50 Best Italian Restaurants near Essex

“After a friend recomended this restaurant, it's been hard to stay away. I had my favorite waiter again, John, who is like part of the family. What an exceptional human being, as well as the chef & bartender. We also had Oysters Rockefeller which was delicious. The clams casino was just as great. Even their house salad is phenomanal, plenty of whole slices of tomato and fresh greens. It's enough for 2. I've ordered house salads from other restaurants which were way more expensive and found prices of lettuce with a little brown on a piece of lettuce. Not here! The chef takes great pride in delivering the food personally to your table. You can tell he's very passionate about putting smiles on people's faces with his culinary skills. After dinner, John gave us a tour of their new deck in the back. It's for the public but is used for private parties, weddings and birthdays. It's a pretty wonderful area. Very festive! Folks, if you haven't tried it, you must. One of the other things I find pleasing is how the staff truly works together as a team. They like each other and if they see your water glass needs filling or an empty dish is on the table, someone will take care of it if your waiter is not in the immediate area. But John is very attentive and checks on us often. I have never eaten in a restaurant, where the prices are very reasonable and the service & food have been fantastic....consistantly. Everything I've ever ordered there has been absolutely delicious, a true culinary delight. Everything is fresh. Their veal is not frozen and the veal parmesan is to die for. I also order a drink, the same one every time, their vodka mule. They are so delicious, I had to inquire about the ingredients. The bartender is highly skilled (NOT someone who Google's a recipe) and he is always upbeat, super friendly and eager to help. He made my mom a Cosmo. She said it was so good, she even inquired as to its ingredients. Please, give them a chance, you will not be dissapointed!“

“I can only recommend the cheese steaks here because that's all I ever get but would be willing to bet other things are great too. Quick service polite staff good food .. hard to beat this place IMO.“

“Best pizza around great food“

“Food did not disappoint Staff was very friendly Favorites chicken momos , pizza fries, Greek pizza and gyros. I will be back next time I visit Maryland“

“Thanks Ricardo for your awesome Customer Service and addressing me by my name!“

“Great food and great service!“

“below average pizza. missed order notes. feedback is padded. I know someone who works there.“

“My husband and I love Cafe Campli happy hours! For our anniversary last week, we sat at the bar and enjoyed the autumn salad and mushroom and arugula focaccia with some house wine, perfect. Topped it off by sharing the chocolate and pistachio gelatos. Perfection in every way!“

“Excelente , la comida muy rica , muy amables estuvieron pendiente de nuestra mesa en todo momento la comida llego rápido y caliente excelente servicio“

“Great ambiance, food, wine, and service.“

“I can’t say enough good things about this place! Every time we go here for dinner, we always enjoy! The staff is friendly and the owner Jerome is awesome! He comes to the table not only to greet you and to make sure everything is okay. He even takes the empty dishes off the table. He’s always helping out around the restaurant. Love this place!!!“

“Best dining experience all weekend!“

“I have to start off by saying Mrs Grace's wings are so very good. The food here is just good. So whatever you order you'll like. I couldn't imagine anything leaving that kitchen bad. The service. We were made to feel as if we were long time customers. (we are not) It's totally worth a two hour drive from anyone's home who likes the real deal. And if you're traveling. It's an easy on and off the highway.“

“great food and prices. my waitress ruined the experience a bit. stared me down for 5 seconds when I asked to put in dessert order cuz I wanted to get that in. And disappeared long periods, (i think only to us), didn't greet us for 15 mins when we sat. it's okay but not the best. she was nice on and off though a little weird the places doesnt give any bread but it's okay. best restaurant week in Baltimore. generous portions. great bread pudding and tiramisu and shrimp and linguine and salmon. salad is good too“

“Nicely appointed dining room, attentive and friendly staff. And our pizza was wonderful.“

“Had the Italian deluxe sub today & it was amazing. Fresh ingredients, fresh bread. I loved it!!!!!“

“Been here like 5 times since they’ve opened. Carbonara, and duck confit pizza are go to’s. Never had a bad experience. Brett, dom, and Jontell, along with their great staff and brand can certainly run a tight ship. 30/10, will recommend every time.“

“We got pizzas for work today and they were some of the best I've had!“

“Pizza is exellent as are all of their dishes, great family atmosphere, great people. Always have great conversations with the owner, recommend them 10/10 best Italian restaurant in the area!“

“I arrived in Little Italy, Baltimore a little after 9 pm on a Saturday. I was feeling peckish and was hoping to enjoy a glass of wine before a good night's rest. I wandered down the street and into Osteria De Amedeo and Amedeo could tell I was wary. The kitchen was closed but he offered a Caesar salad and the best warm lentil soup. I asked for a glass of dry red and he knew exactly what to pour. He and his daughter along with clear regulars made me feel at home in a strange city. Much love!“

