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Famous for its well-established maritime legacy, there are several best oysters restaurants in Annapolis. The location of the city covering the coasts of Chesapeake Bay and rivers make the capital best destination for seafood. In this article, we will explore the top restaurants for oyster devotees in Annapolis and what makes these spots an unparalleled destination to enjoy seafood. Furthermore, I will highlight some significant factors to consider when choosing a restaurant to enjoy oyster dishes.
The Charm of Annapolis Seafood
Annapolis has large number of crabs, oysters, and other seafood due to the presence of most productive creeks of the United States, Chesapeake Bay. The fresh and salty water of this bay provides an appropriate environment for oyster and seafood cultivation. It adds extra charm to the Annapolis maritime heritage, delivering the fresh and flavorful seafood around the region. This makes the restaurants in Annapolis famous for cooking and serving the best seafood and people cover miles to enjoy the savory seafood culinary there. Following are some top-tier and best oysters restaurants in Annapolis.
1- O’Learys Seafood Restaurant
Undoubtedly, one of the best oysters and seafood restaurants in Annapolis with long historical legacy . They serve multiple dishes of oyster cooked with organic ingredients and collected from the local shores. The cooking experts at O’Leary Seafood Restaurant prepared the oyster dishes, preserving the natural taste. Furthermore, the restaurant also offers oysters from different regions around the capital city, allowing their customers try unique flavors.
2- Cantler’s Riverside Inn
A perfect place to enjoy the waterfront scenery, the Canter’s Riverside Inn offers flavorful oysters and area’s most savory seafood. As a family-owned business, the owner of the restaurant is committed to provide the fresh and best oysters from decades to their loyal customers. Having exceptional ambiance, rustic charm, and region’s best and fresh seafood is no less than than memorable dining experience.
3- Carrol’s Creek Cafe
Another waterfront restaurant, featuring elegance, taste, and comfort is another top destinations for seafood and oyster lovers in Annapolis. The reviews and ratings for this eatery do not need advertisement, as it is well-known among the locals and visitors in Annapolis. The oysters served there has a true taste, as they are drawn from the local seas.
4- Middleton Tavern
With deep roots in history, Middleton Tavern has been the dinning place for people of Annapolis since 18th century. The restaurant has richly-varied menu with oyster culinary as a highlight. They offer all types of oyster, such as from grilled to baked or fried and served it with different sauces. The place promises an authentic taste of freshly cooked oyster with unique combination.
5- Severn Inn
Severn Inn is one of the best oysters restaurants in Annapolis, as they featured the Chesapeake Bay seafood including the fresh oyster with natural briny flavor. Not just the best oyster and seafood dishes, Severn Inn offers the awe-inspiring views of Severn River and Naval Academy. If you haven’t tried their oyster, what are you waiting for. Go and grab a bite of most yummy seafood in the town.
6- Chart House
If you want to explore the luxurious and high-quality food experience in Annapolis, Chart House is for you. They serve the delectable oyster culinary delights with breathtaking waterfront views. They collect the oysters from the local shores and different regions around Annapolis to make top-notch customer experience.
7- Boatyard Bar & Grill
Boatyard Bar & Grill is my favorite seafood dinning places in Annapolis, offering an inviting environment for tourists and locals. Moreover, it is ranked as one of the best oysters restaurants in Annapolis for serving the top seasonal oyster menu with striking seating arrangement.
Important Factors to look for When Picking an Oyster Restaurant
Several factors play a significant role in making a restaurant best for its seafood. In addition, the overall environment and ambiance of the place also counts in choosing the best oysters restaurants. Here, I elaborate some key points to consider when you select an oyster restaurant for a dinner or lunch with your family and friends.
1- Sustainable Seafood Practices in Annapolis
It is better to opt for the restaurant that are committed to practice sustainable seafood sourcing. Many eateries in Annapolis ensures that the oysters harvesting is sustainable and does not effect the overall ecosystem. Search for the restaurants that use sustainable packing, recycle the oyster shells, and reduce the overall influence of waste products on the environment.
2- Oyster Varieties and their Distinct Flavors
The oysters sources from different shores and seas have distinct flavor. For example, oysters sourced from Chesapeake Bay are sweeter while the oysters from Rappahannock are infused with more salt. You can explore these multiple varieties of unique flavor culinary at different restaurants in Annapolis.
3- Fresh Stock availability and sourcing
Before choosing the oyster restaurant, always search for the sources of oyster cultivation. The locally cultivated and collected oysters are fresh and more rich is taste. Moreover, you should also check the turnover rates of the restaurant to see the fresh stock availability, such as the restaurant with high turnover rates have fresh and are not stored in refrigerators for a long time.
4- Ambiance of the place
Always go for the place that offers the best ambiance because it significantly affect your dining experience. You can choose the restaurant with waterfront view or cozy environment with less hustle or crowd if you want an intimate dinner. However, if you want to enjoy a night out with friends, you can select the place offering more fun experience.
5- Prime season for enjoying Oysters in Annapolis
The best time to enjoy the fresh and seasoned oyster is during the winter and less hotter months. Furthermore, another saying about the best time of the year to have oyster is during the “R” months, such as the months having ‘R’ in their names (September to April).
Wine pairing with your oyster menu can enhance the overall taste and experience of your lunch or dinner at any restaurant. There are variety of wine combinations with oyster that different restaurants offer to complement with your savory oyster culinary. Therefore, search for the one that fits you well before going for any eatery and don’t feel ashamed to ask the staff or the server for the best wine pairing available in their menu.
7- Cooking Methods
Different restaurants use different ingredients and cooking methods to cook oysters. For example, raw oyster has more flavor and a classic choice for seafood lovers. However, you can pick baked and grilled oysters from menu with yummy sauces and toppings.
8- Ratings and Reviews from Seafood Lovers
The ratings and reviews from the regular customers or visitors of the particular restaurant can give to a detail and deep insight of how reputed the place is and what quality oysters they offer. You can visit the official websites and online platforms of Annapolis restaurants to get an idea of best oysters restaurants in Annapolis.
Tips for a Stellar Oyster Experience
One of the most important tip while trying oyster menu of any restaurant is to have a raw oyster first to check the pure taste and freshness of the meal. Later, you can add recommended sauces and toppings to add more flavors to your food. Moreover, you should try the special oyster recipe of the restaurant and taste differently cooked oysters, such baked and grilled.
**FAQs**
How to identify if an oyster is fresh?
The fresh oysters is packed in the shell and smells like ocean sand. Moreover, when you crack the shell, a clear briny liquid comes out of it.
What is the best season to eat oysters in Annapolis?
The prime time of the year to eat oysters in Annapolis is from April to September, when the weather is not too hot.
Do these restaurants offer non-seafood options?
Yes, you can find multiple food options in these restaurants, catering vegan and vegetarian friendly menu with unique taste and pairing choices.
Is it possible to recycle oyster shells?
Yes, the oyster shells have potential to be processed and recycled. The waste is used for environment beneficial projects and in oyster reef restoration projects.
Do Oyster restaurants in Annapolis accommodate dietary restrictions?
Almost all oyster restaurants in Annapolis offer modification in their menu for customers and accommodate dietary restrictions. It is better to ask the server about your requirements before ordering something.
