Baltimore's 100 best restaurants [Interactive list]

Food critic Richard Gorelick's list of 100 best restaurants, in Baltimore and the surrounding counties, reflects the wide spectrum of choices available to diners, from mom and pop storefronts to waterfront extravaganzas. The best restaurants have little in common, other than the proven ability to consistently please their customers.

Take a look at a sortable list of the region's top restaurants below. You can click on a category to sort the list; click again to invert the sorting order. To get more information about an individual restaurant, click on its name.

Also see:

Rank	Restaurant/Contact Information	Neighborhood	Cuisine	Price
1	The Prime Rib	Mt. Vernon	Steakhouse	$$$$
1	1101 N. Calvert St., 410-539-1804 www.theprimerib.com It's everything a restaurant should be, and has been for almost 50 years. It's not the steak, the potato skins or the Piney. It's that when you leave, you'll know you've been out for a nice dinner. Read our 2009 review.
2	Woodberry Kitchen	Woodberry	American (New)	$$$
2	2010 Clipper Park Road, 410-464-8000 www.woodberrykitchen.com The food, setting and service work together to create big, sexy evenings of pleasure at Amy and Spike Gjerde's unique farm-to-table restaurant. Everything is calibrated to bring intense sensual enjoyment to every guest's experience. Read our 2008 review.
3	Charleston	Harbor East	American (New)	$$$$
3	1000 Lancaster St., 410-332-7373 www.charlestonrestaurant.com The subtle and buttery pleasures of Cindy Wolf's Low Country cuisine simmer over the course of a long evening at this gorgeously maintained restaurant. Passionate attention to detail is what shines most brightly at Charleston, a destination for anyone who cares about fine dining. Read more.
4	Peter's Inn	Fells Point	American (New)	$$
4	504 S. Ann St., 410-675-7313 www.petersinn.com The buttery steaks, filet and a tenderloin, are constants, but everything else on the small chalkboard menu changes from week to week. Karin and Bud Tiffany are the hosts at this inimitable Fells Point restaurant. Read our 2009 review.
5	Jack's Bistro	Canton	American (New)	$$
5	3123 Elliott St., 410-878-6542 www.jacksbistro.net Ted Stelzenmuller and his gang prepare fearless food for a devoted following. There might a burger made entirely out of bacon or a creme brulee made out of durian. But you won't still find a better $20 steak in Baltimore than the grilled Argentine steak. Read more.
6	Cinghiale	Harbor East	Italian	$$$
6	822 Lancaster St., 410-547-8282 www.cgeno.com It's a pleasure to work your way through Julian Marucci's menu, which has been inspired by Northern Italian cuisine but comes across as wholly original. The food, beautifully and simply presented, consistently delivers complex and surprising flavors. Read more in our review.
7	Helmand	Mt. Vernon	Afghan	$$
7	806 N. Charles St., 410-752-0311 www.helmand.com It's been almost 25 years now that Qayum Karzai's beloved Mount Vernon restaurant has been treating Baltimoreans to exquisite and delectable Afghan cuisine. Memorable dishes include sauteed baby pumpkin and leek-filled ravioli topped with ground beef and mint. Read our 2008 review.
8	Salt	Upper Fells Point	American (New)	$$$
8	2127 E. Pratt St., 410-276-5480 www.salttavern.com Salt is a neighborhood tavern that refuses to act like one. The menu changes, almost entirely, every few months keeping the staff and diners in a constant state of anticipation and engagement. Read our 2006 review.
9	Petit Louis	Roland Park	French	$$$
9	4800 Roland Ave., 410-366-9393 www.petitlouis.com Twelve years in, Petit Louis is a category-owner. On a random weeknight, the superb French bistro comes close to soup-to-nuts perfection. And these days, it's doing so in a manner that feels effortless and natural. Read our 2010 review.
10	Aldo's Ristorante Italiano	Little Italy	Italian	$$$
10	306 S. High St., 410-727-0700 www.aldositaly.com Among the last, and certainly the best, of a vanishing breed. Aldo's still treats dinner as an occasion when adults should enjoy great food, fine wine and quiet conversation in polished surroundings. Read our 2006 review.
11	Fleet Street Kitchen	Harbor East	American (New)	$$$
11	1012 Fleet St., Harbor East, 410-244-5830 www.fleetstreetkitchen.com You'd have to look long and hard to come up with a false move at the new Fleet Street Kitchen. This is a farm-to-table restaurant free of affectations. Instead, local and seasonal ingredients are the building blocks of seriously captivating cuisine. Read more in our review.
