18 Best Little Italy Restaurants in Baltimore in 2025

Are you looking to try exceptional food at some of the greatest Little Italy restaurants in Baltimore? If your answer is an overwhelming "yes," you’ve come to the right place. Baltimore is known for its historical landmarks and a rich history of culinary traditions, especially Italian and seafood cuisine. But the question is, where can you go to find the tastiest meals?

We're here to direct you with a handy culinary guide that will lead you on a journey saturated with delightful flavors. Located just a few blocks from the Inner Harbor is Baltimore’s cozy haven of Italian restaurants boasting authentic flavors and warm hospitality. Ready to find your new favorite order? Here are the best Little Italy restaurants in Baltimore that are worth visiting more than once. 

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• The 18 Best Restaurants in Little Italy, Baltimore
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The 18 Best Restaurants in Little Italy, Baltimore

1. Amicci's

You can't talk about Little Italy restaurants in Baltimore without mentioning a neighborhood classic, Amicci's. This cozy, family-owned eatery has been serving fresh seafood and pasta dishes to the locals of Baltimore since 1991. 

The Vibe

Amicci's is a warm and welcoming Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore with exposed brick walls covered with hundreds of posters and paintings. The fun environment here makes it an excellent option for a casual meal with friends and family. 

What to Order

Feeling creative? Build your own meal at this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore by selecting the pasta and sauce that appeals most to you, which could be the popular gnocchi drenched in creamy marinara. Then, have fun with the protein and vegetable toppings, including anything from chicken and shrimp to broccoli and roasted red peppers. 

Amicci's | 231 S. High St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

2. Costiera

Explore the rich flavors of the Mediterranean Sea from Spain to Morocco at Costiera. This Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore is a must-visit if you’re looking to dine on some of the best foods inspired by the coast, including scallops, octopus and shrimp pasta.  

The Vibe

Costiera is a fresh and modern Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore that plays with colors and textures. The rustic brick walls create the perfect calming backdrop for the bright coastal-themed mural, creating a welcoming atmosphere. 

What to Order

Of all the flavorful Baltimore foods on the menu, a favorite among diners is the delicious squid ink bucatini, which features tender braised calamari served in tomato cream, topped with spicy bread crumbs.  

Costiera | 415 S. Central Ave., Ste. A, Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

3. La Tavola 

A favorite among locals and visitors for over three decades, La Tavola brings authentic seafood and crab-centric pasta dishes to the streets of Maryland. This Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore specializes in family recipes inspired by Italian traditions and regional cultures.   

The Vibe

This popular eatery seamlessly combines modern but rustic style with vintage Italian murals lining the walls. The warm lighting and comfortable yet straightforward furniture at this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore make it a great spot to enjoy quality time with loved ones.  

What to Order

Of the many reasons why La Tavola is one of the best Italian restaurants in Baltimore, the food is simply divine, especially the linguini allo scoglio. This inviting meal features clams, mussels and shrimp swimming in a hearty and spicy tomato sauce, served over homemade linguini pasta.  

La Tavola | 248 Albemarle St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$

4. La Scala 

You know a restaurant has fantastic food if other chefs frequently stop by to eat, as is the case at La Scala. Open since 1995, owner and Chef Nino Germano focuses on serving his guests traditional home-style Sicilian fare, all of which pairs well with any of the bottles from the extensive wine list.   

The Vibe

Although you'll be dining at a cozy Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore, you'll feel like you've been transported to a villa overlooking the rolling Italian hills. Face brick walls married with those splashed in yellow paint and charming paintings create a unique and welcoming setting for any occasion. 

What to Order

Start your dinner with a light Caesar salad and enjoy a main meal of penne pasta tossed in a spicy and creamy tomato-vodka sauce. 

La Scala | 1012 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$

5. Osteria Da Amedeo 

Since 2010, Osteria Da Amedeo has been serving deliciously simple Italian comfort food with a wide selection of wines. There's also a variety of beers available, should that be your preferred drink. And, of course, what would a Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore be without post main-meal staples such as espresso and tiramisu?

The Vibe

Osteria Da Amedeo can be described in three words: cozy, pleasant and relaxed. This is the perfect Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore to catch up with friends over a glass or two of Italian wine. 

What to Order

While pasta is always a good choice, we recommend the pollo melanzane. This delectable meal features grilled chicken topped and eggplant covered in a Marsala wine sauce with melted Asiago cheese. 

Osteria Da Amedeo | 301 S. Exeter St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

6. Café Gia Ristorante

Wrapped around the intersection of Eastern and High Streets is Café Gia Ristorante. This must-try Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore is owned by a Cefalù native, Giovanna Blattermann, who, together with her daughter and son-in-law, is proud to serve a mix of Southern and Northern Italian dishes. 

