Hey Nomsters! Looking for incredible food in Baltimore? Then you definitely want to bookmark this post because the deliciousness you’re about to see will leave you shook. We asked our favorite Charm City foodies to feature their favorite black-owned restaurants, and we can’t wait to share. So without further ado, let’s kick things off with Simone aka @charmcitytable.
1. @charmcitytable: Soul Kuisine Café
Soul Kuisine Café is a little carryout tucked away on the east side of North Ave. What I love about this place is everything on the menu is not just good, it easily rivals the recipe of your favorite restaurant. On your first visit, order the crab cake sandwich (Billie Holiday).
They use fresh jumbo lump crab meat and a special sauce to create one of the best crab cakes sandwiches in Maryland. Some other favorites of mine are the Louis Armstrong sandwich with blackened shrimp, the Turkey Everything burger, and any of their wings. You can support this local black-owned hidden gem Monday-Friday 11am-6pm.
2. @wine.dine.repeat: Grind & Wine Cafe
As you can imagine, if you’ve been following the burgeoning yet robust Baltimore food scene for the last few years, there are a plethora of Black-owned restaurants in Baltimore. From bakeries and burgers to sea- and soul food, there’s something for everyone. Brunch has become synonymous with Baltimore. Every weekend, people of all races and ages go out in droves for sweet and savory dishes and bottomless mimosas.
Grind & Wine is a wine and tapas bar located in Northwest Baltimore Country serving brunch on Saturday AND Sunday. Located in a strip mall the exterior is fairly unassuming, but once you step inside you’re greeted in a cute and cozy space complete with built-in bookcases and conversation vignettes.
The menu is small, but thoughtful. We recommend getting several plats to share; it is a tapas bar after all. The corn beef hash, chicken and waffles, maple jerk wings, and shrimp and grits are must haves!
For those who are lightweights in the heat tolerance department, these jerk wings are for you. Lightly seasoned with jerk with a sticky sweet finish.
The corn beef hash is a pleasant surprise with multi-colored baby potatoes and thin slices of fresh corn beef.
The chicken and waffles is everything you want from the dish: well seasoned, crispy fried chicken with a lightly sweetened, buttery waffle.
The absolute best part of the meal will be the shrimp and grits. The grits are light and fluffy, whipped with cheese, butter, and cream, while the shrimp are perfectly cooked and covered in the most delicious Cajun gravy we’ve had in the state of Maryland.
The cake case is definitely worth a browse if you’re craving something sweet to take home, but if you don’t order anything else, get the shrimp and grits!
3. @eatmorebaltimore: Magdalena at The Ivy Hotel
One of my favorite fine dining restaurants also happens to be one of the most innovative – with modern twists and ingredients you won’t find anywhere else in town.
The service is perfection, and it’s located in a beautiful boutique hotel in the historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood. (Rumor has it Beyoncé stayed here, but I didn’t tell you that.) The restaurant is not currently open, but I hear plans are in motion for a Fall reopening.
4. @charmcityfoodadventures: Bobby D’s
Jamaican native, Bobby D, is turning out some seriously flavorful Caribbean and classic Southern carry out meals from his Hampden restaurant.
Favorites include shrimp and grits, BBQ ribs with jerk wings, and Reggae Jam Coconut Shrimp. Notable sides: sweet potato tots, coco bread, mac and cheese, and Cajun corn. If you are tempted to add a slice of sweet potato pie to your order, don’t hesitate, go for it! You won’t be disappointed.
5. @baltbite: Water for Chocolate
Looking for a great summer bite? Look no further than Water for Chocolate, one of Baltimore City’s Premiere Black-owned restaurant. Chef Sean Guy is one of the many creative chefs working in the city. BBQ Shrimp and Parmesan Grits may sound simple, but the flavors are out of this world!
When you know brunch is life, stop by Water for Chocolate for a plate or two! They’re currently open for al fresco dining, Wednesday to Saturday (Brunch 10-3, Dinner 5-9) and Sunday (Brunch only 10-3).
6. @food1to12: Schofields Seafood LLC
I am in love with Schofields Seafood LLC and will be eating this meal as much as possible! I decided to try this seafood pan for the first time this summer and I am still shocked by the incredible seasoning, butter sauce, and overall taste of each item!
I left the remarkable owner of @schofieldsseafoodllc so many voice messages to let her know that her food is prepared with so much love and I can taste the love in each bite!
If you love seafood, you need to try @schofieldsseafoodllc! They have so many options to choose from and if you think you don’t like seafood, please try this first before deciding seafood is not for you! The corn was the best I’ve ever eaten, and I’m still confused to how corn can taste that amazing!
The owner, Twizzy, is so bubbly and her excitement she brings with her wherever she ventures, gets me excited! She cooks right from her kitchen and is beyond passionate about cooking for others! This food is truly special.
