This small eatery in the neighborhood of Hampden by chef Steven Monnier showcases changing tasting menus of refined New American and classic French fare (the name is French for “aromas”).

Website: aromesrestaurant.com

Address: 3520 Chestnut Ave., Hampden

Phone number: 410-235-0035

Number of seats: 28

Pricing: 3 courses for $45, 6 courses for $65

Popular dishes: Beef culotte with roasted onion and oyster mayonnaise; fluke with broccoli risotto and nori; carrot tarte with sorrel and yogurt.

What others say: “Chef Monnier is at the top of his game here, and dishes are meant to be savored.” –Jane Marion, Baltimore magazine

The dining room

Sorrel leaf brushed with lovage oil and cucumber spice, crème fraîche and trout roe

This stylish would-be speakeasy serves up classy, sophisticated cocktails with regional American food tuned to both throwback and contemporary channels.

Website: bookmakersbaltimore.com

Address: 31 E. Cross St.

Phone number: 443-438-4039

Number of seats: 70 in the dining room, 40 at the bar

Entrée price range: $15-$28

Popular dishes: Cheeseburger deviled eggs with ground beef, diced tomatoes, onions, lettuce and ketchup-mayo-mustard sauce; broiled crab cake with Swiss chard, sunburst squash, zucchini, duck fat fries and lemon caper aïoli; sea scallops with fried grit cakes, andouille & mushroom ragù, grilled carrots & asparagus, corn purée, poblano oil and Fresno chiles.

What others say: “The interior … makes it clear that Bookmakers isn’t your average Federal Hill establishment — tables are flanked by gray tufted chairs, backlit shelves of top-notch booze sit behind the dark bar, hip white chandeliers are scattered around the ceiling.” –Anna Walsh, City Paper

Behind the bar

Cocktail

With a view of Inner Harbor, this “classic Maryland tavern” with a substantial raw bar, expansive spirits menu and live music every night makes for a lively addition to the Four Seasons hotel.

Website: lochbarbaltimore.com

Address: 240 International Dr.

Phone number: 443-961-8949

Number of seats: 75 inside, 100 outdoors

Entrée price range: $16-$48

Popular dishes: Lobster roll with Maine lobster, Kerrygold Irish butter, chives and celery leaf on a toasted split-top bun; Maryland crab cake sandwich with shredded lettuce, celeriac slaw and pickles on a toasted Kaiser roll; Grand Shellfish Tower: 12 oysters, 12 clams, 6 mussels, 1 lobster tail, 1 Alaskan king crab leg, 6 shrimp cocktail, scallop carpaccio and big eye tuna poke.

What others say: “If Jay Gatsby owned a bar, it might be something along the lines of this luxurious lair.” –Jane Marion, Baltimore magazine

Grand Shellfish Tower

Lobster roll

Old-world Baltimore spirit communes with new energies steered toward highlighting the city’s legacy as a thriving port at this imaginative eatery by the family behind other popular spots Helmland, B Bistro and Tapas Teatro.

Website: penandquill.net    

Address: 1701 N. Charles St.

Phone number: 410-601-3588

Number of seats: 80 in dining room, 35 in private dining

Entrée price range: $17-$26

Popular dishes: Steamed buns with choice of vegetable báhn mì, fried oyster with tartar sauce, pork belly or shredded beef with tzatziki; P&Q burger with Roseda beef, herb aïoli, bread and butter pickles and cheddar cheese; pan-roasted chicken breast with carrot cardamom purée, cornbread, stone fruit relish and jus. 

What others say: “Pen & Quill is proving itself a worthy contender to be the hip, new, go-to space of the moment (and a natural choice for a drink and a bite post-Charles Theatre certainly).” –Mary Zajac, City Paper

The interior

Pan-roasted chicken breast

Serious craft beers sourced from all over lead the charge at this discerning destination bar in Mount Vernon with distinguished gastropub food to help with all the washing down.

Website: wetcitybrewing.com

Address: 223 W. Chase St. 

Phone number: 443-873-6699

Number of seats: 60

Entrée price range: $10-$17

Popular dishes: Shrimp & grits with tempura shrimp, hock-braised kale, chorizo grits, and Sriracha aïoli; Nashville hot chicken with pickles, slaw and garlic buttermilk mayonnaise on ciabatta with chips; popcorn carbonara with bacon and Parmesan.

What others say: “Wet City, the year’s most drastic 180-degree turn in Baltimore’s bar scene, opened in July, and it looks and operates nothing like its former occupant. It is strikingly bold in its minimalist design, and its owners … are proudly fastidious about the beers and cocktails they choose to serve.” –Wesley Case, Baltimore Sun

Hot smoked Arctic char

Braised beef short rib