The Oceanaire Seafood Room shakes things up in the Harbor East restaurant scene with its retro Supper club decor. Located in the heart of Harbor East on Aliceanna street, the Oceanaire's name gives it away. This hot spot specializes in all things from the sea, serving up fresh fish flown in daily from around the world. One of Baltimore's best happy hour menus, the Oceanaire offers up a healthy selection of fish offerings, ranging from $5-$7. That coupled with $6 and $7 specialty martinis and drinks, and it will be hard for you to stop by the Oceanaire outside of happy hour.
Recommended for Inner Harbor's Best Restaurants because: The Oceanaire is all seafood in a retro casual environment.
Local Expert tip: You can have a filling seafood dinner without the hefty seafood price by hitting up the Oceanaire during happy hour.
Located in the former Harbor Court Hotel now called the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Hotel, this elegant dining and tea room features fine chandeliers, dainty furnishings and a beautiful panoramic view of the Inner Harbor. Drawing straight from the waters of the Chesapeake, the kitchen boasts artful presentations of fresh seafood, regional cuisine, and other delicacies such as turtle soup and frog legs also appear on the menu. Daily specials are created using herbs and from the hotel's rooftop garden. If you're looking to do something a little sophisticated with some girlfriends or just enjoy this British tradition, high tea is served on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Recommended for Inner Harbor's Best Restaurants because: Brightons cooks up some of the most exotic dishes such as turtle soup and frog legs.
Local Expert tip: Afternoon tea is served on Friday and Saturday from 3-5pm.
Wit and Wisdom is one of two premiere restaurants at the Four Seasons Baltimore. Owned by restaurateur, Michael Mina, this establishment serves delicious food in an elegant setting with a beautifully designed lay out. Long, wide windows offer great views of Harbor East, an oval bar makes for a perfect happy hour hangout, lounge chairs and a fireplace set the mood for sophisticated relaxation. The semi-open kitchen is a playful way to "invite" patrons in to the food preparation process. This chic restaurant serves American tavern food with a bit of panache. Honoring the farm-to-table movement, the restaurant aims to put a spin on local Chesapeake favorites.
Recommended for Inner Harbor's Best Restaurants because: Wit and Wisdom serves deliciously bold comfort foods with new twists.
Local Expert tip: Dress to impress when you go for dinner at Wit and Wisdom if you don't want to feel out of place.
Located in the heart of the Inner Harbor, right around the corner from the American Visionary Arts Museum, Rusty Scupper provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Baltimore waterfront. Its location makes it a popular seafood destination for tourists and those looking for a romantic upscale Inner Harbor evening. The menu is primarily focused on seafood dishes, inspired by the foods and flavors of the Chesapeake region. Its Sunday brunch is complete with a live Jazz band or live piano and plenty of patrons. Reservations would be wise. Crowd pleasers include the warm ciabatta bread, the crab bisque and Maryland crab cakes. The restaurant also offers a free shuttle service to visitors residing at nearby Inner Harbor hotels.
Recommended for Inner Harbor's Best Restaurants because: Rusty Scupper is a popular seafood restaurant in the Inner Harbor where you can't go wrong.
Local Expert tip: The restaurant will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel if you are staying in the Inner Harbor area.
Where else can you find Hawaiian food in Baltimore? We don't know either! This top-notch kitchen produces a short menu of Hawaiian fusion cuisine. Creative starters might include the Canoe appetizer with shrimp sticks, Szechuan baby back ribs, edamame, seafood pot sticker and more. Roasted macadamia nut mahi mahi and charbroiled beef short ribs are among the promising mains. A heavenly melting chocolate souffle highlights the final course. Choose the prix fixe menu of an appetizer, main course and dessert, and experience the Islands for an unbelievably low price. When you're done getting your fix of the big island, take a load off and walk through the energetic streets of Harbor East to burn some calories.
Recommended for Inner Harbor's Best Restaurants because: Roy's is the only place where you'll find Hawaiian cuisine in Baltimore, standing out for itself.
Local Expert tip: Every table receives a complimentary plate of delicious edamame. Sushi rolls are generous and filling, a little larger than your standard 6-8 piece roll.
This Baltimore outpost of the Washington, DC - based chain is an open and modern dining space, popular amongst locals and visitors. With great views of the water, and a warm, welcoming environment, Lebanese Taverna makes a great destination for both dates and business. Family-style dining is encouraged as a part of the experience and prices are very affordable. Start with hommos and fresh, warm pita, then prepare yourself for flavorful and flaky Mediterranean Sea bass (the whole fish is served) with a side of fragrant Lebanese rice. Don't sell yourself short by skipping dessert - few things beat warm honey drenched donuts.
Recommended for Inner Harbor's Best Restaurants because: Lebanese Taverna offers up delicious large quantities of Mediterranean food at excellent prices.
Local Expert tip: Visit Lebanese Taverna with a group of 6 or more to get the full family dining experience and an opportunity to taste several different dishes without stretching your wallet or your waistline.
Charleston is arguably Baltimore's number one restaurant. A Michelin starred establishment, the menu offers refined Southern-inspired dishes with a French flair. Fresh ingredients from local farmers help to deliver the best seasonal creations. Located in trendy and energetic Harbor East, the price tag for dinner at Charleston is not for the budget conscious. Portions are small and attention is paid to quality over quantity. Exquisite and original seafood and beef entrees are available as small plates for diners to enjoy 3, 4, 5 or 6 course meals, ranging from $76 to $111, not including wine. Charleston's offers a 600-bottle wine list and suggested pairings for each dish.
Recommended for Inner Harbor's Best Restaurants because: Charleston is the creme de la creme when it comes to upscale dining down at the Inner Harbor.
Local Expert tip: To get the true experience of Charleston, succumb to complete indulgence and add the wine pairings to your experience.