“I recently dined at Hersh's and was thoroughly impressed. The atmosphere is cozy yet lively, with attentive and friendly staff that enhanced the experience. The menu offers a great variety of dishes, and everything we tried was flavorful and well-prepared. The wood-fired pizzas were a highlight – crispy, fresh, and delicious. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the house-made sauces were rich and satisfying. The selection of wines was excellent, with great pairings that complemented the meal beautifully. Whether for a casual dinner or special occasion, Hersh's is a fantastic choice for both food and wine lovers.“

“At a tagliata, I recommend trying the classic Tagliata di Manzo, which is thinly sliced grilled beef typically served with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan shavings. It's a delicious and flavorful choice that showcases the quality of the meat. Enjoy your meal!“

“Amazing food!!!!!! Best service I have had in a long time! Jose the server was awesome and attentive and the manager Ailleen was so sweet and kind!!! Love this place! Absolutely coming back!“

“First time here. Excellent food and ambiance! I got a drink and fettuccine Alfredo. Delicious. Everyone who works here is very nice as well. Huge space- they have space for events as well“

“Cinghiale is one of our favorite restaurants. A wonderful place with fantastic food and a great staff.“

“One of the truly special Italian restaurants remaining in Little Italy. Apart from consistently great food, the staff clearly work as a team to provide exceptional service. It’s an experience to here Peggy review the daily specials in a way that makes you feel as if your sitting for a tasting menu. Great Place!!“

“Let’s get one this straight! This is the SPOT! The experience began with me running behind for my reservation because I-95 traffic is a..well we all know..so in calling the restaurant to alert them my first taste of Marta was Nick, who answered the phone in such a warm and friendly manner I felt welcomed even before my arrival! Now I will say parking is a challenge..but rise up to this challenge..be persistent..because once you’re safely parked you will reap amazing culinary rewards. The space itself..it beautifully done..muted colors and comfortable seating seem to say “ sit..get comfortable and get ready for a great time” Our server Michael was a JOY. Just as important as the food, is the service, Michael made sure that we were comfortable, answering all questions and providing excellent recommendations when they were asked for. No one could have asked for a better tour guide to lead our Marta experience..when making reservations..request him..I promise you won’t be disappointed. Appetizers! Tuna Cannoli..if you think you know tuna..I’m here to say NAW! This dish was whimsical and full of flavor. The tuna was fresh and prefect encased in a light cannoli shell..the sesame seeds tied the whole dish together for me perfectly. Beef tartare(my personal favorite) vibrant color and palate pleasing flavors! I like the addition of beets in place of the traditional capers. Even my one friend who hates beets agrees that it brought a great element to this dish. Oysters! Perfectly briny and chilled expertly the pink peppercorn granita was Everything! Entrees: I enjoyed the Agnolotti which was a fall themed plate of warm comfort food! The spiced squash and apple stuffed pasta was so flavorful..but just when you thought it couldn’t get better, BOOM! Brown butter sage sauce! Please do yourself a favor..make your reservation to enjoy this dish before it goes away..you won’t regret it. The risotto my friend enjoyed with the meatballs from the antipasti menu was creamy and honestly had me making my next reservation in my head so I could enjoy it all by myself! Saffron Brodo, Aged Parmesan, bring this dish home! He couldn’t stop raving about the meatballs and I know they must have been great because he didn’t share..lol My dear friend ordered the Panzotti featuring stuffed Duck and Foie Gras! All components of this dish worked together to create perfection! Wine list..well thought out and composed. When our initial choice was temporarily unavailable, cue Nick with a perfect recommendation for an alternative bottle! Desserts..we ordered them all..don’t judge..lol..we couldn’t decided..lol..and you only live once! In addition to ordering them all..you bet the 3 of us finished them all too! So no further details required..I just suggest you make sure to save room for at least one of these sweet temptations..really any one..you won’t regret it! So this concludes my most epic review..of a most epic experience! Thank you Marta..it was truly wonderful!“

“The food is Great and everyone is so friendly. love it there“

“Ordered off of their catering menu for my wife's birthday. I purchased the Margharita Seafood Special with shrimp, scallops and lump crabmeat in a rose' cream sauce and it was excellent! The homemade meatballs jad everybody raving and their sausage, onions and peppers in marinara sauce was also great. Thankfully we had some left overs that we are still enjoying. Lastly was their Greek salad, very fresh and loaded with feta cheese. I definitely recommend these folks for your next lunch or dinner or when you need an event catered. Call and ask for Saul and he and the staff there will take great care of you!!“

“If they are offering the Sardinian special with giant potato gnocchi and braised short ribs, get it. You will not be disappointed. I could make a meal on their Italian bread and olive oil alone.
The veal on my plate was from my wife’s meal, which was also very good, but she traded me for some of mine

