Good Restaurants in Annapolis, Maryland

It's time to up-date the list of good places to dine in Annapolis, Maryland. When this list first appeared here we included the disclaimer, "IWTWIWT,BIMNBTWYGT." Perhaps some folks thought I was from Wales and this was a Welsh word. Not so. It stands for "It Was There When I Went There, But It Might Not Be There When You Go There," so call ahead, we advised.

Well, time has passed and some of the establishments included on the original list are now gone, some have changed hands, some may not be as good as they were before and others are new.

Here, then, is an updated list of good places to dine in and around Annapolis, Maryland. It has been compiled because of conversations we've had with people who travel, particularly to Annapolis, who find themselves dining in expensive establishments on mediocre food with similar mediocre service simply because they don't know where else to go. The places listed here meet the same five criteria as before.

- They make the list only after a personal visit for a meal.

- They offer adults a pleasant environment for dining.

- They provide excellent service.

- The food is very good to excellent.

- The prices are moderate.

This list is not a restaurant review in that if you are in town and find a restaurant that is not on this list, that could be for one of two reasons. One - we have not been to it so we don't know if it deserves to be included here, or two - we have been to it and it does not.

So, - if you are planning to visit Annapolis for Commissioning Week, the Fall boat shows, or just for a vacation and you will be looking for a good meal, in a nice place, with reasonable prices? Try these.

The prices shown, although approximate and will vary as you select your own dining preferences, are for TWO PEOPLE and include the tip because, after all, the tip is part of what you pay for a meal. The dinners include a soft drink or one glass of house wine, salad, entree', coffee, but usually no desert.

Some of these places might appear to be a little pricey, but we included them in the list because we felt the experience was worth the price. You know, you've got to break out once in a while.

Many of these places have their own Website showing their location, menu, etc., and these are shown in red.

If anyone knows of a restaurant which meets the five criteria shown above and thinks it should be on the list, let us know. Or, if you have visited one of these establishments and found it wanting in any of the five criteria, let us know that, too.

Ports Of Call, 210 Holiday Court in the DoubleTree Hotel. $50. 410-224-3150
This is a new place in the newly renovated DoubleTree. The menu is varied, but has a nautical flavor. The seafood stews are among our favorites.

O'Leary's Seafood, 310 Third St. $65. 410-263-0884
Among the best seafood restaurants in Annapolis, located in the Eastport section near the boatyards.

Paul's on the South River Waterfront, 3027 Riva Rd., $65. 410-956-3410
Paul's is about 7 miles from downtown, located right on the picturesque South River, with plenty of parking.

Wild Orchid Cafe, 909 Bay Ridge Ave. $65. 410-268-8009
This is a very small place in Eastport, but not near the water. It looks unimposing, but the food and service are anything but.

Carroll's Creek Cafe, 410 Severn Ave., $65. 410-263-8102
Recently renovated. Located on the water in Eastport, directly across from the Annapolis Yacht Club.

Deep Creek Restaurant, 1050 Deep Creek Ave., Arnold, $45. 410-974-1408
This is an authentic Maryland crab house located on Deep Creek, some 5 or 6 miles from downtown Annapolis. Don't dress up!

Romano's Macaroni Grill, 178 Jennifer Road, by the Westfield Mall, $35. 410-573-1717
This is a very good formula chain Italian restaurant. Great staff, singing waiters. Bring the kids.

Galway Bay Irish Restaurant, 65 Maryland Ave., $50. 410-263-8333
An authentic Irish country inn a few steps from the Maryland State Capital Building. Don't miss the Shepherds Pie.

Middleton Tavern, City Dock, $50. 410-263-3323
The Tavern is located at the historic City Dock and is itself historic, established in 1750. Very interesting building and very good food and service.

O'Brien's Oyster Bar and Restaurant, City Dock, $45. 410-268-6288
Another fine Irish oyster and fish house in the City Dock area.

Piccola Roma, 200 Main St., $65. 410-268-7898
Located right on Main Street, they specialize in modern Italian and Northern Italian cuisine. Fine dining.

Giolitti Delicatessen, 2068 Somerville Road. $55. 410-266-8600
When you see this place you would probably not think it is what it is. Go in and be surprised. If you are in town when they have one of their wine dinners, sign up!

Viet Thai Paradise Restaurant, Riva Road. $50. 410-266-8222
The menu includes delicious Vietnamese and Thai dishes, from not spicy to very hot. The service is equally good.

Les Follies, Riva Road at Rte 665. $75. 410-573-0970
An excellent French restaurant, with equally excellent service.

Maria's Sicilian Ristorante & Cafe, City Dock. $60. 410-268-2112
A small, corner place behind the Market House. Always good. You'll notice the aroma when you enter.

India's Restaurant, 257 West Street, $60. 410-263-7900
Excellent Indian cuisine and the owner is usually on the premises. First have dinner and then attend a play at the Bay Theatre Co. in the same building.