Best Cozy Restaurants in Essex

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BaltimoreBaltimore Suburbs

Neighbourhoods

Bowleys QuartersCantonCharles VillageDowntownEast BaltimoreEssex

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

32 restaurants available nearby

1. By The Docks

4.5

Awesome(1968)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Essex

Booked 8 times today

Maryland is famous for it's crab cakes, and By The Docks is known for it's eight-ounce Colossal Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. Discover the fresh ingredients and outstanding seafood, steaks, and pasta's prepared by our chefs. Our menu includes various items from baby back ribs, slow roasted prime rib, hand cut steaks,and specialty sauteed dishes. Every sauce, soup and dressing is made from scratch. By The Docks welcomes families and large groups. Make reservations or call ahead for express carry out.

A photo of Bowley's on the Bay restaurant

2. Bowley's on the Bay

4.5

Awesome(87)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Bowleys Quarters

Booked 1 time today

Chesapeake Bay’s newest restaurant & dining location. Located waterfront in Bowleys Quarters, our new indoor restaurant, Bowleys On The Bay is sure to be your new dining destination. Located inside Long Beach Marina at 800 Chester Road in Bowleys Quarters Maryland, we are easily accessible by boat or by car. Our Summer resort style destination & beach dining is now complimented by our new indoor dining area.During the Summer months, walk our beach, grab a waterfront outdoor shaded table, sit under a swaying palm tree, enjoy amazing views & a cool Island vibe with our tropical soundtrack. During our off season, come grab an indoor bar stool, high top table or dining room chair & get cozy with an amazing menu selection.We offer weekly specials, a Sunday Brunch & more. Please check our Facebook daily & our website for updates on all the wonderful times you’ll share with us this coming year.

A photo of Charly’s Waterfront restaurant

3. Charly’s Waterfront

4.3

Awesome(138)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Essex

Booked 1 time today

Coming Soon!

4. River Stone Grill

4.7

Exceptional(132)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Perry Hall

Booked 10 times today

River Stone Grill will be open for lunch & dinner 7 days a week with brunch on Saturday & Sunday Weekday happy hour in the bar and weekly specials available. Our menu will offer a little bit of everything. The menu has everything from pot stickers & sesame crusted ahi tuna bites, southwest offerings, fresh seafood, classic Italian dishes, gourmet salads, hand cut steaks, good old fashioned bacon double cheese burgers, home made corned beef reuben's, mouth watering sandwiches, hand rolled Italian meatballs, and a killer pot roast platter just to name a few.We hope you join us for a burger & cold draft beer, a plate of home cooked pasta, a refreshing crisp salad, or a date night with a grilled steak & Cabernet. There will be something for everyone and just about every budget.

5. Costas Inn

4.2

Awesome(316)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown

We have Steamed Crabs to enjoy year round. After making your reservation, please call for Crab sizes and availability 410-477-1975. We hope that on your next afternoon or evening out, you will give us the opportunity to make your visit or event as enjoyable as possible. The entire family and staff of Costas Inn thank you for your continued support and look forward supplying the excellence and quality that you have come to expect.

6. Bygone

4.6

Exceptional(3691)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Harbor East

Booked 39 times today

A fusion of the old, the new and the best of Baltimore. We’re an American gastro bistro that represents historic, vibrant, authentic Baltimore. We blend modern energy with a classic feel, celebrating luxury, excitement & an elevated dining experience. Plus, we’ve got some unbeatable views of our beautiful city!Bygone’s warm & welcoming atmosphere is reminiscent of an old-school social club, while our open rotisserie grill, whiskey bar & craft cocktails add a flair that is contemporary.Please note: No shows and cancellations made within less than 24 hours will be subject to a $75/per person fee.

