I don’t often wander into Little Italy — there are so many great options packed into just a few blocks that I get overwhelmed trying to pick one. But when the GM of La Tavola invited me to sample their Venetian-inspired menu, I jumped at the chance. I’m pleased to report: I may have found a new favorite.

La Tavola has been a fixture in Baltimore’s Little Italy for nearly 30 years, known for hand-made pasta, scratch desserts, and house-baked bread.

La Tavola

We began with Burrata perched on a medley of seasonal vegetables — that night’s selection included ramps and fiddlehead ferns. The burrata was ultra creamy without being soggy, and the vegetables added fresh texture and flavor.

Burrata

Our waitress, Allison, convinced us to try one of the house favorites: squid ink pasta tossed with lump crab, spinach, cherry tomato, and garlic-wine sauce. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the Maryland twist of crab elevated the dish.

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Spaghetti Neri al Granchio

Two Half-Size Entrees = Best Move
I couldn’t choose between menu items, so I ordered two half portions:

• Lasagna Bolognese
  This version of lasagna layers meat and pasta in a béchamel sauce (rather than relying heavily on ricotta). It was silky, rich, and deeply satisfying — I didn’t miss the ricotta at all.

• Linguini con Taleggio e Tartufo
  For the mushroom lover in me, this was a treat: al dente linguini in a melted taleggio cheese base with sautéed mushrooms, speck, and truffle, finished with a balsamic drizzle. Elegant and earthy, though I still lean toward the lasagna as my top pick.

Lasagna Bolognese

Linguini con Taleggio e Tartufo

Allison urged us to try their cannoli, and I’m glad she did. These use pizzelle shells filled with sweet ricotta cream, pistachios, almonds, and dried fruit — a creative upgrade to a classic. Easily the best cannoli I’ve had in Baltimore to date.

Cannoli

La Tavola blends tradition and creativity in a way that feels both comforting and unexpected. The food is thoughtful, flavorful, and rooted in Italian technique — yet with Baltimore touches that make it feel at home here.

La Tavola is located at 248 Ablemarle Street, in Little Italy.

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While this meal was paid for by La Tavola, all views stated here are my own.