When it comes to palate pleasers, Baltimore’s sizzling dining scene delivers (and we don’t mean just pizza!). Families have plenty of options, too—many near popular attractions. From a “Top Chef” updating retro classics near the National Aquarium to local stars plating up breakfast favorites all day long, these restaurants cater to appetites both big and small.
Upscale Restaurants in Baltimore
Family Meal
Youngsters at “Top Chef” alum Bryan Voltaggio’s harbor-side digs have their pick of fun—and tasty—fare from spaghetti and meatballs served up TV dinner style to house-made fried chicken. Bonus: It’s a mere hop and a skip from the National Aquarium.
This popular upscale chain offers a buzzy atmosphere and prime patio seating with views of the Inner Harbor. Mom and dad indulge in catches of the day and surf and turf, while children dig into cheeseburgers and popcorn shrimp, plus activity sheets.
Casual Restaurants in Baltimore
Inside this fun-loving Fells Point pub is a picture of a yellow lab seemingly popping open a bottle of wine. The family dog, it appears, loved to have a good time, and the restaurant that bears his name pays homage with good food (build your own burgers!), live music and an all-around convivial vibe.
This gustatory matron feeds her guests well with a menu of comfort foods, “95 percent” of which are made from scratch. Young ones salivate over burgers and sandwiches and burn off those calories with arcade games in the Purple Patio, a popular gathering spot for Ravens fans.
Seafood Restaurants in Baltimore
Mo’s
Mo Manocheh’s empire includes Mo’s Seafood Factory, Mo’s Crab & Pasta Factory and Mo’s Fisherman’s Wharf. All are family friendly, with the crab and pasta outfit serving up an extensive noodle menu with plenty of options for tykes.
Located at the Inner Harbor, this famous seafood mainstay serves up popular kid fare (fish and chips, chicken tenders) plus frozen hot chocolate and ice cream sundaes. Parents appreciate the popular crab deck with its water views and proximity to attractions like the aquarium and historic ships.
Pizza Restaurants in Baltimore
Teens at this funky Station North pizza joint experiment with out-of-the-box toppings like chicken and Granny Smith apples. Each sourdough-crust pie bears the restaurant’s namesake shape and is baked in a 900-degree, coal-fired oven until nicely blistered.
The Inner Harbor outpost of this popular Chicago-based group encourages hands-on involvement at meal-time. Wee noodle lovers play chef, building their own pasta dishes, while pint-sized pizzaioli-in-training assemble their very own pies.
Breakfast in Baltimore
Owner Sarah Simington’s Cap'n Crunch French toast draws crowds at both the Fells Point original and Federal Hill newbie Blue Moon Too. Get your fix 24/7 on weekends.
Zingy southwest flavors amp up the morning meal options at this Hampden favorite. Expect familiars like huevos rancheros alongside funkier fare like “Elvis pancakes” topped with—what else—fried bananas and peanut butter-flavored butter.
Named after a beloved former employee, this Inner Harbor eatery is known for its warm hospitality and Southern-accented menu. Locals order the crab cake and fried green tomato eggs Benedict.
This ‘50s-style Canton diner is the real deal, serving up classic a.m. repasts 24/7 under a neon sign. Our favorite? Hometown hero Olympic swimming gold medalist Michael Phelps’ French toast—Pullman’s bread stuffed with hazelnut praline and topped with bananas, strawberries and cream. Now that’s a breakfast of champions!