12	Ouzo Bay	Harbor East	Greek	$$$$
12	1000 Lancaster St., 443-708-5818 www.ouzobay.com Every decision made about the atmosphere, menu and service at this glamorous new restaurant feels exactly right. The food is prepared with extraordinary care and presented with casual grace. Dinner there is fun. Read more in our review.
13	Linwoods	Owings Mills	American (New)	$$$
13	25 Crossroads Drive, Owings Mills, 410-356-3030 www.linwoods.com The open kitchen at Linwood Dame's enduringly popular restaurant turns out beautiful contemporary American dishes that look like they belong on the cover of food magazines. They taste as good as they look. Read our 2010 review.
14	Waterfront Kitchen	Fells Point	American (New)	$$$
14	1417 Thames St., 443-681-5310 www.waterfrontkitchen.com A lovely and rewarding waterfront restaurant, and a model of sophisticated understatement. A straightforward and compact "spirited American dining" menu is executed with quiet precision by chef de cuisine Levi Briggs. The dining room, from Patrick Sutton, is serenely beautiful. Read more in our review.
15	Thames Street Oyster House	Fells Point	Seafood	$$
15	1728 Thames St., 443-449-7726 www.thamesstreetoysterhouse.com It its second year, Thames Street continues to hit all the right notes, as an exemplary raw bar, contemporary seafood bistro and neighborhood gathering spot. The menu has just enough flair to engage serious diners but plenty of homespun and casual options, too. Read more in our review.
16	Dogwood Restaurant	Hampden	American (New)	$$$
16	911 W. 36th St., 410-889-0952 www.dogwoodbaltimore.com In full blossom, this charming Hampden restaurant is serious about its commitment to sustainability and community development. For diners, Galen Sampson's classic preparations of American cuisine make doing the right thing a pleasure. Read our 2010 review.
17	Corner BYOB	Hampden	Continental	$$$
17	850 W. 36th Street, 443-869-5075 www.cornerbyob.com The kitchen, under executive chef Bernard Dehaene, creates hearty Belgian-inspired food that feels perfectly at home in the at this polished and comforting Hampden hideaway. The major selling point — The Corner BYOB is unlike any other restaurant in Baltimore. Read more in our review.
18	Oregon Grille	Hunt Valley	Steakhouse	$$$$
18	1201 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, 410-771-0505 www.theoregongrille.com A hit from the day it opened, the horse-country farmhouse celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. Admired for its tenderly treated dry-aged steaks and deep wine list, Ted Bauer's steakhouse is the rare dining icon that maintains its own highest standards. Read more.
19	The Food Market	Hampden	American (New)	$$
19	1017 W. 36th St., 410-366-0606 www.thefoodmarketbaltimore.com The new Hampden hot spot from Chad Gauss established itself as a favorite in no time flat. Gauss works an accessible menu with enough playful moments to hold a diner's interest, and with partner Elan Kotz, he's given diners something else they want: a big, wide space to crowd themselves into. Read more in our review.
20	Gertrude's	Charles Village	American (New)	$$
20	10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore Museum of Art 410-889-3399, www.gertrudesbaltimore.com The airy and invigorating restaurant space at the Baltimore Museum of Art supplies the perfect frame for John Shields' flavorful and original interpretations of Maryland cuisine. North African and Asian flavors feel perfectly at home with Chesapeake heritage recipes. Read more.
21	Bistro Blanc	Glenelg	American (New)	$$$
21	3800 Ten Oaks Road, Glenelg 410-489-7907, www.bistroblancmd.com Part wine bar, part restaurant, this out-of-the-way haven in western Howard County is a fine showcase for the cutting-edge culinary talents of Marc Dixon, whose stylish food draws diners from Baltimore and Washington. Read our 2009 review.
22	Tapas Teatro	Charles North	Spanish	$$
22	1711 N. Charles St., Charles North , 410-332-0110 www.tapasteatro.com Tapas restaurants can grow stale, but 10 years in, the food at Tapas Teatro is better than ever. The main menu has grown and evolved, with more choices, particularly among meat and seafood plates, and the specials are dazzlingly good. Read our 2010 review.
23	Mr. Rain's Fun House	Federal Hill	American (New)	$$
23	800 Key Highway, American Visionary Art Museum, 443-524-7379 www.mrrainsfunhouse.com This excellent contemporary restaurant manages to be both part of a progressive culinary movement and its very own thing. Bill Buszinski's kitchen isn't afraid of displaying flourishes of wit, just not at the expense of flavor. Read more in our review.
