Number 1 Restaurant in Annapolis Plus Nine Others we Love

#1 Restaurant in Annapolis
Plus Nine Others We Love

By Christine Fillat and the AHM Staff
Photography by Sam Operchuck

Bar at Preserve on Main Street

People spend a lot of time and money at restaurants. We go to them to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, to meet up with family and friends, to gather for a business talk, and to take a break from cooking in our own kitchen. We believe a magazine is an ideal forum for an important public service—to offer restaurant reviews when a devoted writer and team visit them anonymously and with a critical eye and palate.

During the past year, we have been visiting establishments throughout and around Annapolis. Many are great. Some, not so. In most restaurants, many dishes are excellent, while others are uninspired, overwhelmed with sauces, too salty, overly buttery, flavorless, stale, or even burnt. We are willing to pay a high price for a special occasion dinner when the environment, food, and service make the event memorable. But no one wants to be gauged, and we excluded a few restaurants for that reason.

What follows is a list of our favorite top 10 restaurants in Annapolis.

Our number one restaurant of the year is locally-owned Preserve on Main Street in Annapolis.

1. Preserve

Preserve is a particularly special restaurant for Annapolis. This Main Street venue exists on a culinary stratosphere all its own. Chef Alex Flynn handles each dish with a subtle sophistication of flavors and textures inspired by international cuisine and local fare. Rockfish is enlivened with a sun choke purée, broccolini, and horseradish foam. Pierogies share the table with kimchi. We pine for fries with fermented powder and smoked patron aioli. Here, you will discover great food and fine service in an intimate environment.

164 Main Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 | 443.598.6920 | preserve-eats.com

2. Carrol’s Creek Cafe

With its spectacular waterfront location, Carrol’s Creek is a perennial standby for seafood, salads, and their award-winning cream of crab soup.

410 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21403 | 410.263.8102 | carrolscreek.com

3. Osteria 177

This sexy setting offers a lot to enjoy in classic Italian cuisine.

177 Main Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 | 410.267.7700 | osteria177.com

4. Harry Browne’s Restaurant

This State Circle restaurant is a cozy haven for a special meal. Look for the short ribs for a luxurious take on comfort food.

66 State Circle, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 | 410.263.4332 | harrybrownes.net

5. Grapes Wine Bar & Restaurant

At Grapes Wine Bar, the wine list is extensive, and while the food menu is limited, the choices are worthy of a visit.

1410 Forest Drive, Suite 6, Annapolis, Maryland 21403 | 410.571.5378 | grapeswinebarannapolis.com

6. Carpaccio Tuscan Kitchen & Wine Bar

Authentic Italian fare and pizza with a fine wine list.

1 Park Place, Suite 10, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 | 410.268.6569 | carpacciotuscankitchen.com

7. Acqua al 2

Acqua al 2’s original location is in Florence, Italy. This restaurant has superb pastas and a delightful interior. The cocktails are pretty good, too!

236 Main Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 | 410.304.3424 | acquaal2.com

8. McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar

This classic convivial bar is an Annapolis mainstay with $1 oysters. Always a scene.

8 Market Space, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 | 410.263.5700 | mcgarveysannapolis.com

9. Basmati

Exquisite Northern Indian cuisine with tandoori, vegetarian, a lunch buffet, and homemade breads.

2444 Solomons Island Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 | 410.266.6355 | basmatiofannapolis.com

10. Vin 909

Annapolis’s favorite place for bespoke pizzas, housed in a sweet bungalow. Inspired wine list.

909 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21403 | 410.990.1846 | vin909wine.com