The 20 Best Restaurants in Maryland

Manor Hill Tavern is a bustling spot in the center of town, known for its flavorful pizzas and its own house-brewed beers. Multiple dining rooms and a lively crowd create an energetic yet comfortable setting. Attentive, professional service and clean, well-kept surroundings round out the relaxed tavern experience.

Iron Bridge Wine Company offers contemporary American cuisine with a strong emphasis on wine pairings. Guests enjoy carefully prepared dishes such as seafood, paella, and seasonal small plates, along with indulgent desserts. The atmosphere suits both quiet dinners and relaxed gatherings, and attentive staff help guide food and wine selections for a polished dining experience.

Bud’s at Silver Run offers a varied American menu with notable seafood, burgers, creative appetizers, and classic desserts like cheesecake and crème brûlée. The dining room and bar are bright and well kept, with linen-topped tables adding a touch of formality. Attentive staff and a chef who often visits the dining room contribute to a personable, welcoming experience suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Mannequin Pis Belgian Bistro offers classic Belgian cuisine in an unassuming, intimate setting with a few outdoor tables. Guests highlight expertly prepared mussels, crisp pommes frites with aioli, and Belgian waffles, along with seasonal dishes like halibut and wild mushroom ragout. An extensive selection of Belgian beers and lambics, paired with attentive, knowledgeable service, rounds out the experience.

Caroline's in Denton offers inventive American cuisine with thoughtful flavor, color, and texture combinations, from refined soups to brunch favorites and a noted Korean-style seafood pancake. Guests describe a cozy, intimate dining room with vintage character and a charming bar for cocktails and desserts. Service is attentive, and a more casual sidebar offers pizza in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bridges Restaurant on Kent Narrows offers waterfront dining with broad views of the bay, docks, and passing boats, especially pleasant from the outdoor decks. The menu focuses on seafood, with dishes like crab cakes, crab-topped specialties, and tuna sashimi. Well-made cocktails and desserts complement the meal, while attentive service contributes to a smooth, relaxed experience.

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse offers a traditional churrasco experience, with skewered meats carved tableside and a generous market table featuring Brazilian-inspired salads and sides. Guests highlight the flavorful cuts, warm cheese bread, and classic accompaniments. Attentive, knowledgeable staff and a waterfront setting contribute to an energetic yet polished atmosphere.

Arturo's Trattoria offers upscale Italian cooking in an unassuming setting, featuring thoughtfully prepared seafood, house specialties like creative mozzarella starters, and classic desserts. Fresh bread and carefully made sauces highlight the kitchen’s attention to detail. Attentive, accommodating service and an engaged owner contribute to a polished yet welcoming dining experience.

Manalú Italian Restaurant offers classic Italian dishes, from well-prepared appetizers like bruschetta to hearty entrees and fresh salads. The kitchen accommodates a range of dietary needs, with options tailored for various allergies. A bustling dining room and enclosed patio create an energetic setting, while attentive staff and occasional live accordion serenades add to the experience.

Set in a historic 18th-century inn, The Elkridge Furnace Inn offers a cozy, charming setting for intimate dinners and special gatherings. The kitchen focuses on thoughtfully prepared dishes, featuring garden-grown vegetables and seasonal ingredients. Guests highlight creative appetizers, such as fruit-accented bruschetta and ricotta with figs, along with rich soups and elegant desserts like chocolate espresso brûlée.

The Smokehouse Restaurant at Antrim 1844 offers a refined multi-course dining experience, beginning with cocktails and hand-served hors d’oeuvres in the main house. Personalized, chef-guided menus showcase carefully presented dishes, often preceded by a complimentary creation from the kitchen. Attentive, professional service and options such as wine pairings, including in the cozy wine cellar, create an elegant, unhurried evening.

Delhi Spice offers flavorful Indian cuisine with thoughtful presentation, from distinctive samosas to richly prepared classics like tikka masala and saag paneer. Portions are satisfying and dishes are described as both rich and well-balanced. Attentive, personable service and a welcoming host create an inviting atmosphere for both small and large groups.

Persimmon offers a classic American menu featuring seafood, steaks, and other familiar favorites, with dishes like salmon, scallops, and braised short ribs noted by guests. Linen-covered tables and a lively bar create an upscale yet comfortable setting. Service is attentive and personable, with long-tenured staff contributing to a consistently reliable dining experience. A focused wine list, including options from Burgundy, complements the food.

Jimmy Joy's Log Cabin Inn serves hearty American comfort food, with diners praising the prime rib, burgers, seafood, and generous sandwiches. Sides such as crisp fries, mashed potatoes with gravy, and sweet coleslaw receive frequent compliments. A casual, rustic setting and attentive, accommodating service create a relaxed and satisfying dining experience.

Cactus Taverna offers a blend of seafood and Latin-inspired dishes, from stuffed grouper and paella to fresh chips and salsa. Generous portions and carefully prepared plates are frequently noted, along with attentive, accommodating service. A relaxed, lively dining room, sometimes accompanied by piano music, adds to the experience, and desserts can include regional specialties such as Smith Island cake.

Mad Chef Kitchen & Bar offers a lively dining experience centered on Latin-inspired dishes and abundant seafood. Guests highlight flavorful plates such as shrimp tacos, empanadas, mussels, and a generous seafood paella, along with creative desserts like a churro ice cream sandwich. A well-curated selection of beer, sangria, and other drinks complements the menu, while attentive staff provide thoughtful recommendations in a comfortable, well-spaced setting.

Glenwood's (Stanford Kitchen) serves comforting American-style dishes, from sandwiches to steaks, alongside shareable appetizers and well-made cocktails. Guests highlight the attentive, accommodating service, whether seated on the patio or at the bustling bar. The atmosphere is relaxed yet polished, making it suitable for both everyday meals and special outings.

Bluestone Restaurant serves polished American cuisine, with crab cakes and ribs frequently praised for their flavor and tenderness. Guests highlight the consistent quality of the food across both regular dining and family celebrations. Private dining rooms, including an intimate alcove space, make it a popular choice for special events, supported by attentive, professional service.

The on-site restaurant offers classic American comfort food, from hearty breakfast buffets with fresh coffee to burgers, steaks, and salads. Guests note consistently flavorful dishes, including a well-prepared NY strip and house burgers. The dining room is clean and comfortable, with televisions available, and service is described as attentive, hospitable, and professional.