These popular establishments are located in Baltimore's Little Italy neighborhood.
Baltimore may be one of the best cities for Italian cuisine. With their own Little Italy neighborhood, the district has been home to award-winning restaurants featuring quality ingredients and impeccable service. Whether you're in the mood for fine dining fare or a delicious slice of pizza, these Baltimore joints will have you covered.
La Tavola | 248 Albemarle St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Courtesy of La Tavola
If you're looking for something authentic, look no further than La Tavola. As a Venice native, Chef Carlo Vignotto knows a thing or two about traditional Italian cooking, and his expertise makes for an exciting dining experience. For the main course, we recommend the Fettucini alla Romana, a hearty fettucini dish featuring prosciutto, Shiitake mushrooms, and sweet peas suspended in a homemade cream sauce. Make sure to leave room for dessert -- a slice of tiramisu cake for two (or one!) is the perfect send-off to a lovely meal. Take a look at their dinner menu, or scan their extensive wine list for a bottle to share.
Joe Benny's | 313 South High St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Joe Benny's, courtesy of Facebook
Joe Benny's isn't your typical Italian place. They don't take reservations or serve pasta, and they definitely aren't fancy. But with their good food and friendly staff, they'll make you feel right at home. As a focacceria, their bread and butter is -- you guessed it -- focaccia, using it as a base for delicious paninis and Sicilian-style pizzas. We recommend The Plain & Simple, a pie that lives up to its name with burrata mozzarella, tomato sauce, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Then order a side of Mimma's Meatballs to seal the meal. With their rich mix of pork and beef, they're "the best balls on the block." You can view their full menu here.
Isabella's Brick Oven Pizza and Panini | 221 South High St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Courtesy of Facebook
When it comes to brick-oven pizza, Isabella's is a hidden gem. They offer Italian classics like cold cut subs and pies in an unpretentious dining area and use fresh ingredients every day. The result? Takeout heaven. Try the Pizza Bianca, topped with luscious layers of mozzarella, feta, and dolce ricotta, along with garlic and herbs, or a chicken parm sub served on fresh bread. For dessert, you can't go wrong with a mini cannoli. While part of Isabella's charm is its laidback interior, we recommend getting your order to go, as dining space is limited. View more of their menu here.
What are your favorite Italian spots in Baltimore? Are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
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