This Maryland Italian Spot Is So Popular You Almost Need Days Of Advance Reservations
In Baltimore, Maryland, La Scala Ristorante Italiano at 1012 Eastern Ave is the kind of place that turns a simple dinner into a culinary event.
The moment you walk in, the scent of fresh pasta, rich sauces, and baked bread wraps around you, hinting at the flavors to come.
Locals plan weeks ahead just to snag a table, and every visit feels like a celebration of authentic Italian cooking that never disappoints.
The Indoor Bocce Ball Court Is A Total Game Changer
Walking into La Scala at 1012 Eastern Ave in Baltimore feels like stepping into an Italian social club, complete with an actual indoor bocce court.
Seriously, where else can you roll balls down a lane between courses of homemade pasta?
The court sits right in the middle of the restaurant, creating this lively, authentic vibe that makes you feel like family.
Customers rave about learning bocce from friendly staff and coworkers after dessert.
One reviewer mentioned playing after enjoying peaches and tiramisu, which sounds like the perfect Italian evening.
The bocce court isn’t just a gimmick either.
It transforms dinner into an experience, giving groups something fun to do while they digest.
Located in Little Italy, La Scala uses this unique feature to stand out from every other restaurant on the block, and honestly, it works brilliantly.
Chef Nino And His Team Create Sicilian Magic
Chef Nino isn’t just cooking food at La Scala on Eastern Avenue, he’s serving up generations of Sicilian tradition on every plate.
Multiple reviews specifically call him out by name, which tells you everything about his hands-on approach.
He actually comes out to meet diners, chat about the menu, and make sure everyone leaves happy.
One guest described meeting the chef and owner as giving the whole place a genuine family Italian vibe.
That personal touch makes all the difference when you’re paying between fifty and a hundred bucks for dinner.
The high-end Sicilian fare here isn’t your typical red-sauce joint fare.
Everything tastes authentic, with perfect amounts of spices that never overwhelm the dish.
From the grilled Caesar salad to the gamberi fra diavolo, Chef Nino’s menu delivers consistently delicious results that keep people driving three hours from Jersey just to eat here.
Happy Hour Deals That Actually Deliver Value
Smart diners know the secret to experiencing La Scala without breaking the bank or waiting weeks for a reservation: hit up their happy hour at 1012 Eastern Ave.
One reviewer gave a perfect ten out of ten rating after trying almost everything on the happy hour menu during their visit.
Everything came back delicious, proving you don’t need to order from the full dinner menu to experience quality.
The espresso martinis alone are worth the trip, with multiple reviewers calling them the best around Baltimore.
Even people who normally hate coffee found themselves ordering seconds. The grilled Caesar salad during happy hour earned praise as one of the best ever tasted.
Since La Scala currently opens at four thirty from Wednesday through Sunday, arriving right when they open on those days means you can often snag a table without a reservation.
The bartenders get consistent shoutouts for being attentive, personable, and genuinely kind to guests.
Homemade Pasta That Keeps People Coming Back
Forget every chain Italian restaurant you’ve ever visited because La Scala’s homemade pasta in Little Italy Baltimore sets a completely different standard.
Reviews consistently highlight the pasta as perfectly al dente, which any Italian food lover knows is the ultimate test of authenticity.
Fresh pasta made in-house simply tastes different from the dried stuff most places use.
One couple loved their first visit so much two years ago for a birthday that they now make annual pilgrimages back to 1012 Eastern Ave for their anniversary.
That’s the kind of loyalty great pasta inspires. The texture and flavor profile prove that La Scala takes traditional Sicilian cooking seriously.
Whether you order a simple marinara or something fancier like the fra diavolo, the pasta base remains consistently excellent.
Food presentation also gets praise, with dishes arriving looking as good as they taste, making your Instagram feed jealous before you even take the first bite.
The Extensive Wine Selection Elevates Every Meal
La Scala at 1012 Eastern Ave doesn’t mess around when it comes to their wine program, offering an extensive list that pairs perfectly with their high-end Sicilian menu.
Good wine selection gets mentioned repeatedly in reviews, suggesting the restaurant puts real thought into their bottles.
When you’re spending fifty to a hundred dollars per person, having quality wine options matters tremendously.
The sommelier or staff clearly knows their stuff because customers keep praising the pairings and recommendations.
Italian cuisine demands Italian wine, and La Scala delivers options beyond your basic Chianti or Pinot Grigio.
Whether you prefer reds, whites, or something sparkling, the wine list accommodates different tastes and budgets.
Combined with the homemade pasta and Chef Nino’s authentic Sicilian recipes, the wine program completes the fine dining experience.
Located right in Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood, La Scala competes with numerous Italian restaurants, but their wine selection gives them a serious edge over the competition.
Service That Makes You Feel Like Family
Exceptional service separates good restaurants from great ones, and La Scala’s staff at 1012 Eastern Ave consistently delivers the latter.
Waiters get described as nice, friendly, efficient, and willing to actually talk with guests rather than just taking orders and disappearing.
That personal attention creates the warm, family-style atmosphere that keeps customers returning year after year.
Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned servers by name, with Casey earning praise for being polite, attentive, and helpful throughout entire meals.
When staff members make enough impression that guests remember their names weeks later, you know something special is happening.
The bartenders also receive constant shoutouts for being personable and creating amazing drinks.
Everyone from the front of house to the kitchen staff apparently shares the same commitment to making diners feel welcomed.
Located in Maryland’s Little Italy, La Scala embraces that authentic Italian hospitality where meals last hours and conversation flows as freely as the wine.
The Stunning Space And Atmosphere Wow Every Guest
Size matters when it comes to restaurants, and La Scala on Eastern Avenue in Baltimore is absolutely huge, with beautiful views no matter where you sit.
The restaurant’s unique layout incorporates the bocce court while maintaining an elegant, classy atmosphere throughout.
Warm lighting and thoughtful design create an upscale vibe without feeling stuffy or pretentious.
One reviewer noted that the space looks stunning from every angle, making it perfect for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays.
The large capacity also means they can accommodate bigger groups without feeling cramped. Despite being spacious, La Scala still manages to feel intimate and romantic when needed.
Walking in for the first time apparently impresses everyone, with the authentic Italian restaurant decor transporting diners straight to Sicily.
Located in Little Italy, the neighborhood already sets expectations high, but La Scala’s interior design exceeds them.
The combination of great food, excellent service, and gorgeous atmosphere explains why reservations fill up so quickly here.