Baltimore’s Italian dining scene is one of the most misunderstood in Maryland. Yes, you’ll find tourist traps with red-checkered tablecloths and canned Dean Martin tracks. But there’s still authentic magic to be found here—you just have to know where to look for it.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (410) 661-5444 | WEBSITE
Choosing a favorite Italian spot in Baltimore is like picking your favorite pasta shape – deeply personal and next to impossible. But for us, it’s Carrabba’s Italian Grill. No matter if it’s a busy Friday night or a quiet Tuesday evening, we always find ourselves gravitating to this relaxed restaurant for excellent Italian staples like the standout Fettuccine Weesie and one of the best Toscanna chicken with scallops and steak in town.
It’s tender, yet flavorful and filled with plentiful heaps of perfectly cooked meat that could be cut with a fork if you wanted. That said, no meal here is complete without experiencing the attentive service from team members like Minnie D and the rare touch of the owner stopping by to check on diners. Unlike many chain restaurants, Carrabba’s consistently meets high standards, so expect a consistently great experience, but just know that it’s worth it.
Sotto Sopra
$$$ | (410) 625-0534 | WEBSITE
Sotto Sopra’s “speakeasy-like” atmosphere might sound like a gimmick, but this sophisticated Italian spot delivers on its promise of a sexy, upscale vibe that still feels welcoming. A plate of their shortrib ravioli is the standard here—Riccardo’s team has been perfecting it for years, after all—but if you’re leaning toward something lighter, the seafood risotto is the move. Made with fresh ingredients in a perfectly balanced broth, it’s a dish that’s as elegant as it is flavorful.
The outstanding service, especially from staff like Jose, ensures every guest feels cared for, with thoughtful touches like complimentary champagne marking special moments. While the menu changes regularly, you can always count on decadent desserts like the fig/semolina cake or a variety of gelato options to end your meal. With easy street parking and convenient Uber access, Sotto Sopra remains a favorite spot for authentic Italian cuisine, excellent service, and a memorable night out.
Limoncello Baltimore
$$$ | (443) 708-1540 | WEBSITE
As we mentioned in the intro, the best (and arguably only) time to visit Limoncello Baltimore is for a special occasion or a breezy evening. And while there are several excellent Italian restaurants in the area, Limoncello stands out. This Italian spot is located in Baltimore, but when you’re here it still feels like you’re dining in a lovely trattoria.
Order anything that catches your eye from the menu (the spectacular lobster ravioli is a favorite), a perfectly-made cocktail, and the grilled Caesar. Then just grab a seat on the outdoor deck, open up a conversation (JK, your appetite), and enjoy a great experience.
Sammy’s Trattoria
$$ | (410) 837-9999 | WEBSITE
Sammy’s Trattoria is one of the most popular Italian spots in all of Baltimore, so if you come during prime dinner hours on the weekends, just know you’re going to wait. That said, even a packed house shouldn’t deter you from this excellent trattoria. Sammy’s is what’s called a ‘family-style’ restaurant, meaning you pay for large, shareable portions, instead of small plates.
It sounds pretty reasonable at first, until you reach the end of your meal and your table is covered with empty platters of food. The menu stays consistent, but if you spot the delicious duck ravioli or lasagna—a hearty layered pasta with meat and cheese—order them immediately. From there, make your way over to the appetizers where you’ll find everything from crab toast to perfect meatballs.
Hersh’s
$$ | (443) 438-4948 | WEBSITE
Hersh’s has been a beloved Baltimore spot for years and remains one of the top destinations for Italian cuisine in the city. The restaurant offers a cozy yet lively dining room perfect for special occasions, with attentive and friendly staff that make every visit memorable. It’s certainly a great place to celebrate with a wood-fired pizza and excellent wine selection, but we like Hersh’s best for a relaxed dinner.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, but sophisticated enough that the date or friend you brought will feel completely at ease. We’re big fans of the perfectly cooked beet salad or flounder with pickled, fried asparagus, but if you really want to make an occasion special, do the limited brunch service when it pops up.
Italiano’s Restaurant
$$ | (410) 468-3377 | WEBSITE
There are a few really good Italian spots around Baltimore (some newer places are worth trying too), but we tend to go to Italiano’s first. This dependable restaurant has been serving the community for years and is where you’ll find us anytime we’re craving a hearty family meal or simply looking to stock up on takeout for later in the week.
In addition to their famous seafood lasagna, flavorful tiramisu, and garlic bread sticks, they’ve got pretty much any classic you can think of (plus some solid American-Italian options), like grilled chicken caesar salad and crab cake dinner. For breakfast favorites, check out their western omelette—it’s available all day. Ample parking available—for hours or more information, just stop by.
Olio Italian Kitchen
$$ | (410) 327-2610 | WEBSITE
We love Olio Italian Kitchen not just because of the delicious food, but because their wood-fired pizza is the perfect thing to share and savor while soaking in the authentic ambiance. There are close to 20 different dishes on their menu at any given time, so whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll probably find it.
