We are seriously spoiled by all the amazing choices we have in HoCo. I could honestly rattle off at LEAST 25 right off the top of my head, but we’re sticking with 10 for today’s post. So without further ado, here are some of my favorite restaurants in Howard County!
1. The Food Market
Known for their imaginative menu, The Food Market offers American classics with a twist. Their food’s on the pricier side, but it’s absolutely worth the splurge. I’ve actually only been for lunch, but I definitely plan on visiting for dinner service soon. As for recs, I highly recommend getting their Amish soft pretzels, cheesesteak sub, and Baltimore club. Absolutely delish.
📍10480 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia
⏰M-Th 11-2pm, 4-9pm, Fr 11-2pm, 4-10pm, Sa 10-2:30pm, 4-10pm, Su 10-2:30pm, 4-9pm
2. Bon Fresco
Located in a tiny strip mall, Bon Fresco’s easily one of the best sandwich spots in the DMV. They’re famous for their London Broil, and trust me when I say it lives up to the hype. Think charbroiled medium-rare steak with dijoinnaise, provolone, mixed greens and red onions on fresh ciabatta. Perfection. Other must try handhelds include their Picante chicken and Venice.
📍6945 Oakland Mills Road Set B, Columbia
⏰M-Fr 11-7pm, Sa 11-4pm
3. Ananda
Ananda’s one of my favorite restaurants EVER! They have some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had, and their patio’s nothing short of stunning – you’ll feel like you’re in Secret Garden or something, lol. I’ve been there many, many times, and the food & service have always been exceptional. Whether you want to treat yourself to an indulgent solo dinner or celebrate a special occasion with loved ones, Ananda’s an amazing option.
For a more casual Indian lunch in Howard County, Spice N Curry in Elkridge serves a thali deal that’s a great everyday option when you’re not looking to splurge.
📍7421 Maple Lawn Boulevard, Fulton
⏰Su, Tu-Th 4-10PM, Fri & Sa 4-11PM
4. Chosun Hwaro
Chosun Hwaro’s my go-to spot for Korean BBQ in Maryland! I’m a big, BIG fan of their food – I think their pricing’s very reasonable for the quality + portions, and I enjoy their other Korean staples as well. Definitely make sure to try their Bossam (exceptionally tender pork belly) + bibim naengmyun (spicy mixed cold noodles) if you go with friends.
📍9445 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
⏰Su-Th 11-10pm, F-Sa 11-11pm
5. Hoco Brew Hive
The food at Hoco Brew Hive is so good. It’s basically a dive bar with fantastic eats (I LOVE dive bars BTW, lol). And they have dollar wings on Mondays, which is awesome.
You gotta get at least 20 though, but you can get two different flavors. I love their honey old bay, but you really can’t go wrong with whatever you get. I also really enjoyed their Steak Wrap and Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Burger.
📍4910 Waterloo Road, Ellicott City
⏰M & Su 3-9, T-Th 2-10, Fr & Sa 12-11
6. Chin Xi’an
Chin Xi’an’s a hidden gem for real. Find them inside BenGong’s Tea in Ellicott City, and prepare to enjoy some of the BEST hand pulled noodles in the entire DMV. The 3 in 1 hand-ripped noodz are served with egg + tomato, pork zha jiang sauce, and bok choy. Just remember to mix everything up thoroughly before digging in! They’re also known for their murgers – the 12 hours stewed pork murger is a great option if you want to give it a try.
📍10045 Baltimore National Pike Set A10
⏰M, W-Su 11:30-3pm & 4-9:30pm
7. Pub Dog
I LOVE this spot in Columbia! If you’re looking for late night eats, I highly recommend checking them out. They have a dope BOGO free beer deal, and their pizza’s really tasty. For a meat heavy pie, try getting the Atomic Dog with a side of ranch + pesto! The Bruschetta’s also another great option, and it’s topped with chilled tomatoes, three cheeses, fresh basil, garlic and shredded parm.
📍8865 Stanford Blvd #101, Columbia
⏰11am-2am daily
8. Sushi King
If you’re in the mood for amazing sushi, head to this gem in Columbia. Everything from food to service was standout, and this may just be my new go-to spot for sushi in the MD burbs. I highly recommend getting their Chef’s Choice Special Deluxe. For $38.95, you get a generous assortment of nigiri + sashimi, plus miso soup and salad to start. The karaage was also excellent as well! I also just learned that they offer omakase so I’ll have to go back to try that ASAP.
📍6490 Dobbin Road (Suite F), Columbia
⏰M-Su 11:30-3pm, 5-10pm
9. Jailbreak Brewing Company
If you haven’t been to Jailbreak Brewing Co yet, you are high key missing out. They have some of the most delicious food in MD, and I can pretty much guarantee you’ll leave happy and full.
They’re known for their dry-aged meats, and they offer 2-3 beef + 3-6 fish selections on a normal day. Their chef used to work at a 2 Michelin star restaurant (I believe Pineapple & Pearls in DC?), and once you try their noms, that’ll come as no surprise to you. As for beer, make sure you get their sampler. It’s $10, and you get to try 4 craft brews of your choice, which is a GREAT deal IMO.
10. Hot Pot Hero
It doesn’t matter how hot it is outside, I will never say no to hot pot. We’re spoiled with great options in HoCo, but my favorite spot’s probably Hot Pot Hero! Everything’s always super fresh, the service is impeccable, and I love their “super numb & spicy dark hero pot.” You choose between medium or wild, and the wild’s *actually* pretty hot.
In addition to the “traditional” meat, seafood + veggie options, they also offer American wagyu AND Japanese imported wagyu for an extra cost. PS. they charge for leftover food so be mindful when ordering (if you get AYCE). You can always ask for sample sizes if you just want a taste!
📍10045 Baltimore National Pike, Ste A4, Ellicott City
⏰M-Su 11:30-10:30pm
Alright Nomsters, that’s a wrap for today! I hope you enjoyed reading about some of the BEST restaurants in Howard County. Make sure you check out my individual city tabs for more recs, and stay tuned for more content coming your way. Until next time!
One more HoCo spot worth adding to your radar: Pizza Boli’s in Ellicott City is serving up top-tier halal-style chicken over rice that deserves a spot on this list.