Latitude Seafood Company sets itself apart with large portions, original cocktails and thoughtfully crafted recipes. When the small chain sought to expand beyond its Virginia roots, Bel Air emerged as a convenient yet challenging choice.

“I always wanted to compete with the best crabcakes in the world,” said Kevin Grubbs, owner and operator of Latitude Seafood Co.

The first location opened in Midlothian, Virginia, in 2015, followed by a second in Stony Point, Virginia, in 2018. With the success of these initial ventures, Grubbs and his partners began exploring new opportunities. Grubbs has a personal connection to the area, having visited family in Baltimore, and one of the co-owners, Vishal Patel, lives near Bel Air.

Before opening the Bel Air location last spring, the owners revisited their crabcake recipe to ensure it met the high standards of Marylanders. Grubbs personally tested dozens of recipes to perfect the dish.

Latitude Seafood Co. in Bel Air. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)

“That’s the best part of the job,” said Grubbs of the countless crabcakes he tried during the process of perfecting theirs.

Located in the Festival at Bel Air shopping plaza, the restaurant offers an ambience that feels worlds away from the outlet mall. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, giving Latitude Seafood Co. a bright and spacious atmosphere.

Ingredients are a top priority for Grubbs and his team. The crabcakes are made entirely from jumbo lump crab, and all recipes are crafted from scratch.

“We’re not just putting steamed seafood on a plate,” said Grubbs. “We offer unique dishes that you’re not going to find at a normal place.”

Latitude Seafood Co. is “True Blue Certified,” meaning the Maryland Department of Agriculture has verified that they only serve local blue crabs.

“Because of the temperatures of the water, they store more fat in them, and that’s where you get that yellow mustard inside the meat,” Grubbs explained. “You’re not going to find that in any other crab meat.”

The menu at Latitude Seafood Co. is designed to cater to all tastes. The seafood pasta is loaded with shrimp, scallops, lump crab, with a light basil lemon cream. For those who prefer other options, the restaurant offers creative chicken dishes and high-quality steaks. Daily specials provide innovative choices for regular patrons, ensuring there’s always something new to try. To finish an evening at Latitude Seafood Co., the ample dessert menu features everything from ice cream sandwiches to crème brûlée.

Jumbo dry scallops, pan-seared with lemon butter, served with two scratch sides. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)

Latitude Seafood Co.

5 Bel Air South Pkwy., Suite 1559, Bel Air. 443-402-1926. latitudeseafoodco.com