The New York Times has released its list of “America’s 50 Best Restaurants.” According to the newspaper, “Over the last 12 months, reporters and editors traveled to nearly every state scouting restaurants for our annual list.” While two DC restaurants (Moon Rabbit and Pascual) and one VA restaurant (Joon in Vienna) made the list, just one Maryland restaurant was included.
Ammoora, a restaurant offering Levantine cuisine and houses within the Ritz-Carlton Residences Baltimore, represents Maryland on the list. The restaurant opened in early 2013 at 751 Key Hwy. in Federal Hill. The 5,800 sq. ft. commercial space was previosuly occupied by Sip Wine and Dine, which opened and closed soon after nearly a decade ago.
The menu features a variety of shareable/mezze plates and main dishes. Mezze options include salads like tabouleh and fattoush, spicy lentil and barley yogurt soups, and dips such as hummus, baba ghanouj, and keshké. Cold plates include vine leaves stuffed with rice and vegetables, green lentil dishes, and tartar options. Warm mezze features beef, chicken, shrimp, and vegetable rolls.
The restaurant also offers four types of mankoushés (flatbreads), including cheese, and toppings like minced beef with yogurt and eggplant with tahini. Main dishes include beef short ribs, zaatar-crusted salmon, chicken skewers, and roasted cauliflower steak. The menu is rounded out by Levantine desserts and sides and the bar serves Lebanese wines and cocktails.
Per Ammoora: “Embracing the cultural beauty and diversity of its fare, Ammoora immerses guests in an intimate fine-dining experience composed in a contemporary culinary style Tuesday through Sunday evening. Presented and prepared with award-winning skill and finesse, the culinary journey through the Eastern Mediterranean offers unique interpretations of classic dishes. Drawing inspiration from Ammoora’s family roots, the Syrian-focused authentically modern menu evokes a sensory experience, enhanced by soft, yet lively oriental music and an alluring ambience transporting you for an evening of delight.”
Featured photo shows Ammoora’s spreads, courtesy of @Ammoorabaltimore on instagram