Best Dinner Places to Eat in Columbia

"Located right in the middle of Hampden’s option-filled “Avenue” (36th Street), Chef Chad Gauss’ electric Food Market can be a tough reservation — but the wait is worth it. Lighthearted in approach, but serious in execution, the menu sprints all over the map, culling classic and contemporary influences into dishes that are boisterous and big on flavor. The hearty, high-low approach — Fried Oysters “Carbonara,” Crispy Lobster Fingers with truffled honey mustard, and a hulking double bison burger with blue cheese and braised onions — covers everyone, so all you really need to bring is an appetite."

"My routine during quarantine has been for every 2-3 dinners that I cook, I grab carryout from one of my favorite spots, and that includes, of course, The Food Market. Their menu has been changing almost daily, but I can always expect to see some of my favorite dishes including the Amish Soft Pretzels, Roasted Beef Short Ribs, and Buffalo Pickles. Chef Chad and the team have also been throwing in some surprises with the occasional dinner special (last week there was a $20 crab cake)."

"We've eaten here so many times over the years and I've never had a bad experience. Whether takeout or dining in, the Food Market ALWAYS nails it so I was…”more"

"Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen, within the Baltimore Museum of Art, hosts a Patio Party happy hour each Wednesday from 5–9 pm during summer months. Visitors can sip canned wine from Old Westminster Winery while strolling through parts of the sculpture garden. Other patio events include Lobsterama, fall harvest dinners and the upcoming 20th anniversary party on October 1."

"A post shared by Gertrude's Chesapeake Kitchen (@gertrudesck) on May 18, 2019 at 4:00am PDT. Brunch is made extra special by French toast served here at Gertrude’s Restaurant."

"The gist: There’s a joke around town that whatever restaurateur Lane Harlan touches turns to gold. While that may be a bit hyperbolic, one look at Clavel during a sun-drenched happy hour and you’d be convinced. Plus, the spot is known for its constant fundraising efforts.The food: Thanks to copious amounts of research in Oaxaca, Mexico, Harlan and her team have been able to recreate Sinaloan cuisine without it being overwrought or flashy."

"Gorgeously plated food competes for attention with the view of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor at this sought-after destination on the 29th floor of the Four Seasons. Classics like lobster Newburg, Dover sole meuniere and baked Alaska pay tribute to yesteryear, but with a take that’s strictly 2019. 400 International Drive, 29th floor, Harbor East."

"The Four Seasons rooftop Restaurant & Bar boasts panoramic views of the city skyline. It offers authentic seafood and Italian cuisines and owns the best whiskey bars in the city. Grab a drink and enjoy the dazzling sunset views."

"I normally go to The Bygone fire special occasions but everyday is a special occasion!!!!. If you are looking for class, style, ambiance and the best view of... (443) 343-8200Order online"

"If you have an adventurous palate, you’ll enjoy the exotic flavors and spices of Afghanistan, India, Iran, and Greece at The Helmand. Afghan cuisine, while it does include lamb, chicken, and beef, is also strongly vegetarian-focused. Choose a veggie soup like the Vegetarian Aush with fresh veg and homemade boodles, or the Vegetarian Korma, a simmering assortment of vegetables enhanced with sun-dried grapes, herbs, and Afghan seasonings."

"Once you get hungry, hit Charles Street:There's Afghani food like sweet, pan-fried baby pumpkin at The Helmand (also the very historic site of my very first date) and the pillow-iest gnocchi ever at Sotto Sopra. The restaurant hosts opera nights, where you'll be serenaded with live performances as you eat a multi-course dinner."

"For over twenty years, The Helmand has been serving fine Afghan cuisine to Baltimore from its Mount Vernon location. You’ll see a lot of lamb and beef options, but there are just as many delicious meatless options. The kaddo borwani and the banjan borwani are crowd-pleasing appetizers."

"We've eaten at Jimmy's six times in the past five months and have never been disappointed. It's a great place for young children - lots to look…"

"What do you get when you combine a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master with a Michelin star chef?. You get the revival of one of the most famous jazz clubs in the country. The resurrected West Coast club opened in Baltimore in 2019 with the promise to deliver food just as inspiring as the music performed on its stage."

