Since 1945, the Sabatino family has been serving a dizzying array of Central and Southern Italian classics in its large but cozy dining room in Little Italy. Originally a 60-seat space, the restaurant has undergone renovations over the years so that it now accommodates 450, making it a popular destination for groups and special occasions as well as a favorite lunch spot for the city’s VIPs. Specialties include the Bookmaker Salad (featuring shrimp, salami, provolone and the locally famous house dressing) and veal Francese (lightly breaded veal medallions topped with prosciutto and a lemon and wine sauce). House-made pastas can be tossed in a range of sauces, from a simple garlic and butter to a creamy vodka sauce. For seafood fans, there are entrées of shrimp, calamari, mussels and lobster. Portions are extremely generous but can be ordered in half sizes for smaller appetites. Sabatino’s wine list encompasses a selection of American and Italian varietals available by the bottle as well as house wines available by the glass, carafe or half-carafe. And don’t miss dessert — imported from the city’s renowned Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop.
Full bar. Serving lunch and dinner until late-night daily (until midnight Sun–Thur, 3 am Fri–Sat).
Baltimore City Paper: Best Italian Restaurant, 2010 readers' poll
"It's worth the wait to be seated upstairs, where it's quieter. This is a good spot for late-night dining and people-watching after the bars have closed."
— Frommer's