Food for All Moods: Baltimore's More than Crab (Though Ours Is Best)

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Photo courtesy of Tamar Alexia Fleishman
Photo courtesy of Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Aldo's

Item: Aldo's
Author: Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Cuisine: European, Italian

Price Range: $$$

10Best Says

Aldo's is considered by far and away the most gourmet restaurant in Baltimore's Little Italy. Family owned, Chef and son Sergio Vitale is a true foodie. He travels the world, checks out different restaurants, sources the very best in meats and local produce. Vitale is insistent on not drowning their natural goodness in butter and cream.

Their crab cakes are made from fresh local Blue Crab, with a true crab flavor. They're cooked "sous vide", allowing the seafood to remain super moist. The cakes have a good hit of Old Bay, fresh parsley and seasoned breading. They're nice and crisp outside and since they're not manhandled, they're remain tender inside. The interior of this classic Baltimore row home has been transformed to resemble an outdoor Italian restaurant, complete with sidewalk . . . but the "interior" tables are comfier and more private.

Address:

306 S High St
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-727-0700

Hours:

Sun-Thu: 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sat: 5pm-11pm

Website:

aldositaly.com

EXPERT TIPS BY: Tamar Alexia Fleishman
Baltimore Local Expert

Crab Cakes, Italian: "Ask for their made in-house Limoncello, the famous chilled Italian lemon after-dinner drink."
Best Restaurants: "Limoncello, the famous chilled Italian lemon after dinner drink, is made in-house."

Best for Crab Cakes Because: It's great to have authentic flavors done in a modern chef way in such an elegant setting.
Best for Italian, Best Restaurants Because: Aldo's breaks away from the commonly seen mass-produced in a giant pan dishes. Techniques like sous-vide and gourmet ingredients are married to Italian recipes.

Main Menu
- Appetizers
  
  Point Judith Calamari Fritti
  
  Marinara Sauce ($14.00)
  
  Beef Carpaccio
  
  Tonnato Sauce, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano ($14.00)
  
  Shrimp Scampi
  
  Jumbo Shrimp, Creamy Scampi Sauce, Toasted Bruschetta ($16.00)
  
  Escargots & Shiitakes
  
  Lemon-Garlic Butter, Puff Pastry Borsetta ($14.00)
  
  Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras
  
  Amarena Cherry Sauce, Toasted Brioche ($28.00)
- Risotto Made with Acquerello Carnaroli Rice
  
  Wild Mushroom Risotto
  
  ($16.00)
  
  Sous-Vide Cold Water Lobster Tail
  
  Deglazed with Highland Scotch ($24.00)
- Salads and Soups
  
  Classic Caesar Salad
  
  Garlic Crouton, White Anchovy ($13.00)
  
  Caprese
  
  Campari Tomatoes, Burrata Mozzarella, House-Pickled Sweet Peppers, EVOO, Basil ($17.00)
  
  Aldo's Spinach Salad, Smoked Pancetta Vinaigrette
  
  Hardboiled Farmstead Egg, Sliced Mushrooms, Bermuda Onions, Gorgonzola Dolce ($14.00)
  
  Roasted Red & Yellow Beets
  
  Mixed Greens, Gorgonzola, Walnuts, Champagne Vinaigrette ($13.00)
  
  Arugula Salad, Bermuda Onions
  
  Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette ($13.00)
  
  Mista Field Greens
  
  White Balsamic Vinaigrette ($12.00)
  
  Cream of Asparagus
  
  ($9.00)
  
  Shrimp Bisque
  
  ($14.00)
- Fresh Pasta
  Linguine & Clams
  Fresh Clams, Garlic, Chili Flakes, EVOO
  
  Appetizer: $15.00
  
  Entree: $28.00
  Bucatini alla Carbonara
  Pancetta, Parmigiano, Egg Yolk, Black Pepper
  
