A View to Savor

When celebrity chef Mario Batali visited Baltimore in April, he ate lunch at The Seasoned Mariner (601 Wise Ave., Dundalk, 443-242-7190) after hitting the links at Sparrows Point Country Club. I was curious about the restaurant's allure. Now, I understand. The Mariner is perched on Bear Creek with a prime view of the waterway and the pleasure boats cruising by or docking at the restaurant. The vista—whether you're sitting indoors by the expanse of windows or outside on the deck—is complemented by a mostly seafood menu, including crab cakes, fried oysters, and a Smith Island stew. The shrimp-salad sandwich ($11.95; $4 off for Thursday lunch) is a must-have. It's chock full of nicely seasoned whole shrimp on the bread of your choice—and is just the kind of Baltimore meal you'll want to share with out-of-towners.