Salt $$$

2127 E. Pratt St., 410/276-5480,
www.salttavern.com [1]

HOURS: Mon.–Thurs. 5–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5–11 p.m.

COST: Most entrées more than $20

One of the latest wave of modern upper-crust bistros that opened in Baltimore [2] in the last few years, Salt has become a neighborhood favorite that also draws diners from across the city. The owners spent some money on real interior design (still a bit of a rarity in Baltimore), and concocted a menu that has a bit of experimentation without being too daring.

Stick with seafood here, like the coriander- and pepper-crusted tuna, and don’t skip the chance to try their famous Kobe beef and foie gras sliders. This is definitely a scene restaurant, and the staff can lean toward accommodating the innumerable regulars over first-timers, but not dauntingly so.