Benny's (Formerly Joe Benny’s)

Such good Italian food! The first day we tried to come back here there was over an hour wait so we came back and we are glad we did. they are known for their meatballs for a reason. I highly recommend the meatball appetizer with a creamy polenta. the Sicilian Caprese sub was another stand out.

Benny's knocked it out of the park for our anniversary dinner. We started with the brociole messenesi for the appetizer and my husband ate 5 of the 6 rolls before I could finish my first. He was in heaven. The sangria was refreshing and light. But the star of the show for me was the pistachio pasta. I've never had an italian dish this rich and creamy and with such a unique flavor profile. I swapped out the fennel sausage with chicken because I didnt want pork. But I think it would have been even better had I left it the way Joe Benny intended it. Often times I get a little bored with Italian food because...how many ways can you do mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. The pistachio sauce was like finding buried treasure. I can't express thoroughly how delicious this was. Great portions! I took home half and had the left overs a few days later. It reheated well and tasted just as good. My husband got the crab cake and was really impressed with the amount of lump crab meat, little filling, and perfectly seasoned. I don't eat seafood, but i could imagine anyone coming to Baltimore for dinner would be impressed if this cake landed on their table. Benny's also went out of their way to make it a special experience for us. The waiter Michael was excellent; personable, attentive, and knowledgeable and helpful with the menu and making suggestions. They surprised us with a delicious bread pudding dessert that we shared. Our reservation was for 545 and we were treated to happy hour drink specials, even though we were in the dining room, as well as a discount for dining early! I nearly fell of my chair! The manager came and checked on us as well and wished us happy anniversary. He said that he knew we had lots of choices for dining, and he appreciated that we chose Benny's to celebrate at. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and we left feeling really satisfied in both our bellies and souls! I'm looking forward to returning and trying out more delicious dishes. There was a band setting up as we were walking out, so maybe next time we'll get to enjoy some live music as well. Do yourself a favor and go eat at Benny's.

Benny’s absolutely blew me away! The calamari was hands-down the best I’ve ever had — perfectly crispy, tender, and seasoned to perfection. And the espresso martini? Incredible. Smooth, rich, and just the right kick to top off an amazing meal. The vibe is cozy, the staff are super friendly, and everything feels authentically welcoming. If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor and go. You won’t regret it!. Grazie Tony, Briteney and Joe

We were welcomed in very genuinely & friendly. Staff was nice, although our waiter wasn't the most attentive, there was a party of 8 that took his time more. The food was hot & tasted good. The cream puff pistachio dessert tasted good but looked like an absolute mess, not sure if that's how it was supposed to look but it didn't look pretty. It's actually more of a dish of pistachio cream with a couple of tiny cream puffs underneath. We'd go back again to try some pasta & chicken parm.

⸻ If you don’t feel like reading, just skip to the photos — they speak for themselves! We came here to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and honestly, it was one of the best dinners we’ve had in ages. The place is spotless, the staff is super friendly, and the pepperoncini martini (extra dirty, obviously) deserves its own fan club. We started with calamari, and finally — someone gets it! The marinara sauce was actually warm, not fridge-cold. A small detail, but a huge win. We both went for the spaghetti and meatballs because, well… this place is known for their big balls. They did not disappoint. The rolls were incredible — like if a fancy dinner roll and a croissant had a buttery baby. So good I ordered another without hesitation. Dessert was next-level: double espresso, pistachio cream puff (room temp, dreamy, melts in your mouth), and the best gelato I’ve ever had. Come here for date night, family dinner, or a weekend treat (apparently that’s when the focaccia pizza drops — noted for next time). We’ll definitely be back… after we hit the gym to recover from these very generous portions. I used to come to Little Italy back in 1996 — smoke weed, watch movies, and hang out while the old guys played bocce ball. It still feels like home, except now I get to actually go inside the bars and restaurants instead of hanging out on the curb! Big shoutout to the owner for sending us for more dessert around the corner — loved having sweet treats to take home to the kids!

Usually when a place has high reviews, there’s a risk that the actual experience will not match the hype. That is not the case for Benny’s. We’ve been here several times and every time the food is incredible, the service fantastic, and it always leave us wanting to come back for more. If you haven’t been here yet, please do yourself a favor, you won’t regret it.

These are the best meatballs I’ve ever had very nice spot tucked in little Italy. Came here late and still got to eat some good food . The Jorge salad was amazing and summer bruschetta was amazing as well . Customer service was excellent and we felt like their family dining in . Highly recommend this spot ..

With a personal touch, Joe creates an incredibly warm and welcoming invitation to experience Baltimore’s Little Italy. If you’re looking for an incredible food experience, you’ve got to try the “best balls on the block”. You can’t go wrong with anything on Joe’s revolving and seasonal menu!