The Best Restaurants In Maryland Eastern Shore

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Restaurant, American, Seafood, Vegetarian
208 Talbot is a long-standing establishment in the charming waterside village of St. Michaels and has built a well-deserved reputation. Outside, the vintage shaker-style building fits perfectly into the New Englander style of the town. On the inside, that style continues with exposed brick walls, beadboard detail, and a tavern-style bar. The menu features American classics, with Chesapeake influences that have characterized the area’s cuisine. You won’t find a better place to enjoy baked oysters or a delicious seafood stew.

Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, Fast Food, $
Comparatively new to the St. Michaels restaurant scene Ava’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar has been turning heads since it opened in 2008. And it’s no surprise, with both creative and traditional pizza toppings, a casual yet clean vibe, and one of the best outdoor patios in town, Ava’s has it all. Try the chef’s favorite pizza, with prosciutto, arugula and balsamic reduction, or design your own pizza with over two dozen options for toppings. And guests looking for something other than pizza will find excellent sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes.

Restaurant, American, Seafood, Pub Grub, Gluten-free, $

Ocean City is well known across the East Coast for its boardwalk and beaches. Since 2013, Hooked has been offering a more upscale dining option along the foreshore. The restaurant is part of a family of five restaurants that have opened up across Maryland and Delaware in the last five years. The menu is centered around both sea and land options that are thoughtfully designed around fresh catches and bright flavors. Monkfish is combined with smoky andouille sausage in a gnocchi dish, and scallops are seen with Brussels sprouts and spicy chorizo.

Bistro, Restaurant, American, Gluten-free, $$
St. Michaels is well known for great food, playing host to a number of eclectic and creative eateries. It’s hard to narrow down which are the best in the small town, but Bistro St. Michaels stands out. Located in walkable, downtown it’s easy to stop by for brunch before a day of shopping or for dinner after a day out on the water. The menu is classic American, with hearty main dishes like prime steak, lamb chops, and parmesan-crusted chicken. You can also get East Coast and Southern favorites like bacon collard greens, cheddar grits, and crab cakes. The chef even tends a greenhouse herb garden and uses his fresh harvests in various plates in the restaurant.

Pizzeria, Restaurant, American, Seafood, Fast Food, $
The Kent Narrows is a spot on the Eastern Shore that is often passed by as weekenders head to the beach towns on the coast. But a stop in at Bridges Restaurant while you’re passing through will be well worth your time. From a table inside, or out on the deck, you will enjoy views out over Wells Cove and Prospect Bay. The menu reflects its seaside locale, with options like seared rockfish with Old Bay mashed potatoes and lobster tail with crab imperial. If you are in the area on a Friday or Saturday night, visit Bridges to hear live jazz, blues, and contemporary music.

Bar, Gastropub, Pub Grub, American
One of the more casual spots on our list, High Spot Gastropub is everything you want in a good pub: fun atmosphere, great brews on tap, and even better food to go with it. But don’t expect your average bar food at High Spot, as its menu changes seasonally. Sure, you can still start your meal with pretzels and cheese or beer-battered pickles, but from there, you can try a dressed up duck fat burger or a yellowfin tuna steak. For some ultimate comfort food, order one of the house-made pot pies. Regardless of your dinner order, be sure to wash it down with one of a number of craft beers that are selected from brewhouses across the country.

Restaurant, Italian, Vegetarian, Vegan, $$
In a departure from so many restaurants serving traditional local cuisine, Scossa offers authentic Northern Italian fare in a setting that feels elegant and special. The chef is native to Northern Italy and is eager to share a bite of his bel paese with his guests. Scossa combines that wealth of knowledge to bring downtown Easton a touch class with the famous hospitality of Italy. Pastas are made in-house, and sauces are cooked for hours to give them deep and complex flavors. Start with the risotto of the day or gnocchi with veal ragu, and order a succulent chicken cacciatore for your second plate. Finish with a scoop of pistachio gelato or a slice of tiramisu.

Restaurant, American, Fusion, Healthy, Gluten-free, $
As you drive out of town towards St. Michaels, head south through a deeply forested area and you’ll find T at the General Store in an unassuming old building, near a whitewashed church. At the heart of the menu is a vast tea selection that has grown to include tantalizing brunch and dinner options. Visit during the brunch hour for Tea House Benedict, farm fresh eggs with ham, creamy roasted garlic kale, and gruyere cheese. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with a grilled hanger steak with chimichurri sauce. It’s a little restaurant with huge character.