MT VERNON. This upscale favorite is a recipient of the coveted DiRôNa award, given by Distinguished Restaurants of North America, and you'll see why as soon as you walk in the door of the gorgeously renovated antebellum townhouse. Every detail has been considered, from the elegant, cozy Teak Room with its gilt accents and chandeliers, to the tranquil, greenery-strewn atrium. The menu is full or excellent Northern Italian cuisine that makes the most of seasonal fresh local produce and seafood. Start with phyllo-wrapped escargot and then choose an entree such as capellini with smoked salmon and wild mushrooms or grilled tuna with corn ragout, served atop risotto cakes. Order whatever catches your eye ­ you simply can't go wrong. Reservations and jacket and tie recommended. 3-course prix fixe menu $30.

INNER HARBOR. Located in the Harbor Court Hotel, this elegant dining and tea room features fine chandeliers, dainty furnishings and a beautiful view of the harbor. Drawing straight from the waters of the Chesapeake, the kitchen boasts artful presentations of fresh seafood, and other delicacies such as turtle soup and frog legs also appear on the menu. High tea served daily.

INNER HARBOR. French sophistication and Southern hospitality blend to create appealing atmosphere at this upscale local favorite. The dimly lit, romantic dining room whisks you away to a world of Old South gentility, and the menu makes the most of fresh local seafood. Oysters in cornmeal crust, seafood Perlau and an extravagant version of shrimp and grits are top choices. The offerings from the wine cellar are unrivaled in the area, and the servers know the menu and the wines so they can help you create a memorable meal. End with a decadent slice of Grandma Wolf's Cheese Pie, which sheds new light on traditional cheesecake.

SOUTH BALTIMORE. Located in a historic rowhouse, this high-end restaurant offers a casually elegant space in which to enjoy extraordinary New American cuisine. As its name implies, the restaurant boasts an unusual selection of wines, primarily from small domestic vineyards, and the menu lists a suggested wine pairing for each dish. Masterpieces from the kitchen include grilled Moroccan spice-scented lamb shank and roasted red pepper polenta with goat cheese, fennel and feta slaw.

NORTH BALTIMORE. Well-received Gertrude's enjoys a prime location inside the Baltimore Museum of Art. Its name pays homage to chef John Shields' grandmother, who introduced him to cooking, and to Gertrude Stein, who introduced several important artists to the museum. Shields, a local culinary celebrity, produces traditional regional dishes with a contemporary spin. Sunday brunch features an extensive array of specialties: crabmeat omelets, crab cakes served on English muffins with skillet potatoes, and stuffed French toast with honey cream cheese and cinnamon apples. For the best experience, grab a coveted spot on the patio overlooking the sculpture garden.