24	Tio Pepe	Mt. Vernon	Spanish	$$$
24	10 E. Franklin St., 410-539-4675 www.tiopepebaltimore.com Tio Pepe is no longer the most expensive meal in town. A Tio Pepe dinner, though, still feels like a luxury item, bathed in drawn butter, covered with hollandaise, flavored with brandy, and layered with cream and rolled in pine nuts. Read more in our review.
25	Bluegrass	South Baltimore	American (New)	$$$
25	1500 S. Hanover St., 410-244-5101 www.bluegrasstavern.com Tim Dyson took over the kitchen this summer at this laid-back, bourbon-scented headquarters for local, seasonal and snout-to-tail cuisine. By fall, he was serving up hardcore appetizers like trotters and calf's brain alongside roasted baby pumpkin and poached beet salad. Read more.
26	Kali's Court	Fells Point	Seafood	$$$
26	1606 Thames St., 410-276-4700 www.kaliscourt.com The main dining room at this Fells Point power dining restaurant is the perfect setting for observing important celebrations, like making it through another week. Read our 2006 review.
27	Milton Inn	Sparks	American (New)	$$$
27	14833 York Road, Sparks, 410-771-4366 www.miltoninn.com The northern Baltimore County classic still delivers all of the tradition and perks diners want from a fine-dining, special-occasion restaurant. Read more in our review.
28	B&O American Brasserie	Downtown	American (New)	$$$
28	2 N. Charles St., 443-692-6172 www.bandorestaurant.com New Orleans-born chef Thomas Dunklin is continuously changing up the menu, not just for the season but to keep himself and his diners interested. Behind the bar, Brendan Dorr continues to push the limits with vigorous cocktails. Read more.
29	b — A Bolton Hill Bistro	Bolton Hill	American (New)	$$
29	1501 Bolton St., 410-383-8600 www.b-bistro.com New executive chef Chris Clune arrived this spring, and he's been building on the kitchen's intensely local and seasonal program with spirited entrees and appetizers that showcase classical training. Read our 2010 review..
30	Birroteca	Hampden	Italian	$$
30	1520 Clipper Road, 443-708-1934 www.bmorebirroteca.com In a year that brought Baltimore many promising new restaurants, this was the biggest surprise. The whip-smart trattoria menu is from Cyrus Keefer, and the expertly staged atmosphere is from owner Robin Haas. Read more in our review..
31	Liberatore's Ristorante	Lutherville-Timonium	Italian	$$$
31	9515 Deereco Road, Timonium, 410-561-3300 www.liberatores.com Even after all these years, this county power restaurant still draws the crowds. There's nothing flashy, just comfortable surroundings and reliably good Italian food. Yes, you can end up spending a lot of money, but you won't go home hungry. Read our 2010 lunch review..
32	Kali's Mezze	Fells Point	Mediterranean	$$
32	1606 Thames St., 410-563-7600 www.kalismezze.com Baltimore's tapas scene arrived at full maturity when Kali's Court opened this sidekick restaurant, which some 10 years later is still delighting diners with small plates of savory Greek fare like succulent lamb chops, zesty dips and lemony fresh seafood. Read more.
33	Fork & Wrench	Canton	American (New)	$$
33	2322 Boston St., 443-759-9360 www.theforkandwrench.com The crowds have found Fork & Wrench. They're enjoying the stimulating "four-star dive bar" vibes in this former Canton warehouse. And they're spreading the word about executive chef Sajin Renae's confident preparations of cosmopolitan tavern fare. Read more in our review.
34	Ten Ten	Harbor East	American (New)	$$$
34	1010 Fleet St., 410-244-6867 www.bagbys1010.com The dining spaces at this Harbor East bistro are embracing, the menu and wine lists are smart and compact, and the food is thoroughly considered and prepared with enthusiasm. Read more in our review.
35	Ethel & Ramone's	Mt. Washington	Cajun	$$
35	1615 Sulgrave Ave., 410-664-2971 www.ethelandramones.com Ed Bloom and company whip up commendable shrimp scampi, pan-fried chicken and amazing gumbo at this durable Mount Washington restaurant, the city's premier space for Cajun-Creole cuisine. Read our 2011 lunch review.
36	Catonsville Gourmet	Catonsville	Seafood	$$
36	829 Frederick Road, Catonsville, 410-788-0005 www.catonsvillegourmet.com It's informal, like the kind of place you find in beach towns. But Catonsville takes its seafood — and steaks — seriously. A BYOB policy helps to keep a meal of bouillabaisse and filet mignon affordable. Read our 2008 review.
