Food｜La Scala, an Italian restaurant in Baltimore

Baltimore’s Little Italy Spot: Italian Eats & Great Wine – Mixed Vibes on Value 🍝🍷 Nestled in Little Italy, this Italian restaurant offers a lively atmosphere, attentive service, and a impressive wine selection—though its pricey pasta and hit-or-miss seafood make it a one-time visit rather than a regular haunt for JHU students. With valet parking ($10) or street parking available, it’s convenient for a casual Italian dinner, but the value doesn’t quite match the cost. ✨ What Shines Exceptional Wine Selection: The restaurant boasts a large wine rack, and the two we tried didn’t disappoint! A red Italian wine (name forgotten) and a New Zealand Gavi white were both smooth, flavorful, and well-paired with the meal—wine lovers will appreciate the curated options. Attentive Service & Lively Ambiance: Staff were friendly and attentive, and the dining room was bustling with energy—great for groups or casual nights out. They also offer a private area for team building or events, adding versatility. Complimentary Bread: Warm, fresh bread served before the meal was delicious—perfect for sopping up pasta sauce or enjoying on its own. 🍴 Hits & Misses Drinks Wine (Red & Gavi White): 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The standout of the meal! Both wines were high-quality, with balanced flavors that complemented the Italian cuisine. If you visit, prioritize exploring their wine list. Food Cozze (Steamed Mussels, White Wine Base): ❌ The mussels had a noticeable fishy odor, which overshadowed the otherwise decent white wine sauce. Not a recommendable pick. Scampi al’ Agilo: 🌟🌟🌟 Linguine with 5 jumbo shrimp in white sauce—solid but unremarkable. The shrimp were fresh and tender, but the sauce was basic, and $30 feels overpriced for the portion (only 5 shrimp + pasta). Gamberi Luana: 🌟🌟🌟 Another 5-jumbo-shrimp white sauce pasta, but with Maryland’s signature Old Bay seasoning. The Old Bay added a subtle savory kick, but like the Scampi, it was middle-of-the-road—nothing memorable to justify the $30 price tag. $20 Pasta Note : The menu also offers $20 pasta dishes, which are just sauce + noodles (no protein or add-ons)—even less value for money compared to the shrimp pastas. 📌 Practical Info 🏠 Name: [Italian Restaurant Name]📍 Address: Little Italy, Baltimore (exact cross streets not provided, but in the Little Italy neighborhood) Parking: Valet parking ($10) or street parking (may require circling during peak hours). Pricing: Expensive—pastas range from $20-$30, with limited portion sizes and average flavor. Vibe: Lively, casual, and slightly outdated decor—great for groups but not for a fancy night out. Best For: JHU students wanting to explore Little Italy, wine lovers, or groups looking for a bustling dinner spot (but not for those seeking standout Italian cuisine or good value). Pro Tip: If you do visit, skip the mussels and opt for a cheaper pasta + a glass of their excellent wine to maximize your experience. Otherwise, Baltimore has better Italian options with more reasonable prices and more flavorful dishes. #JHU #Baltimore #BaltimoreEats #ItalianFood #LittleItalyBaltimore #WineLovers #DMVFoodie #CasualDining