Baltimore is a city not only rich in culture and history but also culinary diversity. While many Hopkins students may find themselves frequenting the familiar spots on St. Paul Street, there are hidden gems scattered throughout the city well worth exploring. A huge foodie myself, I kept a detailed diary of all the restaurants I have explored, either on a lone quest or with my buddies. It’s my pleasure to share some of my favorite restaurants, and I hope you enjoy them, as well!
Kong Pocha, Barclay
Price: $$
Food: ★★★★
For a taste of authentic (quoting my lovely buddies) Korean cuisine, Kong is a must-visit. I went with a large group the first time, we ordered a variety of dishes and shared them all. You can never go wrong with the bibimbap, pork bulgogi and kimchi-jjigae. The pork bulgogi is tender and marinated to perfection, with a sweet and salty glaze that had me savoring every bite. More recently, I learned that most dishes could be delivered through DoorDash, which made it perfect for a study night with my buddies. I recommend checking it out with a group of friends, and using of the Blue Jay Shuttle for transportation at night.
Ekiben, multiple locations
Price: $
Food: ★★★
Ekiben is a small, easy-to-miss eatery in Baltimore City that features Asian cuisine and specializes in mouth-watering fried chicken. After numerous recommendations from friends who were seniors, I finally decided to try it out. While Ekiben’s dining space is limited, it more than makes up for it with the quality of its food. My favorite combo is the Neighborhood Bird, a fried chicken sandwich that combines Asian flavors with Southern comfort, and the Garlic Broccoli, a simple side dish that provides a nice balance to the meal. Its affordability also makes it ideal for group lunches where you grab your food and go.
The Food Market, Hampden
Price: $$
Food: ★★★★ + 1/2
Located in Hampden and within Blue Jay Shuttle range, the Food Market offers a dining experience that's both casual and sophisticated. They offer both lunch and dinner options, but the dinner menu is more extensive. I went twice around dinnertime, ordered completely different dishes and was amazed both times. The menu is organized by size, so I didn't have to worry about whether a dish was sharable or not, making it easy for my friends and me to try a variety of dishes without ordering too much.
Some of my favorite entrees are the duck, a beautifully prepared duck breast with a rich, savory sauce and the crispy pork belly, which is just melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Their mousse in the dessert menu is also a must-try, offering a sweet ending so perfect I still crave it now and then.
Thames Street Oyster House, Fells Point
Price: $$
Food: ★★★★
A haven for seafood lovers! Thames Street Oyster House offers a variety of oysters sourced from different regions. The oysters on the half shell are a classic. The crab cake is another standout dish, generously packed with succulent crab meat and just seasoned to let it shine.
On a sunny day with a gentle breeze coming off the harbor, its outdoor seating plan feels almost like a mini-vacation. The casual ambiance and shareable sizes make it the perfect spot for a little celebration with friends. Despite its upscale feel, it is surprisingly affordable, especially when dining with a group.
The Capital Grille, Inner Harbor
Price: $$$
Food: ★★★★★
For a truly memorable date, The Capital Grille in Inner Harbor is a must-visit. Despite its reputation for luxury, its shareable sizes make it more affordable than it might seem at first glance.
I will take you through my meal, which is still fresh in my memory: It all begins with a delightful tuna tartare — light, fresh and perfectly seasoned. The sliced filet mignon, cooked medium, is tender and flavorful, practically melting in my mouth. The sautéed spinach is a wonderful accompaniment, adding a touch of earthiness to the rich meat. Crème brûlée ended the meal on a high note, with a perfectly caramelized top and a creamy, smooth custard underneath. It's a place where you will indulge in the finer things in life and leave feeling utterly satisfied.
Baltimore's culinary scene is as diverse as the city itself. For a quick bite or a luxurious night out, these must-visit spots are sure to impress and delight.
Annie Huang is a sophomore from Nanjing, China majoring in Computer Science. She is a Science & Technology Staff Writer for The News-Letter.
