Living Here

Food Scene

An Edible Affair

You’ll always have your fill of sensational bites in Howard County — where an array of international restaurants and upscale dining experiences are known for releasing delightful aromatic notes. From Tuscan-inspired cuisines to flavorful curries and sizzling Korean barbeque, Columbia has something to satisfy every palate. In Ellicott City, you’ll also discover an enticing range of dishes, along with award-winning gelato factories and microbrewing distilleries. And for a palatable smattering of everything Howard County has to offer, plan on attending one of the county’s signature events, such as Wine in the Woods or downtown Columbia’s annual craft beer festival, Hops & Harvest.

Quick Links

A smiling waitress serves food to three people sitting at a table in a restaurant.

Fine Treats and Delectable Eats

Whether you insist on knowing the history and culture behind every bite or just want to establish confidence in farm-to-fork dining, some of the best restaurants in Howard County are ready to give you your fill. For an exquisite fine dining experience, The Turn House in Columbia offers impeccable American cuisines hand crafted from the freshest local ingredients and surrounded by breathtaking scenery.  Meanwhile, Bushel & Peck in Clarksville, MD provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can savor delectable dishes such as Chesapeake Bay blackened scallops & grits, grilled Atlantic salmon and butternut squash risotto. Steeped in Maryland’s rich seafood heritage dating back to the Revolutionary War, Howard County continues to promote a thriving and sustainable commercial fishing industry. Visit Howard County restaurants to get a taste of the delicious options that await you.

An American flag is visible in an aerial view of a brewery filled with people sitting together and enjoying food and drinks.

Swirl, Sip and Savor the Night

A rich blend is ready for you in Howard County, beckoning craft beer aficionados and wine connoisseurs alike. As part of the only state to resist the prohibition, Central Maryland thrives with a rich history of alcohol production. Today, the state’s alcohol industry flourishes, with nearly $50 million in wine sales and close to 300,000 barrels of craft beer produced annually. Notable establishments in Howard County include Lost Art Distilling in Columbia, recognized by the Bartender Spirits Awards for its locally sourced small batch bourbon. Tin Lizzie Wineworks in Clarksville offers a unique opportunity to make your own wine on their 150-acre working farm, while family-owned Penn Oaks Winery in Cooksville has been dedicated to sustainable winemaking for over two decades.

Closeup of people clinking their wine glasses filled with red wine together.

Community-Wide Celebrations of HoCo’s Unique Flavors

Looking for some of the best restaurants in Howard County can certainly work up an appetite — why not take a break at one of the region’s many food events? For more than 20 years, Wine in the Woods has offered a premier wine tasting experience, coupled with a variety of food vendors and live music. Hops & Harvest, held every autumn, offers unlimited tastings of craft beers and wines and fresh local eats. Or commemorate the evening your own way on the Howard on Tap Craft Brew Trail — a guaranteed recipe to up your spirits.