce and cannoli define the Little Italy neighborhood. At Aldo’s (306 S. High St., 410.727.0700), named “most romantic” in a recent poll, tuxedoed waiters pamper patrons. Folks at the City Paper like Sabatino’s (901 Fawn St., 410.727.9414) row house location, thoughtful service, and “portions hearty enough to make you feel like you’re visiting Grandma.” Affordable and attractive Germano’s Trattoria (300 S. High St., 410.752.4515), dishes up classic lasagne and risotto with fresh seafood and mushrooms. Dramatic Della Notte (801 Eastern Ave., 410.837.5500) presents house-made semolina gnocchi amid antique columns and busts of Roman emperors.
MORE DINING The Food Network called Corks “a must for those in and traveling through Baltimore.” The Federal Hill eatery has a passion for wine, but hearty entrees such as roasted quail and pan-seared duck breast get full attention, too (1026 S. Charles St., 410.752.3810).
At Charleston, a four-star fine-dining spot with a 600-bottle wine list and impeccable service, nationally recognized chef Cindy Wolf offers a $117 per guest tasting menu with wine pairings. Look for such goodies as cornmeal crusted oysters and wild rockfish carpaccio (1000 Lancaster St., 410.332.7373).
In Fells Point, Kali’s Court serves grilled whole fish, lamb, and Mediterranean dishes in an intimate, romantic atmosphere. Entrees are in the $20 to $25 range (1606 Thames St., 410.276.4700).
Unique Mount Vernon restaurants include the award-winning and affordable Helmand, an Afghan restaurant where you’ll find freshly prepared and intricately spiced meat and vegetable dishes infused with garlic, cardamom, and mint (806 N. Charles St., 410.752.0311). The Brewer’s Art is sophisticated and casual, set in an opulent century-old mansion that has been left comfortably worn rather than polished to perfection. Belgian-style ales and other house-made brews complement the innovative menu choices (1106 N. Charles St., 410.547.6925).
NIGHTCAPS WITH A VIEW High atop the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Pisces is intimate and elegant, with soft lights and comfy seating. On weekends, live jazz enhances the panoramic harbor views (300 Light St., 410.528.1234).