1 VENEZUELA
Alma Cocina Latina
Alma Cocina Latina , which recently moved to the Station North neighborhood , takes a contemporary approach to Venezuelan cuisine . Expect modern takes on the arepa — including combinations like slow-smoked pork with pickled onions , avocado and mango barbecue sauce — plus other tasty dishes like crispy polenta . Also on tap : artisanal sangria and cocktails made with small craft spirits . 1701 N . Charles St .
2 MEXICO
Clavel
Before you even take a bite , this Remington restaurant ’ s warm wood furniture , incandescent string lights and gorgeous greenery transport you to Mexico . Standouts from the Sinaloan-inspired taqueria include lamb tacos with barbacoa braised in Mexican coffee and ceviche with limecured shrimp , spicy cilantro pesto and cucumber . There ’ s more to Clavel ’ s tortillas than meets the eye , too : the flour ones are the result of Head Chef Carlos Raba ’ s own family recipe . 225 W . 23rd St .
3 FRANCE
Petit Louis Bistro
Petit Louis has been bringing a little piece of Paris to Baltimoreans in Roland Park for more than two decades . The menu includes fresh takes on classic French dishes like boeuf bourguignon , duck confit and croque-monsieur . And we ’ d be remiss not to mention the
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DAVID STUCK
desserts — creme brûlée , lemon tart , profiteroles and more — all of which have been expertly paired with wines by the on-site sommelier . 4800 Roland Ave .
4 GREECE
The Black Olive
Situated along the quaint Belgian blocks of Bond Street in Fell ’ s Point , The Black Olive is an authentic Greek fish tavern owned by the Spiliadis family , whose recipes have been passed down from generation to generation for more than 100 years . Their success stems from their commitment to using only the freshest seafood , woven into dishes like lobster pasta , soft shell crab phyllo and the restaurant ’ s legendary fish soup . They are also praised for their extensive wine collection ( more than 5,000 bottles ) and their expert pairing abilities . 814 S . Bond St .
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5 SPAIN
Tapas Teatro
Petite but energetic , Tapas Teatro , next door to The Charles Theatre in Station North , is geared toward sharing small plates that include papas bravas , spicy chicken croquetas , crispy grilled squid and more . Don ’ t forget to check out the list of specialty gin & tonics — or order a pitcher of sangria to share on the charming outdoor patio if the weather is nice . 1711 N . Charles St .
6 ITALY
Daniela Pasta & Pastries
Standouts from Daniela Useli ’ s scratch kitchen include her spinach lasagna and the fregola with clams , one of the oldest Sardinian dishes on the menu .
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JUSTIN TSUCALAS |
Be sure to save room for dessert — Daniela offers a robust selection of tiramisu , cannoli , puff pastries and tarts , many of which can be made gluten-free . 824 W . 36th St .
7 CHINA
NiHao
This Canton Szechuan spot from Peter Chang , who has built an empire of lauded restaurants in the Washington region — and pastry chef Pichet Ong has quickly gained national attention . The restaurant combines fresh ingredients and Chinese recipes with Western cooking techniques , resulting in a menu that is equally refreshing and comforting . 2322 Boston St .
8 JAPAN
Matsuri
Conveniently located in Federal Hill just a few blocks from the Inner Harbor , this award-winning concept from Chef Bill Tien has developed a reputation as one of the best sushi spots in the city . Orioles and Ravens players frequently feast there , as well as visiting filmmakers and politicians . 1105 S . Charles St .
9 INDIA
Namaste
Nestled in Roland Park , Namaste is a family business run by Binod Uprety and his wife Shrijana Khanal , who often greet guests personally . In addition to traditional Indian fare , Namaste serves Nepalese dishes like momo , a dumpling stuffed with ground chicken thigh and freshly-ground spices , and aloo ko achar , spicy marinated boiled potatoes . For dessert , opt for delicious house-made treats like kheer , gulab jamun or kulfi . 413 W . Cold Spring Ln .
10 AFGHANISTAN The Helmand
For more than 20 years , The Helmand has been serving fine Afghan cuisine to Baltimore from its Mount Vernon location . Though they offer an extensive full-course menu of lamb , beef , chicken and seafood dishes , the restaurant has also gained fame for its abundance of vegetarian dishes , such as the kaddo borwani ( pan-fried pumpkin ) and the banjan borwani ( pan-fried eggplant ). 806 N . Charles St . VB
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