Fells Point, with its cobblestone streets and waterfront charm, is one of Baltimore’s most beloved neighborhoods, especially for seafood lovers. With the Chesapeake Bay just a stone’s throw away, you'd expect every seafood restaurant in the area to serve fresh, expertly prepared dishes. But not all that glitters is gold (or in this case, not every crab cake is worth cracking into).
Before you sit down to your next seafood feast, make sure you're not falling for a restaurant that cuts corners. Here are five red flags to look for when choosing a seafood spot in Fells Point—and how to make sure you’re dining somewhere that respects your palate, your wallet, and your health.
It’s common for seafood prices to fluctuate, especially for premium items like lobster, oysters, or wild-caught fish. That's why some restaurants list “market price” on their menus. But here’s the catch—if a server can't clearly tell you what that market price is, or why it’s listed that way, that’s a red flag.
A reputable seafood restaurant will be upfront about pricing. They know transparency builds trust. If you feel like you’re playing a guessing game with your bill, it’s time to rethink your dinner plans.
Frying is delicious—we’re not denying that. But when a seafood restaurant’s menu is dominated by fried platters, heavily breaded fish, or greasy sides, it's often an attempt to disguise lower-quality ingredients.
A trustworthy seafood restaurant offers a variety of cooking methods: grilled, steamed, poached, broiled. Fresh seafood shines when prepared simply. If everything comes out golden brown and dripping with oil, it might be time to question the kitchen’s commitment to quality and freshness.
One of the quickest ways to judge a seafood restaurant is with your nose. When you walk through the door, are you hit with a strong, sour fish odor? That’s not the scent of fresh seafood—it’s a warning sign.
Fresh seafood should smell clean and slightly briny, like the ocean. A strong fishy odor often indicates that the seafood isn’t fresh, hasn’t been stored properly, or worse, is past its prime. Trust your instincts: if the smell makes you hesitate, consider dining elsewhere.
A reputable seafood restaurant should be able to tell you where their seafood comes from. If the staff is vague or unable to provide details about the source of their fish, it may suggest that the establishment is not sourcing its ingredients responsibly or sustainably.
The state of a restaurant's restrooms can reflect its overall cleanliness and attention to detail. If the bathrooms are dirty or poorly maintained, it may indicate a lack of care in other areas, including food preparation and storage.
Located in the heart of Fells Point, The Black Olive stands out by adhering to the highest standards of seafood preparation and service. Here's what sets them apart:
Don't let potential red flags deter you from enjoying a memorable seafood dining experience. Choose establishments that prioritize quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. The Black Olive in Fells Point is a prime example of a restaurant that meets these standards.
For reservations or inquiries, call 410-276-7141. Embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the best of seafood in Baltimore.
