Your weekly dose of some cool food and dining finds around town!
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YASSSSSSS! Annapolis is having a moment—and it’s a delicious one! A handful of new restaurants have opened their doors recently, bringing fresh energy and exciting flavors to the local dining scene. Whether you’re craving comforting ramen, sizzling hibachi, or a great pizza, there’s something new to try soon!
- Umami Ramen and Dumplings specializes in Japanese comfort food with a menu that focuses on three delicious essentials: ramen, dumplings, and donburi. Their ramen broth is slow-simmered in-house for up to 12 hours, building layer after layer of deep umami goodness. The Tonkotsu Ramen is a fan fave—loaded with braised pork belly, molten egg, bamboo shoots, corn, wood ear mushrooms, scallions, and a sheet of nori (aka dried seaweed). Their soup dumplings are new to Annapolis. These delicate, broth-filled bites are little pockets of joy, especially the Peppercorn Spicy Pork version, which brings a warm, tingly heat without going overboard. Not in a noodle or dumpling mood? Go for a donburi, a Japanese rice bowl topped with all kinds of savory goodies. The Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is a solid intro if you’re new to the scene.
- Quick Tip: Soup dumplings are magical, but molten—yes, I mean temperature hot. Set one on your dumpling spoon, poke a tiny hole in the top with your chopsticks, and let the steam escape for a minute before taking a bite. Your tongue will thank you–and me.
- Quickway Japanese Hibachi offers fast and flavorful hibachi, sushi, and bento boxes. Hibachi refers to a style of Japanese cooking that involves grilling food over a hot surface. It’s a solid pick when you want something affordable, hearty, and hot off the grill. My family’s favorite is the Bento Box, which comes with your choice of protein mixed with rice or noodles, four pieces of California sushi, two chicken dumplings, two spring rolls, and stir-fried veggies. I recommend trying the beef and shrimp!
- If you’re in the mood for a sit-down dinner that feels a little more polished, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill brings a bold menu to the table. Expect steaks, seafood, and classic American dishes with a twist. The atmosphere is a nice balance of casual and upscale—ideal for date nights or dinner with friends. Plus, Firebirds offers amazing specials throughout the week:
- A three-course menu for $39.95 available for dine-in dinner includes a choice of starter (classic side salad or soup), entrée (grilled sirloin, grilled salmon and shrimp, or wood-grilled chicken), and a petite dessert (crème brûlée cheesecake, chocolate brownie sundae, or seasonal bread pudding).
- Martini Mondays mean $7 Double Black Diamond Martinis all day, whether you’re seated at a table or at the FIREBAR®. Need I say more?
- Happy hour at FIREBAR® every Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm. Enjoy shared plates and drinks at special prices.
- Weekend brunch kicks off at 11 am with a special menu on Saturday and Sunday.
- Blowfish Poke Hawaiian Annapolis is all about bringing fresh, fun, and flavorful food to the community. What started in Clarksville has quickly grown, with locations now in Marriottsville, Washington, DC, and most recently, right here in downtown Annapolis! Since 2019, they’ve been serving up our signature poke bowls, chicken katsu, and Hawaiian barbecue to folks who appreciate a good meal on the go. Born from a simple idea — to serve delicious, healthy food fast — Blowfish Poke has created a space where everyone feels welcome. The vibe is casual and friendly, making it easy to drop in and relax. Short on time? No worries! They offer quick and convenient pickup and delivery options, so you can enjoy your favorites wherever you are.
- For pizza lovers, Secret Spot Pizza isn’t much of a secret because their delicious food has caused word to spread. Tucked away inside the Annapolis Market House, the pizza speaks for itself. Thin, crispy crusts, creative toppings, and a low-key vibe make this place worth trying.
- P.S. Their May Special is the BLT pizza, a pie made of red sauce, mozzarella, bacon, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and secret BLT sauce added post-bake. Nomzzz!
- And just outside Annapolis, Dat Jerk has opened this month in Crofton, bringing Caribbean flair and serious flavor to the area. Think DIY Caribbean food. First, you select whether you want a bowl, roti, or salad. Next, add your protein—oxtail, jerk chicken, honey lime jerk salmon, jerk meatloaf, jerk pork, curry chicken, brown stew chicken, tropical chicken, or veggies. Lastly, you add your toppings and signature sauce. You get two sides as well. My favorite sides include their rice and peas, plantains, and cabbage.
Whether you’re a long-time local or just hungry for something new, these spots are worth adding to your must-try list!
Eye on Annapolis: Weekly Round-Up