11 Maryland Italian Restaurants Locals Say You Must Reserve Weeks Ahead
Finding a table at Maryland’s most beloved Italian restaurants can feel like winning the lottery—minus the confetti but with just as much adrenaline.
These dining gems have earned such devoted followings that reservations disappear faster than fresh mozzarella at a family gathering, and trust me, Marylanders take their mozzarella seriously.
I learned this the hard way when I tried to snag a last-minute anniversary dinner and ended up eating pizza on my couch instead, wondering how every good table in the state had been booked before I even had the idea.
1. Sotto Sopra – Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood hides a culinary treasure that makes Italians themselves weep with joy.
Sotto Sopra sits at 405 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, serving up authentic Northern Italian cuisine that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the Italian Alps. Chef Riccardo Bosio brings decades of experience from his homeland, crafting dishes that respect tradition while adding creative modern touches.
The atmosphere downstairs feels intimate and romantic, with exposed brick walls and soft lighting creating the perfect date-night vibe.
Upstairs offers a more casual setting, but don’t let that fool you—the food remains equally spectacular. Their homemade pasta practically melts on your tongue, and the osso buco has converted countless meat skeptics into devoted fans.
Reservations here typically require three to four weeks advance notice, especially for weekend evenings.
Pro tip: ask your server about the daily specials, which often showcase seasonal ingredients flown in directly from Italy.
The restaurant’s name translates to “upside down,” which perfectly captures their approach to elevating traditional recipes into something extraordinary.
2. La Scala – Baltimore, Maryland
Stepping into La Scala feels like your Italian grandmother invited you over for Sunday dinner, except grandma hired a Michelin-trained chef.
Located at 1012 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202, this Little Italy institution has been filling bellies and hearts since the mid-1990s.
Owned and operated by Chef Nino Germano, La Scala is run with the kind of warmth that makes strangers feel like family by dessert time.
Their veal dishes have achieved legendary status among Baltimore foodies, prepared so tenderly that vegetarians occasionally question their life choices.
The seafood risotto changes with the seasons, always featuring the freshest catches from local waters combined with imported Italian ingredients.
Regulars know to order the branzino, which arrives tableside filleted with theatrical flair that’s worth the price of admission alone.
Weekend reservations disappear about a month in advance, though weeknight availability opens up slightly more.
The tiramisu here doesn’t mess around—it’s boozy, creamy, and big enough to share if you’re feeling generous.
Their outdoor patio becomes prime real estate during Baltimore’s brief perfect-weather windows, so plan accordingly.
The staff remembers faces and preferences, creating that neighborhood trattoria experience that keeps locals coming back for decades.
3. Il Porto – Frederick, Maryland
Frederick’s downtown dining scene got seriously upgraded when Il Porto opened its doors and started serving food that rivals anything in Baltimore.
You’ll find this gem at 200 S Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701, right in the heart of historic downtown where parking requires patience but the payoff justifies the hunt.
The restaurant is run by the Cruz family, offering a menu of Italian classics prepared with care.
The wood-fired pizza oven produces crusts with that perfect char-to-chew ratio that pizza purists dream about at night.
Their burrata appetizer arrives so fresh it practically moos, paired with seasonal accompaniments that change weekly based on what’s available.
The gnocchi gets made in-house daily, resulting in pillowy clouds of potato perfection that float in whatever sauce you choose.
Booking here requires at least three weeks notice for prime dining times, though lunch slots open up with shorter lead times.
Their outdoor seating overlooks Frederick’s charming streets, perfect for people-watching while twirling spaghetti.
Live music on weekends adds another layer of ambiance to an already stellar experience.
4. Il Pizzico – Rockville, Maryland
Rockville’s strip mall exterior completely undersells the Roman holiday waiting inside Il Pizzico.
Located at 15209 Frederick Road, Rockville, MD 20850, this family-run establishment has been schooling Maryland diners on authentic Roman cuisine since 1991.
The Cammarata family treats every guest like they’ve traveled thousands of miles specifically to taste their cooking, which honestly isn’t far from the truth for some devotees.
Their carbonara follows traditional Roman recipes so strictly that cream never touches the pan—just eggs, guanciale, pecorino, and black pepper creating magic.
The saltimbocca practically jumps in your mouth (as the name suggests), with prosciutto and sage elevating simple veal into something transcendent.
Regulars know the specials board holds the real treasures, featuring dishes that showcase whatever inspired the chef that morning at the market.
Reservations typically need four weeks advance booking for weekend dinners, making spontaneity basically impossible here.
Their panna cotta wobbles just right, topped with seasonal fruit compotes that change monthly.
The dining room stays intimate and cozy, never feeling rushed despite the constant demand for tables.
5. Fontina Grille – Rockville, Maryland
Fontina Grille proves that contemporary Italian cuisine can honor tradition while wearing designer jeans instead of chef’s whites.
Situated at 801 Pleasant Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, this upscale eatery attracts everyone from business lunches to anniversary celebrations.
The modern interior features clean lines and sophisticated lighting that photographs beautifully without feeling sterile or cold.
Their namesake fontina cheese appears throughout the menu in creative applications that’ll make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about Italian food.
The short rib ravioli has achieved cult status among Rockville foodies, braised until fork-tender then wrapped in delicate pasta pockets.
Their wood-grilled octopus arrives charred perfectly, tender enough to cut with a fork but with enough texture to remind you it came from the sea.
Weekend reservations require a solid month’s advance planning, though weekday lunch offers slightly easier access.
The drinks program here rivals the food menu, featuring Italian spirits mixed into creative combinations you won’t find at typical red-sauce joints.