  Appetizer: $14.00
  
  Entree: $26.00
  Bucatini all'Amatriciana
  Guanciale, Bermuda Onions, Chili Flakes & Pecorino
  
  Appetizer: $14.00
  
  Entree: $26.00
  Rigatoni alla Vodka
  Sweet Onions, Stolichnaya Vodka, Tomato Cream Sauce
  
  Appetizer: $14.00
  
  Entree: $26.00
  Orecchiette Pasta
  Broccoli Rabe, Housemade Italian Sausage and Parmigiano Reggiano
  
  Appetizer: $13.00
  
  Entree: $23.00
  Rigatoni Bolognese
  Slow-Cooked Veal, Pork & Beef, Dollop of Ricotta
  
  Appetizer: $15.00
  
  Entree: $28.00
  Fettuccine
  Sous-Vide Petite Maine Lobster Tail, Cognac Tomato-Cream Sauce
  
  Appetizer: $21.00
  
  Entree: $42.00
- Aldo's "Degustazione of Pasta"
  Aldo's "Degustazione of Pasta"
  Small "Tasting Portions" of Pasta. A minimum of two guests required
  
  Pasta Duo: $18.00
  
  Pasta Trio: $26.00
- Enjoy a Bellini Cocktail
  
  Enjoy a Bellini Cocktail
  
  The World-Famous Cocktail created by Harry's Bar in Venice. A blend of White Peach Puree and Prosecco ($12.00)
- Main Courses
  
  Chef's Preparation of Swimmingly Fresh Line-Caught Market Fish
  
  Aldo's Ossobuco
  
  Four Hour Slow-Braised Veal Shank, Parmigiano Risotto ($46.00)
  
  Aldo's Signature "Tournedos Rossini"
  
  Grilled Aged Filet Mignon, Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Truffle Wild Mushroom Sauce ($46.00)
  
  Veal Saltimbocca
  
  Fresh Spinach and Sage, Parma Prosciutto, Mozzarella, White Port Sauce ($32.00)
  
  Veal Tenderloin Francese
  
  Egg-Battered and Pan-Fried, Lemon-Chardonnay Sauce, Wilted Spinach ($32.00)
  
  Jumbo Lump Maryland Crab Cakes
  
  Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Remoulade Sauce ($38.00)
  
  Chicken Marsala
  
  Parmigiano Risotto, Sautéed Mushrooms ($26.00)
- From the Grill
  
  8oz Prime Filet Mignon
  
  Roasted Bermuda Onions, Creamy Gorgonzola Polenta, "LI" Steak Sauce ($42.00)
  
  13oz Tuscan Grilled Veal Chop
  
  Bone-in Rib Chop, Wild Mushroom Polenta Galetti ($52.00)
  
  Grilled Double-Cut New Zealand Lamb Chops
  
  Sautéed Broccoli di Rapa ($38.00)
- A La Carte
  
  Bitter Broccoli Rabe Sauteed in Garlic Oil
  
  ($10.00)
  
  Sauteed Fresh Spinach
  
  ($10.00)
  
  Crispy Fingerling Potatoes
  
  ($8.00)
  
  Grilled Balsamic Asparagus
  
  ($11.00)
  
  Sautéed Mushrooms
  
  ($14.00)
Wine List
- Vintage Champagnes
  
  Pol Roger, "Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill," Brut, Épernay , France, 1999
  
  Wine Spectator: 94pts ($325.00)
- Non-Vintage Champagnes
  
  Champagne, Imperial Brut, Moet & Chandon, Champagne, France, NV
  
  A complete, generous and dynamic champagne. A balanced assemblage of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay—all from the most expressive crus of the Champagne region ($135.00)
  
  Delamotte, Brut, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, France
  
  Wine Spectator: 90pts ($125.00)
  
  Laurent-Perrier, "Ultra Brut," Tours-sur-Marne, France
  
  ($165.00)
  
  Krug, "Grand Cuvée," Brut, Reims, France
  
  Wine Spectator: 95pts; Robert Parker: 90pts ($395.00)
- Prosecco | Sparkling Wines
  
  Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, "Extra Dry," Marsuret, Veneto, NV
  
  ($55.00)
  
  Brut, Ferrari, Trentino-Alto Adige, NV
  
  Robert Parker: 89pts ($55.00)
  
  Blanc de Blancs, "Sofia," Francis Ford Coppola, Monterey County, 2014
  
  ($45.00)
- White Wines
  
  Pinot Grigio, Jermann, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, 2012
  
  James Suckling: 93pts ($85.00)
  
  Pinot Grigio, Cantina Terlano, Trentino-Alto Adige, 2014
  
  ($65.00)
  
  Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2013
  
  ($50.00)
  
  Fiano di Avellino, Feudi di San Gregorio, Camapania, 2014
  
  ($55.00)
  
  Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, Masciarelli, Abruzzo, 2013
  
  ($40.00)
  
  Sauvignon Blanc, Ferrari-Carano, "Fume Blanc," Sonoma County, 2014
  
  ($55.00)
  
  Sauvignon Blanc, Worthy, "Five Clones," Napa, 2010
  
  Robert Parker: 90pts ($65.00)
  
  Sauvignon Blanc, Kalaris, Napa, 2013
  
  ($135.00)
  
  "Conundrum," Caymus, California, 2013
  
  A Semi-Sweet Proprietary Blend ($65.00)
  
  Riesling, "Eroica," Chateau Ste. Michelle-Dr. Loosen, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2013
  
  Wine Spectator: 90pts ($70.00)
- Chardonnay
  
  Antica, Napa Valley, 2012
  
  ($90.00)
  
  Foxglove, Central Coast, 2012
  
  ($70.00)
  
  Kalaris, Napa, 2012
  
  ($125.00)
  
  Mt Eden, "Wolff Vineyard," Edna Valley, 2013
  
  ($65.00)
  
  Isabel Mondavi, Michael Mondavi Family Estate, Carneros, 2012
  
  ($90.00)
  
  Cakebread, Napa Valley, 2013
  
  ($125.00)
- Chianti (Toscana)
  
  Rocca della Macie, Riserva, Classico, 2010
  
  ($90.00)
  
  Marchese Antinori, Riserva, Classico, 2011
  
  Antonio Galloni / Vinous: 92pts ($125.00)
  
  Felsina, Berardenga, Classico, 2012
  
  Robert Parker: 92pts. 100% Sangiovese ($85.00)
  
  Felsina, "Rancia," Riserva, Classico, 2010
  
  Robert Parker: 95pts, Antonio Galloni / Vinous: 95pts. 100% Sangiovese ($155.00)
  
  Ruffino, Riserva Ducale Oro, "Gold Label," Classico, 2010
  
  ($135.00)
- Tuscan Reds | Rosso di Montalcino (Toscana)
  
  Villa Antinori IGT, Antinori, 2012
  
  55% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Syrah ($70.00)
  
  Syrah, "Bramasole, Cortona DOC," Marchesi Antinori La Braccesca, 2008
  
  Robert Parker: 90pts ($135.00)
- Super Tuscan
  
  Tignanello, Antinori, 2011
  
  Wine Spectator: 92pts, Robert Parker: 95pts. 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc ($225.00)
  
  Fontalloro, Felsina, 2010
  
  Wine Enthusiast: 95pts, Robert Parker: 94pts. 100% Sangiovese ($195.00)
- Brunello di Montalcino (Toscana)
  
  Banfi, 2009
  
  James Suckling: 91pts ($155.00)
  
  Pertimali, Livio Sassetti, 2008
  
  Wine Spectator: 94pts ($195.00)
  
  Casanova di Neri, "Cerretalto," 2004
  
  ($925.00)
- Meritage | Other Blends
  
  Estancia, Reserve, Paso Robles, 2011
  
  61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot ($70.00)
  
