Aldos Restaurant

Excellent, awesome, all the best praises and adjectives you can think of! This place was amazing on so many levels: the service, the food, the ambiance. Everything was just right. My fiancé and I came in around 10:30pm and they were set to close at 11pm. They welcomed us with open arms. We decided to sit at the bar since we felt that might be a little easier for everyone. We ordered their special the Wild Boar Pappardelle. The pasta was fresh and scrumptious, the sauce was a little salty but still did not regret ordering it! My fiancé got the Pasta Duo which allows for you to pick two pasta dishes since he was torn. He ordered the Spaghettoni alla Carbonara and Linguine & Clams. He couldn’t pick which one he liked more. I couldn’t either! Keep in mind he does not like pasta but, I begged him to get Italian that night. All three dishes were delicious! We also, got complimentary limoncello shots! They won’t give away their recipe but, it was so good! Aside from the food, the service was ridiculous (in the best way!) Margaret, Roman and the Chef (Sergio) made us feel like we were sitting in a living room hanging out the entire night! Even after we paid they kept the conversation going. We did not want to leave and cannot wait to come back and try something different!

We had a party of 8 for a 7:30 PM reservation but arrived in two groups so while waiting for the second half of our party, we sat at the bar in front and had drinks. Very welcoming bartender and what seemed like long term customers at the bar gave us a favorable first impression. We were shown to our table which was in a semi private room, which we thought was perfect. That’s when the favorable impression ended. It seemed like out of sight — out of mind was the theme for the evening. After about 15 minutes the waiter stopped by to tell us about the specials, didn’t take further drink orders. Then he proceeded to abandon us for another 20 – 25 minutes. He finally came back and took drink orders, (resulting in our guests waiting for more than 30 minutes to get a drink), went over the special about the menu again. We finally ordered what everyone thought was some kind of «prix fixe» menu telling us he would bring all the appetizers making sure everyone got a taste, and all we had to do was pick a salad and a main course. Well, as it it turned out, it was all a la carte. Most of the appetizers were good. I had the corn and crab chowder instead of the soup, which was delicious. However then the pasta «tasting course» came out, and the orecchiette was too salty to eat, the wild boar pappardelle looked like it had been sitting out too long and was very unappealing to look at. I did not even taste it. The lobster fettucine was good. By that time a few of us were too full to even taste the main course and it was almost 10 PM by the time they arrived. One meal — a pork dish of some kind — was inedible (they did take it off the bill).
Our family is Italian, and have high expectation of Italian food when we dine out. This food was mediocre at best, the service was arrogant and atrocious, and the price was astronomical for the quality of the food and experience. I would never go back, and given that we were entertaining out of town guests, I was embarrassed to have chosen this place. I read the reviews and now that I have dined there, truly wonder how anyone would give this a good review. Unfortunately, I will now pay more attention to negative reviews in the future.

A menu to make you drool and a price to make you cry. Decent execution. The escargot wasn’t the best I’ve had. The filet with foie gras was pretty amazing. The service was great. The ambiance is fitting for a restaurant that breaks the bank (other than the bathrooms — those could very well be at a fast food chain). After a $ 140 bill I likely won’t be returning soon but I sure do want to try more of their food!

Ehhhhh where do I begin?
Let’s start with the good…
Lovely setting, very clean and well kept
Friendly bussers and help staff
Felt relaxed not rushed
Great customer service when booking meal (I’m celiac and my BF called to be sure our server knew) and then the server only discussed gluten free options which was impressive
Awesome appetizer of risotto
Delicious salads
Food was well made
Not so good…
Pricey for the amount of food given
Limited menu
Little loud and cramped
Gluten free pasta was TERRIBLE so bad I couldn’t eat it
—signature clam sauce had tons of clams but the pasta was so bad it was not worth eating
BF got the fish special which was just the fish… no sides or anything which was disappointing.
Server didn’t seem to care about us after the initial intro — spent time with regulars who he gave extras to (some lemon cello drink that they clearly didn’t order but only select tables got them)
Server disappeared for long stretches
Dessert — so disappointed. I love zabaglione but you get a glass filled with berries and maybe 4 tablespoons of the zabaglione!!! $ 9 for berries?!
— — — -
Moral here seems to be… be willing to spend a lot, order more than just an entrée and if you are younger or not a regular be prepared to be less important.
Wish we were more impressed, but probably will try other options nearby before returning if we do.

