A Local Guide to Waterfront Dining in Annapolis
There are plenty of reasons to spend time along the renowned Annapolis harbor, but the dining scene is one of the biggest draws. From classic Maryland seafood to dockside cocktails and fresh handmade pasta, Annapolis provides the kind of dining that will leave even the most dedicated foodie satisfied.
At Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, guests are right in the center of it all, with front row access to Ego Alley, walkable local favorites, and two highly anticipated new restaurants arriving summer 2026.
Two New Waterfront Restaurants Arriving Summer 2026
Pack your bags, because dining at our hotel is expanding with the arrival of two new restaurant concepts designed specifically to give you the best Annapolis waterfront experience.
Armada Waterfront Tequila Bar & Cantina will bring bold Mexican flavors right to City Dock with authentic tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and shareable favorites paired with an extensive tequila and agave spirits collection. Positioned right along the dock, Armada is a relaxed spot to grab a bite along the water, whether you stop in for an afternoon spicy margarita or decide to keep the fiesta going through sunset. With seating for 200 guests, including 100 outdoor seats, Armada gives diners plenty of space to settle in and enjoy.
Alongside Armada is Marmo Italian Chophouse, a polished but approachable restaurant inspired by the acclaimed Baltimore Italian chophouse, Tagliata. Marmo, meaning “marble” in Italian, focuses on fresh hand-rolled pasta, house-cured charcuterie, and prime dry-aged steaks paired with an extensive wine list that carries you through Italy’s most-loved regions.
Both restaurants feature interiors by Patrick Sutton, a world-renowned designer and Baltimore local, bringing a more curated sensibility to the Annapolis waterfront while still feeling connected to the harbor atmosphere surrounding them.
The Choptank Gives You the Classic Annapolis Experience
If you’re looking to experience the flavors Annapolis is known for, The Choptank captures the city’s waterfront dining scene at its most classic and lively. Located directly on Ego Alley, the restaurant sits in one of the best waterfront locations in Maryland, surrounded by passing boats and that quintessential Annapolis charm that keeps people coming back.
The menu centers around Chesapeake Bay seafood, with Maryland blue crabs, freshly shucked oysters, rockfish, and crab cakes leading the way. The Choptank’s crab cakes are seasoned with the restaurant’s own proprietary blend, while the steamed hard shell blue crabs remain a must for first-time visitors. Beyond seafood, the menu also includes soups, sandwiches, hearty entrées, and Eastern Shore fried chicken.
While seafood is the star of the show here, The Choptank’s drinks are not to be missed. Orange Crushes (a local favorite), craft cocktails, and 20 rotating draft beers keep the atmosphere social, especially as live local musicians take the indoor stage throughout the week. Upstairs, the rooftop and spacious waterfront deck give you prime views to settle in and watch the harbor as the clear blue sky turns golden.
For guests staying at the hotel, dining at The Choptank feels especially convenient. Meals can be charged directly to your room, and in-room dining is also available, whether you want a lively waterfront dinner or crab cakes and cocktails delivered upstairs after a long day exploring Annapolis.
A Few More Local Favorites
One of the best parts of staying at Annapolis Waterfront Hotel is that you never really run out of waterfront dining options. You can spend one night cracking into Maryland blue crabs along the harbor, then switch gears completely the next evening with sushi, steaks, or cocktails overlooking the marina, all within a short walk of the hotel.
If you are in the mood for something a little more polished, Chart House Prime deserves a spot on your list. The menu features sushi, shellfish towers, fresh seafood, American Wagyu, and Prime steaks, without feeling overly traditional.
For a slow start to your morning, try Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, an easy stop before heading out to explore downtown Annapolis. Grab coffee and a pastry, take a walk along the harbor, and ease into the day before the waterfront starts filling up.
Carrol’s Creek Cafe has more of that classic Annapolis feel. The patio sits right along the harbor, and the menu leans heavily into local seafood favorites like Maryland crab dip, grilled fish, shrimp and corn hushpuppies, and ahi tuna tartare. Definitely make a reservation if you’re a fan of the region’s tried and true staples.
Experience Annapolis Through Its Waterfront
There is something distinctly Annapolis about spending an evening near the water with seafood on the table, boats moving through the harbor, and the energy of Ego Alley carrying through the night. When you stay at Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, it’s all at your fingertips, with some of the city’s best waterfront dining just steps away.Explore our seasonal offers and join us for dinner soon.