Good restaurants in Inner Harbor vicinity?

[raveoned]

Well, for our first trip to Balmer this year (we usually come down a few times a year), we're coming down for my wife's birthday over the weekend of March 19-20!

My daughter is 9, but loves seafood, and my wife is a huge seafood fan, but I am not.

So, given that, what can you folks recommend (non-chain) in the area of the Inner Harbor that's really good but not be exorbitant in price?

We can afford something nice, but not over the top.

We'll be at the Hampton Inn Convention Center, next to Pickles. I did field that as a suggestion to my wife for her birthday dinner, but for some reason she didn't seem too interested in that for dinner, lol!

Let me know what ideas you have, folks!

[weams]

http://damimmo.com/

They have specials so you can keep the price down. They will come pick you up at the hotel in a lincoln Town Car for free. Definitely the Birthday place. Definitely.

[TonySoprano]

Little Italy.
http://www.homevideos.com/freezeframes2/RainMan21.jpgDefinitely.;)

[Snutchy]

J Pauls (http://j-pauls.capitalrestaurants.com/)

Open year round.

JP “89” Burger
Over-loaded with Pulled Pork, Cheddar Cheese and Coleslaw with Tobacco Onions. 11.25

Banging.

Although I will say, I ordered the softcrab sandwhiches from there and they WERE NOT what a softcrab sandwhich is supposed to be. Everything else is great. I am from Crisfield, MD and know my crabs. (www.crisfield.com)

Softcrabs were battered in some kinda breading that fell right off. Not good.

Other than that, fries were great. Steam crabs were great. Not an overly expensive place in my opinion.

[RevOlution]

I have to agree with Tony about Little Italy. Many delicious places to eat and afterwards walk around the streets and take in the atmosphere. Then stop at Vaccaro's for dessert. YUM.

[PrivateO]

Little Italy thirded.

Especially Sabatino's.

[ChrisAF79]

Mmmm, Little Italy. You can't go wrong there. Good family atmosphere, and top notch food to boot. Hopefully you'll have some nice weather so that you can walk around a little as well.

[Tony-OH]

My favorite restaurant in Little Italy is Amici's. The food is very good, it's more casual, and it's a lot cheaper than DaMimmo's which you won't get out of for less than $150 for three of you. DaMimmo's does have some great food though but it's $$$$.

Little Italy though is the best place for dinner in Baltimore in my opinion.

[Nigel Tufnel]

It's kind of strange, but there really isn't a non-chain seafood restaurant anywhere near the Inner Harbor. You'd think one would make a killing, but I guess the rent is too high. I'd stay away from Phillips unless you want crabs, but Oceanaire Seafood Room and McCormick and Schmick's are both pretty good.

Little Italy is good, but if you're looking for something closer to your hotel, look into Sotto Sopra or B&O Brasserie. Both places should be within easy walking distance (you can walk to Little Italy, but it's probably 20-25 minutes from the hotel).

If you have a car, consider the Wine Market. They have good food, as well as a parking lot.

If the weather's bad, Frank and Nic's is really close to your hotel, and the food's decent.

Also, you definitely need to go to Lexington Market at lunchtime and get a crabcake at the Faidley's stand. There are three price levels, but get the most expensive one - it's worth it.

[NewMarketSean]

Yeah if non-chain is the qualifier it's hard to find seafood joints in the IH area since Blue Sea Grill closed.

There are some good chain places in the harbor and in Harbor East: Roy's, Oceanaire, M&S to name a few...

For seafood outside of the IH, you could walk to Federal Hill for Ryleigh's Oyster. Or take a short cab ride to Fells Point for Kali's Court, Pierpoint or Riptide by the Bay.

You could also take the light rail to Woodberry for Woodberry Kitchen which is routinely listed as the best restaurant in Baltimore. The prices aren't too bad, maybe a little out of your range, but something to consider.

[DuffMan]

Rusty Scupper.

[NewMarketSean]

Rusty Scupper.

Yeah, forgot about the Rusty Scupper...the view is good but the place is overpriced for mediocre food.

[Miller192]

My favorite restaurant in Little Italy is Amici's. The food is very good, it's more casual, and it's a lot cheaper than DaMimmo's which you won't get out of for less than $150 for three of you. DaMimmo's does have some great food though but it's $$$$.

Little Italy though is the best place for dinner in Baltimore in my opinion.

I love Amici's. Get the house gnocchi.