Overall a good experience with a large party. Up front: block out a lot of time… we sat down at 6:45 and didn’t finish until close to 11:00. The food was all excellent as was the service, thus my high rating. The price point is a little high, all things considered.

My wife and I have made it a tradition to eat here on Valentine’s Day. Last night was a great experience and validates that Aldo’s is one of the best and most authentic Italian restaurants. Most of the italian restaurants in baltimore area are not authentic. They are more like chef boyardee. The dishes at Aldo’s are pricey but in return you get fresh ingredients, simplicity and delicious flavors just like in Italy. I had the orecchiette broccoli rabe pasta with minced sausage. My wife had the Lobster linguine. She never finishes her pasta dishes at other places but she wiped the plate clean this time. Our waiter was attentive but not over bearing. We are looking forward to our meal at Aldo’s.

Recently dined at Aldo’s for the first time. I was here with a large party and dined in a more private area downstairs…
THE GOOD…
–found street parking nearby the restaurant, but they do valet
–was greeted promptly and quickly shown where the dining area was
–restaurant appeared clean
–warm bread was good along with the parmesan dipping oil
–waiter was friendly
–eggplant app was good
–calamari app was ok
–Caesar salad was good
–fettuccini with lobster and Alfredo cream sauce sauce was good, decent portion… pasta did taste freshly made
–flourless Belgian chocolate cake was really good
–new silverware was given promptly for the other courses
–for the most part, water glasses were refilled
–I’m not a big wine drinker, but the red wine at the table was pretty good
–timeliness of courses was good
THE BAD…
–didn’t notice any valet attendants outside
–the rectangular table wasn’t really ideal, perhaps a round table would be better so there can be interaction with everyone at table
–initially the water refills were slow
–no croutons in Caesar salad
–lobster in fettuccini was small, would have liked there to be a few bigger chunks, especially for the price
–when my entrée was served the waiter didn’t offer any fresh ground pepper or parmesan cheese… I had to ask for it
–although eggplant was good I feel like it could have been a bit more crispy, especially if it was suppose to be flash fried (a little mush to it)
–calamari was a bit oily tasting
Overall, my first experience at Aldo’s was positive. They did a pretty good job caring for a large party. I feel there are certainly opportunities to improve, but the cons didn’t impact the meal to the point that it wasn’t enjoyable. I’d return for a more quiet, romantic dinner and see how things play out.

The «Feast of Seven Fishes» is an Italian meal served on Christmas Eve that typically consists of ‘seven’ different seafood dishes originating from Southern Italy, where it is known simply as The Vigil (La Vigilia). Apparently no one from Aldo’s got the memo…
The Aldo’s version of The Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve 2015 at the price of $ 69 per person (plus up-​charges), was a set menu that consisted of ‘three’ seafood courses (not seven), + dessert.
The first 2 courses appeared to be a new genre of dining that is a subset of small plates called «small appetizers». The first course of smoked fish was a sub-​golf ball sized portion of smoked fish and a few pieces of rock hard dark bread squares. This was followed by a second course consisting of 4 (count em 4), seriously small shrimp, on 4 toasted white bread squares with a dollop of what tasted like a really bland alfredo sauce on the itty bitty plate.
The «entrée» I had the misfortune of choosing was a lobster dish that required a $ 12 up-​charge to the $ 69 base price, (More must always mean better right)? What arrived was small plate dish that looked like a lone, breaded, chicken fried steak, which was about the size of a small hamburger, with no sides, and again with the alfredo sauce… The thin oval of pounded flat meat inside the bone dry breading could have been anything, because it was absolutely devoid of any taste whatsoever, (an actual chicken fried steak would have been a million times more flavorful).
The final dessert course consisting of dry bread pudding made from Panettone and a couple chocolates was the most memorable, not because of the dish, but because it finally marked the merciful end of a wildly overpriced and wholly underwhelming dinner that turned out to be anything BUT a «feast».
In my best Charlton Heston voice… Damn you Guy Fieri for reviewing Aldo’s Feast of Seven Fishes and recommending it. Damn you all to Hellllllllllllllllllllllll !

