Waterfront Dining in Baltimore
Pull up a chair at these Baltimore restaurants for fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood and sweeping views of one of the most celebrated urban waterfronts on the East Coast.
Baltimore is proud of its identity as a waterfront city, with some of its best restaurants and attractions sitting right along the harbor. From the historic streets of Fell’s Point to Canton’s marinas, these restaurants serve their delicious fare with a side of showstopping water views.
Inner Harbor Restaurants on the Water
Phillips Seafood
The crab deck at Phillips Seafood is a scenic spot to enjoy a sunny day in Charm City.
Steps from paddle boats, historic ships and the National Aquarium, the Phillips Seafood crab deck serves up classic Maryland favorites in a casual, inviting atmosphere. Outdoor happy hour offers discounted drinks and specialty appetizers like crab rangoon, crispy calamari and Chesapeake crab dip, making it a go-to spot for waterfront gatherings.
Looking for more places to enjoy Chesapeake-style crabs? See our guide to all things Maryland blue crab—including how to find, crack and season them.
Rusty Scupper
Nestled between the Maryland Science Center and the American Visionary Art Museum, Rusty Scupper delivers classic Baltimore seafood with unrivaled views of passing boats and the city skyline. Signature crab cakes and traditional seafood dishes highlight Maryland’s culinary pride. Ask to eat on the expansive outdoor deck for a quintessential Charm City dining experience.
Harbor Views on the Baltimore Peninsula
Nick’s Fish House
On the developing Baltimore Peninsula, Nick’s Fish House combines a casual beach town vibe with high-quality seafood offerings. The menu is loaded with Charm City staples such as crab dip, lobster mac and cheese, crab cakes, fish tacos and steamed crabs—best-cracked on the vast open-air wooden deck that overlooks the water. Wash it down with a cold beer or one of Nick’s famous crushes, which are heavy on the fresh-squeezed juice and liquor.
Enjoy an authentic Baltimore crab feast at Nick’s Seafood in the Baltimore Peninsula.
Waterfront Dining in Canton
Bayside Cantina
Bayside Cantina, located at Canton’s Tindeco Wharf, offers one of the best waterfront settings in the city with ample covered and uncovered outdoor seating. The menu features traditional Mexican fare like tacos and burritos while the cocktail list encourages you to step outside your comfort zone. The restaurant also hosts private gatherings and celebrations in its event spaces, adding to the lively harborfront atmosphere.
Raw & Refined
Overlooking a marina and a pool, Raw & Refined channels a full-on tropical escape, complete with fruity cocktails and fresh seafood. Start with the tuna tartare, move to a lobster roll as your main and finish with a slice of peanut butter pie for dessert. Between the tropical flavors and marina views, a meal here feels like a passport-free vacation.
Waterfront Harbor East Restaurants
Azumi
Inside the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, Azumi brings chic Japanese cuisine to Harbor East. Seafood arrives daily from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, transformed into elegant sashimi, nigiri and inventive rolls. Azumi offers panoramic views of the Inner Harbor from its waterfront patio, making every meal both elegant and scenic.
Cinghiale
This upscale restaurant is known for its refined Italian cuisine and cellar of more than 500 wines. Cinghiale‘s patio, framed by lush planters and chef’s herbs, overlooks the marina in a polished yet intimate setting. Handmade pastas and thoughtfully sourced ingredients make dining here as much about craft as it is about atmosphere.
Loch Bar
This 1920s-inspired oyster bar celebrates seafood, sourcing it from the Chesapeake Bay and other coastal locations across the U.S. and Mexico. Loch Bar’s harborfront patio pairs sweeping views of the Patapsco River with towering seafood platters and freshly shucked oysters. A whiskey list featuring more than 350 selections keeps evenings lingering long after sunset.
Fresh oysters and waterfront views await at Loch Bar.
Josefina
With bold, authentic Spanish flavors and a striking two-floor waterfront setting, Josefina offers a transportive dining experience. Led by James Beard Award semifinalist chef David Zamudio—who previously helmed Alma Cocina Latina’s kitchen—the menu features classic pintxos and tapas like pan con tomate, alongside pristine seafood and shareable mains. At the bar, cocktails arrive with a complimentary tapa, echoing a beloved Spanish tradition.
Federal Hill Restaurants with Harbor Views
Little Havana
A Federal Hill staple since 1997, Little Havana infuses Cuban culture into the waterfront scene. On a nice day, the scenic patio invites you to savor mojitos, sangria and authentic dishes such as ropa vieja and tostones. Rum cocktails, salsa rhythms and colorful atmosphere keep the energy lively from afternoon into evening.
Fell's Point Waterfront Dining
Ampersea
Ampersea offers waterfront dining with views of the Inner Harbor.
This waterfront spot champions local, from-scratch cooking with a diverse menu that includes a signature crab pretzel, fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes like the mushroom risotto. Ampersea‘s ingredients come from Maryland farms, craft brewers and winemakers, plus herbs and lettuces grown in the nearby Living Classrooms Greenhouse. Outdoor seating lets diners enjoy harbor breezes alongside thoughtfully crafted cocktails.
Barcocina
Enjoy tacos and margaritas with a waterfront view.
With a prime spot on Fell’s Point’s Broadway Pier and ample seating along the promenade, Barcocina is a picturesque spot to enjoy tacos and tequila-based cocktails. For those sitting inside, open garage-door windows bring a harbor breeze through the restaurant, so you can choose your waterfront dining experience.
There are plenty more places to dine al fresco in Charm City. Don’t miss these incredible restaurants to enjoy a meal outdoors.
