The Best Japanese Food in Baltimore
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The best Japanese food in Baltimore, according to the experts: the James Beard Awards, Eater, and the Baltimore Beat have all weighed in, and their honors are what rank this list. Café Dear Leon comes out on top.
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Rank 1. Café Dear Leon
Japanese Deli
The awards
- James Beard Awards James Beard Awards: 2026 · Semifinalist · Outstanding Bakery
- Eater Eater: Baltimore’s 38 Essential Restaurants
- Baltimore Beat Baltimore Beat: 2025 · Best Anti-Atlas · Best of Baltimore
- James Beard Awards 2026 · Semifinalist · Outstanding Bakery
- Eater Baltimore’s 38 Essential Restaurants
- Baltimore Beat 2025 · Best Anti-Atlas · Best of Baltimore
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Rank 2. Chiyo Sushi
Sushi
A neighborhood sushi spot tucked into Mt. Washington's merchant village, Chiyo draws locals away from the more obvious downtown options with straightforward nigiri and sashimi alongside a few playful additions, banana tempura ice cream among them. The room runs across two levels now, with a downstairs bar and a quieter dining room below. It's the kind of place regulars have strong opinions about, and those opinions are broadly favorable.
The awards
- Eater Eater: Baltimore’s 38 Essential Restaurants
- Baltimore Beat Baltimore Beat: Baltimore's Best Cheap Eats
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Rank 3. Ramen Utsuke
Kyushu-style Ramen Shop
The awards
- Eater Eater: Baltimore’s 38 Essential Restaurants
- Baltimore Magazine Baltimore Magazine: 2023 · Ramen · Best of Baltimore