The Vibe

From the outside, Café Gia Ristorante looks like it belongs on the streets of Sicily with its blue and red paneled doors and windows. Inside is a welcoming mix of casual yet sophisticated, with lowlights shining upon walls covered in Italian murals and paintings.  

What to Order

Chef Fracassetti lets the flavors of his childhood shine in the grilled octopus served over Italian potatoes, which is one of the reasons why this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore is so famed. 

Café Gia Ristorante | 410 S. High St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

7. Sabatino’s

Since 1955, Sabatino’s has been cooking up a taste of Italy with dishes inspired by traditional Central and Southern Italian fare. With awards like People's Choice for Best Italian Restaurant and the Editor's Choice for Best Italian Restaurant by the Baltimore City Paper, Sabatino’s should be on every foodie's bucket list. 

The Vibe

This popular Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore offers a fine dining experience with a casual atmosphere. The ornate ceiling, cozy salmon walls and warm lighting create a peaceful and welcoming ambiance. 

What to Order

We highly recommend trying one of the many homemade pasta dishes, such as the classic ricotta cheese gnocchi served with a rich marinara or tomato sauce. You could also skip the pasta altogether and enjoy the New York strip steak cooked Italian style.  

Sabatino’s | 901 Fawn St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

8. Dalesio's of Little Italy

If you’re a romantic foodie who's trying to come up with date ideas in Baltimore, you’re going to want to make a reservation at this popular spot. Since 1984, Dalesio's of Little Italy has been the go-to for the finest Northern Italian dishes and eclectic wine. 

The Vibe

Stepping inside this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore takes you back in time with classic paintings lining the walls, rich wood furniture and wall paneling. The mood is best described as intimate and cozy.  

What to Order

Some house favorites you’ll want to try at this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore are the eggplant Parmesan and the gnocchi served in a herbaceous pesto, meat or marinara sauce. 

Dalesio's of Little Italy | 829 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

9. Tagliata

If you're a steak and wine lover, you're missing out if you've never stepped foot in Tagliata. This chophouse is a popular Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore for locals and tourists looking to enjoy a glass of vino from the largest wine list in the city. 

The Vibe

Tagliata is a Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore that feels more like an upscale Tuscan farmhouse. Wicker chairs, exposed brick walls, low lighting and soft beige linen create an upmarket dining experience. 

What to Order

The porterhouse steak that has been dry-aged for 45 days is an excellent choice. Pair it with the rich salsa verde or the sensational rosemary-aged beef fat butter. 

Tagliata | 1012 Fleet St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$

10. Chiapparelli's Restaurant

If Chiapparelli’s Restaurant isn't on your list of must-visit Little Italy restaurants in Baltimore, you're doing it wrong. This staple Italian restaurant has been around since 1940 and can best be described as a celebration of Italian gastronomy. 

The Vibe

Step through the doors into a classy and modern Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore. Exposed brick walls paired with tastefully framed artwork and crisp white linen make for a rustic and charming atmosphere.  

What to Order

Take it back to the basics of Italian cuisine with comfort food like lasagna. Savor the flavor of fresh pasta layered with Italian cheese and meat sauce. 

Chiapparelli's Restaurant | 237 S. High St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

11. Angeli's Pizzeria

With multiple accolades to its name, including the Top 50 Best Pizzerias in the USA, there's no doubt that this popular eatery can be considered one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. If you’re looking for a five-star pizza, Angeli’s Pizzeria is the spot to get it. Since 1986, with a brief closure due to Hurricane Katrina, this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore, initially located in New Orleans, has been a favorite for its irresistible pies.

The Vibe

Angeli’s Pizzeria combines rustic and modern into a unique dining experience. The views of the bustling streets of Little Italy from the large atrium-inspired windows are perfect for taking in while tucking into your favorite pizza. 

What to Order

You simply cannot visit this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore without ordering a pizza. Our favorite is the chicken pesto or the classic melty cheese slice. 

Angeli's Pizzeria | 413 S. High St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

12. Miss Shirley's Café

Experience the flavors of home-style Southern cooking at Miss Shirley’s Café. This Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore is a Maryland landmark for family-style eating.  

The Vibe

Miss Shirley's Café is a comfortable and casual Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore that is perfect for sharing a meal with family. Cushioned booth seating and vibrant walls covered in picture frames give this restaurant a unique feel. 

What to Order

Dine on a true Southern classic of chicken and waffles. This dish comes with fried buttermilk chicken pieces topped with a honey mustard aioli, served on cheddar and green onion waffles. 

Miss Shirley's Café | 750 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

13. Mo’s Seafood

If you’re looking for the best crab cake in town, you’re going to want to visit Mo’s Seafood. Since the 1980s, this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore has been using the same recipe to serve this culinary masterpiece along with other amazing seafood dishes. 