37	Chazz: A Bronx Original	Harbor East	Italian	$$
37	1415 Aliceanna St, 410-522-5511 www.chazzbronxoriginal.com A light-hearted and wittily executed homage to Palminteri's beloved borough, complete with pizza altar, the restaurant takes Italian classics like veal Milanese seriously. Read more in our review.
38	Tark's Grill	Lutherville-Timonium	American	$$
38	2360 W. Joppa Road, Suite 116, Lutherville-Timonium 410-583-8275, www.tarksgrill.com The traditional bistro menu at Tark's Grill is as conservative as it gets. But here's the twist: Everything Tark's does, it does well. The Green Spring Station restaurant has earned loyalty with an old-fashioned commitment to good, consistent service. Read our 2008 review.
39	Heavy Seas Alehouse	Little Italy	American (New)	$$
39	1300 Bank St., 410-522-0850 www.heavyseasalehouse.com There are so many things to admire about this Little Italy warehouse restaurant, most of all the smartly conceived menu from executive chef Matt Seeber. It's instantly appealing and accessible, and it's executed with confidence. The beer, of course, is great. Read more in our review.
40	Clementine	Northeast Baltimore	American (New)	$$
40	5402 Harford Road, 410-444-1497 www.bmoreclementine.com What a year for Clementine. A second, smaller Clementine opened in Highlandtown, while "Top Chef" alumna Jill Snyder came aboard as chef at the original location, which remains the best for full-family dining in the Baltimore area. Read our 2011 review.
41	Alchemy	Hampden	American (New)	$$
41	1011 W. 36th St., 410-366-1163 www.alchemyon36.com Customers are taking to the creative American cuisine at Michael Matassa and Debi Bell-Matassa's jazzy Hampden restaurant, and Alchemy has been thriving in its second full year on The Avenue in Hampden. Read more in our review.
42	Tersiguel's	Ellicott City	French	$$$
42	8293 Main St., 410-465-4004 www.tersiguels.com The beautiful Main Street restaurant is now in the hands of Michel Tersiguel, the son of the original owners. To the established roster of escargots and beef bourguignon fish soup, Michel has added seasonal fare and put his own twist on classics. Read more in our review.
43	Ikaros	Greektown	Greek	$$
43	4901 Eastern Ave., 410-633-3750 www.ikarosrestaurant.com After 43 years, Ikaros moved in August to new digs. Old favorites like pastitsio, moussaka and spanakopita have made the trip, but the location gives owner Xenophon Kohilas new amenities like a fish display and a rotisserie spit for roasting whole lambs. Read more in our review.
44	Roy's	Harbor East	Hawaiian	$$$
44	720 Aliceanna St., 410-659-0099 www.roysrestaurant.com The talented Patrick "Opie" Crooks continues to put his own creative stamp on this Roy's location while staying true to the Hawaiian fusion model created by founder Roy Yamaguchi. Read more in our review.
45	City Cafe	Mt. Vernon	American (New)	$$
45	1001 Cathedral St., 410-539-4252 www.citycafebaltimore.com The transition to chef Jared Rhine has been so far seamless. The City Cafe still keeps its Mount Vernon tables full by giving them energetic service and plenty of attractive bistro dining options. Read more.
46	Donna's (Charles Village)	Charles Village	American (New)	$$
46	3101 St. Paul St., 410-889-3410 www.donnas.com Andy Thomas has put his personal chef stamp on the Charles Village Donna's location, while still speaking the expressive and fresh Northern Italian language that Donna Crivello introduced to Baltimore. Read more.
46	Donna's (Cross Keys)	Cross Keys	American (New)	$$
46	5100 Falls Road, 410-532-7611 www.donnas.com Ian Stanford has put his personal chef stamp on the Cross Keys Donna's location, while still speaking the expressive and fresh Northern Italian language that Donna Crivello introduced to Baltimore. Read more.
47	Maggie's Farm	Northeast Baltimore	American (New)	$$$
47	4341 Harford Road, 410-254-2376 www.maggiesfarmmd.com Until just recently, this restaurant was known as the Chameleon. The new owners include chef Andrew Weinzirl, who worked with founding chef Jeff Smith during the transition. That's good news for fans of the pioneering farm-to-table restaurant. Read more.
48	Wit & Wisdom	Harbor East	American (New)	$$$
48	200 International Dr., Four Seasons Hotel, 410-576-5800 www.witandwisdombaltimore.com When it first opened, the showcase restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel impressed with its good looks but left us hungry for things to come. A new chef, Clayton Miller, is now in place. We'll see how it goes, but the bones of a great restaurant are here. Read our original review.
