Baltimore Food Guide
This post has been long coming and I have been putting it off since I started Naturally Nicoletta 6 months ago (6 months?!!? CRAZY.) But I have decided that I owe it you all to put together some of my favorite spots in Baltimore. I still have a lot of restaurants in Baltimore to try so this list will probably change eventually but for now, here are some of the places I go back to month after month. (Yes, the majority are in Hampden but that's just because my school is about 5 minutes away from it)
My favorite spots in Baltimore
Hampden:
Golden West - hands down one of my favorite go-to restaurants in Baltimore. There are times where I go multiple times per week (my best friend and I are obsessed). Not only is the atmosphere great and the food is fairly cheap but it's GOOD and there are so many options–including breakfast all day and delicious vegan dishes.
The Food Market - good for brunch. good for dinner. literally good 24/7. some of the most creative and unique yet still tastes like home dishes. if you're going for brunch, i always get the avocado toast with bruleed grapefruit. for dinner, you can't leave without trying the half baked blondie with torched marshmallow...soooOoO GOOD!
Waffie - this new gem is probably one of my favorite spots on 36th street. and as I am preparing for my year long trip to Belgium, I am getting ready for all the waffles. i was pleasantly surprised at how affordable Waffie is–under $5 for a waffle dipped, drenched, and stuffed?! perfect for a sweet treat on a college student's budget.
Paulie Gee's - i am more of a pasta over pizza person but my Italian blood appreciates a good pizza. Paulie Gee's has quite possibly my favorite vegan pizza ever. their homemade vegan sausage and ricotta are must trys! i have gotten the 'dollop parton' both times visiting the restaurant but am going to *try* to venture out the next time i go.
Wicked Sisters - two words: brussel sprouts. sriracha honey crispy brussel sprouts. probably my favorite brussel sprouts thus far. i love wicked sisters for dinner (the nourish bowl is my jammm but the french fries are really good too). don't leave without trying a walk around sundae for dessert–the berger cookie one is my favorite!
Remington:
Woodberry Kitchen/Artifact Coffee - the people who own the woodberry kitchen/artifact coffee/etc. franchise know good food. quality farm to table, unique dishes that never disappoint. whenever I have family visiting, i try and make a reservation at Woodberry Kitchen and whenever I feel like treating myself and studying off campus, Artifact Coffee is my go-to. the homemade baked goods are AMAZING!
R House - i think the whole world knows about my love affair with R House. i seriously am there every week, if not more often, but it's just soooo good. i have helped all of my friends fall in love with this glorified food hall and I even did a project on it for one of my marketing classes #dedication. my go-tos are the burrito bowls from Amano Taco and the poké bowls from Hilo Sushi. each stall at R House is equally as delicious and honestly what I get depends on my mood. PS - if you go to Loyola and haven't been to R House, do you actually go to Loyola?
Clavel - mexican food rocks my world. authentic mexican food seriously rocks my world. when I am in the mood for high quality, authentic tacos and hipster vibes, Clavel is my go-to in the area. i usually start off with a agua fresca (so fresh, so good!) and I get some tacos and the ahi tuna and pineapple ceviche. if you're feeling like something decadent, the queso fundido is amazing and will get you so many Instagram likes ;)
Fells Point/Inner Harbor:
Ekiben - i have major heart eyes for Ekiben. not only is the food amazing but the staff is even better. always so friendly and they make me feel right at home whenever I go to their fells point restaurant. the tofu brah and the original (thai chicken meatballs) are two of my usual orders along with the tempura broccoli. but you can't go wrong, all of the menu is delicious.
Pitango Gelato - i have never been to Italy so I may retract this statement in about a year or so but Pitango has the best gelato I have ever had. clean, simple ingredients and simple flavors. my favorite flavor has to be the green tea/matcha gelato but sadly it is only seasonal :( if you like Nutella, the hazelnut gelato is for you!
Papi's Tacos - here we are again with more Mexican food. if you order one thing and one thing only at Papi's, get the tableside guacamole. i pride myself in my guac making abilities so naturally i am very picky but this guac is def better than I can make it–teach me your ways, Papi's!!! again, Papi's has fresh authentic dishes (also big portions so come with an appetite)
Cava Mezze - ah, Cava. this place will always have a special spot in my heart as it was the first restaurant in Baltimore that I tried when first visiting Loyola. time after time, this place has yet to disappoint. all of the tapas style appetizers are great for sharing, snacking, and filling your belly. i have yet to try brunch at Cava but i heard it is just as good as dinner. the cauliflower with crispy chickpeas and the fried feta balls are my favorite!
Federal Hill/Canton:
Order & Chaos - of course i had to add O&C on here because it is probably the most #instaworthy coffee shop in Baltimore. although I have only been once, i was immediately impressed with this coffee shop and it's inner harbor views. remember how I am on a waffle kick in preparation for Belgium? this place makes them too and they are next on my list!
Encantada - my friends and I stumbled upon Encantada one after while visiting the Visionary Art Museum and dare I say, it was some of the best brunch I have tried. i don't know what they did but all three of us got something different and we were equally amazed. lots of vegan options for all my plant based peeps!
Verde - before I tried Paulie Gee's, i tried Verde and man oh man they both are good. I go to Paulie Gee's more often because of location and price but for a nice dinner every once in a while, Verde has some of the best pizza around. although it costs extra, the gluten free crust tastes just like the real thing at Verde. oh, don't forget to try the HOMEMADE mozzarella and burrata.In my opinion, Baltimore is way underrated on the food scene. Like most cities, not every restaurant is top notch but once if you know where to go, you won't be disappointed ;) These 15 restaurants hardly scratch the surface of the Baltimore food scene. If you want me to round up more of my favorite, message me or comment! Let me know what your favorite Baltimore restaurant is.