Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll Results 2025

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Thanks so much for voting in our 2025 Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll! Our Readers’ Poll launched in January as a way for readers to weigh in on their favorite people and places in the local dining scene. Now, the results are in!

Browse readers’ top picks in the list below, and be sure to check out our editorial Best Restaurants winners from the April 2025 issue, here.

If your business has been selected by Baltimoreans as a Best Restaurant Readers’ Poll winner or finalist share your recognition online with these social media assets: Winners Badge | Finalists Badge.

What makes the Charm City dining scene one of the best in the nation? Every year, our team of food reviewers eat their way through Baltimore to find out, and they deliver their results in our annual March Best Restaurants issue.But we know that our readers have their own ideas about what makes our food and beverage landscape great—so we created the Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll to honor their picks.From your top brunch spot to your favorite cocktail program, we asked you to share your go-to places to grab a bite (or sip) in Baltimore—and you did not disappoint. Here are a few stats on this year’s poll:

• 32,000 votes submitted
• 31 categories
• 93 winners and finalists

Thanks to each and every reader who took the time to rally behind Charm City’s best eateries. Now, without further ado, here are your picks.

Best African Cuisine
Winner: Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant
Finalists: Mama Koko’s, Mera Kitchen Collective

Best Asian Fusion
Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Azumi, Ramen Utsuke

Best Bartender
Winner: Francisco Garduno, Taco Love Grill
Finalists: Chuck Calloway, Michael’s Cafe; Kyle Bellone, Mucho Gusto

Best Brunch
Winner: Michael’s Cafe
Finalists: Easy Like Sunday, Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles

Best Chef
Winner: Antonio Herrera, Mucho Gusto
Finalists: Santos Zeleya, Michael’s Cafe; Tristan Baker, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

Best Chesapeake Fare
Winner: Conrad’s Crabs & Seafood Market
Finalists: Koco’s Pub, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood

Best Chinese Cuisine
Winner: NiHao
Finalists: Joey Chiu’s Greenspring Inn, Peter Chang Baltimore

Best Cocktail Program
Winner: Taco Love Grill
Finalist: The Bluebird Cocktail Room, Dutch Courage

Best Comfort Food
Winner: G&A Restaurant
Finalist: Birria Love, Sally O’s

Best Desserts
Winner: Vaccarro’s Italian Pastry Shop
Finalist: Cafe Dear Leon, Gunther & Co.

Best Food Truck
Winner: Bruiser’s Grill by Chef George Allen
Finalist: La Miguelena, Fuzzies Burgers

Best French Cuisine
Winner: Petit Louis Bistro
Finalist: Le Comptoir du Vin, Marie Louise Bistro

Best Indian Cuisine
Winner: Peerce’s
Finalists: The Ambassador Dining Room, Harbor Tandoor

Best Interior Design
Winner: Cece’s Roland Park
Finalists: Easy Like Sunday, The Bluebird Cocktail Room

Best Italian Cuisine
Winner: Frank’s Pizza & Pasta
Finalist: La Scala, Vinny’s Italian Cafe

Best Korean Cuisine
Winner: KOHO Korean BBQ House
Finalist: Luk Fu, Jong Kak

Best Mediterranean Cuisine
Winner: Samos Restaurant
Finalist: The Black Olive, Costiera

Best Mexican Cuisine
Winner: Taco Love Grill
Finalist: Clavel, Soluna Cocina + Tequila Bar

Best Middle Eastern Cuisine
Winner: The Helmand
Finalists: Ammoora, Villagio Cafe

Best New Restaurant
Winner: The Urban Oyster
Finalists: Cece’s Roland Park, Easy Like Sunday Locust Point

Best Non-Alcoholic Drink Program
Winner: Clavel
Finalists: Gunther & Co., True Chesapeake Oyster Co.

Best Outdoor Dining
Winner: Cece’s Roland Park
Finalists: Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen, The Valley Inn

Best Pizza Place
Winner: Frank’s Pizza & Pasta
Finalists: Matthew’s Pizza, Verde

Best Romantic Restaurant
Winner: Charleston
Finalists: Gunther & Co., The Milton Inn

Best Bar or Restaurant with Live Music
Winner: Cat’s Eye Pub
Finalists: Conrad’s Crabs, Ryleigh’s Oyster

Best Server
Winner: Daniela Davies, Mucho Gusto
Finalists: Donnie Frisbee, The Capital Grille; Kathy Vasquez, Birria Love

Best South American Cuisine
Winner: La Barrita
Finalists: Alma Cocina Latina, Puerto 511

Best Steakhouse
Winner: The Capital Grille
Finalists: La Barrita, The Prime Rib

Best Thai Cuisine
Winner: Bodhi Corner
Finalists: Thai Street, Spice and Dice Thai Kitchen

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Cuisine
Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Golden West Cafe, Land of Kush

Best Wine Program
Winner: Charleston
Finalists: La Cuchara, Cinghiale