A popular gourmet market in Baltimore, Culinary Architecture, is set to relocate from Pigtown to Little Italy after ten years of operation. The shop, located at 767 Washington Blvd., has been a staple in the community since its opening in 2015, offering a range of globally inspired grocery items, home goods, plant-based provisions, and housemade pastries. Chef and co-owner Sylva Lin aims to complete the move to a larger storefront at 236 S. High St. by January 2024.
As Culinary Architecture expanded its customer base and social media presence—boasting over 4,100 followers on Instagram—the need for more space became evident. The shop has already expanded into the adjacent property at 765 Washington Blvd. to accommodate its growth and catering services. Lin noted, “We’re to the point where we can’t operate, very well, all of the different things that Culinary Architecture does.”
The new location, which previously housed the Italian restaurant Lew Gambino’s, resonated with Lin on a personal level. She expressed her excitement during a recent tour of the space, stating, “I found my home.” She believes that Little Italy is synonymous with food and culinary excellence, making it an ideal setting for her business.
Pigtown has held significant meaning for Lin, serving as both her business’s location and her neighborhood in Union Square. Announcing the move via an Instagram post felt daunting, as she has developed strong connections with her community. “When you know everybody’s baby, you know when they graduate, and when you know people who have been sick, it’s hard to tell somebody that we’re going,” Lin explained. Fortunately, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with supporters expressing enthusiasm for her continued success.
In the new Little Italy location, Culinary Architecture plans to enhance its offerings, including a wider selection of perishable goods, tasting programs, and an “always-evolving cheese counter.” Lin emphasized that while the shop will grow, many beloved features from the original location, like communal seating and a diverse range of pantry staples, will remain intact.
“I’m looking forward to being able to have enough space to utilize all of the creativity and thoughts we have,” Lin said. “Every city has an iconic place for food. We want to be that in Baltimore.” As Culinary Architecture embarks on this new chapter, both Lin and her team are eager to welcome loyal customers and new visitors alike to their vibrant new home in Little Italy.