  Decoy, Duckhorn, Napa, 2012
  
  46% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot ($65.00)
  
  Tresor, Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma County, 2011
  
  Wine Spectator: 92pts. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc ($115.00)
  
  19 Block Cuvee, Hess Collection, Mount Veeder, Napa, 2010
  
  74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 4% Syrah, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot ($85.00)
  
  Claret, "Diamond Series," Coppola, Napa, 2013
  
  79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc ($55.00)
- Central Italy
  
  Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, "Marina Cvetic," Masciarelli, Abruzzo, 2009
  
  Robert Parker: 90pts ($95.00)
- Merlot
  
  Stags' Leap Winery, Napa, 2011
  
  ($85.00)
  
  Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa, 2012
  
  ($125.00)
  
  Hall, Napa, 2011
  
  'sommelier's selection ($95.00)
  
  Newton, "Unfiltered," Napa, 2010
  
  Robert Parker: 91pts ($125.00)
  
  Rutherford Hill, Napa, 2011
  
  ($55.00)
- Other Red Wines
  
  Petite Syrah, Stags' Leap Winery, Napa, 2012
  
  ($90.00)
  
  Shiraz, "The Winner's Tank," Eskadale Vineyards, Langhorne Creek, Australia, 2013
  
  Robert Parker: 90pts ($65.00)
- Southern Italy I The Islands
  
  Cannonau di Sardegna, Riserva, Sella & Mosca, Sardegna, 2010
  
  ($55.00)
- Cabernet Sauvignon
  
  Philip Mazzei, Tuscany, Italy, 2009
  
  Wine Spectator: 91pts, Robert Parker: 93pts ($145.00)
  
  Robert Craig, "Affinity," Napa, 2012
  
  Robert Parker: 96pts ($135.00)
  
  Hall, Napa, 2011
  
  sommelier selection ($125.00)
  
  Worthy, "Sophia's Cuvee," Napa, 2009
  
  ($85.00)
  
  Truth, Napa, 2012
  
  ($65.00)
  
  Casa Lapostolle, "Cuvee Alexander," Chile, 2012
  
  Wine Spectator: 92pts ($60.00)
  
  Axios, Napa, 2008
  
  Robert Parker: 93pts ($195.00)
  
  Stags' Leap Winery, Napa, 2012
  
  ($115.00)
  
  Cakebread, Napa, 2011
  
  Wine Spectator: 90pts, Robert Parker: 90pts ($160.00)
  
  Salvestrin, Napa, 2010
  
  ($145.00)
- Amarone Valpolicella (Veneto)
  
  Amarone, "Villa Arvedi," Bertani, 2011
  
  ($145.00)
  
  Amarone, "Costasera," Masi 2010
  
  ($195.00)
  
  Amarone, "Sant' Urbano," Speri, 2009
  
  Wine Enthusiast: 90pts ($195.00)
  
  Valpolicella, "Ripasso," Bertani, 2011
  
  ($85.00)
- Pinot Noir
  
  Willamette Valley Vineyards, "Whole Cluster," Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2014
  
  ($60.00)
  
  Kalaris, Sonoma Coast, 2011
  
  ($125.00)
  
  Meiomi, California, 2013
  
  ($65.00)
  
  Stoller, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2013
  
  ($95.00)
  
  Alchemist, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2012
  
  ($85.00)
  
  Relic Wine Cellars, "The Archive," Sonoma Coast, 2012
  
  ($90.00)
- Serralunga D'alba
  
  Fontanafredda, 2010
  
  Antonio Galloni / Vinous: 90pts, Wine Spectator: 93pts, Robert Parker: 93pts ($195.00)
- Monforte D'alba
  
  Aldo Conterno, "Granbussia," 2005
  
  James Suckling: 100points ($965.00)
- Castiglione Falletto
  
  Giuseppe Mascarello, "Monprivato," 2001
  
  Gambo Rosso: 3gls, Robert Parker: 95pts ($295.00)
- Dessert | Recioto | Fortified Wines
  
