Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Baltimore / Maryland

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Baltimore / Maryland? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

One Coastal

4.9

4.9 (1952)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Fenwick Island

About the restaurant

Indulge in an extraordinary dining experience, where we wholeheartedly champion responsible agriculture, local watermen, and the art of serving really good food. Led by James Beard Nominated chef and owner, Matthew Kern, our restaurant is a testament to his culinary expertise and unwavering dedication to showcase the best of Delaware.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Kern's commitment extends to our exceptional staff, making every visit a memorable exploration of the heart and soul that sets our gem apart. Join us to enjoy a drink, savor a meal, and see for yourself what makes this place so special.

Top review

Matt

Dined 3 days ago

The best experience I've had in years. The food and cocktails are incredible. Our server, Chloe, was genuinely warm and friendly, even during a busy dinner service. I can't say enough good things about this place.

t at The General Store

4.8

4.8 (731)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

St Michaels / Tilghman Island

About the restaurant

We offer a local farm-to-table menu. Best described as American cuisine with a healthy twist, we prepare our dishes fresh daily. We use no added salt, bringing tea infusion as a flavor and spice. We have a full bar with hand-crafted cocktail specials. Located inside the historic Royal Oak General Store, you will find a fun, modern decor.

Top review

Veronikavip

Dined 2 days ago

Just excellent food every single time - I think we have tried everything on the menu a few times! Family owned, cozy, and relaxed place! Perfect for casual dining and bringing your family out to dinner. One time we had 12 people with us and they have a 12 people giant wood dining table in the middle of the restaurant, which was totally perfect for us. Highly recommended!

Water for Chocolate

4.8

4.8 (301)

$30 and under

American

Upper Fells Point

About the restaurant

Water for Chocolate provides an intimate and savory experience with a nod to personal space and service.
Chef Sean Guy and his team prepares creative dishes using seasonal ingredients with the best of intentions.
The result is a fresh, eclectic take on comfort food that elevates the familiar to wow!!
Pairings with "holistic cocktails" such as the house brewed ginger beer and a selected wine portfolio allows for guests to create real dining memories.

Top review

Nosizwe

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

Came to visit family in Baltimore and ended up finding this lovely restaurant by Chef Sean Guy! Incredible dinner I had with my aunt. We loved evening. The food was full of flavor, great presentation and you can tell it’s made with love. Will definitely come here again on my next visit. Cheers to the Chef and team! A must visit. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Experience

dinner prix fixe (four course)

The Federal Rehoboth

4.8

4.8 (432)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

What started as a food truck concept in 2019 then became a beachside bistro in 2021. The Federal, located just a short block from the famed Rehoboth Beach boardwalk has become a full-service, beach casual, fine-dining bistro. The demure restaurant now hosts the two concepts in one space - you can enjoy fritters before dinner, for a happy hour snack, or go for a boardwalk stroll. Federal Fritter menu features a variety of crisp, poppable & snackable fritters, while The Federal menu expands on a way of eating that best defines Todd & Ellen's culinary style, the menu reads like a postcard from the Mid-Atlantic. Chef Gray pays careful attention to the seasons, honoring what the Delmarva region harvests.

Top review

donzie

Dined 3 days ago

We enjoyed everything we ordered. Had to get fritters in addition to our entrees. I was worried it would be too much food, but the portion sizes are reasonable. I had the house-made gnocchi with seafood in a saffron cream sauce and it was delicious. Service was very attentive. I don’t think many people know about this place. We will definitely be back and bringing friends next time.

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Drift- Seafood & Raw Bar

4.8

4.8 (806)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

Drift specializes in exceptionally sourced and prepared seafood which reflects the rich culinary traditions of our region. We have created a unique and intimate atmosphere as well as a carefully curated beverage program. We hope you enjoy every aspect of your dining experience with Drift.

Drift brings to Rehoboth Beach a premier raw bar and seafood restaurant in an elevated dining environment. Our daily menu varies as we focus on sourcing only the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. We communicate directly with our network of providers to ensure only the best ingredients are selected. We believe the geography of Rehoboth Beach provides an opportunity to showcase the truly unique and diverse seafood and produce found in our area.

