Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Northwest Baltimore

24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Avenue Kitchen & Bar restaurant

1. Avenue Kitchen & Bar

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Hampden

Booked 2 times today

Avenue Kitchen & Bar in Hampden, Baltimore, stands out as a premier destination for those seeking a vibrant Dining Bar experience. Known for its high energy and gracious atmosphere, this spot offers a delightful array of Latin-American inspired cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Audiel Vera. A patron raved, "the food is always consistent," highlighting the quality and authenticity of the offerings. The bar and lounge area is a hive of activity, perfect for enjoying "terrific cocktails" and the daily specials during the lively happy hour. Whether it's for a relaxed brunch with "great music and good atmosphere" or a lively evening out, Avenue Kitchen & Bar encapsulates the essence of a top-notch Dining Bar, making it a must-visit on "the Avenue."

2. Bygone

4.6

Exceptional(3581)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Harbor East

Booked 46 times today

At Bygone in Harbor East, Baltimore, diners experience a delightful blend of Contemporary French / American cuisine that captivates both the palate and the imagination. Nestled in a prime location with "unbeatable views" of the city, Bygone merges "modern energy with a classic feel," creating an atmosphere that is both luxurious and welcoming. Reviewers rave about the "amazing" service and food, highlighting dishes like the signature prime rib and lamb chop, which are consistently described as "absolutely delicious." The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with guests recommending it for anyone wanting to experience top-notch dining, where even the cocktails are crafted to perfection. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual outing, Bygone promises an "exquisite" dining experience that is truly exceptional.

3. Topside

4.6

Exceptional(511)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mt. Vernon

Booked 10 times today

At Topside in the vibrant Mt. Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, seafood enthusiasts can indulge in a culinary experience that highlights the freshness and authenticity of local catches. With an emphasis on regional purveyors and artisans, Topside serves up seafood dishes that are not only delectable but also beautifully presented. Diners rave about the "Goan curry rockfish that took me home to Goa" and the "grilled octopus, both flavorful and perfectly prepared." The restaurant's rooftop setting offers stunning views over Baltimore, adding to the allure of dining here. Whether it's the "lobster pasta" or the "seafood rice," each dish is crafted to showcase the natural flavors of the sea, making Topside a must-visit destination for genuine and exquisite seafood cuisine.

4. La Food Marketa

4.6

Exceptional(1876)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Pikesville

Booked 25 times today

At La Food Marketa in Pikesville, Baltimore, the essence of Latin and Spanish cuisine is celebrated with a delightful flair and authenticity that keeps diners coming back for more. Praised for its "exceptional fish tacos" and "delicious Birria tacos," the restaurant has mastered the art of blending traditional flavors with a creative twist. Guests rave about the vibrant and soul-satisfying dishes, stating, "the food is always great and the staff is wonderful." Whether it's the "Nacho Tots" or the "Street Corn Ribs," each meal is crafted to offer a unique taste of the Americas. The atmosphere is lively, the service impeccable, and with options like "Mezcal Mango shrimp" and "Cubano steam buns," it’s clear why La Food Marketa is a gem for Latin and Spanish cuisine enthusiasts.

A photo of Kona Grill - Baltimore restaurant

5. Kona Grill - Baltimore

3.3

Good(2502)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Inner Harbor

Booked 16 times today

Welcome to Kona Grill Baltimore, a gem located next to the Baltimore Convention Center at the vibrant Inner Harbor. Renowned for its exceptional sushi, this restaurant is a haven for aficionados of authentic and innovative sushi cuisine. The menu boasts an award-winning array of sushi that combines classic techniques with modern twists, ensuring a unique dining experience. Guests rave about dishes like the "Fire Dragon Sushi Roll," celebrated for its exquisite taste and presentation. One patron enthused, "Sushi was also delicious," highlighting the impeccable quality and flavor. Whether you're seeking a sophisticated sushi dinner or a delightful happy hour, Kona Grill Baltimore promises an unforgettable culinary journey with its top-tier sushi, crafted to perfection.

6. Monarque

4.6

Exceptional(1182)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Harbor East

Booked 28 times today

Monarque in Baltimore's Harbor East is a gem where the spirit of a French brasserie is beautifully married with contemporary American flair. This acclaimed venue is not just about dining; it’s an extravagant experience "where culture boomed and extravagance flourished." With a food menu that receives rave reviews like "one of the best onion soups I have ever had" and "the gnocchi was the best," Monarque stands out for its culinary excellence. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by an impressive entertainment lineup, making every visit memorable. Guests praise not only the "amazing food" but also the "phenomenal experience" from the combination of live performances and impeccable service, ensuring a unique and delightful dining adventure every time.

