Severn's Best Restaurant

Severn's Best Restaurant
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I am not a critic who chases trends; I am a regular person who eats, and I have eaten across this county more times than I can count. Severn does not have a downtown strip or a famous food hall, but it has something better: a spread of restaurants where the owners and servers know your name, and where the cooking is taken seriously.

You can get a plate of shrimp and lobster fettuccine at George Martin's Grillfire that rivals any white-tablecloth spot in the city, then turn around and get a table-side Korean barbecue experience at KOHO that feels like a production. The range here runs from the flawless execution of a wedding dinner at the Elkridge Furnace Inn to the dependable, spice-forward curries at Kesar that I have trusted for years.

This list covers every corner of the area, and it is grounded in meals I paid for myself. Read it, and you will find your next regular spot.

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Ci Su Vegetarian Bistro

Ci Su Vegetarian Bistro
🗺️ 2649 Annapolis Rd B, Hanover, MD 21076
☎️ +1443-679-4981
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
Friday: 11 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–8 PM
Highlights
Fresh, flavorful, perfectly seasoned dishes
Satisfying without feeling heavy
Nourishing and clean plant-based food
Kind, welcoming, happy staff
Cozy and niche atmosphere

I sat down at Ci Su Vegetarian Bistro and ordered without much expectation. The food arrived fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, each dish balanced in a way that felt intentional. Nothing was heavy. I left satisfied but light, nourished in a clean way that made me want to come back soon. The staff were kind, welcoming, and genuinely happy to help me choose. The atmosphere is cozy and niche, small enough to feel personal. I do not eat plant-based food often, but this place changed how I think about it. I will be back.

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George Martin's Grillfire

George Martin's Grillfire
🗺️ 7793 Arundel Mills Blvd, Hanover, MD 21076
☎️ +1410-799-2883
🌐 Website
Sunday: 7 AM–9 PM
Monday: 7 AM–10 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM–10 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM–10 PM
Thursday: 7 AM–10 PM
Friday: 7 AM–10 PM
Saturday: 7 AM–10 PM
Highlights
Elegant atmosphere, attentive service
Shrimp and lobster fettuccine recommended
Prime rib cooked to perfection
Holiday menu exceeded expectations
Exceptional staff, warm hospitality

George Martin's Grillfire feels elegant from the moment you walk in, and the service matches that tone with attentiveness that never feels rushed. I ordered the shrimp and lobster fettuccine, and it was the right call, rich without being overwhelming. My companion had the prime rib, cooked perfectly to order, pink and tender. During the holidays, their special menu exceeded what I expected from a standard festive meal. The staff are exceptional, warm in their hospitality without being intrusive. I left feeling well cared for, which is the best compliment I can give any restaurant.

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KOHO Korean BBQ House

KOHO Korean BBQ House
🗺️ 7002 Arundel Mills Cir, Hanover, MD 21076
☎️ +1443-222-7777
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–11 PM
Monday: 11 AM–11 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–11 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–11 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–11 PM
Friday: 11 AM–12 AM
Saturday: 11 AM–12 AM
Highlights
Attentive table-side meat grilling
Generous portions of quality meats
Excellent appetizers and sides
Friendly service even when busy
Great bubble tea and flavors

At KOHO Korean BBQ House, the grilling happens at your table, and the staff are attentive to every piece of meat, turning and adjusting with care. The portions are generous, and the quality of the meat is clear in every bite. I started with their appetizers and sides, all excellent, especially the pickled vegetables that cut through the richness of the barbecue. Even when the place filled up, the service stayed friendly and quick. I also tried their bubble tea, and the flavors were well balanced. This is a place where the experience is as good as the food.

