By Visit Baltimore
Special to Road Trips for Foodies

Planning to travel overseas to expand your palate? Save your miles and reduce your carbon footprint. Baltimore welcomes cultures from across the globe with its expanding culinary scene – take your palate on an international journey with this guide to worldly dining in Baltimore.

• Italy (miles saved: 4,452): Baltimore’s Little Italy draws visitors with its aroma of home-style Italian dishes from numerous restaurants, bakeries and delis lining the historic streets. Here, wandering is rewarded: venture to Harbor East for Cinghiale‘s take on a modern Italian table or continue on near Hampden for Sicilian and Southern Italian fresh and authentic Mediterranean flavors at Cosima. On Water Street in the Inner Harbor, Aggio promises elegant cuisine to escort you to Italy, complete with a sommelier well-versed in exceptional Italian wines to complete your culinary journey.
• France/Basque (miles saved: 3,858): A keen eye for mixing contemporary with classic French Cuisine, Petit Louis in Roland Park and French Kitchen in the Inner Harbor each bring a piece of euro-bistro fare to Baltimore’s dining scene. Span borders and immerse yourself in the ancient culinary arts of the Basque region at La Cuchara. Located in historic Woodberry, La Cuchara’s inspired dishes bring diners through both France and Spain with dishes like Parisian gnocchi or charred octopus with chorizo. With a menu that changes daily, diners will be delighted any day of the week.
• Greece (miles saved: 4,963): You won’t miss the Mediterranean while dining along the Inner Harbor at Ouzo Bay. With Bronzino from Patras and a kalitsounia recipe from Crete, each authentic dish is served with nostalgia, along with one of the most extensive Ouzo selections on the East Coast. At Twist in Fell’s Point, executive chef Jose Molina brings personal to the plate as he marries his Hispanic and American influences to his time spent in Greece and the eastern Mediterranean.

• Venezuela (miles saved: 2,354): Alma Cocina Latina was born from culinary roots and has blossomed into a contemporary arepa bar renowned for its fascinating flavors and wide variety of gluten free, vegetarian and beautifully presented plates.

• Latin America (miles saved: 2,222): Go south of the border. . . in Baltimore. Points South serves handcrafted cocktails with fresh herbs and Latin American cuisine that’s earned top ratings and local loyalty in Fell’s Point. Lump crab or lobster tacos anyone? Stroll along the cobblestone to Papi’s Tacos, inspired by the antojitos of Mexican street food trucks, carts and markets. Or enjoy Mexican-inspired dishes along the water at Barcocina, served to share. Take a trip to an Argentinian table at Bar Vasquez where Chef Mario Cano Catalán embraces meat, fire and seasonal ingredients with a wide variety of whiskeys for a perfect pairing with any dish.
• Korea (miles saved: 7,009): Bring your kimchi cravings to Dooby’s in Mount Vernon for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Noodles, buns, and barbecue get an Asian twist and make for one of the best bowls you can get in Baltimore.
• Japan (miles saved: 6,764): Harbor East is home to Azumi, which translates to “safe harbor.” The brain child of Tokyo native and executive chef Eiji Takase, Azumi wows with expert plates that highlight masterfully prepared ingredients.
• Afghanistan (miles saved: 6,882): The Helmand is a Mount Vernon landmark, heralded as a must-taste just blocks from the Inner Harbor and Baltimore Penn Station. Established more than 20 years ago, The Helmand brings Afghan spices and exquisite dishes to Baltimore diners with a wealth of experience and flavor.
• India (miles saved: 8,003): The Ambassador Dining Room is among the most romantic restaurants in Baltimore. The stunning décor and finely prepared Indian cuisine create a vibrant experience of culinary and cultural excitement in Roland Park.
• Lebanon (miles saved: 5,790): Lebanese Taverna is an international sensation. The restaurant’s ambiance is a nod to the nautical, which is fitting for its dockside location in Harbor East. The menu offers an expansive variety of authentic dishes and extras like Lebanese pickles and house-made breads.

Want more info? Click here for a full guide to dining in Baltimore, Maryland.

(Photo courtesy of Visit Baltimore)