Each week, Patch takes a look at a nearby restaurant and lets you know what it has to offer. Here's this week's choice…

Leeward Market Café and Grocery

The first time I walked toward Leeward Market, I saw people sitting outside in the sun and thought, “a small café to enjoy a cup of coffee and a muffin.” When I entered, I was pleasantly surprised to catch a glimpse of the kitchen, and then my eyes wandered to the large seating area in the back of the house—there was a lot more going on here than the humble façade would lead you to believe.

Annapolis is overrun with cheap pub food, and locating a healthy meal at a reasonable price is a challenge. Enter Leeward Market and its fresh, local ingredients that are affordable and foodie friendly—the gastronomical Holy Grail.

The ambience is casual and laid back, and it’s the quintessential neighborhood gathering spot. The service is super competent and the friendliness of everybody, regulars and staff alike, adds to a relaxed vibe. It’s Eastport, so parking is free and plentiful, providing workers from downtown with a chill place to break for lunch.

For early risers, Leeward pours a gourmet cup of coffee, and the breakfast menu features a unique “Twisted Spinnaker”: steak, eggs, encased in herbed pizza dough with white truffle oil.

Lunch offerings are fresh and diverse, with an assortment of southern Italian-style pizzas and a “grass-fed steamed cheeseburger” that take some of the guilt out of a traditionally less-than-healthy American classics. Seasonal soups are made from scratch, using organic ingredients, and the salads are made from quality greens. You can feel good about eating there because recycling and composting are a priority.

While you’re there, pick up some Italian delicacies, local gourmet items, and handmade crafts in the market.

Leeward Market Café and Grocery is located at 601 2nd St, Annapolis, MD 21403, 443-837-6122. Open 6:30 to 3:00 Monday through Saturday and 8:30 to 3 on Sunday.

Breakfast $4.50-8
Pizzas $9-19
Sandwiches $4.50-10