Discover the award-winning restaurants, acclaimed chefs and noteworthy dining experiences that are putting Howard County on Maryland’s culinary map.
Maryland is celebrated for its seafood and diverse culinary influences, and Howard County brings those traditions together in one distinctive destination. Located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the county is home to decorated chefs, nationally and regionally recognized restaurants, and dining experiences worth planning a trip around.
Enjoy contemporary cuisine and walkable entertainment in Columbia, uncover neighborhood favorites in Maple Lawn, experience farm-to-table dining near Historic Ellicott City, and explore the global flavors of Howard County’s Koreatown. From extraordinarily fresh seafood and fine dining to international specialties and imaginative casual fare, there is always something new to discover.
Held each summer and winter, Howard County Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks offers an ideal opportunity to experience the local culinary scene. For two weeks, participating restaurants feature specially curated menus, seasonal dishes and added-value offers. Visitors can also earn cash-back rewards at participating businesses through the Local HoCo Open Rewards app.
Explore Howard County Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks Here
Consider this your guide to award-winning dining in the heart of Maryland.
Award-Winning Restaurants in Howard County
The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House
5745 Furnace Ave, Elkridge, MD 21075
The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House is an award-winning restaurant ideally situated along the Patapsco River on a 12-acre historic site. Their upscale seasonal cuisine uses locally grown and foraged ingredients as inspiration for our menus with an emphasis on both classically prepared and creative options. Plan your visit in advance to enjoy their chef-curated wine and spirit events. The Elkridge Furnace Inn is also an elegant event space and wedding venue with an emphasis on hospitality and thoughtfulness.
Some noteworthy awards include being featured as a Dirona Distinguished Restaurant of North America in 2024 and 2025, and being recognized as the Baltimore Banner Best Restaurants in the Baltimore Area for a Farm-to-Table Meal in 2023. OpenTable has also recognized the Elkridge Furnace Inn as Diners' Choice for Romantic restaurants in Baltimore Suburbs.
Chef Dan Wecker is known for his incredible stories, incredible wine knowledge, and incredible flavors. His training in french cuisines and his passion for creating memorable meals is the heart of the Elkridge Furnace Inn. The Restaurant Association of Maryland has recognized his passion with a recent award as Restaurateur of the Year for 2026. Along with his wife, Donna Wecker, they have also been recognized for their contributions to the local restaurant community as the 2022 Howard County Chamber of Commerce Restaurateurs of the Year and the 2023 Maryland Tourism Council Small Business of the Year.
Seasons 52
10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy Ste 3150, Columbia, MD 21044
When you’re looking for a menu that is tasty and healthy, Seasons 52 in Columbia is the perfect place to visit. Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar offering flavorful seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients with an incredible collection of wines to enjoy alongside your meal. To ensure their food is lighter and more flavorful, meals are prepared with oak-fire grilling and brick oven roasting. This is the perfect place to stop in after a trip to The Mall in Columbia for local shopping highlights.
Since 2015, Seasons 52 has been the recipient of an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards in recognition of their service and phenomenal wine pairings. Their wine bar hosts an impressive list of wines from some of the world's most accomplished winemakers, and also features a carefully curated collection of new releases you’re sure to love.
The Collective Offshore
10221 Wincopin Cir, Columbia, MD 21044
Breathe easy at The Collective Offshore while you enjoy fresh seafood dishes along the Columbia lakefront dining. Known for fantastic crab cakes, scallops, and coastal craft cuisine, you’ll enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Pair your dinner with an evening of live music at The Collective Encore right next door- perfect for date nights and catching up with friends. The Collective is conveniently located within walking distance from The Merriweather Lakehouse hotel, making it the perfect dining addition to your getaway.
Executive Chef Steven Muhlbaier has more than 25 years of industry experience and has been recognized repeatedly for his commitment to high-quality cuisine. In 2023 he finished fifth overall in the chef category at The World Food Championships. He has also won the first 2026 World Food Competition of 2026 in partnership with the Restaurant Association of Maryland, which has officially earned him a Golden Ticket to compete in the Seafood Category and represent Maryland at the World Food Championships for 2026. Visit Chef Steven at The Collective Offshore to try his famous pan seared scallops or the black sea bass.
Smashing Grapes
6200 Valencia Ln c125, Columbia, MD 21044
For those seeking a global wine experience and a perfectly matched menu, Smashing Grapes in the Merriweather District in Columbia, Maryland is a must-visit dining destination. Their extensive selection of fine wines pairs perfectly with their thoughtful dishes, and creates a truly memorable dining experience. Try a wine flight on the outdoor patio, where you can enjoy live entertainment playing at Color Burst Park or plan to stop by for live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8PM - 11PM, or for Sunday Jazz Brunch at 11AM - 2PM.
In recognition of their stellar selection, service, and wine pairing options, Smashing Grapes has been a recipient of an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards since 2025. This continued recognition demonstrates their deep commitment to wine as an integral part of the dining experience.
