Where to Eat in St. Michaels, Maryland
St. Michaels, Maryland, is a charming waterfront town known for its rich maritime history, boutique shopping, and exceptional dining scene. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, gourmet cuisine, casual bites, or craft beverages, St. Michaels has something for every taste. Here’s your guide to the best restaurants, cafés, and breweries in town.
Waterfront Dining in St. Michaels
In St. Michaels, fresh seafood is plentiful, and many restaurants serve it up alongside views of the majestic Miles River.
A St. Michaels institution, The Crab Claw has offered steamed Maryland blue crabs, oysters, fresh seafood, and fried chicken since 1965. Located right on the water, this iconic spot is perfect for a true Eastern Shore dining experience.
If you’re seeking a lively waterfront bar and grill, Foxy’s Harbor Grille is known for its tropical cocktails, delicious seafood, and live music. It’s a great spot to watch the boats come and go while enjoying a casual meal.
Blue Miles Seafood & Grill offers beautiful views and a menu highlighting fresh seafood, as well as some unique items like alligator and frog legs.
Located within the Harbour Inn & Marina, Harrison’s Harbour Lights is a family-owned business offering waterfront views, locally sourced ingredients, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Upscale Dining
Located within the Inn at Perry Cabin, Stars Restaurant offers refined, locally inspired cuisine with stunning waterfront views that are perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration.
Within the Wildset Hotel, you’ll find Ruse, a modern, coastal-inspired eatery with a focus on fresh seafood and craft cocktails. Ruse delivers a sophisticated, yet relaxed dining experience. Their head chef, Michael Correll was announced as a James Beard Award Semi-Finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA) in 2025.
Theo’s offers a classic steakhouse experience, serving high-quality, hand-carved steaks with a warm, inviting ambiance for a backdrop. Seafood and other items are available as well as hand-crafted cocktails.
If you’re seeking an authentic Italian dining experience, Limoncello offers house-made pasta, fresh seafood, and an impressive wine list.
Executive Chef and Owner, Doug Stewart offers farm-to-table cuisine with European and American influences at Bistro St. Michaels.
The warm, savory flavors of the Chesapeake Bay meet the bright and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean at Plates at 208.
Casual Eats and Pubs
Corah’s Corner offers a Chesapeake Bay inspired menu in the heart of St. Michaels. For a selection of fresh fish and other seafood, check out the market at Chesapeake Landing, where you can buy fresh to create your own or dine in.
For gourmet pizza lovers, Ava’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar is a must-visit. Enjoy artisan pizzas, fresh salads, and a carefully curated wine selection in a cozy atmosphere. Traditional pies and sandwiches can be found at the family-friendly Sam’s Pizza & Restaurant.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican, Gina’s Café has been pairing local seafood with a Tex-Mex twist for well over a decade. Just down the street, San Miguels Mexican Restaurant offers a wide selection of Mexican beers and tequilas along with traditional Mexican meals.
For pub fare, Talbot St. Tavern offers classics, including handhelds and flatbreads as well as entrees that spotlight local seafood. It also stays open later.
Another late-night option is Carpenter Street Saloon (locally known as C-Street), where you’ll find a classic dive bar with traditional food, cold drinks, and live music at night, but come morning, it’s a go to spot for breakfast.
Speaking of breakfast, The Galley is known for its breakfast, lunch, and on Sundays – bottomless mimosas. With plenty of outdoor seating, it’s a great spot to take in the town’s main thoroughfare, Talbot Street.
For small plates, the intimate setting of Purser’s Pub within the Inn at Perry Cabin also offers a collection of rare whiskeys and bourbons. The Fool’s Lantern is St. Michaels’ first and only self-serve wine and taproom, also offering shareables as well as an entrée menu.
Coffee and Light Bites
Just before entering St. Michaels, you’ll find a Maryland favorite, Rise Up Coffee, at a drive through location. Once in town, Blue Heron Coffee offers expertly brewed coffee and delicious hot chocolate, served in fun, tie-dyed cups from within a welcoming atmosphere.
Located in a historic Odd Fellows Lodge, The Blue Crab offers coffee as well as breakfast and a light lunch menu. Healing Grounds Coffee promises a sanctuary of positive energy while enjoying their coffee.
For health-conscious diners, Eat Sprout serves organic, locally sourced meals and smoothies perfect for a quick, nutritious bite. On Saturdays from April through Nov., the producer-only St. Michaels Farmers Market takes up residence at 208 S Talbot St.
Rusticana Pizza offers traditional pizzas, sandwiches and other go to favorites, while just a few buildings down, Dragon Express includes familiar Chinese dishes on their menu.
If you’re looking for grab and go, the Village Shoppe offers a fresh deli counter as well as freshly made soups, salads, and meals within a gourmet grocery store.
Tasting Rooms
In St. Michaels, you can sample wine, beer, and spirits at a quadrupling of tasting rooms located within steps of one another. Head to the Old Mill in the heart of St. Michaels to taste from a trio of offerings.
Eastern Shore Brewing, the longest-running brewery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, offers its ales, lagers, and seasonal specialties in a lodge-like tasting room. Windon Distilling / LYON RUM is celebrating a decade in business as Maryland’s oldest rum producers with a newly expanded tasting room. St. Michaels Winery creates unique blends, the names of which reflect its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. Just a short walk away, Bordeleau Winery at St. Michaels often pairs tastings of their award-winning wines with the sounds of live music.
Don't Forget Dessert!
After enjoying a meal in St. Michaels, grab a sweet treat from the JoJo’s Ice Cream window, serving Vanderwende’s ice cream. Step into an old-fashioned ice cream parlor at Justine’s, where offerings include ice cream sodas as well as a Wall of Shakes. If chocolate is your calling, stop by Arnaiz Chocolate for a handmade Belgian chocolate and other confections.
Plan Your Culinary Adventure in St. Michaels
With an incredible selection of waterfront seafood spots, cozy cafés, fine dining establishments, and lively pubs, St. Michaels is a true foodie destination. Whether you’re looking for fresh oysters, artisan pizza, or a craft cocktail, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this charming town.
Looking for more things to do? Check out our St. Michaels page for recommendations on where to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of your visit!