49	Iron Bridge Wine Co.	Columbia	American (New)	$$$
49	10435 State Rte. 108, Columbia, 410-997-3456 www.ironbridgewines.com The roadside wine bar and cafe first made its mark with carefully sophisticated, flavor-focused small plates. Eventually, the menu grew to include big plates of equal appeal. Read more.
50	Langermann's	Canton	Southern	$$
50	2400 Boston St., 410-534-3287 www.langermanns.com The Canton kitchen of Neal Langermann — whose specialties include shrimp and grits, maple smokehouse-rubbed Duroc pork chops, Cape Fear scallops and fried green tomatoes — turns out Low Country meals worth swooning over. Read more in our review.
51	Sotto Sopra	Downtown	Italian	$$$
51	405 N. Charles St., 410-625-0534 www.sottosopra.us Riccardo Bosio deftly employs local ingredients in his contemporary preparations of classic Northern Italian cuisine. The pastas are homemade, and dishes like a simple fried polenta with caper aioli and, in season, grilled Portuguese sardines are worth visiting again and again. Read more in our review.
52	Black Olive	Fells Point	Seafood	$$$
52	814 S. Bond St., 410-276-7141 www.theblackolive.com In 1996, the Spiladis family's taverna-style restaurant introduced to Baltimore the idea of displaying fresh fish in the dining room. These days, the Fells Point restaurant is still a temple of fine Greek cuisine. Read our 2010 review.
53	Severn Inn	Annapolis	Seafood	$$$
53	1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Annapolis, 410-349-4000 www.severninn.com On its best days, the Severn comes close to the ideal seafood restaurant. There are "no filler" jumbo lump crab cakes, Salvadorian seafood stew and bacon-studded Skuna Bay salmon. The panoramic waterfront view is unbeatable. Read our 2005 review.
54	Victoria Gastro Pub	Columbia	American (New)	$$
54	8201 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, 410-750-1880 www.victoriagastropub.com Randy Marriner set out to make his pub a "living room of the community," and he's succeeded. The everyday menu successfully bridges the gap between pretentiousness and pandering with items like roasted quail and fish and chips with an Allagash beer batter. Read more.
55	Blue Hill Tavern	Canton	American (New)	$$$
55	938 S. Conkling St., 443-388-9363 www.bluehilltavern.com With its spacious dining areas, waterfall-accented bar and swank rooftop lounge, Blue Hill Tavern offers a luxe aesthetic that's in short supply on the east side. The menu includes a variety of attractively sculpted entrees. Read our 2009 review.
56	Phillips Seafood	Inner Harbor	Seafood	$$$
56	601 E. Pratt St., 410-685-6600 www.phillipsseafood.com The move in late 2011 to a new Inner Harbor home has done wonders for the homegrown seafood giant. The food is mostly shipshape, the service could not be friendlier, and the new space is expansive and welcoming. Read more in our review.
57	Osteria 177	Annapolis	Italian	$$$
57	177 Main St., Annapolis, 410-267-7700 www.osteria177.com Arturo Ottaviano's expressive Italian coastal cuisine is an Annapolis favorite. Under dangling chandeliers, customers devour the risotto of the day and innovative fish dishes. Osteria ensures that diners taste old world staples in new ways. Read our 2007 review.
58	Aida Bistro and Wine Bar	Columbia	Italian	$$$
58	6741 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, 410-953-0500 www.aidabistro.com Mary and Joe Barbera care passionately about creating memorable evenings for their diners. They've settled completely into their new location, which boasts an innovative wine-on-tap program and a full-service wine bar. The menu of classic Italian dishes is served with flair. Read more.
59	Ambassador Dining Room	Tuscany-Canterbury	Indian	$$
59	3811 Canterbury Road, 410-366-1484 www.ambassadordining.com The Ambassador cossets its diners with gracious service and Old World charm. The Indian food is prepared with great care and served in elegant surroundings, both inside the elegant dining room and outside on a stunningly set patio. Read more.
60	Great Sage	Clarksville	Vegetarian	$$
60	5809 Clarksville Square Drive, Clarksville, 443-535-9400 www.greatsage.com Well lit and enthusiastically decorated, this vegan mecca remains one of the area's prettier suburban restaurants. The servers supply knowledge without preaching, and several entrees defy expectations of vegan cuisine. Read more in our review.
