Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Baltimore / Maryland

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Baltimore / Maryland? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

One Coastal

4.9

4.9 (2119)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Fenwick Island

About the restaurant

Indulge in an extraordinary dining experience, where we wholeheartedly champion responsible agriculture, local watermen, and the art of serving really good food. Led by James Beard Nominated chef and owner, Matthew Kern, our restaurant is a testament to his culinary expertise and unwavering dedication to showcase the best of Delaware.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Kern's commitment extends to our exceptional staff, making every visit a memorable exploration of the heart and soul that sets our gem apart. Join us to enjoy a drink, savor a meal, and see for yourself what makes this place so special.

Top review

Joseph

Dined 2 days ago

Best pork chop I’ve ever had and our waitress, Courtney, was amazing!

Heirloom

4.8

4.8 (2364)

$31 to $50

American

Lewes

About the restaurant

RESERVATIONS:
Open for dinner Tuesday - Saturday starting at 5pm; closed Sunday & Monday.
We accept dining reservations 30 days out, simply meaning today's date plus 30 days.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel or no show within 12 hours of your reservation, your credit card will be charged $25/per person.
All proceeds go towards the Heirloom kitchen squad’s continued culinary education, research & development.

PLEASE NOTE: a credit card surcharge of 3% will be added to your bill when a credit card is used for method of payment. There is NO SURCHARGE when paying with cash or gift cards. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to taking great care of you.

We do NOT offer child seating (high chairs/booster seats) of any kind, nor a children’s menu, and we are unable to accommodate strollers in the dining room.

Top review

JasonVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Another great meal experience. Thank you for a great night

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Popular dish

Heirloom Veggie Bowl

Popular dish

Char-Grilled Atlantic Octopus

Popular dish

Flourless Chocolate Torte

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Columbia, MD | Lakeside

4.8

4.8 (163)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Columbia

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

PrincessVIP

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Always a great time with amazing food and service!

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Experience

Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at...

Bodhi Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (480)

$30 and under

International

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

OUR MANTRA
Travel through the moon gate to Bodhi Kitchen, modern Asian cuisine with a twist located in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Bodhi's brand is minimal yet bold, utilizing the iconic shape of the moon gate to transport diners through the garden and into the escape that is Bodhi.

THE BODHI KITCHEN PHILOSOPHY
Bodhi Kitchen features an innovative Asian-inspired menu with flavor-forward dishes riffing on Thai, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese flavors to create something entirely new. This is our modern take on street food and Asian night markets.

Please note that the Bodhi Kitchen staff will try to accommodate any request(s) made but all requests are not guaranteed. Stollers are not permitted inside the restaurant.

Top review

Carolyn

Dined 2 days ago

The food is delicious, the atmosphere is very nice and the service is fantastic!

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Popular dish

Southern Thai Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Soup Dumplings

Popular dish

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

The Federal Rehoboth

4.7

4.7 (518)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

What started as a food truck concept in 2019 then became a beachside bistro in 2021. The Federal, located just a short block from the famed Rehoboth Beach boardwalk has become a full-service, beach casual, fine-dining bistro. The demure restaurant now hosts the two concepts in one space - you can enjoy fritters before dinner, for a happy hour snack, or go for a boardwalk stroll. Federal Fritter menu features a variety of crisp, poppable & snackable fritters, while The Federal menu expands on a way of eating that best defines Todd & Ellen's culinary style, the menu reads like a postcard from the Mid-Atlantic. Chef Gray pays careful attention to the seasons, honoring what the Delmarva region harvests.

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined 1 day ago

What a great discovery! While they do have fritters, they have so much more. They were very busy and training some new help, but Ellen quickly hooked us up with some fabulous cocktails! We loved the arancini crispy rice balls as a starter. My friend had the Scallops, which were cooked to perfection. I had the House Made Ricotta Gnocchi, w Scallops, Lump Crab, Gulf Shrimp, in a Tomato Saffron Cream. It was delicious. We didn’t feel rushed so were able to enjoy the experience. Ellen and Chef Todd were the perfect hosts. Make sure to also check out the dessert. We will definitely be back.

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4.7

4.7 (147)

$30 and under

Seafood

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Join us on the USS N. Nectar as we set sail across the Chesapeake Bay in search of the infamous Chessie.

During your journey, enjoy Shareable Plates, and Tropical Cocktails inspired by the Captains many adventures around the globe.

*We are a themed restaurant, and not an actual boat on the water*

Top review

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

Great and fun experience. Food was excellent. Would definitely go back!

Wye Oak Tavern

4.7

4.7 (455)

$31 to $50

American

Frederick

About the restaurant

When envisioning our restaurant, the team at Visitation Hotel knew we’d need to craft something truly special; a welcoming space where guests and locals alike could enjoy locally sourced cuisine, inspired cocktails, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The result is Wye Oak Tavern.

A fitting addition to Frederick’s rightly renowned gourmet landscape, Wye Oak (helmed by acclaimed celebrity Executive Chef Bryan Voltaggio) is a distinctive locavore restaurant where the ever-evolving menu is inspired by the season, landscape and bounty of the region. Timeless favorites share space with surprising plates, and curated cuisines of undeniable excellence. Each course is served within warm elegant surroundings that encourage community and goodwill.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great place hotel was great too. Hope to be back sometime soon

lāk Columbia

4.4

4.4 (253)

$31 to $50

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Experience the area’s newest go-to fine dining and afterparty destination. Its lakeshore setting and fashionable atmosphere are ready to welcome locals and visitors alike.

Top review

Atoya

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Great brunch experience! Will definitely return. The ambiance, good quality, and service were great.

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Experience

4th of July Buffet

Splash Pool Bar & Grill at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

4.0

4 (37)

$50 and over

American

Harbor East

About the restaurant

Experience Baltimore’s premier waterfront dining at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore led by Culinary Director Tristan Baker and Executive Sous Chef Marc Felder.

Splash Pool Bar & Grill offers relaxed, poolside dining with unbeatable waterfront views. Enjoy fresh seafood, locally inspired dishes and signature cocktails from our à la carte menu during lunch, dinner and happy hour. Dine your way—from a private cabana, at a table or with bar service. Reservations for seated or bar service are available via OpenTable standard booking; cabanas are bookable through the Experiences tab.

Our rooftop and event spaces transform year-round, offering immersive seasonal dining experiences bookable through the Experiences tab. This summer, join us for the Summer Cookout Series featuring live cooking, pairings from brand partners, and exclusive dining on the Harbour Terrace reflection pool. The monthly themed Experiences (excluding July) must be reserved in advanced; space is limited.

Top review

Shi

Dined on May 15, 2025

Had an amazing dinner at the Four Seasons Pool Bar & Grill. The view over the Inner Harbor at sunset was stunning, the food and drinks were excellent, and the ambiance was spot on. Huge thanks to the staff for being so accommodating — their service made the evening truly special. Can’t wait to return!

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Experience

Summer Cookout Series: WhistlePig

Experience

Summer Cookout Series: Clase Azul

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