Ellicott City is a charming and historical section of Baltimore, Maryland. Read ahead for our guide to the 10 best restaurants to visit while in the city.
Ernesto’s Fine Mexican Food
It might be surprising to find such a great restaurant in a shopping mall, but Ernesto’s Fine Mexican is the go to for great, authentic cuisine in Ellicott City. Although the dining is fine, the atmosphere is relaxed. Here, fresh guacamole is made table-side, presentation is key, and you can enjoy house margaritas or ‘beeritas’ with a punch. Daily lunch specials are served Monday-Friday and include big portions of your favorite dishes with sides of rice and beans.
Yama Sushi Bar is the sushi bar to be at in Ellicott City. Sushi here is fresh, and there are lots of options. Check out their lunch specials Monday to Saturday, where for around $8, you can get a classic roll with soup and a salad. For something more filling, try their lunch special plates. To top it off, they give you a free sushi roll, and they also serve beer and wine.
Stella Notte
This Italian bistro is a hidden gem of Ellicott City. Despite being located in a shopping center, Stella Notte’s interior is inviting and romantic. Their menu features perfectly cooked seafood and delicious pasta sauces, and be sure to check out their daily specials that include half off pasta dishes on Mondays and 20 percent off take out orders on Tuesdays. Checkout their glass terrace fitted with beautiful flowers and plants on a romantic evening.
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Shin Chon Garden
Restaurant, Korean
Korean BBQ is a major feature in Ellicott City, but one of the best you’ll find is Shin Chon, which has even been featured on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman. Offering a great spread of ban chan (free side dishes), Shin Chon features tender pork and beef options. Come with four to six people to try the ‘turtle’ combination of meats. Although the menu is a more expensive than other Korean places, the food is worth it, and you can also get liquor like sake, Korean rice wine or beer here.
Grille 620
Restaurant, Bar, American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian
From its great outdoor and indoor seating to the fresh seafood dishes, Grille 620 infuses New American cuisine with a bit of steakhouse and seafood refinement. A constantly fresh raw bar and selection of fishes are the main highlights of the restaurant. Try the lobster gnocchi or the swordfish steak. During happy hour you can get $5 well drinks, and on Tuesdays they serve half priced select wines. The craft beers here rotate regularly. For brunch try their bottomless mimosa or champagne, and a must have for dessert is the chocolate chip bread pudding.
If you’re looking for authentic cuisine, Tigi’s Ethiopian will transport you to an actual Ethiopian home with its homemade cooking and welcoming staff. Choose from the combination meal platters with three meats and three vegetable entrees that are all served with injera bread. They also have a large selection of vegan items. With the perfect amount of spice, Tigi’s is the best Ethiopian restaurant in the greater area. You can also purchases spices to use in your own Ethiopian cooking.
Located in the historic section of Ellicott City, this French countryside restaurant in an old 19th century home is perfect for a quaint and quiet evening. It is considered on of the best French restaurants in the area. The traditional cuisine comes with exquisite fresh bread and a wonderful wine selection. Favorites include the boeuf bourguignon and the hard-cider poached salmon. For brunch, their country french toast is a favorite with fresh berries and whipped creme. Ask about their Sunday set menu, which is a perfect option for parties.
The Rumor Mill
Bar, Restaurant, American, Seafood
The Rumor Mill is a cozy restaurant located in downtown Ellicott City. The tapas bar features a slew of small plates that changes seasonally and the cuisine is a mixture of New American assortments, including seafood crab dumplings and duck and cherries. They also serve a mean crab risotto. Try their house-infused vodkas, tequilas, whiskey and gin drinks – they combine many of these to create their signature drinks like the blood orange or jalapeño. They also have a nice selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Here, you’ll find creative food and comforting staples for a soothing evening.
Johnny's Bistro on Main Street
Bistro, Restaurant, Tapas, Mediterranean
At Johnny’s Bistro on Main Street, you’ll find classic American fare as well as Meditteranean inspired dishes. Excellent fresh hummus, vegetables and chicken paninis, as well as Greek pizza, are all highlights. The rustic fare boasts seafood dishes as well as classic burgers, so the menu is sure to appease everyone in your group, and the cozy atmosphere of the bistro helps to create memorable dining experiences. Keep an eye out for their daily specials and tapas menu.
Little French Market Cafe
Cafe, Tea , American, French
If you’re looking for fresh sandwiches, salads, or other healthy items for a relaxing lunch, the Little French Market Cafe is a perfect spot for brunch or midday snacks. Like a bite of Paris tucked away in Ellicott, the cafe offers a nice range of vegan and vegetarian options as well. You’ll also find fun lattes like the ‘butter beer’ latte, and the sweet potato soup is a perfect seasonal feature with savory herbs. The vintage feel also adds a touch of quaint, country ambience. Seating is limited inside, but there is plenty outside.
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