There’s no place in the world like Charm City. Baltimore is the home of many incredible 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 for travelers to visit.
Everyone knows Maryland has excellent 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
You must grab a meal at Rooted Rotisserie for the ultimate taste of French-inspired delicacies. This Black-owned restaurant was inspired by the owners’ honeymoon to France 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.
Standout chicken and elevated yet approachable dining experiences are praised on Yelp. Many highlight the friendly service and inviting ambiance, calling it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and intimate evenings out.
- 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 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 native of Prince George’s County. His experience traveling the world and perfecting his culinary skills has culminated in the Rize + Rest brand.
Yelp reviewers rave about the dishes’ bold flavors and thoughtful presentation, often singling out the creative brunch combinations. Guests also appreciate the warm, attentive service and stylish interior, making it a go-to spot for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience.
- 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 best describes the ambiance at the Black-own restaurant.
Blk Swan
If you seek a fine dining experience, there’s no better place than Blk Swan. Located in Baltimore’s Hyatt Place neighborhood, this restaurant is where influencers come out to play. The restaurant’s ambiance and elevated “New American” menu are a real treat for visitors and locals. The food is divine, and the restaurant has an assortment of amazing cocktails and live music from two incredible DJs to help set the vibes.
TripAdvisor reviewers commend BLK Swan for its exceptional hospitality and polished vibe. Guests frequently mention the well-executed entrées and expertly crafted cocktails, calling the overall experience both stylish and satisfying.
- Location: Hyatt Place Baltimore
- Type of Cuisine: Fine Dining
- Menu Spotlight: Chilean Sea Bass
- Before You Go: The restaurant has a dress code. If you have questions about your wardrobe, be sure to call the restaurant 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.
On TripAdvisor, diners rave about the bold, satisfying flavors of dishes like the vegan crab cakes and BBQ ribs. Many note the portion sizes and warm service as standout features, making it a welcoming stop for anyone seeking comfort food with a healthy, plant-based twist.
- 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 as a child by her dad. Years spent shucking and eating oysters have transformed into a gift she shares with diners from all over who visit her establishment.
The Urban Oyster is recognized for its bold seafood flavors and standout service on Yelp. Guests love the relaxed yet refined atmosphere and often note that the attention to detail in both preparation and presentation makes each visit memorable.
- 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 food. 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 unmatched ambiance. 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.
Guests praise Eat.Drink.Relax on Yelp for its bold flavors, creative dishes, and warm, stylish setting. Many highlight the excellent service and note that whether you’re there for brunch or dinner, the experience consistently exceeds expectations.
- 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 take amazing selfies and photos while waiting for your meal.
Connie’s Chicken And 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.
On TripAdvisor, foodies rave about the perfectly seasoned chicken and fluffy waffles, often calling it one of the best breakfast spots in the city. Guests also appreciate the friendly service and inviting vibe, which makes each visit feel warm and satisfying.
- Location: Lexington Market
- Type of Cuisine: Breakfast
- Menu Spotlight: Crunchberry Waffle with Chicken
- Before You Go: Connie’s offers dine-in and delivery services. If you don’t feel like leaving your hotel for breakfast, it 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.
Bold, flavorful dishes and Peppa Flame’s lively vibe get their props on Yelp. Many highlight the standout service and festive energy, calling it a go-to spot for both a satisfying meal and a fun night out.
- Location: Locust Point
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: The Flame Tacos
- Before You Go: Peppa Flame is another excellent place to grab brunch in Baltimore on Saturday and Sunday.
Next Phaze Cafe
A homegrown favorite, Next Phaze Cafe combines comfort food with live entertainment. The cozy restaurant offers a mix of Southern cuisine, from shrimp and grits to fried catfish, and features live jazz nights and open mic events for a truly local vibe.
Next Phaze Cafe in Baltimore receives praise on TripAdvisor for its rich flavors and welcoming energy. Diners commend the attentive staff and often describe the overall experience as both memorable and authentically Baltimore.
- Location: Downtown Baltimore
- Type of Cuisine: Southern Comfort
- Menu Spotlight: Shrimp & Grits
- Before You Go: They host Soulful Sundays with live music — great for a cultural night out.
Fishnet
Chef Ferhat Yalcin brings a fresh and flavorful approach to seafood at Fishnet, a modern fish shack with a loyal local following. Though known for sandwiches and grilled fish, the restaurant also offers plenty of sides and sauces that keep people coming back.
Fishnet is celebrated for its inventive dishes, such as the “Tots & Tentacles” and classic fish and chips. TripAdvisor reviewers also praise the generous portions, high-quality ingredients, and warm, attentive service that enhances the overall experience.
- Location: Mount Vernon Marketplace
- Type of Cuisine: Seafood
- Menu Spotlight: Grilled Salmon Sandwich
- Before You Go: Don’t skip the house-made lemon herb aioli.
Taste This
Taste This started as a carry-out joint and has blossomed into a beloved full-service spot with two locations. Known for their generous portions and soul-warming dishes, this family-owned operation continues to expand, proving that flavor and hospitality never go out of style.
Consistently delicious soul food and standout customer service are a highlight of Taste This. Diners on TripAdvisor love the grilled tilapia, homemade cakes, and the warm, welcoming vibe that makes every visit feel like a treat.
- Location: Belair-Edison & Mondawmin
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Chicken Alfredo over Yellow Rice
- Before You Go: They now offer catering for events.
Neopol Savory Smokery
While known for its smoked seafood, Neopol offers so much more. This artisanal smokehouse combines global inspiration with traditional methods to create one-of-a-kind flavors. Owned by local chef and food entrepreneur Pitango Gelato alum Dorian Brown, the spot is a hidden treasure.
Popular dishes like smoked salmon and savory cheese pies help earn the restaurant high marks on TripAdvisor. Diners also note the generous portions, high-quality ingredients, and warm, attentive service that elevate the entire experience.
- Location: Belvedere Square Market
- Type of Cuisine: Smoked Specialties
- Menu Spotlight: Smoked Salmon BLT
- Before You Go: Try their house-made aioli on any sandwich.
Terra Café
Since 2009, Terra Café has been a cornerstone in Baltimore’s culinary scene. It is known for its made-from-scratch meals and community-focused atmosphere. The menu features a diverse array of dishes, including jerk chicken, cream of crab soup, and Belgian waffles.
Reviewers most frequently mention vibrant energy, flavorful cuisine, and welcoming service on TripAdvisor. Diners describe the experience as warm and familial, with standout favorites like jerk chicken and sweet potato fries earning consistent praise for both flavor and presentation.
- Location: Charles Village
- Type of Cuisine: American Soul with Global Influences
- Menu Spotlight: Jerk Chicken and Belgian Waffles
- Before You Go: Terra Café is deeply rooted in the local community and often hosts live music and art events.
Beyond this list, many more Black-owned restaurants are worth trying 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.