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Kesar Indian Fine Dining

Kesar Indian Fine Dining
🗺️ 1350 Dorsey Rd Unit D, Hanover, MD 21076
☎️ +1410-553-4402
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
5 PM–9:30 PM
Monday: 11:30 AM–3 PM
5 PM–10 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM–3 PM
5 PM–10 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM–3 PM
5 PM–10 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM–3 PM
5 PM–10 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM–3 PM
5 PM–10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
5 PM–10:30 PM
Highlights
Consistently excellent over years
Authentic flavors, thoughtfully prepared
Warm, clean, welcoming atmosphere
Friendly, attentive service
Fair pricing for quality

I have been coming to Kesar Indian Fine Dining for years, and the quality has not dipped once. The flavors are authentic, thoughtfully prepared, with a depth that comes from proper technique, not shortcuts. The atmosphere is warm and clean, welcoming in a way that makes you want to linger. The staff are friendly and attentive, remembering my preferences even when I visit months apart. For the quality you get, the pricing is fair, which is rare in this area. I trust this place with any occasion, from a quick dinner to a celebration with family.

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The Elkridge Furnace Inn

The Elkridge Furnace Inn
🗺️ 5745 Furnace Ave, Elkridge, MD 21075
☎️ +1410-379-9336
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10 AM–2 PM
4 PM–8 PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4 PM–8:30 PM
Wednesday: 4 PM–8:30 PM
Thursday: 4 PM–8:30 PM
Friday: 4 PM–9 PM
Saturday: 4 PM–9 PM
Highlights
Flawless wedding planning and execution
Attentive, knowledgeable waitstaff like Tony
Romantic fireplace seating upstairs
Exceptional filet tips preparation
Delicious sticky toffee pudding

The Elkridge Furnace Inn handled a wedding I attended flawlessly, from the planning to the final toast. The waitstaff, especially a server named Tony, were attentive and knowledgeable, anticipating needs before I asked. Upstairs, the fireplace seating is romantic, perfect for a cold evening. I ordered the filet tips, and they were exceptional, cooked with a precision that showed real skill. For dessert, the sticky toffee pudding was delicious, warm and gooey. The whole evening felt seamless, which is the highest praise for a venue that has to manage many moving parts. I left impressed.

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Crafty Crab Hanover

Crafty Crab Hanover
🗺️ 7000 Arundel Mills Cir R2, Hanover, MD 21076
☎️ +1443-820-3870
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
Monday: 11 AM–10 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
Friday: 11 AM–11 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM
Highlights
Flavorful food, fair portions
Attentive service from Dwight
Quick Saturday afternoon seating
Family approved dining experience

Crafty Crab Hanover served me a meal that was flavorful and well portioned, not stingy with either spice or substance. Our server, Dwight, was attentive, checking in without hovering, and he made good suggestions when I asked. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and got seated quickly, which was a pleasant surprise given how busy the place looked. My family approved of everything, from the shrimp to the corn to the sausage. The casual vibe works in its favor. I would come back for the food, but Dwight's service is a big reason I will recommend it to others.

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Nazs Halal Food - Odenton

Nazs Halal Food - Odenton
🗺️ 1147 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD 21113
☎️ +1443-305-7090
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Monday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Thursday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Friday: 10:30 AM–4 AM
Saturday: 10:30 AM–4 AM
Highlights
Consistent quality over years
Beloved regular customer base
Generous portions for leftovers
Worth the higher price

Nazs Halal Food in Odenton has been consistent for years, and that consistency is why I keep returning. I have watched other places in the area change hands or slip in quality, but not here. The portions are generous, large enough that I always have leftovers for the next day. The price is higher than some other spots, but the quality justifies it. There is a regular customer base here, people who know the staff and the menu, and I have become one of them. The food is dependable, hot, and seasoned well. That is worth more than a few extra dollars.

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Rathskeller

Rathskeller
🗺️ 5782 Main St, Elkridge, MD 21075
☎️ +1410-796-1530
🌐 Website
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM–9 PM
Highlights
Authentic German-style cuisine
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Generous, hot, well-presented portions
Extensive drinks and mocktails
Reservations recommended for seating

The Rathskeller serves authentic German-style cuisine, and I felt the weight of tradition in every plate. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to explain dishes I did not recognize. My portions were generous, served hot and well presented, which is not always the case with places that focus on hearty food. They also have an extensive list of drinks and mocktails, so there is something for every taste at the table. I would recommend making a reservation, because the seating fills up fast. The atmosphere is genuine, not kitschy, and that makes the meal better.

