Dining in the Dark in Baltimore is a foodie adventure that awakens your senses of taste and smell, because you won’t actually be able to see what you’re eating. It’s a new and exciting tasting that treats diners inside a top Baltimore restaurant, challenging them to put their taste buds to the test.
What to expect at Dining in the Dark?

In fairness, eating without seeing a thing can seem a bit daunting. However, Dining in the Dark has thought of everything to make your experience more enjoyable and memorable. At the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by the Encore’s helpful staff and handed a blindfold, which should be kept on throughout the entire dinner, otherwise it’ll ruin the experience. You’ll be carefully guided to your seats where you will enjoy a secret three-course menu over the course of 90 minutes packed with vegan, seafood, or meat options.
As you wash it all down with a nice bubbly or wine, don’t be surprised if you hear other diners actively guessing the ingredients. The theory is that with the sense of sight eliminated, you’ll focus solely on taste, smell and touch, which will allow you to intensify the luscious flavors of the unique dishes in front of you.
While the experience revolves around awakening your palate and taste buds, it’s not just the food that becomes more interesting. Because you are blindfolded, the darkness also alters the way we communicate and relate to one another. Believe it or not, a lot of unknown personality traits come to the surface, so be prepared to also get to know your partner(s) in crime better.
Where is Dining in the Dark?
This stimulating culinary experience will take place at The Collective Encore. The venue is mostly known for its vibrant live music concerts, but this season, the Columbia Lakefront space will be transformed to take curious gourmands through a world of culinary marvels. Offering seasonal cuisine that highlights coastal flavors from Maine to the Carolina’s, you’ll be served one dish after another and your taste buds will dance in delight as they decipher the symphony of flavors, seeking to understand the magic behind the chef’s creations.

Dining in the Dark Reviews
Dining in the Dark has received rave reviews from diners across the world, including satisfied foodies right here in Baltimore.
“The food was amazing and the wait staff was great” – February 13
“The food was amazing and the wait staff was great” – February 13
“Really good experience and delicious food. Nothing to be scared of. Fun with friend or partner.” – January 12
“My friends and I had such a great time! I was running late and they were very accommodating and allowed me to attend the second dinner instead. 10/10 experience” – November 9
“The experience was amazing, I would definitely do it again!!! The staff was very very attentive and made sure you had several pictures for your experience. The food was very good and […]” – September 15

The intriguing Dining in the Dark experience has taken other major cities such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Seattle and more by storm with its sensorial surprises. Whether you’re a gourmand or looking for a new evening plan, this immersive experience will get you to appreciate your meal with more intensity, while trying to guess the restaurant’s cooking techniques and secret ingredients.
So, grab that special someone or your close group of friends and embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure. If you have any food restrictions or allergies, you’ll need to specify them using the form that appears in your purchase confirmation email.