Affordable Italian in Baltimore?

[pomme de terre]

I have a friend coming into town who wants to go out for Italian. Cinghale is a bit out of our price range -- can you give us some good options at a lower price point? Good food and a fun atmosphere is all we need, not necessarily white tablecloths and white truffles.

We'd like to stay in the city proper, but can be flexible on the neighborhood.

[dawn3024]

Amici's is awesome. We used to drive to Baltimore from DC for their lasagna and their shrimp bread bowl which is awesome! Enjoy. Mangia.

[markf5018]

I haven't been there in a while but Amici's in Little Italy was always good food and not too pricey but you still get the little italy experience. I would recommend it.

[lawhound]

Cafe Piedigrotta (Central Ave and Bank Street) is cheap and extremely tasty. They are open til 6 Tues-Sat. and have a half dozen or more tables. Patries but also savory foods and some pastas. Great stuff.

[Hue]

Gia's in Little Italy is BYOB,but reasonable, quite good and has a very nice ambiance
http://www.cafegias.com/

[hon]

I am pretty sure Cafe Gia's has their liquor license now.

[hon]

Grano in Hampden, they have 2 locations, go to the bigger one on Chestnut, And it's BYOB!
http://www.granopastabar.com/

[drunk_again]

I second Grano,
great atmosphere and tasty, rustic dishes,
but it is still relatively small, (small but charming) only 8 or 9 tables or so. If you do decide, then it is recommended to make a reservation, and bring lots of wine. The more, the merrier. Just don't get tipsy and start singing off-key Frank Sinatra out loud like the one table did the last time I was there.

[HungryinBmore]

Chiapparellis - 237 South High St.
http://www.chiapparellis.com/

[AlexDer]

I feel Chiapparelli's is on the upper end of the Little Italy restaurants in Baltimore. It is definitely not on the lower-end of the price point.