61	La Scala Ristorante Italiano	Little Italy	Italian	$$$
61	1012 Eastern Ave., 410-783-9209 www.lascaladining.com It's not spa cuisine. Think cream sauces, white wine sauces, butter, Marsala wine, Cognac and more cream sauces. But they don't feel heavy at Nino Germano's restaurant, which earns extra credit for expert salumeria and cheese offerings. Read more in our review.
62	Portalli's	Ellicott City	Italian	$$
62	8085 Main St., Ellicott City, 410-720-2330 www.portallisec.com This lovable Main Street restaurant has succeeded in its goal of appealing to both casual and discriminating diners. Give some credit to chef Keith Holsey for bringing as much skill and care to spaghetti and meatballs as he does osso buco. Read more in our review.
63	Sascha's 527	Mt. Vernon	American (New)	$$
63	527 N. Charles St., 410-539-8880 www.saschas.com Sascha Wolhandler's posh restaurant brings a dose of sophistication, creativity and fun to Mount Vernon. Regulars keep their eyes on the changing small plates and show up like clockwork for Monday-night chicken dinners. Read our 2009 review.
64	Pabu	Harbor East	Japanese/Sushi	$$$
64	725 Aliceanna St., Four Seasons Hotel, 410-223-1460 www.pabuizakaya.com There's great potential for this good-looking Harbor East restaurant, adjacent to the new Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. Talented executive chef Jonah Kim is shining in this modern take on the Japanese izakaya. Read more in our review.
65	Cafe Troia	Towson	Italian	$$$
65	31 Allegheny Ave., Towson, 410-337-0133 www.cafetroia.com Cafe Troia serves uses quality ingredients to craft delectable pastas and serious food like osso buco alla Milanese and herb-encrusted lamb chops and serves them in an impeccable white-tablecloth atmosphere. Read more in our review.
66	Mekong Delta	Downtown	Vietnamese	$
66	105 W. Saratoga St., 410-244-8677 Good strong steaming bowls of the Vietnamese soup known as pho are the thing to get at this small family-run downtown restaurant, but there are superb stir fries and beautiful rice paper rolls. Read more in our review.
67	Carrol's Creek Waterfront Restaurant	Annapolis	Seafood	$$$
67	410 Severn Ave., Annapolis, 410-263-8102 www.carrolscreek.com The view of Spa Creek in the main dining room is nice. But Carrol's Creek wouldn't have endured as an Eastport favorite if it weren't also serving good grilled fish, steaks and chops. Read more.
68	Ruth's Chris Steak House	Pikesville	Steakhouse	$$$
68	1777 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, 410-837-0033 www.ruthschris-pikesville.com This sturdy steakhouse has three Baltimore locations, two of them downtown. The Pikesville restaurant has become a favorite for celebrations and everyday indulgences outside the Beltway. Read more.
69	Sushi Sono	Columbia	Japanese/Sushi	$$$
69	10215 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, 410-997-6131 www.sushisonomd.com If you've ever worried that you might not be able to tell the difference between very good sushi and excellent sushi, then you owe yourself a trip to Sushi Sono. Read more in our review.
70	Miss Shirley's	Keswick	American (New)	$$
70	513 W. Cold Spring Lane, 410-889-5272 www.missshirleys.com Diners keep flocking to the original location of Baltimore's favorite brunch spot for benne seed fried chicken, coconut-creme stuffed French toast and fried green tomatoes. Read our review of the Annapolis location.
71	La Tavola	Little Italy	Italian	$$$
71	248 Albemarle St., 410-685-1859 www.la-tavola.com The food at this underrated restaurant is prepared and delivered simply. The focus is on pasta dishes, a few of which can compete for top ranking in or out of the neighborhood. Read more in our review.
72	Lebanese Taverna	Harbor East	Lebanese	$$
72	719 S. President St., 410-244-5533 www.lebanesetaverna.com This Harbor East outpost of a popular Washington-area restaurant serves up carefully prepared Middle Eastern classics like schwarma, kabobs and braised lamb in a thoroughly modern, waterside setting. The result is stirring. Read more in our review.
73	Harry Browne's	Annapolis	American	$$$
73	66 State Circle, Annapolis, 410-263-4332 www.harrybrownes.com Every city needs a dependable purveyor of classic fine dining, and most Annapolitans still rely on Harry Browne's, a landmark restaurant that's stood the test of time. Read more.
