Why This Maryland Harbor Restaurant’s Fish And Chips Are Considered The Best In The State
My appreciation for fish and chips started in childhood, wrapped in newspaper, savored quickly on chilly days. I thought I knew that flavor profile-crisp, satisfying, dependable. But when I heard the persistent buzz coming from this particular Maryland harbor restaurant, I knew I had to reset my expectations.
We are in crab country, after all; finding a truly transcendent piece of cod here felt geographically anomalous.
I took a seat overlooking the busy water, the sunlight glinting off the vinegar shaker, ready for my first bite to tell me if PRESERVE had truly reinvented the wheel, or if they had simply perfected it beyond all comparison.
Arrival And First Impressions
Walking through the front doors feels like stepping into a neighborhood secret. Large windows frame Main Street’s constant parade of tourists and sailboats, while exposed brick and a cozy bar create that rare balance between polished and welcoming.
The host hands you a menu alongside a smile, and your eyes drift to the chalkboard specials hanging near the open kitchen. Everything about the space whispers comfort food done right, from the counter-to-table energy to the friendly chatter bouncing off the walls.
You settle in, already sensing this will be more than just another seafood stop.
The Fish: Blue Catfish
PRESERVE’s kitchen makes a bold, brilliant choice by featuring Chesapeake blue catfish, an invasive species that thrives in local waters. Using this abundant fish helps protect native populations while delivering a plate that tastes incredible.
Each fillet arrives firm and moist, with flakes that pull apart cleanly under your fork. The mild, slightly sweet flavor surprises diners who expect muddy or overly fishy notes, proving that sustainable choices can also be the most delicious ones.
Chefs across the region have started following this lead, but PRESERVE was early to the party.
Technique And Crunch
Great fish and chips live or die by the batter, and PRESERVE nails it with a light coating that puffs into golden armor. The fry is clean and never greasy, letting you taste the fish instead of just oil.
What really sets this plate apart is the malt-vinegar aioli served alongside. That tangy, creamy dip cuts through richness and brightens every bite, turning a good dish into a memorable one.
WETA’s Signature Dish crew filmed the chef prepping this exact recipe, capturing the careful technique that earns all the praise.
The Chips And Sides
Thick-cut fries arrive hot and sturdy, the kind that hold up to dunking without turning soggy. PRESERVE keeps the sides intentionally simple, often adding a handful of house pickles or a small mound of seasonal greens to the plate.
These accompaniments never compete with the star of the show. Instead, they offer a crisp, acidic counterpoint that resets your palate between bites of rich, flaky fish.
I once ordered an extra side of those pickles and ended up finishing them before the main plate even arrived. Worth every penny.
The Sustainability Story
Blue catfish invaded the Chesapeake decades ago, outcompeting native species and throwing the ecosystem off balance. By turning this pest into a menu staple, PRESERVE helps reduce that pressure while supporting local fisheries and scientists working to restore the bay.
Chefs nationwide have taken notice, spotlighting restaurants that make environmentally smart choices without sacrificing flavor. This plate proves you do not need to choose between doing good and eating well.
Every order becomes a tiny act of conservation, which makes the meal taste even better.
Critics, TV Love, And Local Buzz
PRESERVE’s fish and chips earned a coveted spot on WETA’s Signature Dish, with cameras rolling as the kitchen team demonstrated their blue-cat prep. That kind of attention does not happen by accident.
Reviews from food writers and everyday diners consistently call out this dish as a standout in a city packed with seafood options. Locals return week after week, and visitors leave planning their next trip back.
The formula is simple: critics filmed it, the city fell in love, and the buzz keeps building.
Practical Details And Tips
PRESERVE sits at 164 Main Street, right in the heart of downtown Annapolis. Reservations are available through Resy, and booking ahead is smart on weekends when the area fills with crowds.
If you are dining solo, grab a seat at the bar for a front-row view of the kitchen action. Order the fish and chips with that malt-vinegar aioli, and ask your server about the daily catch if you want to explore beyond the menu.
Arriving early helps you dodge the rush and snag a window seat overlooking the harbor hustle.