Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Baltimore

This elegant restaurant features floor-to-ceiling murals of cafe scenes and gilded mirrors. The owners redecorated the dining room in the mid-90s; only the cracked tile floor is original. To start, try a half-order of the gnocchi in red pepper sauce or sample from the tapas Bar. For a main course, the thin-crusted pizza is a nice choice. Made with homemade sauce and topped with mozzarella, it is a gourmet delight. For dessert, choose from truffles, fresh fruit served with ice cream and Profiteroles with chocolate sauce.

This friendly little place called David & Dad's is great if you're looking for breakfast on the go. They offer a wide range of fresh-baked muffins; everything from blueberry to chocolate chip; as well as a good variety of breakfast sandwiches. They also do lunch, offering a large menu of deli and specialty sandwiches. Their Reuben is especially good - plenty of dressing and sauerkraut, without being too wet. There are a few tables, but most of the business is take out. Be sure to try a brownie.

Mick O'Shea's Irish Pub and Restaurant features live Irish music, five nights a week. Inside, you'll find a massive bar with wooden tables to complete the décor. Much of the food is standard bar fare, but heartier dishes are also available. Be sure to try the Celtic entrees like Shepherd's Pie, Irish Stew, and Corn Beef and Cabbage.

This trendy coffee shop boasts an enormous selection of coffee accouterments and beans, as well as a fine selection of pastries and snacks. Come in for a tasty breakfast croissant or a tempting sandwich. There is a wide variety of pita wraps sporting tasty combinations of ham, turkey and cheese with alfalfa sprouts and avocado. Each sandwich is named for a prominent Baltimore street or neighborhood. For dessert, sink your teeth into a homemade pastry.

With its simple yet elegant decor, B&O American Brasserie adds comfort to the sophisticated Hotel Monaco, where it is located. The bar seating is comfortable and it makes for a great place to hang out with friends or colleagues. The upscale crowd frequents B&O American Brasserie for their delicious cocktails that go very well with the American delicacies they have on offer. Raw Oysters, Steamed Local Clams are among their must-haves. Being a great venue for business gatherings, B&O American Brasserie provides private dining and banquet gathering solutions. Check website for further details.

The first floor of the nightclub Redwood Trust is magically transformed into the Red Tapas restaurant for five nights each week. This interesting place in a unique, restored building, boasts of nouveau American cuisine with that exotic Spanish twist. Flamboyant interiors and efficient service lure you within. Following the Spanish tradition of 'tapas' (small plates), the portions here are not for those expecting huge shareable quantities. Choose from innovative dishes like the Espresso-Coated Beef and the Pork-stuffed Steamed Dumplings (with a ponzu glaze and orange cabbage salad). Mellow down with some drinks, while you sway to great jazz at the Tapas Bar and set the pace for the night ahead. It is said that the energetic, stylish atmosphere of the restaurant more than makes up for its unexceptional food. It all depends on what you are here for!