Ananda
Experience Indian Cuisine on a new level at Ananda in Fulton. This must visit restaurant highlights authentic curries and clean flavors that prioritizes quality. Take a seat by the charming fireplaces on the outdoor patio and veranda where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset over Maple Lawn. The menu includes selections of traditional Punjabi dishes and modern bites. Many dishes feature fresh ingredients from their own Ananda farm nearby, as well as locally sourced meats and eggs.
Ananda was recognized as a Best Restaurant in the March 2024 edition of Baltimore Magazine highlighting places that feed the soul and stand out from the crowd. The Washingtonian has also awarded Ananda a place in their 100 Very Best Restaurant List in 2015, 2016, 2017 2018, and 2019. You’ll also find Ananda featured in GQ’s 25 Most Outstanding Restaurants of 2015.
Sushi Sono
10215 Wincopin Cir, Columbia, MD 21044
Fresh sushi and lakefront views go together flawlessly, and Sushi Sono features both at their award-winning location in Columbia, Maryland. For over 20 years, Sushi Sono has provided top tier Japanese dining and are committed to serve only the freshest and finest seafood. Their menu offers an extensive selection of traditional Japanese delicacies in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere with views of Lake Kittamaqundi.
According to Chef Standards, Sushi Sono has been recognized as one of the best sushi restaurants in Maryland. Mashed also included Sushi Sono as their choice for Best Sushi in Maryland in their 2025 compilation of the Best Sushi Restaurants in Every State. The accolades continue with Sushi Sono being recognized numerous times as one of The Washingtonian’s 100 Best Restaurants.
Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grill
11811 W Market Pl, Fulton, MD 20759
Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grill first opened in 2016, and over the past 10 years this delicious seafood restaurant has become a pillar of the community. Their menu features regional dishes from Maine to the Keys. A raw bar with high quality oysters and fresh fish highlight the menu, as well as poultry, pork and beef. Enjoy its light and airy design, including a well-appointed bar featuring hand crafted cocktails, citrus crushes and beers favored on the eastern seaboard.
Hudson Coastal has been voted "Howard County's Best Seafood Restaurant" for 8 consecutive years by the Baltimore Sun, and has won best Crab Cake for 10 years in a row! For more notable menu items, try their "Award Winning" Seafood Burger: housemade with shrimp and cod and served on a brioche bun with field greens, tomato, green onion, and a side of zesty remoulade sauce.
The Iron Bridge Wine Company
10435 Clarksville Pike in Columbia, MD
The Iron Bridge Wine Company is one of Columbia’s most exceptional restaurants, with a top-tier wine experience. Explore curated seasonal menus made with care, classic techniques, and a farm-to-table focus. Diners rave about the superb wine, service, and food that is always fresh and beautifully prepared. Their intimate and unique dining experience is perfect for anniversaries and special occasion dinners that make a lasting memory.
Their wines, leadership, and meals have earned acclaim through multiple outlets. Most notably, they have been awarded OpenTable's "Top 100 Wine Lists in America" in 2018 and 2014.
Best of Howard 2025 Readers’ Choice
Each year, the Best of Howard Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the restaurants, chefs and dining experiences most loved by the local community. The 2025 winners offer a valuable look at the places that continue to stand out across Howard County, from longtime favorites to newer destinations earning loyal followings. For visitors, the list is a trusted starting point for discovering where locals love to eat.
- Best Minority-owned Restaurant in Howard County: AppleCore's Bake Shoppe
- Best Takeout in Howard County: AppleCore's Bake Shoppe
- Best Ambiance/View in Howard County: Cured 18th & 21st
- Best Bar Food/Happy Hour/Sports Bar in Howard County: Cured 18th & 21st
- Best Bartender in Howard County: Adam - Cured
- Best Caterer in Howard County: Cured 18th & 21st
- Best Server in Howard County: Angel Flather @ Cured 18 & 21st
- Best Fine Dining in Howard County: Cured 18th & 21st
- Best Steak in Howard County: Cured 18th & 21st
- Best Seafood in Howard County: Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grill
- Best Winery in Howard County: Iron Bridge Wine Company
- Best Brewery in Howard County: Manor Hill Brewing
- Best Bakery in Howard County: Touché Touchet
- Best Italian in Howard County: Tino's Italian Bistro & Wine Bar
- Best Live Entertainment in Howard County: Toby's Dinner Theatre
- Best Outdoor Dining in Howard County: The Turn House
- Best Asian Food/Sushi in Howard County: Umi Sushi
- Best Wings in Howard County: Walker’s Tap & Table
- Best Chef in Howard County: Chad Wells - Walker’s Tap & Table
- Best Burger in Howard County: Walker’s Tap & Table
Turn Dinner into a Getaway
A memorable meal can be the beginning of an even better trip. Build your visit around dinner, then spend time exploring Howard County’s shops, attractions, entertainment, and historic communities before settling in for the night. With so much to experience beyond the table, you'll discover new reasons to stay a little longer every trip.