"For many people, meeting Baltimore singles isn’t the reason why they head out to The Wharf Rat. People come here because they want a great draught, seasonal and cask conditioned ales that can only be found here. On top of the unique draughts and craft ales, the Wharf Rat offers a modest wine list and the traditional bar food."

"Another one of my favorite lists of cafés in the Baltimore area, this café specializes in desserts. They sell pastries, coffee, bubble tea, and frozen yogurt. The service here is really quick, but the seating is minimal, a few couches and a few two people tables."

"A photo posted by Megan (@soupppyyy) on Mar 11, 2015 at 5:45pm PDT. This modern, family-friendly froyo shop serves up six delicious flavors and a LOT of toppings. (49 different types to be exact) If froyo isn’t your thing, don’t panic."

"Owners Cole and Aisha Pew created Dovecote Café with the motto “community first, café second.”. This charming little café in Reservoir Hill started as a passion project for owners Aisha Pew and her partner Cole, who were looking to create a community gathering spot. At Dovecote Café, you’ll find artists serving up locally roasted coffee, activists discussing politics over homey desserts like the upside-down peach cake and foodies indulging in grown-up grilled cheese and spinach pie."

"A charming local favorite in the Reservoir Hill neighborhood, Dovecote has delicious coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches, but also serves as a community hub for the neighbors. Tufted couches, local art, eclectic wallpaper and friendly workers make this an inviting spot to get a cuppa coffee along with a taste of local culture. Look out for their monthly chef’s dinner series where they invite guest chefs to cook a meal for the community."

"While cafes half as popular as this Reservoir Hill fixture discourage lingering in hopes of turning your table, the Dovecote crew goes out of its way to make sure you don't skedaddle. But the warm family vibe extends well past the hospitality into the eats. The baked goods are especially appealing, including all manner of sticky buns and muffins and the sought-after peach upside-down cake (co-owner Gilda Pew's secret recipe)."

"A single food has been known to change the course of a person’s life. For Dane Thibodeaux, co-owner of Sacre Sucre in Fells Point, it was a fig macaron he ate in Paris while on vacation. He still remembers biting into the seed of the fig jam in the middle."

"Sacre Sucre’s one of THE most amazing dessert shops I’ve ever been to, like in the world. Their work is edible art, and you absolutely need to experience their sweets firsthand. They started off with macarons, but I personally like their pastries best."

"This Fell’s Point shop offers a variety of seasonal pastries, from classics like eclairs and croissants, to special stylized apple tarts and caneles. They even offer monthly classes for you to learn how to make French macarons."

"201 E Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 539-1797www.historicships.org/knoll-lighthouse.html. Part of the Baltimore Maritime Museum, which is off Pratt Street downtown, the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is a gorgeous year round attraction for tourists and locals. Known as the “oldest surviving ‘screw-pile’ lighthouse on the Chesapeake,” the place is open to the public during the day and can be privatized for corporate parties and private receptions."

"Less than a mile away from the ships you’ll find another classic proposal destination: the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse (part of the Baltimore Maritime Museum). The lighthouse overlooks both the harbor and the bay, so don’t forget to take some photos. The view is one of a kind!"

"The Baltimore Basilica is formerly named the The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was the first Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States. Its construction lasted from 1806-1821 and is not only a religious institution but also a cultural one. The Basilica is an impressive architectural masterpiece and is a National Historic Landmark."

"If you’re Catholic or are interested in historically significant religious buildings, you need to come to Baltimore Basilica. This was the country’s inaugural cathedral. When you’re site seeing around Baltimore, Baltimore Basilica needs to be a top priority."

"With two locations in Baltimore, the downtown location of Café Poupon offers a small breakfast and lunch menu, and while it may not have a ton of options, everything they serve is fantastic. It is also a full bakery that takes orders for weddings and events, and offers baked goods to eat in or to take out. Its cakes are extravagant, unique, and made with great attention to detail, and the sweet treats in the shop are baked to perfection."

"I remember how excited I was when they first opened a location on Charles Street. I was obsessed with nutella at the time (…I’m still obsessed with nutella, sorry not sorry), and their Nutty Banana was one of my many guilty pleasures – the Turtle being a close second (caramel, chocolate and nuts), S’mores (chocolate, melted marshmallows, and graham crackers) a close third!. In addition to sweet crepes, they also offer savory handhelds!"