17 Popular Baltimore Foods to Experience in 2024

Baltimore foods are as popular in Charm City as the rich history and vibrant culture that this area is known for. From iconic seafood dishes to mouthwatering desserts, the city’s culinary scene offers diverse flavors and a range of Baltimore food menus that capture the city's essence. 

What is Baltimore known for in food? Is Baltimore a foodie city?  This blog will explore these questions by introducing some iconic Baltimore foods. We will then recommend popular restaurants where you can savor the best foods in Baltimore. 

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• Cooking Classes in Baltimore
• 17 Best Baltimore Foods & Where to Find Them

Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Cooking classes are a fun way to explore many of your favorite foods and learn how to prepare them at home. These cooking classes in Baltimore provide learning opportunities from some of Baltimore’s favorite local chefs. They will teach you how to prepare Baltimore foods using professional methods and locally sourced ingredients.  

Classes provide independent learning opportunities, team building activities in Baltimore or date night fun. In each class, you create the most popular Baltimore food recipes and refine your culinary techniques to make cooking at home faster, easier and more fun. 

17 Best Baltimore Foods & Where to Find Them

1. Crab Cakes

What is Maryland’s most popular food? Many would say crab cakes. These flaky and sweet creations are among the most popular Baltimore foods and something the state is known for.

People journey from across the globe to try the tender cakes made from the Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Due to the area’s proximity to the bay, the crab in each cake is fresh and flavorful.

If you want to try the most authentic Baltimore food recipe for crab cakes, check out Faidley’s Seafood, known for its colossal lump crab cakes. Another popular spot is Nick’s Fish House. Be sure to try the Pappas-style crab cakes if Nick’s is your pick. 

2. Pit Beef

Pit beef makes the list of Baltimore food specialties. The origins of this comfort food are less than clear, but it is believed to have originated in the city’s east side and among working-class people.

Preparing this popular Baltimore food menu item involves quickly cooking the meat at high temperatures and leaving it rare. The dish has a unique smokey flavor. You will find some of the best pit beef in town at Chap’s Pit Beef.

Their sandwiches are served on fresh buns, and the establishment has won national recognition. Try Jake’s Pit Beef if you want Baltimore food from a small family-owned restaurant. Their beef is sliced fresh on the spot. 

3. Berger Cookies

Berger cookies are classic and one of the best foods in Baltimore. They have been synonymous with great Baltimore foods since the 1800s.

These cookies are oh-so-sweet shortbread cookies topped with rich, thick chocolate frosting. Discover the original Berger cookie at the Baltimore food market in Lexington, where you will find Berger’s Bakery.

For a slightly different take on this popular Baltimore food, try the Berger stuffed Baltimore Bomb Pie at Dangerously Delicious Pies. Sharing a piece of pie is a fun way to experience the flavor of the cookie and makes for a great date idea in Baltimore.  

4. Old Bay Wings

Old Bay wings have become a quintessential Baltimore food, captivating locals and visitors with their irresistible appeal. The secret lies in the distinctive Old Bay seasoning, a cherished blend of herbs and spices that imparts the wings with a bold and savory flavor.

The unique combination of tangy, spicy and slightly sweet notes creates a taste sensation. These wings are served in several popular Baltimore foodie restaurants.

Many Baltimore food markets also sell Old Bay seasoning if you want to try this recipe at home. To enjoy the wings in a restaurant, visit Delia Foley’s or Mother’s Federal Hall Grille. Both serve smoked wings that are seasoned just right. 

5. Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich

The soft-shell crab sandwich embodies the city's maritime heritage and love for fresh seafood. It features a succulent soft-shell crab, delicately battered and fried to perfection.

Like several other Baltimore food specialties, the sandwich is a seasonal delicacy. Biting into it provides a delightful contrast of textures, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Find this delicious Baltimore food at Mama’s on the Half Shell. The casual atmosphere and friendly service make this a favorite warm and cozy restaurant near Baltimore, MD.

Try Sal and Sons for generous-sized baskets of soft-shell crab sandwiches and other popular dishes and a fun Fells Point location. 

6. Italian Gelato

Renowned for its velvety texture and intense flavors, Italian gelato stands out as a popular Baltimore food and a delightful departure from traditional ice cream.

The meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating this sweet treat, combined with high-quality ingredients, results in a frozen dessert that captivates the senses.

The family-owned restaurant Pitango Gelato is a popular place for locals to enjoy this refreshing dessert. It is located in Fells Point, a beautiful neighborhood and home to many popular Baltimore restaurants on the water.

For another option, check out Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop. They serve authentic gelato and classic Italian pastries.

7. Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller have firmly established themselves as an indulgent Baltimore food, epitomizing the city's love affair with seafood. This classic dish, featuring fresh oysters bathed in a blend of spinach, herbs and breadcrumbs, celebrates the Chesapeake Bay's bountiful harvest.

The Rockefeller sauce enhances the natural saltiness of the oysters in this classic Baltimore food pick. Order the Oysters Rockefeller when you visit Ryleigh’s Oysters. They are famous for this dish. The Local Oyster also serves this and many other varieties of fresh oysters to-go.

For a splurge-worthy dining experience that includes Oysters Rockefeller, dine at Thames Street Oyster House. It is one of the most popular Baltimore restaurants on the water.

8. Natty Boh Pretzel Cone

Natty Boh pretzel cones have seamlessly blended into Charm City’s culinary scene, emerging as a distinctive Baltimore food choice. This innovative creation combines two iconic elements of Baltimore’s culture — National Bohemian beer and soft pretzels — resulting in a snack that captures the city's essence.

