Charm City Traveler: Top 3 Restaurants in Baltimore

People love lists! They are the foundation of American Democracy....or something like that. As part of this blog is dedicated to food, I thought I would write my Top 3 Restaurants in Baltimore. Keep in mind, there are some venues such as "Charleston" that I have yet to visit, but I feel pretty confident in my selections. These are my go to spots when I have out of town guests or am celebrating a special occasion.

1. Woodberry Kitchen

Woodberry Kitchen tops the list because I've never had a bad menu item in all the times I've visited. They pride themselves on their consistent, farm fresh, and oftentimes inventive menu, and I can't say I've ever been disappointed. The setting is rustic and unique, especially the row of seats on the second level overlooking the main dining room. The food is just plain good. I can't think of any better way to describe it. Go to Woodberry with the expectation of trying a lot of things (they have a great appetizer/sampler menu), and come home full. That's the way I like it.

Great Setting

Woodberry also rotates their menu based on the season. We went during the winter when less popular vegetables like squash and zuchini were featured....and it was still great. I can't wait to go back in the spring or summer time. In fact, make sure to check out my upcoming brunch review of Woodberry debuting in the next week or two.

2. Petit Louis Bistro

As intimate an experience as it comes, Petit Louis delivers authentic French food in a cozy Roland Park setting. When I say intimate experience, though, I mean it. Our meal there had us mere inches away from the party next to us. If you can get past the, ahem, close quarters, you will be knocked away by the selections. Though I still haven't tried it, the Steak Frites is the signature dish of Petit Louis. A close second is the delicious Croque-Monsieur.

3. The Black Olive

Baltimore prides itself on its fresh seafood, and I consider the Black Olive the flagbearer as the freshest fish in the Charm City. The restaurant, located on a quiet cobblestoned street in Fells Point, is surprisingly spacious with multiple dining rooms. The highlight of the meal is the "fish tour." Your server will take you to an ice chest that features the freshest catches of the day. They will explain the texture, flavor, oil content, and region of each fish. Though not always in season, I've never had better Rockfish than at Black Olive. It's a must try if you happen to see it during your personalized fish tour.