Last night for my gf bday weekend dinner. I made reservations. This place gets 6 stars, for service, hospitality, FOOD, drinks, giving and everything they did. THANK YOU for a great night and experience.

Aldo’s is a fantastic restaurant in Baltimore’s Little Italy. My husband and I have been a few times and have enjoyed every dish. The service was excellent and I look forward to many more meals at Aldo’s.

Overpriced for what it is. It’s Little Italy in Baltimore ‘Hon — not Philly or DC. Server was disinterested. Food was blah. Crab cakes tasted horrible — had an odd sour fishy taste.

Aldo’s is by far the best restaurant in Little Italy. From the top notch service to the amazing cuisine, you won’t be disappointed. Even if you are only looking for a glass of wine, Margaret, will lead you in the right direction. I have frequented Little Italy my entire life & no restaurant has matched my experiences at Aldo’s

Came for winter restaurant week last year and it was a great time. Very romantic ambiance with nice high ceilings and delicious food. The food was delicate and elegant. The steak was cooked perfectly and I had such a great experience. Portions were not that large, but it is known for finer dining. Does not seem very Italian. It is pricey regularly though, so I would recommend going during restaurant week or special occasions.

Aldo’s has a very quaint, old-​world feel. We met friends here for dinner to celebrate a birthday and our group was seated in the «Library»…the Library was a nicely decorated, private room.
Everyone in our group had Caesar Salads and the Pasta Duo. For my meal I had the Crab Cakes which came with Lobster-​Saffron Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus, and there was a remoulade sauce on top. All of the items on the plate worked very well together. The group also got a dessert trio. The food was tasty and I enjoyed it, but it was a bit overpriced.
Aldo’s is a nice choice for a special occasion where you want a nice ambiance and good food.

Overall the Bolognese is excellent. The food is great. It is a little overpriced but good service. The place is a little outdated and has old men servers. That is part of the charm of this place, however it is lacking a younger crowd for a reason. Parking can be an issue so get here early.

This restaurant was supposed to be gobsmackingly delicious (it was a place featured on where to go after graduation, which is why I went) and I was so disappointed. Well not SO disappointed, but definitely disappointed for the price.
First things first we had to send a lobster bisque back because it was too salty to finish. That doesn’t really happen for me, I’m one of those people who will just take what’s given then complain about it online later (hence Unilocal elite) instead of making a fuss in the restaurant and making a waiter’s day even more difficult.
The foie gras dish was loaded with way too many cherries. I understand pairing something tartly sweet with foie gras, it’s the obvious thing to do, but piling it on makes no sense at all, I ordered it to get myself some delicious liver not some cherry dessert.
The pastas were all delicious I will give them that.
And the wine list is extensive.
And the tiramisu was really good.
But I actually really could not get over how overpriced everything was, and I am not one to skimp when it comes to good food.
That is, as long as the food lives up to the price point, which it didn’t here.
Also what was with the décor? I’m not trying to have a fancy dinner at grandmas place.
Scathing? Maybe. Just trying to lead you all to better dining choices.

