Sometimes you may crave foods that are not cooked from the comfort of your kitchen. But instead, cooked from elsewhere. In Maryland, there are a variety of restaurants that you can choose from. Whether it’s sushi, fried chicken, or even steak. There is always a place where you can try something new. 

Nara-Ya

Nara-Ya is a restaurant located at 88 District Square SVV, Floor 3.1, Washington, DC 20024.

They are proud of the traditional Japanese kitchen’s culinary expertise while promoting personal responsibilities for environmental demands. This restaurant includes exceptional offerings rarely seen outside of the islands of Japan. One of their specialties is the Nara-Ya which includes a spicy salmon and asparagus, topped with avocado, and black pepper that’s torched with a lemongrass miso glaze, finished with crispy quinoa. 

This beautiful restaurant also has a magnificent water view, so when you eat you can have a nice view of the water.

 “Nara-ya has a very authentic Japanese vibe to it. Felt like I was back in Tokyo.” said one review, “They even had the signature “Toto” Commode with the bidet and all! Very clean as it likely would be in Japan. The sushi was absolutely delicious! Cocktails were amazing as well!  The ambiance is too tiring. Highly recommend it!”

Shirley’s Cafe

Shirley’s Cafe is a restaurant that offers guests an upscale-casual and exceptional award-winning culinary experience for all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Their specialties are rooted in Southern fundamentals and the abundance of fresh ingredients from Maryland. This award-winning restaurant menu offers specialties including Chicken ‘N Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, Crab Cake and Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict, and more. This restaurant also provides braille, nut-free, vegan, and gluten-free menus. Miss Shirley’s Cafe is fortunate to be able to donate to a variety of Maryland schools, non-profits, and charity organizations each year. In addition, they also provide an annual scholarship  dedicated to hospitality and culinary students. Miss Shirley’s Cafe has been featured on national television, including Food Network’s Diners, Triple D’s, and more. This restaurant has been awarded America’s Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurant, Best Pancakes in the Country, and Best Breakfast Dish in Maryland. You can find Miss Shirley’s Cafe  at The Charm’tastic Mile, 750 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202. 

Farmers and Distillers

With mouth watering food, Farmers and Distillers looks specifically into the country’s founding father, George Washington, for inspiration and guidance. Washington was an acclaimed farmer, distiller, and entrepreneur. The restaurant was inspired by our first president’s American industriousness and a keen eye for opportunity. This diverse restaurant brings a specialty of Herb-Crusted Prime Rib with au jus, horseradish, classic loaded baked potato, and sauteed green vegetables. Another one of their signature dishes is the Cumin Lamb. This dish is served with cabbage, bean sprouts, sichuan peppercorn, and spicy chili oil. Since the opening of farmers and distillers, they have continued to build their brand into Montgomery County and Tysons, Virginia. Additionally, DC. Farmers and Distillers have pursued LEED certification as a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant. This restaurant is located at 600 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001. 

Roaming Rooster

Still staying in the Washington D.C area, Roaming Rooster is a treat everyone needs to try. In early 2015, Roaming Rooster was founded by a family that had in mind  a distinctive concept. The idea of a food truck with fried chicken that you can feel good about eating: free-range, grain-fed, and antibiotic-free chicken served fresh every day. Their menu has OG Nashville which consists of a buttermilk fried chicken breast with house-made vinaigrette slaw and pickles. This Black-owned food truck stresses the importance for them to use free-range chicken because it’s more humane and natural and they want the best quality for their customers. This healthy fried food truck can be found at 3176 Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018.