Culture and history have woven themselves into the culinary fabric of Baltimore City. Catapult your tastebuds into a sea of powerful spices, flavor, and tradition as we celebrate various cuisines from around the world. From January 26 – February 4, 2024, Downtown Partnership and Visit Baltimore partnered to encourage patrons to expand their palate this Restaurant Week.
Always wanted to try something new? This is your chance! Step outside the box and dive head-first into the celebration of tastings. Explore flavorful dishes and homemade recipes, hand-crafted from traditional restaurants surrounding Baltimore. Keep reading to find which part of the world you should taste first!
Mediterranean – Cafe Fili———————————————————————————————————————
Plunge yourself into the flavors of the Mediterranean! Take a culinary voyage between the Middle East and Africa spanning 22 countries. Enjoy traditional foods full of vegetables, lean protein, grains, and legumes. Nestled in Mount Vernon, Cafe Fili has mastered the Mediterranean flavors perfectly. Offering a $15 lunch menu, it’s the perfect setting to visit with a friend and explore a new dish. Try the mouth-watering chicken shawarma sandwich; expertly seasoned chicken, fresh tomato, and lettuce, doused in their house-made garlic yogurt, and skillfully wrapped in a piece of their fluffy pita bread. Another deliciously wrapped dish is the lamb gyro; homemade beef and lamb patties tucked alongside, lettuce, tomato, onion, and feta, showered in their homemade tzatziki sauce. Still hungry? Add on a yummy pastry; sink your teeth into the flaky crust of their delectable pistachio baklava. With an assortment of dishes to choose from, Cafe Fili has specialized its menu to include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Don’t be shy to check out this eclectic spot.
Japanese – RA Sushi———————————————————————————————————————
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Did you know it can take upwards of 10 years for Japanese sushi chefs to master their craft? Their talent and precision are practically a work of art. The patience and skill to painstakingly debone a fish filet or master the complexities of the sushi roll are truly astonishing. One place mastering the tuck-and-roll is RA Sushi in Habor East. This moody sushi bar and restaurant fuses intricate sushi rolls with its tasty yet innovative cocktails. Reserve a table and join us for crowd-favorite pork gyozas as an appetizer, accompanied by the mango lobster roll. Create space to slurp down the spicy shrimp teriyaki udon and seal the meal with the sweet mochi trio. Choose between three signature flavors, strawberry, mango, or chocolate. Happy to oblige, RA Sushi has dishes fit for anyone’s diet. Vegan, vegetarian, keto, and gluten-sensitive options are all available. Roll on in and visit RA Sushi this Restaurant Week.
Afghanistan – The Helmand———————————————————————————————————————
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Soaring temperatures and expansive deserts might come to mind when thinking of the country of Afghanistan; however, this country is filled with taste, color, and oh, so much rice! The Helmand is the perfect destination to find yourself at, dishing out delicious Afghan cuisine for over 30 years! As a historic landmark of Baltimore City, owners Qayum and Pat Karzai have popularized Afghan foods by transporting restaurant goers to the Middle East. From the vegetarian platter full of cauliflower, chickpeas, eggplant, mushroom, and okra, to the tender lamp chops simmered in a sun-dried apricot, tomatoes, and chili peppers sauce—visitors are invited to indulge themselves on one of the three pre-fixe menu courses. Whether for a romantic evening or just to enjoy a new dish, be sure to have The Helmand at the top of your list!
Indian – Indigma———————————————————————————————————————
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Become familiar with distinctive spices and curries through delicious staples of Indian cuisine. Indigma Modern Bistro has punched flavor into the hearts of Baltimoreans. Diners can explore the three-course menu options serving a wide variety of tasty dishes. Daring flavors dance across every dish as patrons are exposed to beautiful dishes to satiate vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-intolerant guests. Try the refreshing Aubergine–crab ceviche – cooked crab meat and chopped eggplant finished off with a lime drizzle. If you are ready to punch it up, the peppery tomato-based masala sauce can be paired with lamb, chicken, or cheese. End the meal with a sweet finish, their house–famous cardamom rice pudding. The wide spread of food is sure to delight your tastebuds!
Cuban – Little Havana———————————————————————————————————————
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The small island of Cuba evokes big feelings with it’s vibrant music, colorful style, and lively culture. With it’s breathtaking waterfront views, Baltimore’s own Little Havana has been transporting guests to be a part of that heritage with its vintage flare, upbeat music, and mouth-watering dishes for over 20 years. This Restaurant Week, you can sample their authentically made dishes from the $45 pre-fixe menu or purchase a la carte. Flavorful vegan offerings include vegan poke tostadas and the vegan media noche sandwich. Cuban food is one to try, so what better way to get a stomach full of it this restaurant week!
French – Marie Louise Bistro———————————————————————————————————————
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Ah, Paris. The city of romance. What better way to invite romance into the evening than to start with a beautiful meal in a sophisticated atmosphere? Share a bottle of fine cabernet franc and get a little steamy with dinner at Marie Louise Bistro. A pear and bleu salad is a surprising way to balance sweet and savory but if you really want to live adventurously, choose the foie gras (yes, that IS duck liver). Say bonjour to main dishes like the delectable duck a l’orange or feast on the sea bass provençale. No meal is complete without dessert – you and your sweet will finish off with an assortment of pastries. Don’t miss out, grab a glass and reserve a table today!
Oh wait, there’s more! These are just a few of the many cuisines primed to please your palate during Restaurant Week. With over 80 choices offering brunch, lunch, and dinner at amazing prices, there’s no wrong choice. This is your chance, take a journey to BaltimoreRestaurantWeek.com to unveil new experiences happening right here in Charm City! What are you waiting for?
