The Urban Oyster
Seafood restaurant · Baltimore ·
Chargrilled oysters, seafood tacos, and upscale coastal dishes
Chargrilled oysters, seafood tacos, and upscale coastal dishes
"This is the place to be for elevated Baltimore seafood from chef Jasmine Norton, who began shucking at pop-ups and farmers’ markets and now helms the country’s first Black woman-owned oyster bar. Get the oysters raw or chargrilled (or both)—Norton’s chargrilled oysters are a Baltimore staple, topped with different cheeses, sauces, and spices. The red snapper nuggets are crispy and meaty, tossed in a Thai chili sauce, as is the classic Maryland crab cake. Seafood isn’t the only draw: the steak frites come cooked a perfect medium rare, and the sweet potato chess pie is the ideal finish." - Simone Phillips
"Named among the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic semifinalists, representing one of several Eater 38 spots called out on the list of regional contenders." - Tierney Plumb
"After stints at food hall R. House, the McHenry Row shopping center, and White Hall Mill market, The Urban Oyster planted permanent roots, fittingly, a stone’s throw both from where its chef-owner Jasmine Norton grew up and where she lives now. The aquamarine walls of the 2,200-square-foot dining room are dotted with pop art prints from artist Criss Bellini and a rope tapestry hand-woven in India. The menu reflects this dressed-up approach, as well, with dishes like a whole grilled branzino atop white bean puree and salsa verde, oxtail lasagna, vegan garden risotto, and a tea-brined Cornish hen. Also expect more playful dishes, including a lobster corndog and fried oyster deviled eggs." - Jess Mayhugh
"Chef Jasmine Norton planted permanent roots in Hampden, creating the first first full-service dining version of her roving raw bar. Here, a stunning design and upscale menu show off the dressier side of seafood. Think fried oyster deviled eggs and whole grilled branzino with salsa verde. But you can still expect Urban Oyster signatures like catfish tacos and a dozen oysters from the raw bar. The menu also features a full bar and a well-curated wine list with plenty of options for bubbles. The restaurant is only doing dinner for now, with brunch and bar-only offerings coming very soon." - Jess Mayhugh, Tierney Plumb
"A raw bar and seafood restaurant that serves a noteworthy cream of crab soup." - Julekha Dash