Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll Results 2023

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Thanks so much for voting in our 2023 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 2023 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.

African Cuisine
Winner: Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant
Finalists: Mera Kitchen Collective; Nailah’s Kitchen

Afghan Cuisine
Winner: The Helmand
[Editor’s Note: The Helmand was the overwhelming winner chosen by readers in the “Middle Eastern” category. However, Afghanistan is located in South Central Asia.]

Al Fresco Dining
Winner: Gunther & Co.
Finalists: The Local; Miss Shirley’s

Bartender
Winner: Morgan McCully, Cat’s Eye Pub
Finalists: Steve Mavronis, Anchor Bar; Delaware Dave, The Pig & Rooster Smokehouse

Brunch
Winner: Miss Shirley’s
Finalists: The Local; Lib’s Grille

Chef
Winner: Zack Trabbold, The Local
Finalists: Cindy Wolf, Charleston; Jerry Trice, Gunther & Co.

Chesapeake Fare
Winner: Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
Finalists: Conrad’s Seafood Restaurant; Pappas Restaurant & Sports Bar

Chinese Cuisine
Winner: NiHao
Finalists: Chopstix Gourmet & Sushi Bar; Joey Chiu’s Greenspring Inn

Cocktail Program
Winner: The Bluebird Cocktail Room
Finalists: Dutch Courage; Gunther & Co.

Comfort Food
Winner: Andy Nelson’s Barbecue Restaurant and Catering
Finalists: Sally O’s; Ekiben

Crab Cake
Winner: Pappas Restaurant & Sports Bar
Finalists: Koco’s Pub; G&M Restaurant

Dessert/Pastry Program
Winner: Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop
Finalists: Yia Yia’s Bakery; Cafe Dear Leon

Fast-Casual Spot
Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Di Pasquale’s; Mindpub Cafe

Fireplace Restaurant
Winner: The Milton Inn
Finalists: Petit Louis Bistro; Peerce’s 

Food Truck
Winner: Love Crust Pizza
Finalists: B’More Greek Grill; La Migueleña

French Cuisine
Winner: Petit Louis Bistro
Finalists: Duck Duck Goose; Le Comptoir du Vin

Gluten-Free Cuisine
Winner: Sweet 27 Bakery and Restaurant
Finalists: Golden West Cafe; The Food Market

Indian Cuisine
Winner: Peerce’s
Finalists: Himalayan House; Ananda

Industry Supporter
Winner: Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
Finalists: Vinny Schiano, Limoncello; Zack Trabbold, The Local

Interior Design
Winner: Gunther & Co.
Finalists: Limoncello; Sally O’s

Italian Cuisine
Winner: Limoncello
Finalists: Massoni’s Italian Restaurant; La Scala

Japanese Cuisine
Winner: Azumi
Finalists: Shoyou Sushi; Sushi Hana

Korean Cuisine
Winner: Honey Pig
Finalists: Jong Kak; Iron Age

Lunch Spot
Winner: Di Pasquale’s 
Finalists: Atwater’s; The Local

Mediterranean Cuisine
Winner: Samos
Finalists: Karella’s Cafe; Baba’s Mediterranean Cuisine 

Mexican Cuisine
Winner: Mucho Gusto
Finalists: Taco Love Grill; Clavel

Middle Eastern Cuisine
Winner: Lebanese Taverna
Finalists: Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen; The Orchard Market & Cafe 

New Restaurant
Winner: Copper Shark
Finalists: The Local Oyster Locust Point and Sol Oaxaca Cocina Mexicana (tie); Marta Fine Food and Spirits 

Non-Alcoholic Drink Program
Winner: Dutch Courage
Finalists: The Food Market; The Bluebird Cocktail Room

Pizza Place
Winner: Pizza John’s
Finalists: Verde; Matthew’s Pizza

Place to Eat at the Bar
Winner: Taco Love Grill
Finalists: Gunther & Co.; La Cuchara

Prix-Fixe Menu
Winner: Charleston
Finalists: Petit Louis Bistro; Cinghiale

Raw Bar
Winner: Dylan’s Oyster Cellar
Finalists: Thames Street Oyster House; Conrad’s Seafood Restaurant

Reinvention
Winner: Peerce’s 
Finalists: The Dive; Woodberry Tavern  

Romantic Restaurant
Winner: The Prime Rib
Finalists: Charleston; Tagliata

Restaurant With Live Music
Winner: 18th & 21st, Fallston Barrel House (tie)
Finalists: Shotti’s Point, Admirals Cup (tie); Joe Squared

Server
Winner: Alex Fuenzalida, Mucho Gusto
Finalists: Jenna Bley, The Local; Javier, Taco Love Grill

South American Cuisine
Winner: Alma Cocina Latina
Finalists: Ristorante Tio Pepe; Puerto 511

Steakhouse
Winner: The Prime Rib
Finalists: The Capital Grille; La Barrita

Takeout
Winner: Ekiben
Finalists: Di Pasquale’s; Pappas Restaurant & Sports Bar

Thai Cuisine
Winner: Bodhi Corner
Finalists: Spice and Dice; Thai Street

Vegan Cuisine
Winner: Golden West Cafe
Finalists: Liora; The Land of Kush

Vegetarian Cuisine
Winner: Verde
Finalists: Mera Kitchen Collective; Maggie’s Farm

Wine Program
Winner: Ando’s Market
Finalists: Limoncello; The Iron Bridge Wine Company