Rumhouse - Authentic Caribbean Flavors and Warm Hospitality in Annapolis

This was my second time dining at Rumhouse, and my first visit was absolutely perfect. On this second visit, I was a little disappointed that the rum cake recipe had changed. The new spiced version with pineapple wasn’t as appetizing to me and didn’t have that rich rum flavor I loved the first time. It also felt a bit out of place for a restaurant that celebrates rum in its name. The original rum cake was buttery, full of rum flavor, and had that perfect pound cake texture that made it unforgettable. It felt like a true signature dessert, while the new one reminds me more of something seasonal for fall. One small thing I noticed was that there weren’t any spoons for serving appetizers or sides, which made sharing a bit tricky. Other than that, everything else was wonderful. The food was delicious, the service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was just as inviting as I remembered. I’ll definitely be back and hope the original rum cake makes a return soon.

A Caribbean Love Letter: From the moment we walked in, Stephanie's warm and attentive service set the tone for what would become an unforgettable evening. Her thoughtful menu recommendations guided us toward dishes that would soon become the highlights of our meal. We began our culinary journey with the crab cake—a Venezuelan interpretation that was both herbaceous and utterly delicious, earning its place as a must-order appetizer. The doubles and succulent oxtail croquettes provided the perfect introduction to the restaurant's Caribbean soul, each bite revealing layers of authentic flavor that transported us straight to the islands. For our main course, we shared three dishes that showcased the kitchen's remarkable range: the escovitch snapper, oxtail stuffed pasta, and Louisiana gumbo. The snapper arrived with stunning presentation, its aroma alone promising the deliciousness that followed. As someone who treasures authentic Trinidadian and Jamaican cuisine, I couldn't resist ordering a side of peppa sauce. While I found myself wishing for just a touch more pickle juice from the accompanying vegetables—not to mask the fish's beautiful texture, but to complement it—the peppa sauce delivered exactly the bright acidity and heat I was craving. The oxtail stuffed pasta was nothing short of extraordinary. The meat fell apart at the touch of a fork, tender beyond belief, while the pasta achieved that coveted perfect al dente texture. This dish alone warrants a return visit. The Louisiana gumbo completed our trio beautifully, with its perfectly balanced seasoning, delicate rice, and generous portions of chicken, shrimp, and andouille that spoke to the chef's understanding of authentic Creole cooking. Our meal reached its crescendo with two exceptional desserts: the chocolate voyage and bread pudding with an extra side of coconut ice cream. The bread pudding was everything you'd hope for—moist throughout with that coveted textured crust on top that provides the perfect contrast. The chocolate voyage surprised and delighted, presenting as an aesthetically stunning creation that delivered some of the finest chocolate mousse I've encountered in years. What elevated this dining experience beyond the exceptional food was the genuine hospitality we received from an exceptional team. Chef Natasha graciously visited our table, and her authentic pride in her craft was palpable. You could feel her genuine care for each guest's experience radiating through every interaction. Dr. Coryse Zebovitz treated us like beloved family members rather than first-time visitors, creating an atmosphere of warmth that made the entire evening feel special. Jonathan, the hospitality director, was truly the cherry on top—his expertise shone when he presented our bottles of Chenin Blanc with such knowledge and enthusiasm that he didn't need to oversell its quality. The wine spoke for itself, and his honest recommendation proved absolutely spot-on. What makes this level of service even more remarkable is that Rum House has only been open for a month. Yet their operations run with the polish and precision of a restaurant that's been perfecting its craft for years. Not a single wrinkle or blunder marred our experience—a testament to the dedication and professionalism of this incredible team. Rum House is clearly a love letter—a beautiful expression of its owners' travels, cultural heritage, and deep passion for Caribbean cuisine. Every dish tells a story, every flavor feels intentional, every moment spent here feels like a celebration of the rich culinary traditions that inspire this remarkable kitchen. I've discovered my new favorite restaurant, and I'm already planning my return. I suspect this will be the first of many, many visits to come.

Rumhouse is an excellent entrant to the Annapolis dining scene. Their food and ambiance stand out in a decently crowded market. My husband and I went here for brunch and enjoyed the jerk chicken and plantain waffles (excellently crisp and tasty fried chicken) with a side of two eggs; the mertini omelette (extremely delicious with the unctuous and umami eggplant tomato filling) with a side of the jerk pork sausage (well seasoned and tasty). They also have a wide offering of rum-based and other cocktails, of which we tried a seasonal one (advertised as tasting like pumpkin pie- can confirm!), their sorrel mimosa (Christmas in a cup! Hibiscus and clove), their blackberry lemon mocktail (truly tasty), and finished with a hot chocolate that clearly used high quality chocolate from their pastry chef. Nate our server was very attentive and kind, an excellent addition to our wonderful meal. I can’t leave this review without saying how immaculate I found the decor. The attention to detail was second to none especially for a restaurant. Overall we were delighted with our visit and hope to return again for dinner and perhaps their tea time!

“I couldn’t be happier with the food, atmosphere and service!!! I would give 10 stars if I could! The restaurant is a reflection of passion, heart, and dedication. Every detail shows the love and vision that went into creating this special space. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience that leaves you feeling connected, inspired, and grateful. Congratulations for turning a dream into something truly special. A must-visit!” Can’t wait to go back!

From the time we arrived to the time we left we felt very welcome by the warm staff. It’s a beautiful venue and the food is delicious and tasty. Things I recommend on the menu are in the photos, 1) the red snapper is delicious and well seasoned. I suggest the 2) gumbo as well as the 3) doubles and the bread pudding put me into a happy food coma lol :-) . The chef was very helpful and helping us select our meals and that added a special touch. I look forward to returning to try additional items on the menu. Thank you for a wonderful meal.

A must visit! This unique restaurant in Annapolis is just what is needed to introduce exciting flavors to this historic city. Enjoy delicious food, excellent service and a homey vibe that transport you to the tropics. Make sure you make a reservation. I went for brunch, which was worth it, and will definitely return for dinner. Alanna, our server, was very helpful and offered recommendations. We tried their mimosas, chicken and waffles, and burger. Can’t wait to return!