A photo of Splash Pool Bar & Grill at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore restaurant

7. Splash Pool Bar & Grill at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

4.1

Excellent(31)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Harbor East

Booked 4 times today

Celebrate the season with one-of-a-kind experiences at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. Experience our rooftop Winter Village where our sought-after two-tier terrace transforms into a winter wonderland in the heart of the city.Celebrate the season with an exclusive dining experience on our fourth-floor rooftop. Enjoy a monthly rotating prix fixe menu crafted by Executive Chef Tristan Baker inside your own private cottage overlooking Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Menu themes for each month include: Nordic-inspired Feast of Valhalla (January), Spaghetti Soirée (February/Month of Love), and La Noche de Invierno inspired by Spanish winter nights (March). Take your experience to the fifth-floor terrace where an 1,800-square-foot synthetic skating rink takes centre stage. Cozy up fireside over seasonal bites and beverages and enhance your experience with a semi-private cabana and firepit.

A photo of Ammoora - Ritz-Carlton Residences restaurant

8. Ammoora - Ritz-Carlton Residences

4.7

Exceptional(675)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Syrian • Inner Harbor

Booked 37 times today

Enter a realm of authentic Levantine cuisine, culture, and design at Ammoora, an ornate dining destination, exclusively housed within the Ritz-Carlton Residences Baltimore. Embracing the cultural beauty and diversity of its fare, Ammoora immerses guests in an intimate fine-dining experience composed in a contemporary culinary style. Presented and prepared with award-winning skill and finesse, the culinary journey through the Eastern Mediterranean offers unique interpretations of classic dishes. Drawing inspiration from Ammoora's family roots, the Syrian-focused authentically modern menu evokes a sensory experience, enhanced by soft, yet lively oriental music and an alluring ambience.

9. Copper Shark

4.7

Exceptional(568)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Locust Point

Booked 16 times today

Step into our historic building, and you will immediately be greeted by its red-brick walls, exposed beams, and intimate bar space leading to an open and airy dining room and our fantastic back patio set for outdoor dining and conversations around our fire pit (weather permitting!). Sit at the bar to enjoy an artisanal beer or oak-aged bourbon alongside a quick bite of charcuterie meats and cheeses, crispy brussels sprouts, or shark fries. Or venture into the heart of Copper Shark for a leisurely chef-inspired meal created by Chef Matthew Audette. In addition to seasonal masterpieces, you can always count on classic cuisine like our petite filet, soup du jour and pot du creme. Weather permitting, we encourage you to cozy up next to our courtyard fire pit. Sundays we only have Brucnh service

10. Sotto Sopra

4.7

Exceptional(3640)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mt. Vernon

Booked 20 times today

Sotto Sopra is an Italian restaurant housed in a beautiful 19th century building just blocks north of Baltimore’s Harborplace on Charles Street. Sotto Sopra specializes in true contemporary Italian cuisine adapting farm to table. We buy local whenever it is possible. The perfect risotto, handmade pastas, roasted meats, local seafood, and regional produce are here for your total enjoyment. Sotto Sopra invites you to dine for dinner every evening. Eat.Drink.Sleep.Dream--Italian

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Laketa
Las Vegas •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The seating was limited due to a party up stairs, however we stand by the bar. It was a little cold but nothing my jacket couldn't fix, the food was amazing! Plenty of parking which was a good as well.
More info
By The DocksPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Essex
•
4.5
M
michael
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
They have the best crab cakes I’ve ever had! Would highly recommend!
More info
Costas InnPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.2
A
Andrea
Baltimore / Maryland •9 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 18, 2025
I stopped in today with my sister and brothe iGood food; great service
More info
River Stone GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Perry Hall
•
4.7
A
Amanda
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined on Oct 26, 2024
Amazing staff! Beautiful setting. Cozy and fun for cool fall evening….but I can see all seasons being so perfect here. They had live music that was wonderful. Food and drinks delicious! All the stars. Will definitely be back!
More info
Charly’s WaterfrontPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Essex
•
4.3
T
Thai
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 12, 2024
Great my server was so patient and my baby was busy
More info
Bowley's on the BayPrice: Moderate• American• Bowleys Quarters
•
4.5

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