5 MD Eateries Named To Best Restaurants List By Post Food Critic

MARYLAND — Outgoing Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema wrapped up his tenure with a fresh list of the 40 best restaurants in and around D.C., which includes five Maryland destinations, ranging from Baltimore to Montgomery County and Frederick.

Sietsema's newest and final list of the best restaurants around the D.C. region is focused on venues in Washington, D.C., itself, but eateries from Maryland and Virginia also made the list.

After 25 years critiquing the chefs and restaurants across the DMV, Sietsema said Wednesday he is leaving the newspaper for a new venture.

"I want to celebrate, one last time, some of the many places that make Washington one of the best food cities in the country, starting with a Top 5 list and continuing with 35 restaurants that highlight the area’s delicious diversity," Sietsema wrote. "My Restaurant of the Year: Albi, the Levantine jewel in Navy Yard that just keeps getting better."

His favorite Maryland eatery is Alma Cocina Latina in Baltimore. Sietsema called it "one of my favorite places to eat in the Mid-Atlantic."

The food critic praised its executive chef, Hector Romero, one of Venezuela’s best-known food figures, a cookbook author and co-founder of his country’s most prestigious cooking school.

"Romero takes into consideration the myriad outside influences on his country. Cue the Trinidadian-inspired curry partnering chicken and eggplant shored up with basmati rice."

Maryland restaurants that made the tasty list are:

Alma Cocina Latina: 1701 North Charles St., Baltimore, Venezuelan food.

The restaurant says: "Alma is not just a restaurant with deeply imaginative, exquisitely crafted food, it is a space that transports you into Venezuelan culture with every detail. From the thoughtfully curated culinary experience and cocktails to the welcoming team, the forest of plants, and purposeful decor, this is a place we have created for the well-being of our guests from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave our home.

Beteseb Restaurant: 8201 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Ethiopian

The restaurant says: "We have an amazing menu that features freshly prepared Ethiopian dishes. We are a family-owned restaurant with warm and friendly staff who are ready to serve you. … Complete your meal with our incredible Imported Ethiopian Wine, Beer or with a traditional coffee ceremony."

Mamma Lena Trattoria Napoletana: 13507 Clopper Road, Germantown, Italian

The restaurant says: "At our family restaurant, we make everything with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The result? An amazing flavor that you won't forget anytime soon."

Northwest Chinese Food: 7313 Baltimore Ave., College Park, Chinese (The restaurant doesn't have a blog or about section on its website.)

Wye Oak Tavern: 211 E. Church St., Frederick, American

The restaurant says: "James Beard-nominated and “Top Chef” stars, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio come together for their first joint project in their hometown. The menu pays homage to the taverns of the past, offering a modern take on storied gathering places."