Aldo’s $$$

306 S. High St., 410/727-0700,
www.aldositaly.com [1]

HOURS: Daily 5–10 p.m.

COST: Most entrées more than $20

It may look like a grand row house on the outside, but the inside of this upscale Little Italy restaurant is pure Italian piazza, with lots of natural light, marble, and open space. This is a special occasion restaurant, with all of the excelsior service, fantastic wine selection, and rich, immaculately prepared food (like the tournedos Rossini) that such an excursion entails (and with a bill to match).

There’s also a great bar here, which provides a great reason to arrive a little early and admire the handmade cabinetry and woodwork of the place (it was built by the restaurant’s owner, namesake, and executive chef, Aldo Vitale).