Camille's has served specialties from Italy since 1914 on the edge of Federal Hill, the city's major Italian neighborhood. The kitchen makes plates that are hard to find anywhere else in town, like the melt-in-your-mouth tuna carpaccio or the crisp spinach and melon salad served with pancetta and goat cheese in a creamy apple-cider vinaigrette. The kitchen also has the freshest pollo (chicken), carne (meat) and frutti di mare (seafood) this side of New York City. The atmosphere is quiet, low-key elegance where diners have their choice of dining in the modern lounge or in the main dining room. The main room contains frescoes and other works of art as well as alcoves and bigger tables for groups.
Al Forno has is a nice little nondescript gem in the Fox Point neighborhood. It's hidden in a warehouse type structure along South Main Street and the ambiance is quiet and casually romantic. The owners have published a couple of cookbooks and they present all the regions of Italy on diners' plates, from Reggio-Calabria to Campania. Their wood-grilled pizza and clam appetizers are very popular as well as their fresh fish and pasta dinners. An impressive selection of 250 wines completes the menu and the service is impeccable.
Joseph Dequattro is a second-generation Italian who runs this acclaimed restaurant in Federal Hill. Of course, he shares the warmth and comfort of Italy of his nonna's kitchen with dishes like Point Judith calamari, saltimbocca, and lamb shank. The wine list is filled with varietals like Montepulciano and Valpolicella and the knowledgeable waitstaff can help you pair one with each meal. The restaurant also provides catering services and rents its space for private events.
La Masseria is reminiscent of everything Italian- from the majestic decor of dazzling lights and burnt sienna furnishing to the royally European aura that surrounds it. The menu is predominantly Italian with an authentic fervor. Rich, creamy plates of risotto, gnocchi, linguini and ravioli perfectly created with an extraordinary culinary genius shine at La Masseria's. The bar offers a fine selection of Italian wines and spirits. An evening of serenity and fortitude is guaranteed at La Masseria.