The gorgeous pan above contains snow crab clusters, shrimp, potatoes, lobster tails, corn and eggs smothered in her special homemade sauce. She only accepts pre-orders (so no same day orders), and you can pick up your food in Woodlawn. She accepts payment via cash app, zelle and paypal.
7. @onairfran: Home Maid
If you’re in need of a new brunch spot, look no further than Home Maid! I was first introduced to Home Maid last year and their from scratch home cooking really blew me away.
From their fried chicken breakfast sandwich to the crispy salmon, to their homemade jams and banana pudding, everything was a warm and welcomed memory of home. Brothers Derrick and Justin have brought their family recipes to life in this local spot on Key Highway that will not disappoint!
8. @Baltimoresbestfoods: Sobeachy
Sobeachy has some of the best, fall off the bone chicken around. Their “Taste of Haiti” has such a unique sauce that I NEED you to try. So good on top of the rice and beans. Check out this hidden black owned business gem in Cross Street Market ASAP! Plus, you can get it delivered on the apps… highly recommend for your next night off from cooking!
9. @JZEats: Kitchen Cray Cafe
This is one of those places that feels like home the moment you walk in the door. Everyone is smiling, laughing, and having the best time (pre COVID). The food is like enhanced soul food and every bite feels like a hug from the inside out. I wish I lived closer because I’d be there every weekend! The Lobster Mac n Cheese is to die for. Their new location in H Street will be opening soon, so I urge you to check it out if you’re in the area.
10. @avocontrolallie: Blacksauce Kitchen
While it has always been important to support Black owned businesses, I am so happy that more and more people are making it a priority recently! Blacksauce Kitchen is a biscuit stand owned by Damian Mosley and Vesnier Lugo that pops up at various neighborhood farmers markets. When I moved to Baltimore from the south I really craved the classic and quality biscuit sandwiches from home. Blacksauce filled that void for me and is always coming up with new and creative ways to fill their soft and buttery biscuits.
While the pandemic has prevented them from being at the classic JFX farmers market (where I’m sure many of you used to visit them) they are still making their amazing biscuits for pickup! Go to blacksaucekitchen.square.site/ to place your order!
11. @food_CONNIEsseur: My Mamas Vegan
A new favorite spot is My Mamas Vegan. Since opening in February, This place has been serving up delicious vegan meals to all of Baltimore! From the Hawaiian girl chicken sandwich (crispy vegan chicken, pineapple, grilled buttered onions, bourbon and special sauce, pepper jack cheese) , to the BIGGG MAK (a vegan version of a classic BigMac), the food is full of unique flavor.
The Mac and cheese was also very creamy, which is often hard to come by for vegan Mac! Their menu is extensive and has a variety of different genres of cuisine, so each time you visit you can always look forward to trying another part of their menu!
Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong! They are excited to be expanding their restaurant to a larger space in August, right down the street from the current location! So vegans and non vegans alike, if you are looking for a new black-owned spot to try, make it My Mamas vegan!
12. @bmorefood: Codetta Bake Shop
If you have a sweet tooth and want to try probably the best cheesecake I have ever eaten, you must try @CodettaBakeShop!
Founder and Baker-In-Chief, Sumayyah Bilal’s passion for music and baking are where the companies name comes from. Codetta is a musical term that means “little coda”. It is the concluding musical section that puts an exclamation point on the main piece, in the same way, a stunning dessert finishes off a meal.
If you’re looking for a dessert to wow the party, you definitely need to order her “Mocha Dream” Cheesecake. It’s exactly how it sounds and looks; a dessert dream come true! Definitely give them a follow on Instagram at @CodettaBakeshop and visit their website at https://www.codettabakeshop.
13. @onthemoveforfood: Fishnet
Mount Vernon Marketplace is full of yummy spots to check out—Fishnet is one of the spots you shouldn’t miss out on. From fish fry platters to sandwiches to tacos and more, they have you covered!
What I’m here to tell you about is their avocado salad and crab dip. I’ve been trying to incorporate more greens into my diet (who isn’t?) but salads can often be a let down. Not Fishnet’s. With the grilled salmon as added protein, their simple dressing allows all the fresh veggies shine through with the delicious smooth fattiness of the avocado and salmon.
After you’re done with your greens. Then you gotta dig into their crab dip. I know most people are used to the cheesy, wet, pull-able, stretchy crab dip. But this isn’t going to be that. It’s a chunky, cheesy, crab-filled practically a deconstructed crab cake kinda dip. But boi…I couldn’t stop eating it! So get yourself over to Fishnet and get some of that perfectly executed seafood in your life!
Alright friends, we hope you enjoyed reading about these incredible Baltimorean businesses. A huge thanks to everyone who contributed for today’s guide – make sure you give ’em all a follow to drool over all things delicious in the DMV area. For more on Baltimore noms, make sure you check out our Maryland tab and also peep the following: Where to get the Best Crab Cakes in Baltimore.
