Ekiben is an asian fusion restaurant in Fells Point, Baltimore.
Ekiben in Fells Point built a citywide following on steamed bao, plating the Neighborhood Bird fried-chicken bun and a tempura broccoli bun in a tiny shop.
Signature dishes: Neighborhood Bird bun, Tempura broccoli bun, Bowls
Must order: The Neighborhood Bird steamed bun, fried chicken with herbs and spicy sauce.
Tip: The Fells Point shop is counter-service and tight; there are also Hampden and Locust Point outposts.
Address: 1622 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21231
Mama's on the Half Shell on Canton Square is a neighbourhood crab-and-oyster house, working steamed crabs, oysters and a crab cake across two busy floors.
Signature: Steamed crabs, Oysters, Crab cake
Order: A dozen steamed crabs in season, or the crab cake the rest of the year.
Tip: Weekend afternoons overflow with locals; ask for a seat upstairs or out on the patio.
LP Steamers in Locust Point is a classic two-storey crab house, steaming blue crabs heavy with Old Bay and serving a rooftop deck above Fort Avenue.
Signature: Steamed blue crabs, Crab cake, Old Bay shrimp
Order: A dozen heavy steamed crabs and a pitcher, eaten with mallets on the deck.
Tip: The rooftop deck is the seat to ask for; bring cash and patience in peak crab season.
Papermoon Diner in Remington is a daytime diner crowded with toys and mannequins, plating big breakfast plates and milkshakes amid the maximalist decor.
Signature: Pancakes, Milkshakes, Big breakfasts
Order: A stack of pancakes and a milkshake.
Tip: It opens Wednesday to Sunday for daytime hours and the decor is the draw; arrive early on weekends to beat the line.
Golden West Cafe on Hampden's Avenue is a longtime counter for green chile, breakfast burritos and Southwestern plates with strong vegetarian options.
Signature: Green chile, Breakfast burrito, Huevos rancheros
Order: The green chile, ladled over eggs or a breakfast burrito.
Tip: Weekend brunch lines form on The Avenue; the vegetarian and vegan options run deep.
Sotto Sopra on Charles Street in Mount Vernon plates house-made pasta and an opera-night supper, a long-running Italian room with a deep wine list.
Signature: House-made pasta, Opera-night dinner, Branzino
Order: A plate of the house-made pasta, plus the branzino when it runs.
Tip: The monthly opera nights are the room's signature; reserve well ahead for those.
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.
