CRABS

When you go to Baltimore, you gotta have Maryland steamed blue crabs.  Every Baltimorean has their favorite crab place - some good spots include LP Steamers in Federal Hill/Locust Point, Nick's Fish House by the Hanover Bridge or pretty much any stand in the Cross Street or Lexington Markets. Some bigger joints include Bo Brooks or Dockside , which can be found in the Canton neighborhood. Fell's Point is known for Obrycki's Crab House with their black-pepper (as opposed to traditional Old Bay) seasoning, although reviews have been mixed recently. Regardless of where you go,  you WILL get your hands dirty.  So don't wear fancy clothes.

SEAFOOD

If you want the seafood, but are not up for cracking your own crabs, you can't go wrong with John Stevens restaurant in Fells Point along with Mama on the Half Shell in Canton. If you want to go more upscale, Kali's Court in Fells Point is another sure bet.

LITTLE ITALY 

For some good old-fashioned Italian pastries, head over to Vaccaro's in Little Italy (222 Albemarle St), or at the Harbor Place located in the Light Street Pavilion.  Delicious cannolis, tiramisu, and biscottis served up just like in the Old Country.

There are a slew of Italian options for dinner in Little Italy - check out the neighborhood restaurant website for a full listing. These are great places for family dinners as most of the restaurants are kid-friendly.

ETHNIC FARE

Pazo in Fells Point has been a great addition to the B-more dining scene, offering excellent Mediterranean tapas. Another Fells point newcomer is Los Arcos, which serves delicious, authentic Mexican, has 100 different types of tequila and is located in a charming indoor, vine covered courtyard setting.

On the other side of town in Mt. Vernon, you can find great ethnic restaurants including The Helmand, which boosts award-winning Afghan cusine, and Dukem, an Ethiopian food import from neighborhing Washington, DC. Father north in the Charles Village neighborhood is the best Indian place in town, the swanky Ambassador Dining Room.

BRUNCH 

For Sunday brunch, head over to the Blue Moon Cafe in Fells Point or, if you are feeling adventureous and have a car, check out Vermont style brunch spot Morning Edition in Patterson Park/Buther's Hill where the service is slow, but the food is delicious.

DINERS

For diner grub, the top two choices are The Paper Moon in Charles Village which is a funky and fun spot servicing the Johns Hopkins student crowd or the Sip and Bite in the Fells Point/Canton area on Boston street, which is the kind of blue collar, down to earth place that has stayed true to the roots of what a diner is supposed to be, despite the changing neighborhood of high-rise condos that now surrounds it.