When you think of great Italian food in Baltimore, your mind probably goes straight to Little Italy. But if you venture a bit further north, you’ll find one of the city’s most charming Italian gems — Sammy’s Trattoria in Mount Vernon. Known for its freshly prepared dishes and cozy, welcoming atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Baltimore City Paper once voted it “Best Italian Restaurant.”

Sammy’s Trattoria

When we walked into Sammy’s Trattoria, we were greeted by high ceilings, warm lighting, and plenty of local Johns Hopkins memorabilia. The space feels inviting and familiar — the kind of spot that instantly makes you crave pasta. Our server quickly brought over a basket of warm bread with olive oil for dipping, setting the tone for a comforting meal ahead.

To begin, we ordered The Julia House Salad, a simple mix of crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy Italian house dressing. It was a light, refreshing start, though nothing particularly remarkable — a good palate cleanser before diving into heartier dishes.

The Julia House Salad

My dinner companion couldn’t resist the Homemade Lasagna, and honestly, it was a solid choice. Layers of homemade pasta, ricotta, provolone, Parmigiana, and mozzarella cheeses came baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. The cheese-to-pasta ratio leaned a bit heavy on the cheese side, but the freshness of every ingredient shone through. Next time, we’d try it with a little bolognese on top for an extra flavor boost.

Homemade Lasagna

As for me, I can never turn down pappardelle, my favorite pasta shape. The Pappardelle alla Pesto featured wide ribbons of pasta tossed in a fragrant, fresh basil pesto with marinated chicken. The pesto was bright and herbaceous, and while the chicken added some protein, I think I’d prefer it without next time to let the pasta shine.

Pappardelle alla Pesto

From start to finish, Sammy’s Trattoria delivered a satisfying and authentic Italian meal. With friendly service, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, it’s an ideal spot for a date night, family dinner, or even just a comforting bowl of pasta after a long day.

Sammy’s Trattoria is located at 1200 N Charles St., in Baltimore

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