The Vibe

Mo’s Seafood keeps the décor casual and down-to-earth with neat white linens and grey walls. With a no-pretense eating experience, the focus at this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore is on serving outstanding food. 

What to Order

Of course, you have to order Mo’s famous Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, fried or broiled. If you're in the mood for a familiar favorite, you can never go wrong with wings.

Mo’s Seafood  | 219 S. President St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$ 

14. Monarque

Return to the French era of prosperity and extravagance at this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore. The French-inspired Monarque is the perfect destination for wine lovers, with over 500 French varieties to choose from. 

The Vibe

Monarque is one of the city's most luxurious eateries and a great spot to consider when searching for birthday ideas in Baltimore. Deep red and blue walls set the background for a classy and opulent dining experience.    

What to Order

Begin with a rich and flavorful onion soup served with croutons. For mains, the dry-aged New York strip in a wonderful green peppercorn sauce will go down perfectly. 

Monarque | 1010 Fleet St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$

15. Benny’s 

New kid on the block, Benny’s, opened its doors in 2024 to bring the heart of Italy to Baltimore. In a short space of time, this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore has become a local favorite for authentic Italian meals made with love, including salads, pastas and subs (served only on weekends). 

The Vibe

This down-to-earth Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore has a casual vibe. Soft sage walls are decorated with peculiar stills reflecting precious moments of history. 

What to Order

One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the pistachio pasta, and for a good reason! The creamy pistachio sauce pairs well with the basil and rich fennel sausage for a flavorsome meal that will have you going back for more. 

Benny’s | 300 S. High St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

16. Blackwall Hitch 

Since 2019, Blackwall Hitch has been creating food that pays homage to the diverse nautical history of Baltimore. Enjoy the best of land and sea that this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore has to offer, including oysters, wings and a variety of salads. 

The Vibe

This beloved spot is filled with elevated coastal décor in a modern setting. The dining area plays with architecture, color and texture to create a feeling like you’re on a boat rather than a Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore.  

What to Order

Dine on fresh, seared jumbo scallops with tzatziki sauce, risotto and fennel slaw. The burgers are also worth a try if you're up for mammoth bites.

Blackwall Hitch | 700 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$

17. Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop

In 1956, Gioacchino Vaccaro opened Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop and brought with him his knowledge of how to make the best Sicilian pastries in the city. Since then Giocchino's son, Nick, has ensured that this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore is the best place to find authentic Italian treats. 

The Vibe

Vaccaro's has a bustling and welcoming atmosphere. Browse through the display fridges filled with delicious pastries and enjoy your treat at one of the many tables. 

What to Order

Ask any local, and they’ll tell you that the tiramisu and authentic cannoli at this Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore are both must-try delicacies. 

Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop | 222 Albemarle St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$ 

18. Ekiben

If you’re looking for Little Italy restaurants in Baltimore with unique menus, look no further than Ekiben. Asian and Ethiopian flavors are combined to create a fresh and bold eating experience like no other. 

The Vibe

This Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore is fun and funky, with corrugated metal walls and cool graffiti art for you to admire.  

What to Order

The Neighborhood Bird Bun is a must-try. With a Taiwanese curry fried chicken thigh served in a steamed bun with spicy sambal, pickles, fresh herbs and mayo, it'll be your new favorite meal after just one bite. 

Ekiben | 1622 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$

Other Foodie Experiences in Baltimore

Charm City is a real foodie destination filled with countless extraordinary eateries that are as much of a treat as they are for the eyes. While eating out at the best Little Italy restaurants in Baltimore can be a pleasant experience, why not learn how to make the delicious meals they serve? By joining cooking classes in Baltimore, you'll dive into a pool of various cuisines as the city's best chefs lend a hand.

More specifically, if you'd like to learn from cooks who specialize in meals that could be mistaken as coming from the kitchens of the top-rated restaurants in Italy, join Italian cooking classes in Baltimore. You could also leave it up to the chefs at the city's most renowned eateries and instead just enjoy their creations by joining food tours near you. 

Finally, who said fine dining had to include busy restaurants and rowdy crowds? Why not create your own exclusive restaurant experience by booking private chefs in Baltimore to cook up a feast of your choice? Be it at your place, theirs or a location of your choosing, they'll do the shopping, prep work, cooking and even the cleaning up afterwards, so that you don't have to lift a finger — except when enjoying their incredible meals.

Whether you’re in the mood for home-style pasta dishes, seared and tender steaks or fresh coastal dining and Italian desserts, there is something for every taste bud on this list. These 18 Little Italy restaurants in Baltimore are some of the best dining experiences in Charm City. 

For even more ways to explore Baltimore and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.