We finally tried Aldos despite the bad New Year’s Eve experience. The food is stellar! The fried calamari was amongst the best we’ve ever had, and the tuna on pastry was sublime. My GF ordered the veal francese, while I got the orecchiette with sausage. Both were just incredible. The food was some of the best food we’ve had in a while.
The space is gorgeous and refined. Very lovely dining atmosphere.
Still, the service and experience were just okay/​problematic. We were seated on the upper level near the balcony area that overlooks the faux «library”/party room. That spot had a bad draft, so we asked to be moved. The next table was perfect, but ALL of the LED track lights started flickering, migraine city for my GF. The table next to us complained and asked for it to be fixed, which it was. It was due to a bad/​incompatible dimmer switch. Later in the meal, the area got cold. We asked for the heat to be turned up, but it barely heated up the room, and the air handler was only blowing air for a short time. Pretty chintzy to leave your customers in the cold. I’m a *guy*, and even I was cold.
The cosmopolitan martinis had a weird taste, similar to the last time we had roofies. Okay, I’m exaggerating the last part, but the cosmos tasted off and had a strange taste. The wine list needs more of a selection for wines by the glass. No sauvignon blanc by the glass? Significant oversight for a restaurant in this price range, IMO.
The service lacks balance. Our waiter was okay but devoid of personality and a bit like a drone. He kept on asking on at least four occasions if we wanted to order the next part of the meal, but, since we’ve been to too many places that, say, shoot out the entrees while we we’re still savoring the appetizers, we prefer to set the pace. The bus boy service was just too attentive, with guys constantly asking if we were done when we still had stuff on our plates. We wanted good service, but we also wanted a bit of space.
We will likely be back and hope that the glitches were just anomalies.

One of my top places to go in Baltimore. First came here for restaurant week and the food was delicious! The steak was perfectly cooked. Service was impeccable and awesome ambience.

Was here about 8 months ago with my family. My boyfriend and I arrived early so we sat and had a drink. After my family arrived we were seated.
Everything was great. From the service to the food, we had a fantastic time. I didn’t care for the wine that was ordered and the waiter even poured two different wines for me to try to make sure I enjoyed what I was drinking. Because there were five of us, we pretty much had a sample of most things on the menu and then, of course, gave each other bites. YUM!

Looks like Little Italy from the outside. Tastes like it on the inside. Maybe the most disappointing Baltimore restaurant trip since…. Risk touristy and plasticy Little Italy at your own peril, but avoid Aldo’s entirely.
The pillars inside add some class, but the front bar looks cheap in a row-​house way, similar to Rocco’s. Most couples have collars but a few wear jeans. uh oh. The service is formal but clumsy: black tie but dirty suits, 10 minutes to refill the empty water glasses, and a robotic delivery of specials that makes the Reservoir Dogs DJ – «K Billy and the super sounds of the 70s keep truckin” – sound inspired.
The bread was heartily seasoned but dense, receiving a boost from the balanced, seedy olive oil. The good quality beef carpaccio is unfortunately drowned in high-​quality parmesan and balsamic dressing, masking the fresh texture and delicate thinness. Despite balance from the arugula, the requisite celery crunch is absent. The rich lobster risotto is nicely boozy with light smoke. The lobster is cooked well, no rubber. It’s balanced despite being rich and sweet, thought the mushy risotto was soupy. The pasta carbonara was equally well balanced, nice salt and egg elements though the meat was plain, and the pasta was well cooked.
At this point you’re thinking «sounds at least decent, 3 stars. C’mon man, get the stick out of your ass.» Keep reading…
Our main dish came next, the $ 38 osso bucco. Garnished with –3– limp asparagus and smothered in a gray cafeteria gravy, the defiled pale-​gray meat was slopped amidst 4 – 5 large cross-​section cut bones. Think those shiny, long-​handled cafeteria spoons. The taste lived up to it’s winning appearance, fatty yet slick and stringy, lukewarm. Having tried Sotto Sopra’s, Rocco’s, Portallis, this is a no brainer – Aldo’s is easily the worst, in fact it shouldn’t be served. We should have sent it back immediately instead of powering through, hoping for better. So much for optimism.
We ponied up for the $ 65+/head meal (one shared main, one drink apiece), shaking our heads and counting the meal lost. We were served a complimentary shot glass of limoncello-​cream before going, which we shot with the hope of at least a buzz. Instead, my peripheral vision slowed about 10 minutes later. I’ve tied a few on before; this was a glass of prosecco and a shot, neither buzz inducing, and the disorientation continued for about an hour.
Later that night and through the next day, my girlfriend suffered food poisoning, the kind that involves running to the bathroom repeatedly. She emailed Aldo’s twice, including pictures of the bucco. A week later, the response was «We’ve never had complaints of food poisoning, but since you didn’t like the osso, we’ll send you $ 38 as a gift card. Return and be wowed!»
A month later and we’re still waiting on that gift card.