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.