Yeah it was pretty good“

“Fabulous meal and service. We will definitely return!“

“Real Italian cuisine is served here in ample helpings. Mama's Favorite Caesar salad can be split for two people. It's loaded with soft fresh mozzarella, artichoke, & sundried tomatoes. It's my favorite, too. The lasagna had so much of the wonderful delicate tomato sauce, it was covered. This is the real authentic lasagna of Italy. For a tasty pasta with a kick, the Salmone Al Pesto has a marvelous creamy pesto sauce, & a heaping of small fresh button mushrooms. They say it's only 6 oz. of salmon but the whole plate was covered in large segments of it--it's large enough to take home for a second dinner. Mama had made her own Tiramisu. The delicate sponge soaked with flavor is something not to be missed. Get it when you can. The service from Madison was attentive, friendly, knowledgeable & extremely helpful. This is a wonderful place for authentic Italian meals.“

“I recommend everything is a good environment everybody enjoyed yourself and have a wonderful time“

“Shit's good.“

“I went there for years before I moved to the eastern shore, their food is always up to par, always consistent. Everything I've had there is delicious, shrimp salad, soup, specials and desserts, try it you won't be disappointed.“

“My daughter and I are in Baltimore for the week. I am 100% Italian and she was craving pasta. After some research I settled on Chiapparelli’s. We went for lunch today. Loved the old school atmosphere and the food was delicious. Eating out has gotten so expensive and I am often disappointed with the food. Not today! We will be back every time we are in Baltimore.“

“We came to Olive Garden in White Marsh Maryland and what a wonderful experience! From the moment we walked in the door we were greeted with warm smiles and shown to our table right away. Our server Sabriya embodied the essence of an authentic Italian restaurant experience. From her greeting to her heart felt Until we meet again! She made us feel like we were at a small Italian restaurant surrounded by family and friends. Sabrina personality and kindness to us and every table she greeted is what will make me come back again but next time bring family and friends with me. She was quick, attentive and had an amazing disposition. The manager Ashley walked by and I had to tell her what a great job she and everyone was doing. She was amazing as well. We had the endless pasta bowl dish which was hot and exceptionally delicious! We were able to try various combinations and for a great price. In this economy being able to bring a family of four out to dinner and it not stress our budget is such a plus! Olive Garden thank you for a great evening and for having such great staff!
The Charles Family Harford Co.

Kid-friendliness: They had an amazing priced kids menu under 8 bucks and u get pasta( main dish) side and a drink. Healthier and better tasting than a happy meal. I tell you one thing for certain we left a happy family “

“Thoroughly enjoyed everything about our evening. Our food selections were properly and promptly prepared and flavorful. Timing was appropriate - well spaced to allow us time to enjoy. So the appetizer did not too closely follow our cocktails and bread nor did our entrees infringe on previous courses. This allowed us time to enjoy each and the conversation as well.
Service was impeccable. I cannot say enough good about Joe. Highest marks.
Overall, everyone was very accommodating. Treated us like family.
No doubt we will return!“

“Exceptional customer service and the best food in Nottingham! This Italian Delight Sensation truly deserves 5 stars for consistently delivering outstanding experiences.“

“Hands-down best pizza in town!!!“

“As an original Marylander born and raised I have eaten in almost all the places in Little Italy accept Angeli’s recently. I love the atmosphere but was not that impressed with the food or service. In a tourist area so maybe to some it was nice. I liked the cozy atmosphere but the food was not impressive to me“

“When I say amazing food, I mean AMAZING. The staff are always so friendly and the service top notch. The atmosphere is so warm and inviting. this is a family favorite!!“

“We have ordered from Bella Mia's before it was sold and after, we have never had any issues, our food is Hot whether it was picked up or delivered, the delivery guy is Great, we like him, and he has come to know us we order so much. We typically order subs, spaghetti & house salad is the Best. The people that answer the phones or cashiers are always nice to us, they have had construction for the Dine-In option, which is Good. Even so always clean.“

“Great food and wonderful staff!! The service was the best. The whole place is just beautiful. Will definitely be back.“

“The pizza was delish here!! We got a pepperoni, olive, extra cheese & basil pizza. It was massive!! The olives are green FYI (this is not listed on their website & very uncommon). I was not a huge fan of the mozzarella sticks as the cheese had a weird after taste. We also got a cheesesteak and unfortunately they did not give an option to take things off the sandwich so when it arrived, the mayo and tomatoes made for a very soggy sandwich. The meat however was excellent!“

“Great as always!!! Pizza is awesome!!“

“This restaurant is and always will be my favorite the pizza and subs are to die for that was my place go when I lived in Baltimore now every time I visit thats my place to go“

“Sicilian style pizza was awesome. I hope to go back soon!!“

“This was my 1st order from Pizza Sauce... I ordered two breakfast bowls and let me tell you they are huge! Easily enough to feed 4 adults. Fast delivery. Super tasty. And great prices!“

“First time ordering fries and gravy cold steak sub taste like bad mayonnaise on it worst food I ever ate or didn't eat.“