74	Grano Emporio	Hampden	Italian	$$
74	3547 Chestnut Ave., 443-438-7521 www.granopastabar.com The fare at this refined and friendly full-scale restaurant runs to wild boar cassoulet, fresh seafood veal scallopine and Porterhouse steak. Don't miss the linguine with clams, tossed with spinach and topped with bread crumbs. Read more.
75	O'Learys Seafood Restaurant	Annapolis	Seafood	$$$
75	310 Third St., Annapolis, 410-263-0884 www.olearysseafood.com Annapolitans are fiercely loyal to O'Learys, which has been well looked after by owner Paul Meyer and his executive chef and general manager Russell Brown. Read more.
76	Blue Moon Cafe	Fells Point	American	$$
76	1621 Aliceanna St., 410-522-3940 www.bluemoonbaltimore.com Sarah Siminton opened her charmingly offbeat Fells Point brunch spot in 1996, and folks have been lining up every weekend for the biscuits and gravy, benedicts, pancakes and omelets ever since. Read our 1996 review.
77	Henninger's Tavern	Upper Fells Point	American (New)	$$$
77	1812 Bank St., 410-342-2172 www.henningerstavern.com Approaching its 25th anniversary, Henninger's is still among Baltimore's most romantic destinations. French-influenced dishes like fried oysters in Pernod sauce and shellfish with linguine are entirely free of gimmicks. Read more.
78	Regi's American Bistro	Federal Hill	American (New)	$$
78	1002 Light St., 410-539-7344 www.regisamericanbistro.com Sidelined by an April fire, this indispensable neighborhood spot returned in better shape than ever — and with the same commitment to fresh ingredients and customer satisfaction. Read more in our review.
79	Regions	Catonsville	American (New)	$$$
79	803-805 Frederick Road, Catonsville, 410-788-0075 www.regionsrestaurant.com The constantly changing menu at this intimate Catonsville spot encourages diners to explore by offering big and small plates of regionally inspired cuisine in diverse culinary categories. The consistent results keep them coming back. Read more in our review.
80	Vin 909 Winecafe	Annapolis	American (New)	$$
80	909 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, 410-990-1846 www.vin909.com Enterprising chef Justin Moore has been impressing diners at this instantly popular Eastport newcomer with dishes that apply creative technique to high-quality ingredients. Read more in our review.
81	Alewife	Downtown	American (New)	$$
81	21 N. Eutaw St., 410-545-5112 www.thecapitalgrille.com Credit owner Daniel Lanigan for creating this hardworking haven for Hippodrome patrons. Departing chef Chad Wells is leaving his signature smoked burger and Chesapeake-focused menu in capable hands. Read more in our review.
82	Capital Grille	Inner Harbor	Steakhouse	$$$$
82	500 E. Pratt St., 443-703-4064 www.thecapitalgrille.com Impeccably handled dry-aged steaks and a swank atmosphere have kept this Inner Harbor steak house on the short list for business and special-event dining. Read more.
83	One World Cafe	Tuscany-Canterbury	Vegetarian	$$
83	100 W. University Parkway, 410-235-5777 Located near the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus, One World has earned an appreciative following by taking its vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes seriously without smug attitudes. Read more from our review.
84	Vito's Cafe	Cockeysville	Italian	$$$
84	10249 York Road, Cockeysville, 410-666-3100 www.vitos-cafe.com The menu at this county insider's restaurant is old-fashioned fare, but in the care of chef Luca Pesci, the food consistently exceeds diners' expectations. Read more from our review.
85	Thai Arroy	Federal Hill	Thai	$$
85	1019 Light St., 410-385-8587 www.thaiarroy.com Baltimore has its fair share of good Thai restaurants, but Thai Arroy, housed in a crisply cheerful Federal Hill storefront, has maintained its favorite status with consistently reliable execution on every level. Read more from our review.
86	Mama's on the Half Shell	Canton	Seafood	$$
86	2901 O'Donnell St., 410-276-3160 www.mamasmd.com Every Baltimore neighborhood should have a Mama's on the Half Shell, a place that serves simple and affordable seafood. Mama's in Canton makes it all seem so easy, but it can't be, otherwise surely everyone else would have done it by now. Read more.
87	Abbey Burger Bistro	Federal Hill	Burgers	$$
87	1041 Marshall St., 443-453-9698 www.abbeyburgerbistro.com The basic burgers, made from locally raised beef, are juicy wonders, and the exotic meats run from venison to alligator. The topping choices are fresh and endless, the waffle fries are awesome and the spiked milk shakes are dandy treats. Read more in our review.
