Baltimore’s 38 Essential Restaurants
"It makes sense that husband-and-wife duo Paul and Samantha Mincarelli fell for Abruzzo, Italy, with its sparkling Adriatic coastline and lush Apennine mountain view. Their love letter to the region is Cafe Campli — a sun-filled restaurant on the ground floor of Lauraville’s mixed-used SoHa Union. Just east of Rome, Abruzzo is known for ingredients like white anchovy, oxtail ragu, and spaghetti alla chitarra. Those signature techniques and flavors are all on display, as well as a thoughtful bar program of minerally white wines from Pecorino, herbaceous cocktails featuring Italian amari, and refreshing N/A spritzes. Start with homemade rosemary focaccia, continue with a seasonal pasta (like sage pappardelle with sausage and butternut squash), order a Sunday Gravy for the table, and finish off with a warm bomboloni, a fluffy fried Italian doughnut oozing hazelnut-chocolate cream." - Jess Mayhugh, Eater Staff