Top review

frank

Dined 3 days ago

By far one of the best dining experiences we have had in a while. Our server Daniel was top notch. The food was phenomenal and all of the staff signed a cute bday card for my husband. Wonderful evening out with friends at our new favorite restaurant!!!

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Popular dish

Maine Lobster French Toast

Popular dish

Crispy Atlantic Swordfish Schnitzel

Popular dish

Maryland Blue Crab Hushpuppies

Bodhi Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (324)

$30 and under

International

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

OUR MANTRA
Travel through the moon gate to Bodhi Kitchen, modern Asian cuisine with a twist located in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Bodhi's brand is minimal yet bold, utilizing the iconic shape of the moon gate to transport diners through the garden and into the escape that is Bodhi.

THE BODHI KITCHEN PHILOSOPHY
Bodhi Kitchen features an innovative Asian-inspired menu with flavor-forward dishes riffing on Thai, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese flavors to create something entirely new. This is our modern take on street food and Asian night markets.

Please note that the Bodhi Kitchen staff will try to accommodate any request(s) made but all requests are not guaranteed.

Top review

Thomasvip

Dined 6 days ago

Always an amazing experience. One of our favorites. Brought my sister and her friend for the first time and they loved it. The soup dumplings, OMG!

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Popular dish

Southern Thai Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Popular dish

Soup Dumplings

The Dive Club

4.8

4.8 (121)

$30 and under

Seafood

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Join us on the USS N. Nectar as we set sail across the Chesapeake Bay in search of the infamous Chessie.

During your journey, enjoy Shareable Plates, and Tropical Cocktails inspired by the Captains many adventures around the globe.

*We are a themed restaurant, and not an actual boat on the water*

Top review

Mary Ellen

Dined 6 days ago

Great food and great service! Highly recommend if you’re visiting downtown Cambridge, MD !

The Libation Room

4.7

4.7 (341)

$50 and over

Speakeasy

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

PLEASE NOTE: We are a 21+ establishment. Thank you for your understanding.

The Libation Room is a speakeasy-style ultra lounge in the back room of the famous Summer House in Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. The Libation Room offers full Summer House menus plus a secret craft cocktail & tapas menu. Walk-ins are welcomed after 9:30pm.

Top review

Scottvip

Dined 7 days ago

WOW!!!!! Had the pork chop which was the special of the day on Friday 9/6/24 - it was DELICIOUS - PLEASE PUT THIS ON THE NEW FALL MENU!!

The Melting Pot - Towson

4.5

4.5 (1879)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Towson

About the restaurant

The Melting Pot in Towson offers an extraordinary dining experience that you won't find at any other restaurant. Here, you'll discover all the ingredients to a perfect evening, including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and fabulous four-course dinners. No matter what the occasion, from a romantic date to get-togethers with friends, meetings or large groups, The Melting Pot always hits the spot. We believe in celebrating the everyday, so you don’t need a special reason to come out for our delicious menu offerings.

Your experience begins with rich cheese fondues prepared table-side. Your taste buds will be delighted by a fresh salad course. The third course is diverse selections of entrées choice ranging from steak, seafood, gluten free and vegetarian options! The finale fourth course is Chocolate Fondue served with decadent dippers.

We are sure the time and rich conversations around our steamy fondue pots will bring you closer to family and friends.

Top review

Holly

Dined 6 days ago

Lovely experience for a family birthday celebration!

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Experience

Celebration Squishie Fondue Pot Stuffed Toy $25

Clove and Cardamom

4.4

4.4 (145)

$30 and under

Indian

Columbia

About the restaurant

To create an ambiance where you can savor specialized Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, Greek, and Indian cuisines to suit your moods.

Top review

Danvip

Dined on Aug 27, 2024

The Tikka Masala lunch special consists of five different items - all delicious, though the lamb Tikka Masala portion could have been a bit more generous. The Chaat Somosa was also a nice collection of flavors and textures and a nice portion size. You can’t go wrong with the Shiha Kurma - I’ve lamb and chicken. Very flavorful and generously sized - left- overs.

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