[NewMarketSean]

I must've had a bad experience at Amicci's because everyone loves it and it gets good reviews. The food was OK, nothing special, and the waitress we had was rude and hurried and the place was loud. The only seafood they have is shrimp too.

[Snutchy]

Rusty Scupper.

The Rusty Scupper. Reputation to you when I can give it again. I had the brunch buffet one time and it was quite good. View was great. I can't afford that place every time I go though.

[Miller192]

I must've had a bad experience at Amicci's because everyone loves it and it gets good reviews. The food was OK, nothing special, and the waitress we had was rude and hurried and the place was loud. The only seafood they have is shrimp too.

Go on a Sunday or Saturday afternoon.

[Xander21]

Never eaten there before, but Luna Del Sea is right on Pratt about 2 blocks or so from your Hotel, right across from Camden Yards. It's a steak & seafood joint. Again - never been there so I can't comment on the quality but it's not a chain at least.

http://www.lunadelsea.com/

[NewMarketSean]

Never eaten there before, but Luna Del Sea is right on Pratt about 2 blocks or so from your Hotel, right across from Camden Yards. It's a steak & seafood joint. Again - never been there so I can't comment on the quality but it's not a chain at least.

http://www.lunadelsea.com/

Got mediocre reviews on Trip Advisor

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60811-d1026352-Reviews-Luna_Del_Sea_Steak_Seafood_Bistro-Baltimore_Maryland.html

[tennOsfan]

I've eaten at the Scupper a couple times. I liked it. The view is incredible.

As an out-of-towner who has met few buffets I haven't liked, I have a soft spot for the Phillips buffet. I have to defend them against you locals who don't appreciate something great that's in your backyard.

[Birds of B'more]

Blue Agave in Fed Hill. They have some awesome seafood-based Mexican dishes. And over 100 varieties of tequila. Need I say more?

[Sports Guy]

The ownership changed, not as good.
The guy that ran Blue Agave now runs Miguels which I like:

http://www.miguelsbaltimore.com/Is this the one you went for Chris' bday?

[GreatEight]

It's kind of strange, but there really isn't a non-chain seafood restaurant anywhere near the Inner Harbor. You'd think one would make a killing, but I guess the rent is too high. I'd stay away from Phillips unless you want crabs, but Oceanaire Seafood Room and McCormick and Schmick's are both pretty good.

Little Italy is good, but if you're looking for something closer to your hotel, look into Sotto Sopra or B&O Brasserie. Both places should be within easy walking distance (you can walk to Little Italy, but it's probably 20-25 minutes from the hotel).

If you have a car, consider the Wine Market. They have good food, as well as a parking lot.

If the weather's bad, Frank and Nic's is really close to your hotel, and the food's decent.

Also, you definitely need to go to Lexington Market at lunchtime and get a crabcake at the Faidley's stand. There are three price levels, but get the most expensive one - it's worth it.

I do agree Faidley's crabcakes are great. Just don't stare at anyone and ignore the ODed people out front of the market! Can't go wrong with Little Italy. If you like sushi and decent quick seafood, Cross St. Market is pretty good. But thats more for lunch.

[notfast]

Capital Grille is good but $. Fogo de Chau is always good too.

[Birds of B'more]

The ownership changed, not as good.
The guy that ran Blue Agave now runs Miguels which I like:

http://www.miguelsbaltimore.com/

Guess that's what happens when you leave town for a few years. These days I should probably taking advice on where to go back there instead of giving it. :o

[Catch 8]

For something less common, Zorbas in Greek-town. Used to be very reasonably priced, but now it is about averagely priced. I'm partial to their fillet. You get 2 large sides (get potatoes and green beans) and wonderful service. Oh yeah, great bread!

Chiapparelli's is my personal favorite, in Little Italy. I grew up on Chipps and Sabatinos. At Chipps, the blanca pizza does not have mozzarella, but trust me that it is amazing (only served during lunch time).

[raveoned]

Thank you all so far for the great suggestions! We're homing in on something in Little Italy or maybe Harbor East, and it will most likely be something from the great ideas on here!

If you have any others, just let me know!

[NewMarketSean]

I do agree Faidley's crabcakes are great. Just don't stare at anyone and ignore the ODed people out front of the market! Can't go wrong with Little Italy. If you like sushi and decent quick seafood, Cross St. Market is pretty good. But thats more for lunch.

There's a direct entrance to Faidley's on Paca Street. Otherwise I think there are a lot paranoid delusions about Lexington Market. I've never had any problems there.