Best Restaurants, Must Try Places 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."

"The gist: A historical Fells Point building that houses a brasserie-style restaurant, chic bar, a romantic back courtyard, and plenty of sidewalk tables.The food: On the heels of his success with Bethesda restaurants, Chef Asish Alfred opened this Baltimore concept in 2018. The menu is specific and Parisian with various cheeses, patés, vegetables complementing classic mains like duck confit and a côte de boeuf for two. For something a bit less fancy, brunch is a great time to visit for shrimp & grits and avocado toast."

"While Baltimore’s waterfront has added swanky restaurants, apartments and hotels in recent years, city planners have kept the path open to the public so pedestrians can enjoy miles of uninterrupted views of the Patapsco River. Start at the Inner Harbor and make your way to the newer neighborhoods of Harbor East and Harbor Point, where you can stop at the beachy hangout Sandlot. Or pop in one of the many excellent restaurants like Cindy Lou’s Fish House and Lebanese Taverna, before you make your way to the cobblestone-lined streets of Fells Point."

"I am starting to wonder whether the craze for authentic, Neapolitan-style pizza has given way to a backlash: demands for thick, doughy slices, slathered in marinara and meaty toppings and more Weight Watchers points than you could walk off in a week. Case in point is the Detroit-style pie from Underground Pizza, some of the tastiest carbs I’ve eaten lately. Try the Tiger King ($32 for full; $18 for half) a meat lover’s special named in honor of that other pandemic sensation on Netflix."

"Topping the list is Joe Benny’s, a small, unfussy joint in Little Italy. Perhaps best known for its meatballs, Joe Benny’s also does Sicilian-style pizza on a rectangular focaccia dough. Look for combos like The A.C., with pistachio pesto, mushrooms and crispy prosciutto, topped with arugula."

"FOCACCIA PIZZA (SICILIAN STYLE PIZZA) King Con: homemade fennel sausage, tomato sauce and burrata. *amazing thick crispy crust, fennel sausage had the right…”more"

"The Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite places in Baltimore City. It includes outdoor gardens, as well as five indoor rooms that feature a distinct environment. There’s the Palm House, Orchid Room, Desert House, Tropical House, and Mediterranean House, each with a climate and plants to match the environment."

"A true hidden gem in Baltimore, the Rawlings Conservatory is a historic greenhouse and botanical garden right next to the Maryland Zoo. Entry is donations-based, so you can pay as much as you want for total exploration of vibrant tropicals, gorgeous orchids, and a room full of impressive palms. By @willpowerphotos."

"The Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens has been in Druid Hill Park since 1888, so it’s an important part of Baltimore’s history. Who wouldn’t love to receive a marriage proposal surrounded by flowers and plants from around the world?"

"Pete’s Grille is a casual counter-serve eatery on Greenmount Avenue that serves breakfast and lunch in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Renowned for their large portions of hearty all-American fare, Pete’s Grille serves a variety of dishes for breakfast that include omelets and fried eggs, breakfast sandwiches, egg and meat platters, French toast, hot cakes, Belgian waffles, and specials such as creamed chipped beef with home fries and sausage gravy and biscuits with home fries. Hot beverages include freshly brewed coffee and tea, hot chocolate, fruit juices, and milkshakes."

"Pete’s only has counter service, so your grueling wait time is spent eyeballing the griddle and drooling on everyone else’s food. To avoid these awkward moments, I prefer to get takeout. If you call them up before you head over, your food will be ready upon arrival."

"The Southside Diner is a casual, friendly neighborhood eatery located in the Southside Market Place Shopping Center in Locust Point that serves freshly prepared classic diner fare and specialty Greek dishes. Owned and operated by Greek brothers Nick and Steve, the Southside Diner is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week, with creative menus of hearty and healthy fare. Breakfast dishes range from eggs and bacon, omelets, egg and meat platters, bagels, French toast, pancakes, and waffles to specialty dishes such as chipped beef on toast, hot cakes, oatmeal and toast, and blueberry muffins."

"Fort Ave. in Riverside, the diner is the highest-rated diner in Baltimore, boasting 4.5 stars out of 146 reviews on Yelp. READ MORE: Suspected Drunk Driver Crashes Into Brooklyn Park Home, Killing 68-Year-Old Man"

"So this review is for the diner just past TSA in concourse B. I went here with what I thought was plenty of time before my flight. No wait at the check i..."