7. Magdalena

4.8

Exceptional(1204)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mt. Vernon

Booked 12 times today

Magdalena, nestled in Baltimore’s historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood, is a gem of a bistro that epitomizes the charm and culinary craftsmanship of Maryland. Renowned for its “from-scratch” fare, this restaurant at The Ivy Hotel turns local ingredients into spectacular dishes, each reflecting the richness of the Chesapeake Bay region. The authenticity of Magdalena’s bistro cuisine is bolstered by the expertise of Executive Chef Ülfet Ralph, whose decade-long experience in Relais & Châteaux properties infuses each plate with innovation and elegance. Glowing reviews often highlight not just the food but the entire dining experience, such as one patron who reminisced, "My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at Magdalena last night, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish." With its Wine Spectator-awarded wine list and a revered whiskey collection, Magdalena is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly memorable bistro dining experience in Baltimore.

A photo of Cindy Lou's Fish House restaurant

8. Cindy Lou's Fish House

4.2

Awesome(10)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Fells Point

Booked 7 times today

Cindy Lou's Fish House, nestled in the Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point hotel, offers not just a meal but an exquisite dining experience with a breathtaking waterfront view. This restaurant stands out for its dedication to fresh, high-quality fish cuisine, capturing the essence of Baltimore's rich seafood heritage. Patrons rave about the "incredible seafood" and specifically highlight dishes like the "fresh, light, fluffy and flavorful" crab omelette and the "delicate and flavorful" catfish. The atmosphere is praised as "top-tier," perfect for savoring the meticulously cooked branzino, which has been described as "cooked perfect." With its stunning views of the harbor and a menu that celebrates seafood in every dish, Cindy Lou's Fish House is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and delicious fish cuisine in Baltimore.

A photo of B&O American Brasserie - Hotel Monaco restaurant

9. B&O American Brasserie - Hotel Monaco

3.8

Excellent(1786)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in the historic B&O Building in Downtown Baltimore, B&O American Brasserie is a gem for seafood lovers seeking both quality and authenticity. With its roots deeply embedded in the Baltimore & Ohio railroad heritage, the restaurant offers a brasserie fare that highlights sustainable fish, earning praise for dishes like their "tasty crab cakes" and "amazing clam chowder." Patrons rave about the overall dining experience, noting the "eclectic menu" and "top notch service." One reviewer highlighted, "The food was really good, but the drinks stole the show!" making it clear that B&O American Brasserie is a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional seafood in a sophisticated setting.

A photo of Loch Bar - Baltimore restaurant

10. Loch Bar - Baltimore

4.6

Exceptional(1432)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Harbor East

Booked 30 times today

Nestled in the illustrious Four Seasons Hotel with a breathtaking view of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Loch Bar is a paragon of Contemporary American cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood. Celebrated for its expansive raw bar and a menu that adds a modern twist to classic dishes, the restaurant's culinary finesse shines through its offerings like the unrivaled seafood tower and scrumptious scallop ceviche. Patrons rave about the "fresh and delicious oysters" and the "outstanding crab cakes with no filler, just great crab." The ambiance is equally praised, with live music enhancing the dining experience every night. Loch Bar not only promises a delightful meal but also an invigorating atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in Harbor East, Baltimore.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

RR
RoadRunner
Baltimore / Maryland •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
Lovely dinner- the food was excellent and the wine that the Sommelier picked paired very well
More info
MagdalenaPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Mt. Vernon
•
4.8
B
Brendavip
Baltimore / Maryland •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great all around dining experience. Salmon bowl was excellent.
More info
La Food MarketaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Pikesville
•
4.6
D
Danielle
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Sat right away. A little run down location. Food good. Server was on it.
More info
Kona Grill - BaltimorePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Inner Harbor
•
3.3
C
Chase
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
Topside DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The food was 10/10. Our serve (I want to mention her name to give credit but I won’t in order to remain compliant) whose name started with L could NOT have been sweeter or more helpful. They have a fantastic N/A beverage selection and the ambience and view are amazing. The only slight nock would be the standing group of about 15 people who came in around 9pm and remaining standing until we left at around 9:30. They were either waiting for tables or simply standing and meeting. The room became quite loud form that point on. But even still, Topside is now a top 3 restaurant in Baltimore for my liking. I will be returning to dine there without question!
More info
TopsidePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Mt. Vernon
•
4.6
C
Camillevip
Baltimore / Maryland •17 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 9, 2024
The shrimp and grits were some of the best I’ve ever had -and def the best here in Bmore. The avocado toast had additional vegetables and was very filling. Service was very attentive. Great experience all around!!
More info
Avenue Kitchen & BarPrice: Expensive• American• Hampden
•
4.4

Explore OpenTable

Northwest Baltimore

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Northwest Baltimore

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

24 restaurants available nearby

1. Avenue Kitchen & Bar

2. Bygone

3. Topside

4. La Food Marketa

5. Kona Grill - Baltimore

6. Monarque

7. Magdalena

8. Cindy Lou's Fish House

9. B&O American Brasserie - Hotel Monaco

10. Loch Bar - Baltimore

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable