17 Best Italian Restaurants in Baltimore, MD in 2025
There’s no shortage of Italian restaurants in Baltimore. To stand out, these restaurants go above and beyond in terms of flavor and service, making it hard to pick just one.
To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of standout Italian restaurants in Baltimore. These restaurants are perfect for when you’re looking for a hearty serving of delicious pasta, rustic pizza and authentic sides inspired by this Mediterranean culinary paradise.
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The 17 Best Baltimore Italian Restaurants
1. Birroteca
Known for its modern, rustic Italian cuisine, Birroteca is a beloved Italian restaurant in Baltimore where you can enjoy seasonal pizza and pasta dishes, all washed down with over 60 craft beers and wines.
The Vibe
Located inside a beautifully restored historic stone mill, Birroteca features stunning stone walls both inside and out, complemented by drop-down ceiling lights and wooden flooring, which adds to its rustic charm.
What to Order
Any artisan pizzas at this Italian restaurant in Baltimore will make your taste buds sing, but for good measure, the Honey Belly is a standout choice. This pizza is topped with roast pork belly, roasted peppers, pepperoncini and sweet chili honey. It's the perfect combo of sweet, spicy and salty.
Birroteca | 1520 Clipper Road, Baltimore, MD 21211 | $$
2. Café Gia
Considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Baltimore, Café Gia promises exceptional Italian cuisine and focuses on the best Sicilian dishes.
The Vibe
Inside this Italian restaurant in Baltimore, you can expect an artistic dining experience as soon as you breach the entrance, which boasts an eye-catching floral mural. This theme continues inside with colorful painted tables, pink lighting, more murals and beautiful floral arrangements.
What to Order
The pasta at Café Gia is extremely fresh, so don’t miss the lasagna di Giada. This lasagna is crafted with homemade pasta sheets and creamy bolognese, finished with luscious bechamel sauce.
Café Gia | 410 S. High St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
3. Cinghiale
Experience fine wine and tantalizing Italian cuisine on the waterfront at Cinghiale, an Italian restaurant in Baltimore that celebrates the best of Northern Italian fare, crafting it with locally sourced ingredients.
The Vibe
Few Italian restaurants in Baltimore offer a lively, rustic atmosphere reminiscent of 60s Italy like Cinghiale. The interior features bold, geometric parquet flooring, comfortable booth-style seating and wood beam ceilings.
What to Order
This Baltimore Italian restaurant tends to change its menu from time to time, but an Italian timeless classic is the tiramisú. Don’t forget to ask for the wine list to accompany your meal — it's award-winning, after all.
Cinghiale | 822 Lancaster St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$
4. Amicci’s
Baltimore’s food gets an Italian makeover at Amicci’s, an Italian restaurant in Baltimore that has been family-owned and operated since 1991. Guests are treated to old-school Italian cuisine and warm, welcoming hospitality.
The Vibe
Located in Baltimore's Little Italy, Amicci’s is an ideal spot for intimate and low-key birthday ideas in Baltimore. With its casual, welcoming atmosphere, wooden floors and tables, this Italian restaurant exudes a cozy, homey vibe that’s perfect for your special occasion.
What to Order
The fresh steamed mussels are a fantastic starter at this Italian restaurant in Baltimore. For your main course, don’t miss the fettuccine Alfredo, served with a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce and your choice of chicken, shrimp or salmon.
Amicci's | 231 S. High St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
5. La Tavola
Authentic Italian cuisine and a welcoming environment await you at La Tavola, one of the best Italian restaurants in Baltimore for handcrafted family recipes, nestled in the heart of Little Italy.
The Vibe
The interior at La Tavolia is simple yet charming with exposed brick walls adorned with airbrushed art, a spacious table layout and warm hardwood flooring.
What to Order
The gnocchi pomodoro is a favorite among diners — it promises to be one of the best pasta dishes you've ever had at an Italian restaurant in Baltimore.
La Tavola | 248 Albemarle St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$
6. Tagliata
At Tagliata, you're not just dining at a contemporary Baltimore Italian restaurant; you're also in the presence of the largest wine list in all of Baltimore, expertly curated by chief sommelier John Kelley.
The Vibe
The stylish and sophisticated ambiance at Tagliata blends with its Tuscan farmhouse aesthetic. You'll find drop-down pendant lights around the bar, an eye-catching rattan chandelier as the centerpiece, wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling curtains that add to the rustic charm.
What to Order
For an unforgettable dining experience at one of the top Italian restaurants in Baltimore, try the squid ink campanelle. This dish is crafted with blue crab, chile, basil and uni cream, then finished with crunchy breadcrumbs for a perfect blend of flavor and texture.
Tagliata | 1012 Fleet St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$
7. Arturo’s Trattoria
The perfect embodiment of a trattoria, Arturo’s Trattoria brings the charm and warmth of Tuscany to Baltimore. Visitors will enjoy the homemade pastas, regional Italian favorites and attentive service offered at this hidden gem.
The Vibe
The ambiance at this Italian restaurant in Baltimore is perfect for family dinners and casual meals with friends. Wooden accents, wine-filled shelves, distinct red walls and curtains come together to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
What to Order
For a casual lunch, start with the daily special soup before moving on to the linguine alla puttanesca. This hearty dish features homemade linguine pasta sautéed with garlic, capers, Kalamata olives, grape tomatoes and a touch of white wine sauce with marinara.
Arturo’s Trattoria | 1660 Crain Highway S. Glen Burnie, MD 21061 | $$$
8. La Scala Ristorante Italiano
For diners searching for an authentic taste of incredible Sicilian cuisine, La Scala Ristorante Italiano stands out among the top Italian restaurants in Baltimore. With a varied menu and an extensive wine list, this elegant yet casual eatery does not disappoint.
The Vibe
This Italian restaurant in Baltimore strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Inside, you’ll find soft brown carpeting, wooden fixtures and a family-friendly atmosphere. The outdoor patio is also a lovely spot for dining al fresco.
What to Order
Order the cozze; this scrumptious dish features fresh mussels steamed with spicy marinara sauce or garlic butter. It’s a seafood lover's dream!
La Scala Ristorante Italiano | 1012 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$
9. Sotto Sopra
Nestled inside a historic 19th-century building, Sotto Sopra brings the passion and flair of Italy to Baltimore with contemporary farm-to-table Italian cuisine.
The Vibe
Inside Sotto Sopra is wonderfully decorated with tall ceilings, warm lighting and soft music serenading diners. The atmospheric murals make a trip to this Italian restaurant in Baltimore a fantastic date idea in Baltimore.
What to Order
Begin your date night or casual intimate dinner with the cauliflower soup appetizer, then indulge in the tender and incredibly juicy short rib ravioli with shiitake mushrooms and truffle butter sauce.
Sotto Sopra | 405 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | $$$
10. Limoncello
Experience the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast with a visit to Limoncello, an Italian restaurant in Baltimore named after the iconic lemon liqueur. This charming eatery brings the flavors and warmth of southern Italy to the heart of the city.
The Vibe
Offering a stylish trattoria setting, Limoncello features dark green tiled walls, hanging plant pots with cascading tendrils and a spacious bar alongside cozy banquette seating. Visitors also have the option of dining outdoors when the season allows.
What to Order
The menu at this Italian restaurant in Baltimore is sensational, featuring dishes such as Costata Di Vitello, a 16 oz. veal chop pounded and breaded, and topped with fresh Parmigiana. Pair with a glass of Italian red and you’ve got a seriously delicious Saturday night!
Limoncello | 900 E. Fort Ave., Ste. 101, Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$$
11. Hersh's
At Hersh's, you'll find not only award-winning pasta made from scratch but also small plates, Neapolitan pizzas and a fantastic wine, beer and cocktail collection.
The Vibe
This Italian restaurant in Baltimore is a gem with an unmissable rustic charm. If you can’t feel it, you’ll see it in the shaded wooden outdoor seating space, wooden banquette seating and wooden short-blade ceiling fans.
What to Order
The menu at Hersh's boasts a fantastic selection of pies and the Margherita with housemade mozzarella, fresh basil, grana padano and basil oil, is a mouthwatering choice.
Hersh's | 1843-45 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$
12. Chiapparelli’s Restaurant
Regarded as one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Baltimore, MD, Chiapparelli's Restaurant has been known for its traditional Italian cuisine and warm atmosphere since 1940. This neighborhood landmark is famous for its signature Chip's Salad, a dish diners can't seem to get enough of.
The Vibe
Existing as a casual Italian restaurant in Baltimore, Chipparelli’s boasts a charming interior with brick and two-tone painted walls, framed photos and a bustling yet cozy vibe. Be prepared to enjoy some of the best Baltimore foods when you visit.
What to Order
A visit to this Italian restaurant in Baltimore wouldn't be complete without an order of shrimp Nicola — sautéed shrimp in a lemony garlic and white wine sauce, served over linguine pasta.
Chiapparelli’s Restaurant | 237 S. High St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
13. Pitango Gelato
Not your average Italian restaurant in Baltimore, Pitango Gelato specializes in delicious roasted coffee and handcrafted gelato made with organic ingredients. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone craving a taste of authentic Italian gelato.
The Vibe
The interior of Pitango Gelato is open and airy, with large windows and limited indoor seating. Visitors can enjoy friendly counter service and a view of the waterfront while savoring a sweet gelato treat.
What to Order
If available, the pears and basil sorbet at Pitango Gelato is tangy and refreshing, perfect for a light treat. If you're craving something more chocolatey or need a plant-based treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, try the vegan chocolate gelato.
Pitango Gelato | 802 S. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231 | $
14. Isabella's Brick Oven
For a true taste of brick oven-baked dishes, a visit to Isabella's Brick Oven is a must. As the name suggests, this Italian restaurant in Baltimore offers a delicious selection of pies, subs and paninis, all prepared inside a traditional brick oven.
The Vibe
The interior of this Italian restaurant in Baltimore is far from minimalist; you'll find shelves stocked with drinks and snacks, as well as hanging chalkboards displaying the menu that creates a casual, welcoming vibe.
What to Order
Settle in and order the King Richard pizza at Isabella's Brick Oven, it’s loaded with four types of delectable meat, including meatballs, sausage, ham and pepperoni.
Isabella's Brick Oven | 221 S. High St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
15. Sabatino's
A cherished Italian restaurant in Baltimore since 1995, Sabatino's serves delicious traditional Central and Southern Italian cuisine that both locals and visitors adore, all within a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Vibe
Light-filled, intimate and warm, Sabatino's features classic décor, lace curtains and brown carpeting, creating a cozy atmosphere that adds to the dining experience.
What to Order
The eggplant Parmigiana, featuring sliced eggplants fried and layered with mozzarella cheese, is an excellent choice, as is the inviting fettuccine Alfredo with added chicken for a small fee.
Sabatino's | 901 Fawn St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$
16. Verde
Add Verde to your list to experience some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza and other Italian delicacies. This Italian restaurant in Baltimore does well to keep traditions alive with wood-fired cooking techniques and a selection of Italian craft beers.
The Vibe
Rustic and chic, Verde is dedicated to wooden fixtures and hanging lights. From the bar to the wood-paneled ceilings and wood murals, each element adds to the warm and inviting charm of this Italian restaurant in Baltimore.
What to Order
This is one of the best restaurants in Baltimore serving specialty pizza. The pizza con burrata is a phenomenal option, featuring housemade burrata, fresh basil and a rich tomato sauce.
Verde | 641 S. Montford Ave., Baltimore, MD 21224 | $$
17. Ristorante Daniela
Last but not least on this list of Italian restaurants in Baltimore is Ristorante Daniela, where traditional Sardinian pasta and pastries take center stage.
The Vibe
There’s a traditional feel to Ristorante Daniela with décor that reflects the beauty of the Mediterranean. Inside this Italian restaurant in Baltimore, you’ll find a charming blue and pastel yellow color theme, fairy lights that make themselves known with a warm glow in the evenings and exposed brick pillars.
What to Order
The potato gnocchi is out of this world, served with a combination of tomato sauce and fresh pesto sauce. For dessert, treat yourself to the Torte Italiana, an Italian liquor-soaked cake served with chantilly cream and hazelnuts.
Ristorante Daniela | 824 W. 36th St., Baltimore, MD 21211 | $$
Learn To Cook Baltimore Foods
Enjoying a meal at one of the many Italian restaurants in Baltimore, MD is always a pleasure, but taking cooking classes in Baltimore can be just as delightful and even more enriching. These cooking classes provide perfect date night opportunities, group outings and solo self-care experiences.
The vibrant selection of Italian restaurants in Baltimore that cater to varying tastes and preferences is worthy of praise. Whether you're in the mood for classic pasta dishes, gelato or artisanal pizzas, these top 17 Italian restaurants in Baltimore ensure you’ll leave the city with a big smile and a satisfied stomach.
For even more ways to explore Baltimore and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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