Annapolis and Anne Arundel County have always been known for its fresh seafood like the famed Maryland Blue Crab and succulent Rockfish. However, if you haven’t visited the area in a while, you may not know that it’s also quickly becoming known for its culinary creativity and variety throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

From gastropubs and fine-dining restaurants to taco bars and waterfront dining options, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County offer foodies of all palates a little of everything. It even has its own Restaurant Week every February. Here's a list of tastes by area to help you savor the flavors of Annapolis.

City Dock

City Dock is one of the most iconic locations in downtown Annapolis with its historic architecture, famed Ego Alley, and views of the Annapolis Harbor inundated with boats of all shapes sizes. It’s also home to a number of new restaurants situated alongside long-standing local favorites (one which was even established as early as the mid-1700s). Here, you’ll find crab shacks, barbeque, delis, American fare, coffee shops, bars, and all-day breakfast hubs. It’s a great way to experience everything that makes Annapolis what it is. 

Eastport

A neighborhood of Annapolis, Eastport is located just over the Spa Creek Bridge – only a short walk from downtown Annapolis – on the other side of the harbor. Known historically for its boat makers and watermen, Eastport is a quaint town, now home to yachts, art galleries, residences, and, of course, restaurants. You’ll find steak houses and seafood restaurants, a wine-lover’s hangout, and what has been called one of the country’s best sailor bars. A couple of Eastport’s restaurants even offer patrons waterfront dining with stunning views of the harbor – perfect for catching the sunset anytime of the year.

Main Street

Main Street is the essence of Annapolis. From the top of the street, views of the Annapolis Harbor are met with historic buildings occupied by boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, gift shops. It has a little bit of everything. Main Street offers fine Italian dining, a taco bar, seafood, American fare, Irish food, sushi, French cuisine, a gastropub speakeasy, pizza shops, ice cream parlors, and coffee shops (to name just a few). It’s also the nightlife hub of Annapolis, offering live music at the many taverns, pubs and bars, making for a perfect night out in Annapolis.

West Street

West Street is another one of Annapolis’ iconic streets. Aside from a number of great eateries, it’s also known as the Annapolis Art District. Packed next to art galleries and live music venues you’ll find coffee shops, a Thai restaurant, Italian, Mexican, sushi, and bistros for starters. Pairing with these great dining spots is Dinner Under the Stars, where the first block of the street is closed to traffic and the restaurants offer an al fresco dining experience complete with live music under a canopy of lights. Happening each Wednesday night (July – September), it’s the perfect dining experience in Annapolis. 

Maryland Avenue & West Annapolis

Maryland Avenue (known as the oldest retail street in all of Maryland) and West Annapolis offer even more restaurants in town. Though there aren’t as many to choose from compared to the rest of the city – and a little more spread out – it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat when shopping. Mixed in between the many antique shops, art galleries, bookstores, and boutiques/specialty shops are bakeries, coffee shops, Irish fare, Mexican food, and steak houses. At the very end of Maryland Avenue, you’ll find the United States Naval Academy (open to the public all year) where you can dine at the “Yard” in one of the two restaurants on the Academy grounds. 

Greater Annapolis 

If you head out of Annapolis down West Street, you’ll run right into both the Annapolis Towne Centre and the Westfield Annapolis Mall. Both offer a wide variety of shopping options along with plenty of chain restaurants and local favorites. You’ll find everything from pizza, Latin kitchens, bistros, Mediterranean restaurants, bar & grills, and much, much more. 

Arundel Mills/BWI Area

The area surrounding the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is known locally as the BWI Region. With tons of hotels, entertainment, Live! Casino , and Arundel Mills (the largest outlet mall in the state), there’s much to do. From a Medieval experience, to fine-dining, to a buffet fit to satiate any appetite, the area offers diners everything and more. Once you’ve filled up, stroll through the mall looking for a bargain or try your luck over at Live! Casino. It’s also only ten minutes from the buzz of Baltimore’s food and nightlife scene. 

Annapolis Countryside

Known as South County (also the Annapolis Countryside), Southern Anne Arundel County is a comprised of sprawling farmland, marinas, and stretches of bay-front views. If you’re looking for a true taste of Chesapeake flavor, this is the place to be. Stop by one of the many dockside restaurants dotting the area for a midday lunch or a sunset dinner of the freshest seafood available. 

With so much for foodies to choose from in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, isn’t it time to start planning your next visit? 

For local insight into all the great cuisine, cocktails, and nightlife happening in the area, check out our blog, FoodieAnnapolis.com.