2 Best Restaurants in The Eastern Shore, Maryland

Surrounded by shops, lodging, and other eateries so very American, sophisticated Scossa almost seems out of place. From its sidewalk patio with wall-mounted fountains to its superb menus, Scossa Café is unmistakably northern Italian. The well-trained co-owners create lunch and dinner dishes with an Italian influence that does not overwhelm the fine ingredients. Samples of daily specials include braised lamp shank with artichokes, short ribs with Borolo wine sauce, roast rabbit campagnola, and soft-shell crabs alla provinciale. Brunch is available on weekends. Jackets are not required, but the cosmopolitan style of Scossa definitely attracts a well-dressed clientele who reserve ahead.

The spacious contemporary dining room, its porchlike extension, and an adjacent bar all face southward to the Eastern Bay and across this restaurant's slim namesake waterway separating Kent Island from the Eastern Shore mainland. One of the region's largest commercial fishing fleets is harbored next door. Specialties include a Caesar salad with fried oysters and grilled peppered tuna, served over sautéed spinach; and Crab Imperial, lump crabmeat, and select oysters baked with imperial sauce, topped with bacon. The Narrows' dinner menus include "Light Suppers," that encourage a second look at the to-die-for—or -from—desserts listing. checked aug 2010