Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll Results 2026

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Thanks so much for voting in our 2026 Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll! Our Readers’ Poll launched in January as a way for readers to weigh in on their favorite people and places in the local dining scene. Now, the results are in!

Browse readers’ top picks in the list below, and be sure to check out our editorial Best Restaurants winners from the March 2026 issue, here.

If your business has been selected by Baltimoreans as a Best Restaurant Readers’ Poll winner or finalist share your recognition online with these social media assets: Winners Badge | Finalists Badge.

Best African Cuisine
Winner: Dukem Ethiopian Cuisine
Finalists: Jollof Bowl, Spice Kitchen

Best Afghan Cuisine*
Winner: The Helmand

Best Bartender
Winner: Chuck Calloway, Michael’s Cafe
Finalists: Mauricio Mendoza, Taco Love Grill; Ashlea Zahner, Magerks Pub

Best Brunch
Winner: Yeiboh Kitchen
Finalists: Miss Shirley’s Cafe, Cece’s Roland Park

Best Chef
Winner: Héctor Romero, Alma Cocina Latina
Finalists: Eric Houseknecht, Thames Street Oyster House; Fabricio Aguilar, Michael’s Cafe

Best Chesapeake Fare
Winner: Thames Street Oyster House
Finalists: Koco’s Pub, The Urban Oyster

Best Chinese Cuisine
Winner: Nihao
Finalists: Joey Chiu’s Greenspring Inn, Nine Tailed Fox

Best Cocktail Program
Winner: Patterson Pins
Finalists: The Bluebird Cocktail Room; Dutch Courage

Best Comfort Food
Winner: Tito’s Fried Chicken
Finalists: Ekiben, Frank’s Pizza & Pasta

Best Desserts
Winner: Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop
Finalists: Taharka Brothers Ice Cream, Café Dear Leon

Best Food Truck
Winner: Bruiser’s Grill
Finalists: Love Crust Pizza, La Migueleña

Best French Cuisine
Winner: Petit Louis Bistro
Finalists: Le Comptoir Du Vin, Charleston*

Best Fusion Cuisine
Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Midlina, Mera Kitchen Collective

Best Greek Cuisine
Winner: Samos Restaurant
Finalists: Estiatorio Plaka, Cypriana

Best Indian Cuisine
Winner: Peerce’s
Finalists: Mount Everest Restaurant, Royal Taj

Best Interior Design
Winner: The Urban Oyster
Finalists: Cece’s Roland Park, Ammoora

Best Italian Cuisine
Winner: Frank’s Pizza & Pasta
Finalists: Arturo’s Trattoria, Benny’s

Best Japanese Cuisine
Winner: Azumi
Finalists: Sushibruce Ya, Yama Sushi

Best Korean Cuisine
Winner: Jong Kak*
Finalists: Honey Pig, Kong Pocha

Best Mediterranean Cuisine*
Winner: Costiera
Finalist: Zaatar Mediterranean Restaurant

Best Mexican Cuisine
Winner: Taco Love Grill
Finalists: Clavel, El Salto

Best Middle Eastern Cuisine
Winner: Ammoora
Finalists: Lebanese Taverna, Café Fili

Best New Restaurant
Winner: The Duchess
Finalists: Patterson Pins, Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen

Best Nonalcoholic Drink Program
Winner: Patterson Pins
Finalists: Clavel, Gunther & Co.

Best Outdoor Dining
Winner: Nick’s Fish House
Finalists: Cece’s Roland Park, Peerce’s

Best Pizza Place
Winner: Frank’s Pizza & Pasta
Finalists: Underground Pizza Co., Pizzeria 081

Best Romantic Restaurant
Winner: Cece’s Roland Park
Finalists: Love Pomelo, La Cuchara

Best Restaurant With Live Music
Winner: Cat’s Eye Pub
Finalists: Nick’s Fish House, Holy Frijoles

Best Server
Winner: Marvin Arriaga, Taco Love Grill
Finalists: Paige Hartlove, Nick’s Fish House; Teresa Marconi, Thames Street Oyster House

Best Steakhouse
Winner: The Prime Rib
Finalists: The Beaumont, La Barrita

Best Thai Cuisine
Winner: Bodhi Corner
Finalists: Mayuree Thai Tavern, The Dara

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Cuisine
Winner: Nepenthe Brewing Co.
Finalists: Golden West Cafe, Oleum

Best Wine Program
Winner: Charleston
Finalists: Cece’s Roland Park, Love Pomelo

*Editor’s Notes: All nominations were generated by readers, however, Baltimore magazine staff diligently fact checks poll results upon tallying to ensure the winners list aligns with our journalistic standards of factual accuracy.
• The Helmand was the overwhelming winner chosen by readers in the “Middle Eastern” category. However, Afghanistan is located in South-Central Asia.
• Charleston fuses French techniques with Lowcountry influences.
• As of early 2026, Jong Kak was temporarily closed due to permitting and inspections coinciding with a renovation.
• Costiera and Zaatar were winners chosen by readers in the Italian and Middle Eastern categories, respectively. However, Costiera is Coastal Mediterranean-inspired and Zaatar is a Mediterranean restaurant.