Baltimore is renowned for its crab cakes - said to be the best in the world. The city's other cuisines aren't wanting though - with fresh seafood always available. We've listed the restaurants below under five headings: Gastronomic, Business, Personal Recommendations, Trendy and Budget, with three restaurants in each section, giving a small sample of the city's top eateries.

Price brackets are as follows:
$$$$ (over US$80)
$$$ (US$40 to US$80)
$$ (US$25 to US$40)
$ (under US$25)
For a three-course meal and the equivalent of one-half bottle of wine (sales tax of 5% will be added and allow 15-20% for your tip).

Aldo's Ristorante Italiano
Chef owner Aldo Vitale is a master of southern Italian cuisine as well as being a skilled carpenter. He crafted the restaurant's intricate woodwork, including the beautiful mahogany bar. This elegant, romantic décor is the perfect foil to his menu of seasonal ingredients, such as Italian white truffles from Alba. His home-cured pancetta and soppressata, pickled vegetables and hand-picked herbs lend a personal touch. Diners are welcome to tour the wine cellar and the cheese cave.

306 South High Street
Tel: (410) 727 0700.
Website: www.aldositaly.com
Price: $$$

Brightons
Sun-filled by day and offering spectacular views of the Inner Harbor by night, this smart venue is certainly memorable. Local favourites, such as crab cakes and rockfish, are always on the menu. Afternoon tea is a special treat - served on Friday and Saturday afternoons: cucumber and stilton mousse sandwiches and warm scones, jam and Devonshire cream. Expect impeccable service from the moment you enter.

Harbor Court Hotel, 550 Light Street
Tel: (410) 234 0550.
Website: www.harborcourt.com
Price: $$$$

Pisces
Having undergone a complete revamp, the panoramic rooftop view of the Inner Harbor is now matched by a decadent menu including cognac-brushed shrimp served with candied shallots and Tuna Tartar accompanied by a ginger sabayon. Champagne brunch is served each Sunday from 1000 to 1400. Reservations are essential - but you can always drop into the lounge for a cocktail while you wait.

Hyatt Regency Baltimore, 300 Light Street
Tel: (410) 528 1234.
Website: www.hyatt.com
Price: $$$-$$$$

Pazo
This old warehouse pulls off cosy and sophisticated, with soaring ceilings, an open kitchen, plush booths in the downstairs bar lounge, wrought-iron chandeliers and a mezzanine dining level. Its Mediterranean menu features mouth-watering tapas as well as main courses of grilled seafood, spit-roasted game and aged ribeyes. Regional cheeses and homemade breads set off the innovative menu. The wine list and grappa collection are impressive. Late in the evening, it becomes a nightclub.

1425 Aliceanna Street
Tel: (410) 534 7296.
Website: www.pazorestaurant.com
Price: $$$

Sotto Sopra
In the Mount Vernon Cultural District, this contemporary Italian boasts traditional high ceilings, large mirrors and elegant tableware set off by bold murals. Find heaven in the lobster and pea ravioli with fennel and Galliano cream sauce but make sure you leave room for dessert. Look out for evenings of special themed menus and live entertainment.

405 North Charles Street
Tel: (410) 625 0534.
Website: www.sottosoprainc.com
Price: $$$

Tapas Teatro Café
Enduringly popular, this charming bistro is located in the revamped Charles Theatre, making it the perfect pre-show venue. There's certainly a buzz about the place. Arrive with an appetite for the paella, accompanied by a pitcher of sangria. Alternatively, sample a little of everything from the tantalising menu. The rule of the house is 'small plates, big pleasures'.

1711 Charles Street
Tel: (410) 332 0110.
Website: www.tapasteatro.com
Price: $$-$$$

Faidley's
Established in 1886, this family business leads the way when it comes to lump crab cakes. Faidley's Crab Festivals are run countrywide - and internationally - to promote tourism and business development. They were even commissioned to develop crab cake for the crew of the United States Space Shuttle and Faidley's marketplace featured in Sleepless in Seattle. Located inside Lexington Market, be ready to queue, then stand at tall tables to savour these delicacies. No alcohol. Open Monday to Saturday 0900-1700.

203 North Paca Street
Tel: (410) 727 4898.
Website: www.faidleyscrabcakes.com
Price: $

Jack's Bistro
Simple yet stylish décor in earth tones and truly good food. The chef prides himself on producing appealing, inventive dishes: Guinness Braised Bistro Steak, with asparagus and mashed potatoes, duck breast and confit with roasted barley risotto or spice crusted pork loin with a mélange of brussel sprouts, corn and bacon. Open Wednesday to Sunday.

3123 Elliot Street
Tel: (410) 878 6542.
Website: www.jacksbistro.net
Pice: $-$$

Samos
A well-run Greek taverna, sporting Hellenistic murals and a collection of Mediterranean pottery. Knock yourself out with hearty roast lamb or opt for seafood 'Santorini' - sautéed shrimp, scallops and kalamari in a lemon-wine sauce. Fabulous baklava, rice pudding and galktoboureko (custard wrapped in filo and baked golden). No reservations or credit cards and closed Sundays. Bring your own alcohol (US$2 charge per adult).

600 Oldham Street
Tel: (410) 675 5292.
Website: www.samosrestaurant.com
Price: $

Blue Sea Grill
This oceanic themed restaurant is painted in hues of blue, with sailboat paintings adorning the walls. Friendly service and fresh seafood rule, with a good choice of oysters, mussels and clams, daily fresh fish mains and the usual meat-eaters plates. The starters alone are sight-to-behold; try tempura shrimp with mango sauce, herb-crusted scallops and king crab guacamole. Happy hour at the raw bar on weekdays 1600 to 1900.

614 Water Street
Tel: (410) 837 7300.
Website: www.blueseagrill.com
Price: $$$