There’s no place in the world like Charm City. Baltimore is the home of many amazing things. From being the hometown of great celebrities and leaders like Jada Pinkett-Smith and Thurgood Marshall to being the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, Baltimore is a special place. The food there is unique too with an array of Black-owned restaurants in Baltimore for travelers to visit.
Everyone knows Maryland has amazing seafood. However, Baltimore’s cadre of Black-owned food spots transcends seafood with elevated brunch experiences, upscale dining, and new breakfast places to try. Here are a few Black-owned restaurants in Baltimore to check out.
Rooted Rotisserie
For the ultimate taste of French-inspired delicacies, you have to grab a meal at Rooted Rotisserie. This Black-owned restaurant was inspired by the owners’ honeymoon to France back in 2021. While exploring the famous open-air market, Marché Bastille, Joseph and Amanda Burton were blown away by a rotisserie chicken stand. Both professional chefs, the couple decided to share their experience with others by adding their twist to a French-inspired favorite.
- Location: Hollins Market Neighborhood
- Type of Cuisine: French-inspired Rotisserie
- Menu Spotlight: French Rotisserie Chicken
- Before You Go: Rooted Rotisserie has worked extremely hard to perfect its brine so the rotisserie chicken is a must-try.
Rize + Rest Cafe
The Rize + Rest Cafe is on a mission to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Their menu includes a little bit of breakfast and a little bit of lunch for the perfect brunch mashup. This unique menu makes Rize + Rest the only dual-concept restaurant in Baltimore. Rize + Rest chef Randall Matthews is a Prince George’s County native. His experience traveling the world and perfecting his culinary skills has culminated in the Rize + Rest brand.
- Location: Patterson Park District
- Type of Cuisine: Brunch
- Menu Spotlight: Famous Chicken Biscuit
- Before You Go: At Rize + Rest, C.A.F.E. is an acronym for “Comfortable, Authentic, Flourishing, Environment,” which is the best way to describe the ambiance at the Black-own restaurant.
Blk Swan
If a fine dining experience is what you seek, then there’s no better place than Blk Swan. Located in Baltimore’s Hyatt Place neighborhood, this restaurant is where influencers and influencers come out to play. The restaurant’s ambiance and elevated “New American” menu are a real treat for visitors and locals. Not only is the food divine, but the restaurant has an assortment of amazing cocktails and live music from two incredible DJ’s to help set the vibes.
- Location: Hyatt Place Baltimore
- Type of Cuisine: Fine Dining
- Menu Spotlight: Chilean Sea Bass
- Before You Go: The restaurant does have a dress code. So if you have questions about wardrobe, be sure to give the restaurant a call before making your reservation.
The Land Of Kush
Owned by husband and wife duo Chef Gregory and Naila Brown, Land of Kush is a real Baltimore gem for niche-based eaters. Everyone loves soul food. However, it’s not always the healthiest option. At Land of Kush, the owners have curated the vegan menu to amplify health without sacrificing flavor and authenticity. The passion and good vibes can be felt in every bite, making this restaurant a staple for vegan eaters. For travelers looking for a good, vegan brunch in Baltimore, the Land of Kush has everything you need on Sunday mornings.
- Location: East Baltimore
- Type of Cuisine: Vegan
- Menu Spotlight: Kush BBQ Ribs
- Before You Go: This restaurant is a cashless establishment so have your debit cards ready.
The Urban Oyster
The brainchild of Chef Jasmine Norton, Baltimore’s Urban Oyster is a special place. The menu is overflowing with seafood decadence. They have lobster, scallops, red snappers, and of course, oysters galore. Chef Norton was introduced to oysters are a child by her dad. Years spent shucking and eating oysters has transformed into a gift she shares with diners from all over who visit her establishment.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Type of Cuisine: Seafood
- Menu Spotlight: Raw Oysters
- Before You Go: The Urban Oyster is the first Black-owned, woman-owned oyster bar in the US.
EDR. Eat. Drink. Relax.
EDR is the ultimate Baltimore spot to unwind and relax with the best comfort eats. The proof is in the pudding and in its name. The owners designed the restaurant as a place where visitors could eat, drink, and relax in an ambiance that is unmatched. Their menu is creative with splashes of some of your favorite American favorites with a twist. EDR is a must-try when in Baltimore and is perfect for dinner and lunch.
- Location: Mount Vernon
- Type of Cuisine: Comfort Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Lamb Chop Lollipops
- Before You Go: The inside of EDR looks like a dream! If you are a content creator, this is a great place to grab some amazing selfies and photos while waiting on your meal.
The Crab Queen
Maryland might be one of the best places in the US to get seafood and The Crab Queen has you covered. What’s great about this Black-owned restaurant in Baltimore is it has all of your favorite traditional seafood faves. You can grab a seafood boil seasoned to perfection, a slew of shareable appetizers, and even crab cakes and lobster grilled cheeses.
- Location: Randallstown Plaza
- Type of Cuisine: Seafood
- Menu Spotlight: Crabby Eggrolls
- Before You Go: Some online users say The Crab Queen has the best crab cakes in Baltimore.
Connie’s Chicken & Waffles
For a good ole’ Baltimore breakfast, head over to Connie’s Chicken & Waffles. The restaurant opened another location in 2020 and continued to maintain success through the pandemic. Now, the restaurant has three locations across the Baltimore region for visitors and locals to enjoy quality, handcrafted breakfast favorites.
- Location: Lexington Market
- Type of Cuisine: Breakfast
- Menu Spotlight: Crunchberry Waffle with Chicken
- Before You Go: Connie’s is great for dine-in and delivery services. If you don’t feel like leaving your hotel for breakfast, Connie’s should be at the top of your list.
Peppa Flame
Peppa Flame is the best way to experience Caribbean fusion flavors in Baltimore. Located in Locust Point, everyone has something positive to say about its Flame Tacos. However, there’s so much more at Peppa Flame. Visitors can experience authentic Caribbean dishes like rasta pasta, oxtails, and free-range jerk chicken. If you’re looking for island cuisine, you’ll find it at Peppa Flame.
- Location: Locust Point
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: The Flame Tacos
- Before You Go: Peppa Flame is another great place to grab brunch in Baltimore on Saturday and Sunday.
SweetPeaz Southern Kitchen
You’ll find all of your soul food favorites at SwetPeaz Southern Kitchen. Everything at SweetPeaz is delicious with the feel of an old-school lunch diner. Dining here is like enjoying your favorite meal in your grandma’s kitchen and the nostalgia can be tasted in each bite.
- Location: Lexington Market
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Braised Oxtails
- Before You Go: This restaurant is open on select days of the week so be sure to check their hours of operation before heading over to eat.
Beyond this list, there are so many more Black-owned restaurants to try in Baltimore. Charm City has a little bit of everything for every type of food traveler. Baltimore’s food scene is continuing to grow and evolve; providing travelers with something new every time they visit.