88	Lewnes' Steakhouse	Annapolis	Steakhouse	$$$
88	401 Fourth St., Annapolis, 410-263-1617 www.lewnessteakhouse.com A corner landmark in the trendy Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis, Lewnes' serves its regulars a old-fashioned dinner of exquisite steak without any drama in a subdued, clubby atmosphere. Read more in our review.
89	Asian Court	Ellicott City	Chinese	$$
89	9180 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, 410-461-8388 www.asian-court.com Asian Court could be the Chinese restaurant we've all been looking for. If you're seeking well-prepared Cantonese and Hunan dishes made with fresh ingredients and careful attention, you'll be consistently rewarded. Plus, there's dim sum on the weekend. Read more in our review.
90	Christopher Daniel	Lutherville-Timonium	American (New)	$$$
90	106 W. Padonia Road, Timonium, 410-308-1800 www.christopher-daniel.com In the capable hands of Christopher Ellis, this county favorite steadily turns out smart New American with an emphasis on affordable steaks and daily fish specials. Read more.
91	Crush	Chinaquin Park	American (New)	$$$
91	510 E. Belvedere Ave., 443-278-9001 www.crush-restaurant.com A fall 2012 revamping at Daniel Chaustit's stylish north-side bistro added some seasonal attitude to house favorites like BLTs and shrimp and grits. Read more in our review.
92	Facci	Laurel	Italian	$$
92	7530 Montpelier Road, Laurel, 301-604-5555 www.faccirestaurant.com Chef Gino Palma-Esposito's calling card is Neopolitan-style pizza made in wood-burning ovens, but his open kitchen turns out very tasty, generously portioned and thoughtfully assembled appetizers, entrees and pasta dishes, too. Read more in our review.
93	Havana Road Cuban Cafe	Towson	Cuban	$$
93	8 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Towson, 410-494-8222 www.havanaroad.com Marta Ines Quintana's cafe is building on a foundation menu of Cuban fare with more personal touches — fresh yucca with her own mojo sauce; maccarones con bechamel, Cuban-style mac and cheese; and arroz con huevo frito, a Cuban snack of fried egg over rice. Read more in our review.
94	Hersh's Pizza and Drinks	South Baltimore	Italian	$$
94	1843 Light St., 443-438-4948 www.hershspizza.com At this warm and cozy hideaway, Josh Hershkovitz has steadily expanded the menu, built on a foundation of pastas, fritti, salads and especially Neapolitan pizza. Read more in our review.
95	Minato	Mt. Vernon	Japanese/Sushi	$$
95	1013 N. Charles St., 410-332-0332 www.minatosushibar.com Minato gives Mount Vernon a contemporary and refreshing atmosphere for enjoying good sushi and pan-Asian cuisine without pumping up the volume. Read more.
96	Orchard Market and Cafe	Towson	Persian	$$
96	8815 Orchard Tree Lane, Towson, 410-339-7700 www.orchardmarketandcafe.com The Persian food still simmers and sizzles beautifully at this family-owned delight. A few dishes, like poached duck in pomegranate-walnut sauce and the stewed leg of lamb with butternut squash and dried plums, have achieved classic status. Read more in our review.
97	Samos	Greektown	Greek	$$
97	600 Oldham St., 410-675-5292 www.samosrestaurant.net A cash-only policy, no reservations and a carry-out atmosphere never stop crowds from pouring in. The food is simple, robust and hugely satisfying. Samos' game isn't culinary drama but satisfying diners with good Greek cooking. Read more in our review.
98	SoBo Cafe	Federal Hill	American (New)	$$
98	6 W. Cross St., 410-752-1518 www.sobocafe.net New owner Anna Leventis has spruced up this Federal Hill haven with a fresh coat of paint and fresh ideas about comfort food. Go for the fresh bread, homemade desserts and spreads and neighborhood cheer. Read more in our review.
99	Zorba's Bar and Grill	Greektown	Greek	$$
99	4710 Eastern Ave., 410-276-4484 The main attraction at this Greektown favorite is the charcoal-flame rotisserie, which turns out tender and tasty, simply seasoned lamb chops, marinated pork, chicken and fish. Zorba's Bar and Grill is not so much a full-service restaurant as a neighborhood bar that happens to serve amazing food. Read more.
100	Woman's Industrial Kitchen	Downtown	American	$$
100	333 N. Charles St., 410-244-6450 www.womansindustrialkitchen.com "Reviving the lunchroom at the Woman's Industrial Exchange sounded like the kind of impossible task issued to heroines in fairy tales, like picking lentils out of the ashes. But Irene Smith ... has pulled off a happy ending." Read more in our review.