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Stained Glass Pub - Elkridge

Stained Glass Pub - Elkridge
🗺️ 6751 Dorsey Rd, Elkridge, MD 21075
☎️ +1410-796-4345
🌐 Website
Sunday: 12 PM–12 AM
Monday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Thursday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Friday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Highlights
Enormous portions, fair prices
Excellent crab cake preparation
Attentive, friendly service
Great beer and cocktail selection
Live music enhances experience

Stained Glass Pub in Elkridge surprised me with the size of its portions. The prices are fair for what you get, and what you get is a lot. I ordered their crab cake, and it was excellent, mostly lump meat with a light binder, not the heavy filler you find at so many places. The service was attentive and friendly, making the whole experience feel easy. They have a great selection of beer and cocktails, and I tried one of each. Live music played in the background, adding to the energy without overpowering conversation. I left full and satisfied.

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Kabob Connection-Hanover

Kabob Connection-Hanover
🗺️ 7645 Arundel Mills Blvd Suit#100, Hanover, MD 21076
☎️ +1410-904-5657
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11 AM–10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
Highlights
Generous portions at great prices
Well-seasoned meats and fresh vegetables
Large combo meals with sides
Quick takeout service available

Kabob Connection in Hanover gave me more food than I expected for the price. The meats are well seasoned, with a char that comes off the grill properly, and the vegetables are fresh, not soggy or limp. I ordered one of their large combo meals, and it came with plenty of sides, rice, salad, and bread. The whole thing held together well for takeout, which is what I needed that night. Service was quick, even with a small line ahead of me. For a casual meal that does not skimp on flavor, this is a reliable choice.

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The Tastery

The Tastery
🗺️ undefined
☎️ +1410-834-1523
🌐 Website
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM–5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM
Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Highlights
Exceptional catering for celebrations
Beautifully presented healthy dishes
Personalized to dietary needs
Warm and welcoming service
Unforgettable event experiences

The Tastery catered a celebration I attended, and the experience was unforgettable in the best way. The dishes were beautifully presented, healthy without sacrificing taste, which is a hard balance to strike. They personalized the menu to meet dietary needs, accommodating guests with allergies and preferences without complaint. The service was warm and welcoming, making everyone feel included in the meal. I have been to events where catering feels like an afterthought, but this was the opposite. Every plate looked intentional, and every bite tasted fresh. I left thinking about when I could hire them again.

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NR Paintball

NR Paintball
🗺️ 922 Wieker Rd, Severn, MD 21144
☎️ +1443-679-6552
🌐 Website
Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9 AM–4 PM
Highlights
Best paintball in Maryland
Friendly and helpful staff
Safe, exciting refereed games
Well-designed, maintained fields
Great for beginners and pros

NR Paintball is the best paintball experience I have had in Maryland, and I have tried several fields. The staff are friendly and helpful, especially with beginners who have never held a marker before. The games are refereed well, with rules enforced to keep everyone safe while still keeping the action exciting. The fields are well designed and maintained, with enough cover and variation to make each round feel different. I saw players of all levels having a good time, from first-timers to regulars who clearly knew the layout. It is worth the drive to play here.

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Mariano TerryM
Writer

Mariano Terry

Mariano Terry navigates the capital's labyrinthine corridors with a reporter's tenacity, unearthing the stories that others overlook. His prose turns complex policy into compelling narratives, keeping readers one step ahead of the political curve.

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Food tour map
The Local's Blackbook 📓

The 48-Hour Insider Itinerary to Washington

Join our DC Insider newsletter and get our 48-hour insider itinerary to the top hidden spots in Washington.

  • •Custom 3-stop crawl with QR codes for easy navigation
  • •5 photo-worthy hidden gems (Instagram gold)
  • •Insider timing tips: when to go to skip crowds
  • •Top spots in your inbox every week
Jamila HayesJ
Washington Black Book
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