BALTIMORE, MD — A Maryland restaurant has been recognized as one of the top dining spots in America, according to a recent feature by The New York Times. Additionally, two restaurants in nearby Washington, D.C., have also made the prestigious list.
The Times reported that its team traversed 33 states and sampled over 200 meals to curate the best restaurants in the country, ultimately selecting “The 23 Best Restaurant Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2025.”
The Duchess in Baltimore, led by chef and restaurateur Kiko Fejarang, was featured for its delectable shrimp and corn patties dish.
Food critic Eric Asimov described The Duchess as a unique establishment, likening it to a neighborhood pub with wood-paneled walls and sports on TV, while showcasing the Pacific Rim influences of Fejarang’s cooking. He praised the shrimp and corn patties as “savory delights” that are breaded, crisp, and enhanced with a special aioli made from dinache, a Chamorro chili paste. He noted their lightness and the perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Fejarang expressed her gratitude for the recognition when she learned about it from The Baltimore Banner. “I’m proud to represent both Guam and Baltimore,” she shared, reflecting on the traditional dishes of her childhood in the U.S. territory.
Washington, D.C. Restaurants Recognized
Ben’s Bowl at Dōgon
Food writer Ligaya Mishan highlighted that this venue pays tribute to Ben Ali, the founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, which has been serving its famous half-smokes with chili on U Street since 1958.
Chef Kwame Onwuachi pays homage to this legacy with a dish featuring “lamb shoulder braised to perfection with a blend of curry spices and chicken stock, then shredded warm and whipped until it achieves a velvety texture. Flattened and crisped, it presents a delightful richness,” according to The Times.
- Address: 1330 Maryland Avenue Southwest, Washington, D.C.
- Phone: 844-860-2741
- Website: salamanderdc.com
Falafel Jibneh at La’ Shukran
Brett Anderson described this dish as having a luxurious texture thanks to jibneh, a mild Middle Eastern cheese that subtly enhances the falafels, making them perfect for pairing with dill yogurt and trout caviar. “The dish is so exceptional that you’ll wonder why it took so long for someone to create it,” he remarked.
- Address: 417 Morse Street Northeast, Washington, D.C.
- No phone listed
- Website: lashukran.com
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