As 2018 winds down, I’ve been thinking back to all the incredible meals I had this year. One of my favorite traditions on the blog is rounding up the best dishes I tried for the first time during the year.
While it’s no secret that the Fumo e Fuoco from Hersh’s remains one of my all-time favorite Baltimore dishes, this list focuses only on new discoveries from 2018.
If you’re curious about past favorites, you can also check out:
Now onto the list.
In no particular order, here are the plates that completely stuck with me this year. Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know so I can try it in 2019.
1. Spanish Manchego & Grapefruit Dutch Baby – Milktooth (Indianapolis)
The Spanish Manchego & Grapefruit Dutch Baby at Milktooth might sound like an unusual combination, but every review I read about the restaurant insisted this dish was a must-order.
They were absolutely right.
The Dutch baby was light and fluffy, with the saltiness of the manchego balancing perfectly against the bright citrus from the grapefruit and the tang of sherry vinaigrette. [FULL POST]
2. Hand-Rolled Tagliatelle Verde – Magdalena (Baltimore)
If I’m being honest, almost everything I’ve eaten at Magdalena could easily make this list.
But the Hand-Rolled Tagliatelle Verde really stood out. Chef Mark Levy’s pastas are something special, and this dish had the perfect balance of fresh pasta, seasonal flavors, and elegant simplicity. [FULL POST]
3. Beef Tartare – Oiji (New York City)
Dinner at Oiji in New York City featured several thoughtful and beautifully executed dishes.
Still, the Beef Tartare was the one that stuck with me the most. It was clean, flavorful, and a dish I would happily order again and again.
4. French Lentils with Vadouvan – Le Comptoir du Vin (Baltimore)
Le Comptoir du Vin opened late in the year, but it immediately became one of the most exciting additions to the Baltimore dining scene.
The French Lentils with Vadouvan, Labneh, and Flatbread were rich, luxurious, and deeply flavorful — especially impressive for a dish that sounds deceptively simple.
5. Rotissi-Fried Half Chicken – The Partisan (Washington DC)
At first glance, the Rotissi-Fried Half Chicken at The Partisan doesn’t look like anything extraordinary.
But this might have been the juiciest chicken I’ve ever eaten, with impossibly crispy skin. It was so good that I happily took leftovers home for the next day.
6. Oil and Chocolate – Fadensonnen (Baltimore)
This dessert from Fadensonnen is proof that the simplest ideas can be the most brilliant.
The dish combines Jinji chocolate, olive oil, and flaky salt — and it’s completely addictive. During my first visit, we ordered it once… then immediately ordered it again.
7. Chengdu Spicy Wontons – Reren Lamen (Washington DC)
A rainy-day craving for soup dumplings led me to Reren Lamen in Washington DC, but the real star ended up being the Chengdu Spicy Wontons.
The chili oil alone was so good that I bought a bottle to take home.
8. Asparagus Ravioli in Parmesan Broth – Hersh’s (Baltimore)
If a dish could taste like spring, this would be it.
The Asparagus Ravioli in Parmesan Broth at Hersh’s was bright, fresh, and incredibly comforting. The broth was delicate while the ravioli packed a punch of fresh asparagus flavor.
9. Sunchokes – Atoboy (New York City)
Atoboy had been on my list for years, and when my brother and I finally visited, it completely lived up to the hype.
Every dish was excellent, but the Sunchokes with mushrooms and truffles delivered a deep, savory umami flavor that I still think about.
10. Charcoal Toasted Marshmallow – Momo Yakitori (Washington DC)
I am firmly in the always-save-room-for-dessert camp.
So when I saw the Charcoal Toasted Marshmallow at Momo Yakitori, I knew we had to try it. Toasted marshmallow paired with black sesame cream turned out to be a genius combination.
Honestly, I almost licked the plate clean to get every last bit of that sesame cream.
With so many fantastic dishes this year, I’m looking forward to what 2019 has in store!
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Looking for a place to eat? Check out Rachel’s Baltimore Restaurant List.
Frequently Asked Questions About My “Best Plates” Lists
How do you choose the best plates each year?
I focus on dishes I tried for the first time during that year that were especially memorable.
Are the dishes ranked?
No. The dishes are listed in no particular order.
Do these lists only include Baltimore restaurants?
No. The lists include standout dishes from Baltimore, Washington DC, New York City, and other cities I visited during the year.
Do you repeat dishes from previous years?
No. Each annual list focuses only on new dishes discovered that year.
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Categories: Baltimore, Indiana, Restaurant Reviews, Washington DC
OMG. Everything on this list looks incredible, but i must say that Charcoal Toasted Marshmallow looks the most delicious. I’ll need to go to Momo Yakitori to try it soon!