Mughal Garden is distinguished chiefly by the size of its menu. In addition to the typical Vindaloos, Saag and Kebabs, you'll find a fantastic Mulligatawny Soup, a great Salmon Tikka and a Tandoori Lobster that is one of the best seafood entrees in town. Many of these appear on the daily all-you-can-eat buffet, but you'll need to peruse the menu to see everything that is offered. The spacious dining room is modest but inviting, and the atmosphere is very casual.

The menu at Joung Kak includes Chinese, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Not satisfied with just the traditional offerings, the chef has also created a few of his own, like the Seafood Pancake, a pizza-sized loaf containing squid, shrimp and scallions. But the specialty here is Korean Barbecue, cooked at your table in a huge, brass-covered pot. The decor is sleek and polished, and the ventilation hoods over the tables give the dining room a very modern look.

There's an edgy, urban energy in City Cafe, located in the lovely midtown neighborhood of Mount Vernon. The crisp, black and white décor is simple to the point of being severe and the very large front windows provide a good view of the surrounding urban bustle. The inside is generally crowded too, especially the front take-out area. In back, table service, and you'll find some excellent Nouvelle American cuisine. The Southwestern Chicken, grilled with a red pepper glaze, is a real eye-opener.

Located a short stroll from the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Neo Viccino makes a great post-show destination. Decorated in cool pastel shades and sporting some very comfortable booths, the dining room is as amenable to good conversation as it is to fine dining. The Italian portion of the menu offers a selection of salads and pastas. Fish, meat and fowl, prepared in an Asian or Southwestern manner, complete the menu. The Swordfish with Lump Crabmeat in Lime and Chili Sauce is great. Neo Viccino's also has a formidably large menu for take-out and delivery, perfect for those cold Baltimore nights. 

Named after the chef's grandmother, Gertrude's is located in the Baltimore Museum of Art. The kitchen lavishes attention on the details of each of its Maryland-style seafood dishes, making sure that each is a unique creation. The two types of crab cakes for instance are distinctly different: the Eastern Shore is traditional, made of crabmeat and little else, while the Gertie is a more modern, spicy affair. Enjoy your meal in the chic and homey pastel dining room or on the outdoor patio.

This restaurant mixes Old World Cuba with modern, innovative flavors. Outdoor dining is available, umbrella-shaded tables afford views of sailboat masts and the waterfront. Black bean soup and Black Bean Cakes served with guacamole and sour cream are among the several delectable appetizers offered. Salads and pork, catfish and chicken sandwiches are also offered. Entree highlights include Mahi-Mahi Con Plantanos, plantain-encrusted Mahi topped with a pineapple and black bean relish and Parillada de Verduras, grilled vegetables over rice. There's also an extensive wine list.

This elegant restaurant features floor-to-ceiling murals of cafe scenes and gilded mirrors. The owners redecorated the dining room in the mid-90s; only the cracked tile floor is original. To start, try a half-order of the gnocchi in red pepper sauce or sample from the tapas Bar. For a main course, the thin-crusted pizza is a nice choice. Made with homemade sauce and topped with mozzarella, it is a gourmet delight. For dessert, choose from truffles, fresh fruit served with ice cream and Profiteroles with chocolate sauce.

If you're in town visiting someone who lives or works in Charles Village, chances are they know this very friendly, very casual neighborhood pub. It's far from fancy (vinyl booths, small tables, paneled walls dotted with sports pictures), but for a large number of Hopkins students, Charles Village bohemians and local business people, it's a homely place to grab a beer and burger. There are about 30 beers available, bottled and on tap, and the sandwiches, salads and other bar-fare items are hearty and modestly priced.

It is an unwritten rule that every Baltimore neighborhood must have at least one Irish pub, and this busy establishment fills Canton's quota in spades. It's not so much the meat-and-potatoes menu, or the pictures of Irish musicians adorning the walls that make this such a great pub. The spirit of the place is what makes it so special. Whether you're in the bar for a Guinness, or in the dining room feasting on Rack of Lamb, you'll be sure to smile.

Set in a lovely redbrick rowhouse, this south Baltimore favorite is a great place to grab a beer and a bite. The dark wood interior is comfortable and inviting, whether you choose to sit at the long bar or in the dining room. (There're also café tables outside.) The restaurant offers a full, and very eclectic, menu, but appetizers and bar fare are what the kitchen does best. The satay is delicious, the crab cakes are first rate, and the Jambalaya is chock-full of shrimp, fish and other delights.