Leafy north Baltimore enclave around the original 1907 shopping centre, home to Petit Louis, Johnny's and Foreman Wolf's neighbourhood rooms.
Petit Louis Bistro in Roland Park is Foreman Wolf's Parisian-style bistro, plating a duck-fat roasted chicken and trout amandine on a Left Bank corner.
Signature: Whole roasted chicken, Trout amandine, Steak frites
Order: The whole roasted chicken polished with duck fat.
Tip: Weekday lunch is the under-the-radar bargain; the prix fixe is the value play.
Johnny's in Roland Park is Foreman Wolf's relaxed neighbourhood diner, plating a tuna melt, raw-bar plates and a wood-fired all-day menu daily.
Signature: Tuna melt, Raw bar, Wood-fired plates
Order: The tuna melt at lunch, or a raw-bar spread before dinner.
Tip: Johnny's Downstairs is the more grown-up cocktail-and-dinner room below the cafe.
Bonjour Bakery & Cafe on Falls Road is a north Baltimore French bakery, baking croissants, macarons, quiche and sandwiches for a steady neighbourhood crowd.
Tip: Weekend mornings draw a line; the almond croissant and quiche are the reliable orders.
Worth the queue: Croissants and macarons
Williams-Sonoma at Cross Keys runs in-store technique and seasonal cooking classes, an accessible option for visitors who want a short, structured session.
Tip: These are store demonstrations and skill sessions; check the calendar, as some are free with registration.