Their outdoor patio opens seasonally, offering views of Rockville Town Square’s activity while you dine.
The noise level can climb during peak hours, so request a quieter corner if conversation matters more than scene-watching.
6. Cosima – Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s Harbor East neighborhood got significantly more delicious when Cosima brought Southern Italian coastal cuisine to the waterfront.
You’ll discover this beauty at 3000 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21211, inside Mill No. 1 along the Jones Falls. Chef Donna Crivello draws inspiration from Sicilian and Mediterranean cooking traditions.
The crudo selection changes daily based on the freshest catches, prepared simply to let the seafood’s natural flavors shine through.
Their squid ink pasta looks dramatic on the plate and tastes even better, tossed with shellfish in a light tomato sauce that doesn’t overpower the oceanic flavors.
The wood-grilled branzino gets filleted tableside by servers who clearly take pride in their knife skills and showmanship.
Booking here typically requires three to four weeks notice, especially for sunset dining times when the harbor views reach peak gorgeousness.
The drinks menu features Italian liqueurs and aperitifs in combinations that refresh without overwhelming your palate before dinner.
Their patio seating books up first, offering front-row seats to Baltimore’s harbor activities.
The noise level stays surprisingly manageable despite the open layout and crowds.
7. Manalù Italian Restaurant – Frederick, Maryland
Frederick’s dining scene got a serious upgrade when Manalù started serving the kind of Italian food that keeps locals returning regularly.
Located at 5227 Presidents Court, Frederick, MD 21703, this popular spot explains why reservations vanish quickly. The menu focuses on classic Italian dishes prepared with attention and consistency.
The handmade pasta changes weekly, featuring whatever inspired the kitchen team during their morning prep sessions.
Their pizza program uses a sourdough starter that’s been fed daily for over five years, resulting in crusts with complex flavors and perfect texture.
The veal parmigiana here doesn’t mess around with shortcuts—real veal, real mozzarella, and sauce that simmers for hours before touching any protein.
Reservations typically need a month’s advance notice, though their bar area accepts walk-ins if you’re feeling lucky.
Their tiramisu gets made to order, requiring a fifteen-minute wait that’s absolutely worth every second.
The intimate atmosphere makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
8. Trattoria Sorrento – Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda’s restaurant row features plenty of Italian options, but Trattoria Sorrento stands alone in authenticity and flavor.
Find this treasure at 4930 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814, where this family-run restaurant has been serving Southern Italian specialties since the early 1990s.
Their Neapolitan pizza follows strict traditional guidelines, using imported flour and San Marzano tomatoes to create pies that would make Neapolitans nod in approval.
The seafood fra diavolo arrives spicy enough to make you reach for your water glass but balanced enough to keep you going back for more.
Their eggplant parmigiana layers thin slices of perfectly fried eggplant with sauce and cheese, then bakes it until everything melds into comfort food heaven.
Weekend reservations require about three weeks advance booking, though weeknight availability opens up slightly more for spontaneous cravings.
The family atmosphere makes solo diners feel welcome alongside large celebration parties.
9. Arturo’s Trattoria – Glen Burnie, Maryland
Glen Burnie might not scream “Italian food destination,” but Arturo’s Trattoria has been quietly serving some of Maryland’s standout Italian cuisine for years.
Located at 1660 Crain Highway S, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, this family-run establishment treats every guest with the kind of warmth that makes the dining room feel like a cherished neighborhood secret rather than a formal restaurant.
Their osso buco falls off the bone after hours of slow braising, delivering deep, comforting flavors in every bite.
The homemade ravioli rotates with the seasons, showcasing fillings that balance tradition with creativity. Their chicken marsala stays true to the classic technique, prepared with care so the sauce tastes rich and memorable rather than muddled.
Reservations often require advance notice, especially on weekends when regulars flock in for their favorite dishes.
The atmosphere manages to be both relaxed and polished, welcoming special-occasion diners and casual weeknight guests alike.
Their cannoli, crisp-shelled and filled to order, is the kind of dessert that makes you linger at the table a little longer than you planned.
10. Osteria 177 – Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis’ historic downtown glows a little brighter thanks to Osteria 177, a fine-dining Italian restaurant that feels like it was lifted straight from the streets of northern Italy.
Located at 177 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401, this elegant spot blends old-world charm with modern sophistication in a way that keeps locals and out-of-towners jockeying for reservations.
Chef-owner Arturo Ottaviano crafts dishes with remarkable precision, from silky handmade pastas to seafood entrées that showcase just how well Italian technique pairs with Chesapeake freshness.
Their branzino arrives crisp-skinned and aromatic, while the tagliatelle al tartufo has been known to silence entire tables.
Weekend dining here is a competitive sport, reservations are strongly recommended, especially if you want one of the coveted window tables overlooking West Street’s evening buzz.
White tablecloths, attentive service, and warm candlelight make Osteria 177 a natural choice for anniversaries, celebrations, or any night when dinner should feel like an event.
11. Basta Pasta – Eldersburg, Maryland
Carroll County residents know that Basta Pasta serves Italian food so good it’s worth the drive from anywhere in Maryland.
Located at 5957 Exchange Drive, Eldersburg, MD 21784, this popular spot offers generous portions and classic Italian-American comfort dishes.
Their marinara sauce simmers for hours daily, filling the restaurant with irresistible aroma.
The chicken parmigiana is prepared with care, and their pasta fagioli delivers hearty comfort. Cannoli shells get filled fresh to keep them crisp.
Weekend reservations require advance planning, though weeknights are more flexible.
The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, accommodating everything from date nights to birthdays.