  Vin Santo di Montepulciano, Avignonesi, Toscana, 1995
  
  Gambo Rosso: 3gls, Wine Spectator: 95pts, Robert Parker: 94pts ($275.00)
  
  Vin Santo di Montepulciano, "Occhio di Pernice," Avignonesi, Toscana, 1995
  
  Wine Spectator: 97pts, Robert Parker: 96pts ($375.00)
  
  Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Fattoria di Felsina, Toscana, 2001
  
  Robert Parker: 94pts ($65.00)
  
  Picolit, Rocca Bernarda, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, 2003
  
  Gambo Rosso: 3gls ($225.00)
  
  Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito, Antonelli, Umbria, 2006
  
  ($125.00)
- Vintage Port
  
  Quinta do Noval, Colheita, 1937
  
  Robert Parker: 92pts ($925.00)
  
  Taylor-Fladgate, 1997
  
  Wine Spectator: 94pts, Robert Parker: 96pts ($185.00)
  
  Fonseca, 1970
  
  Wine Spectator: 96pts, Robert Parker: 97pts ($495.00)
  
  Fonseca, 1985
  
  Wine Spectator: 95pts, Robert Parker: 96pts ($295.00)
  
  Fonseca, 1997
  
  Wine Spectator: 91pts, Robert Parker: 93pts ($285.00)
  
  Dow, 1994
  
  Wine Spectator: 97pts, Robert Parker: 96pts ($345.00)
  
  Graham, 1994
  
  Wine Spectator: 95pts, Robert Parker: 96pts ($345.00)
  
  Ramos Pinto, 2003
  
  Wine Spectator: 94pts ($125.00)
- White and Rose Wines | By the Glass
  Pinot Grigio, Tiefenbrunner | Trentino-Alto Adige
  Glass: $14.00
  
  Bottle: $70.00
  Chardonnay, Kalaris | Napa
  Glass: $14.00
  
  Bottle: $70.00
  Rose, " Coteaux d' Aix en Provence Rose," AIX | Provence, France
  Glass: $14.00
  
  Bottle: $70.00
- Red Wines | By the Glass
  Chianti Classico, "Argenina DOGG," Il Palazzino | Toscana
  Glass: $14.00
  
  Bottle: $70.00
  Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis M. Martini | Sonoma County
  Glass: $14.00
  
  Bottle: $70.00
  Pinot Noir, MacMurray Estate Vineyards | Central Coast, California
  Glass: $14.00
  
  Bottle: $70.00
- Bubbles I By the Glass
  Champagne, Imperial Brut, Moet & Chandon, Champagne, France, NV
  A complete, generous and dynamic champagne. A balanced assemblage of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay—all from the most expressive crus of the Champagne region
  
  Glass: $27.00
  
  Bottle: $135.00
  Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Canella | Veneto, NV
  Glass: $12.00
  
  Bottle: $55.00
- Microbrews | Domestic
  
  Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale I Colorado, ALC 6.5%
  
  ($6.95)
  
  Blackwing Dark Lager | Union Craft Brewing | Baltimore, MD, ALC 4.8%
  
  ($6.95)
  
  Lagunitas IPA | California, ALC 6.2%
  
  ($6.95)
- Imports
  
  Birra Moretti | Lager | Italy, ALC 4.6%
  
  ($6.95)
  
  Bitburger | Pilsener | Germany, ALC 4.8%
  
  ($6.95)
  
  Amstel Light | Netherlands, ALC 3.5%
  
  ($6.95)
  
  Heineken | Netherlands, ALC 5.0%
  
  ($6.95)
  
  Moretti La Rossa Birra Doppio Malto | Doppelbock | Italy, ALC 7.2%
  
  ($7.95)
- Non Alcoholic
  
  Buckler | Non-Alcoholic | Netherlands, ALC 0.05%
  
  ($6.95)

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