The pretzel cone, filled with a generous serving of beer-infused cheese or other delectable toppings, provides a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

The Natty Boh Tower in Brewers Hill is the iconic spot for this Baltimore food specialty. You can also enjoy a Natty Boh pretzel cone and other soft pretzel creations at the Canton Pretzel Store, a popular place for a midnight snack. 

9. Smith Island Cake 

As the official state dessert of Maryland, Smith Island Cake is not just a delectable Baltimore food; it serves as a symbol of regional pride, capturing the essence of a coastal community and resonating with Baltimoreans as a beloved, sweet, timeless masterpiece.

This iconic dessert boasts numerous thin layers of moist, buttery cake alternated with velvety frosting, often featuring flavors like rich dark chocolate or island-infused coconut.

Order the Smith Island Cake at the Cozy Cafe and Bakery. Take advantage of the outdoor seating in warmer weather. Yia Yia’s Bakery is another popular spot for enjoying this classic Maryland sweet treat.  

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10. Coddies

Seasoned, deep-fried codfish cakes, or Coddies, are a popular and simplistic Baltimore food. The fish is sandwiched between two saltine crackers and topped with mustard, embodying the city's working-class culinary heritage.

This Baltimore food is more than just a snack; the sandwich represents a nostalgic connection to Baltimore's waterfront history. Enjoy this quick and satisfying bite-sized Baltimore food at Styggy’s Sandwich Shop.

The restaurant opened in 2010, and many of its menu items quickly went viral. Family-owned and operated Faidley’s Seafood is another excellent choice if you are in the mood for Coddies. 

11. Crab Dip

Hot and bubbling crab dip is a delectable combination of creamy texture and Maryland blue crab's rich, savory flavor. This beloved Baltimore food encapsulates the essence of Chesapeake Bay cuisine, showcasing the region's prized seafood.

The blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise and Old Bay seasoning, generously mixed with succulent crab meat, creates a luscious appetizer that is both indulgent and comforting.

Visit Bo Brooks Crab House to try the creamy crab dip that they are famous for. Captain James Landing’s Boston St Crab Dip is baked with cheese and served with pretzel crostini for dipping. 

12. Lake Trout

Despite its name, Baltimore lake trout is not from a lake but is typically made from fried whiting fish. This popular Baltimore food is served with white bread and hot sauce.

It is nostalgic comfort food that has become ingrained in the city's culinary heritage. Find lake trout at Simply Marie's, a local gem for this iconic working-class seafood dish.

Connie's Chicken & Waffles serves Baltimore comfort foods and is known for its delicious lake trout platter.

13. Jumbo Lump Crab Soup

The generous portions of jumbo lump crab meat, a flavorful broth, vegetables and the signature Old Bay seasoning create a classic Baltimore food - jumbo lump crab soup.

It warms the soul and serves as a culinary tribute to the Chesapeake Bay's bounty. G&M Restaurant is renowned for its flavorful jumbo lump crab soup. For a Mediterranean-inspired version of this popular dish, check out the Black Olive. 

14. Lemon Peppermint Stick

Enjoy this popular Baltimore food if you are in the mood for a refreshing combination of citrusy zest and cool peppermint sweetness. The simple yet delightful lemon peppermint stick consists of a fresh lemon, hollowed out and filled with a peppermint stick.

The juxtaposition of tart lemon and sweet peppermint offers a unique and satisfying palate cleanser, particularly favored during the city's warm summer months.

Visit Rheb’s Homemade Candies to find the fresh-from-scratch lemon peppermint sticks they are known for. At Wockenfuss Candies, discover hand-pulled peppermint sticks that you can easily use to create this sweet yet tart Baltimore food at home. 

15. Italian Biscotti

Italian biscotti has woven itself into the culinary tapestry of Baltimore foods, gaining popularity for its delightful combination of flavors and textures.

These twice-baked, crisp cookies have found a special place among locals, offering a satisfying crunch alongside a cup of java or a favorite tea.

Order your favorite variety at Pitango Bakery + Café, a family-owned business making authentic Italian biscotti from scratch daily. For biscotti on the go, check out DiPasquale's Italian Marketplace. The owners of this local market take pride in bringing their Italian heritage to Baltimore. 

16. Sour Beef and Dumplings

This classic Baltimore food is German-influenced, and it features slow-cooked beef stewed in a tangy, sweet-and-sour gravy accompanied by hearty potato dumplings.

The amalgamation of flavors in sour beef and dumplings mirrors the diverse culinary influences that have shaped Baltimore's culinary landscape. The Roost serves a delicious, amply-sized plate of sour beef and dumplings. The Laughing Pint also offers a unique and flavorful sour beef dish.

17. Snowballs 

Snowballs are a beloved Baltimore food that offers a refreshing escape from the city's warm and humid summers. What sets Baltimore snowballs apart is the super finely shaved ice combined with the unique selection of flavored syrups.

The syrups in this famous Baltimore food often reach imaginative heights with combinations like egg custard and marshmallow.

Check out Val’s Snowballs and sample one of their 62 unique flavor combinations. If you are searching for a picturesque spot to enjoy your snowball, visiting Walther Gardens is in order. The stand is one of the oldest in the city. 

What is one thing Baltimore is known for? Food! Exploring the city’s culinary landscape is a delightful journey filled with unique and flavorful experiences.

From the world-famous crab cakes to the iconic Natty Boh Pretzel Cone, these 17 must-try Baltimore foods showcase the city's rich gastronomic heritage and provide some excellent opportunities to try a Baltimore restaurant on the water or one of the warm and cozy restaurants near Baltimore, MD.

So, embark on a culinary adventure, savor the local flavors and discover why there are so many great Baltimore foodie restaurants. You will not be disappointed.

For even more fun things to do in Baltimore, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!