That said, standouts for us include the rich and creamy crab bisque packed with lump crab meat, the amazing beet salad with fresh organic ingredients, and the rigatoni vodka with grilled chicken.
Tagliata
$$$ | (410) 244-5830 | WEBSITE
Yes, its name sounds like a pasta shape, but Tagliata is a Baltimore original that’s home to some of our favorite handmade pastas. The move at their cozy spot near the Four Seasons is the squid ink pasta with blue crab, which comes with generous chunks of sweet crab tangled in jet-black noodles. Portions are on the larger side, so if you’re really celebrating, order the steak as well, a perfectly seared cut that’s been called the best in the world.
It can also be easily followed by Ashley’s piano melodies if you’re settling in for the evening.
Marta Fine Food and Spirits
$$$ | (443) 708-5962 | WEBSITE
Tucked among Baltimore’s more boisterous dining spots, you might overlook Marta Fine Food and Spirits on a first pass, but this Italian gem is absolutely worth the find. There’s fantastic food across the menu here—from standout pasta like the Agnolotti Dal Plin to phenomenal entrees—but our go-to order is the Filet Rossini.
Featuring a perfectly cooked filet topped with rich foie gras and a truffle-infused sauce, this is one of the better steak dishes in Baltimore, which in this city, is saying something. The dish itself comes with creamy polenta and seasonal vegetables, and while we don’t want to oversell it, our move is always to pair it with their extremely well-made cocktails.
Birroteca Baltimore
$$ | (443) 759-5178 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a comforting Italian meal after navigating Baltimore’s streets, restore your senses at Birroteca Baltimore. The cozy restaurant in a lovely location with ample parking serves consistently delicious food that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary embrace. Get the charcuterie appetizer if you’re sharing with friends, which comes with an assortment of cured meats and cheeses that’s perfect for starting your meal.
Our only quibble is that while the spicy Italian pizza is a standout, it’s priced to match its quality, so come prepared for a satisfying dinner rather than a quick bite. The friendly staff, comfortable space with minimal noise, and tasty entrees like the praised pasta and Brussels sprouts make this spot highly recommended.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (410) 931-3316 | WEBSITE
Open since 1982, Olive Garden isn’t just another chain Italian restaurant, it’s one of the most consistently reliable dining spots in the entire city. As the story goes, the founders figured families would want a welcoming place to enjoy classic Italian food together, so they created a menu with unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks. Fast forward decades and this Baltimore institution is still going strong and serving the same famous Tour of Italy.
You can get it as part of a complete meal with those endless breadsticks, but we actually prefer it as a standalone entrée instead. That way you can experience the perfectly-balanced combination of chicken parmesan, lasagna, and fettuccine alfredo all on its own – and still enjoy the warm, energetic atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome.
La Tavola
$$ | (410) 685-1859 | WEBSITE
La Tavola is a standout in Baltimore’s Italian dining scene: a full-service restaurant with an elegant yet relaxing atmosphere that makes it perfect for a quality meal. This highly recommended spot also offers great gluten-free options, including handmade gluten-free pasta. Sipping a glass of top-notch wine? In such an elegant setting? We’re into it. We’re also into La Tavola’s delicious food, like their gluten-free pasta dishes and other Italian classics.
The ambiance feels suitably refined with tasteful lighting, comfortable seating, and an overall elegant vibe that works well for quiet dinners.
Frank’s Pizza & Pasta
$ | (410) 254-2900 | WEBSITE
You had big plans to grab a bite before your evening plans, but now you’re running late and hungry. Head straight to Frank’s Pizza & Pasta for some immediate satisfaction. This family-owned spot on the east side of Baltimore serves classic, NJ/NY-style pies that are hot, ready, and in your hands within minutes. The crust is perfectly crisp with a tasty sauce, and toppings like their standout cheese steak or meatball hoagie are generous and well-balanced across each slice.
If you have more time, they also offer full Detroit-style pizzas that are light and crispy around the edges. The staff is always friendly and hardworking, creating a welcoming atmosphere even when busy. With easy parking and a kid-friendly vibe, it’s a place you’ll want to return to—whether you’re in a rush or settling in for a relaxed meal.
Cosima
$$$ | (443) 708-7352 | WEBSITE
If Cosima were just another Italian joint tucked away in a strip mall, we’d picture it with checkered tablecloths, Chianti bottles dripping with wax, and a soundtrack of Dean Martin on loop. What we’re getting at is this Baltimore gem is as polished and intentional as they come. Though it doesn’t serve our absolute favorite pasta in the city, the dishes are still excellent and worth a visit anytime you’re near Mill No. 1.
The menu covers a good range, and we’re partial to the Branzino and that roasted romaine Caesar salad. Swing by for dinner and try the “sunset special” – a glass of house red and any pizza for $18.50. Don’t quote us on this, but that’s probably the most charming waterfront meal you’ll find in Baltimore. Valet included.