If you’re looking for an incredible Italian dining experience in Baltimore, you NEED to check out Marta Baltimore. Tucked into the Butchers Hill neighborhood, this cozy spot has become one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the city, and I’ve been back more times than I can count at this point, lol. Deke and I went on a rainy night recently, and honestly the stormy weather just made the whole experience feel even more special. There’s something about a warm, intimate restaurant when it’s pouring outside that just hits different, you know?
Marta Fine Food and Spirits is owned by Chef Matthew Oetting, who recently earned a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. And let me just say, SO well deserved. Every single time I’ve eaten here, the food has been next level. If you haven’t been yet, this post is your sign to make a reservation ASAP.
What Marta Baltimore Is Known For
Marta is a modern Italian restaurant that takes classic dishes and upgrades them with Chef Oetting’s own refined spin. Before opening Marta in 2022, he spent over two decades in the restaurant industry, including time at some of NYC’s most iconic spots like Union Square Café and Scarpetta (where he honed his pasta-making skills).
The restaurant is named after his wife Martha (translated into Italian, which I think is the sweetest thing ever). The space seats about 62 people, and the menu focuses on Italian classics made with premium ingredients. We’re talking house-made pastas, beautifully plated crudi, and entrees that are both comforting and sophisticated. If you’re a fan of Baltimore’s dining scene like I am, Marta is an absolute must.
Another Baltimore Italian spot worth knowing about: Angeli’s Pizzeria in Little Italy is a family-owned New York style pizzeria that landed on the 50 Top Pizza USA list in 2026, the only Maryland spot on it.
What to Order at Marta Baltimore
Okay, let me walk you through what Deke and I ordered because everything was SO good.
Yellowtail Crudo ($22)
We started with the yellowtail crudo, and the presentation alone was stunning. It comes with green apple, pickled ginger, jicama, Calabrian chili, and this gorgeous apple-hibiscus sauce. The flavors were bright and refreshing, with just the right amount of heat from the Calabrian chili. Such a beautiful way to start the meal.
Meatballs Arrabbiata ($18)
I could NOT stop eating these, lol. The meatballs are a blend of veal, pork, and beef, served over creamy polenta with a black pepper-parmesan crisp and arrabbiata sauce. It was storming outside that night, so I was craving something hearty and comforting, and these absolutely delivered. The polenta underneath soaks up all that spicy tomato sauce and it’s just ridiculously good. At $18, this is one of the best starters on the menu, IMO.
Chicken Marsala ($36)
For our mains, Deke and I usually go for pasta here (their pasta game is seriously strong), but this time we wanted to try some of the other entrees. The Chicken Marsala is a crispy skin half Amish chicken with wild mushroom fricassee and classic marsala sauce. The chicken skin was SO crispy, and the marsala sauce was rich without being heavy. The portion was massive too. I ate half and took the rest home for dinner the next day. Love when that happens.
Pennsylvania Lamb ($58)
This was Deke’s pick and WOW. It’s an 8oz porterhouse chop that’s marinated and grilled, served with creamy polenta, slow cooked lamb shank, grilled broccolini, huckleberry lamb jus, toasted pistachio, shaved ricotta salata, and mint. I know that sounds like a lot happening on one plate, but every element works together perfectly. The lamb was cooked to absolute perfection, tender and flavorful. This is definitely a splurge dish, but it’s worth every penny if you’re a lamb fan.
Tiramisu Affogato ($15)
Dessert is a MUST at Marta. The tiramisu affogato is mascarpone mousse, lady fingers, vanilla sponge cake, and chocolate pearls, served with a shot of espresso that you pour over everything. Watching the espresso soak into the mousse is so satisfying, and the flavors are incredible. Rich, creamy, with that perfect coffee bitterness. This was my favorite dessert of the night.
If you love exploring great desserts around the city, check out my guide to the BEST desserts in Baltimore for even more spots.
The Vibe at Marta Baltimore
The atmosphere at Marta is intimate, romantic, and trendy without feeling stuffy or pretentious. The dining room has beautiful floral wallpaper, cozy banquette seating, and warm lighting that makes everything feel special. There’s also a bar area with a more lively, social vibe if you prefer that energy. They have outdoor seating available in warmer months too.
It can get a little loud when the restaurant is full (it’s a small space and it’s popular), so if you want a quieter evening, I’d suggest going earlier in the week or requesting a dining room table. The service has always been incredible every time I’ve visited. Attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. It’s the kind of place where the staff makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in.
This is hands down one of the best date night spots in the area. If you’re looking for more date night inspiration, Garten in Severna Park is another favorite of mine.
If you want to explore another stellar Italian dinner option in Baltimore, Cosima in Hampden is doing beautiful seasonal Southern Italian and Sicilian food inside the historic Mill No. 1, and it’s absolutely worth a reservation.
Good to Know
- Address: 2127 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21231 (Butchers Hill / Upper Fells Point)
- Hours: Tue-Thu 4-10pm, Fri 11am-2pm & 5-10:30pm, Sat 11am-2:30pm & 5-10:30pm, Sun 11am-2:30pm & 5-9pm. Closed Mondays.
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially on weekends.
- Parking: Street parking only. It can be tough to find a spot in Butchers Hill, so consider rideshare if you want to avoid the hassle.
- Pricing: On the higher end. Starters run $16-$34, pastas $27-$36, entrees $36-$64, and desserts $13-$15. They also have brunch, happy hour, and an after-dinner cocktail menu.
- Drinks: Full cocktail and wine menu. They’re known for their Negroni selection (five variations!). Dessert cocktails are $17.
- Dietary: Limited vegetarian options.
- Private events: Semi-private dining for 12-50 guests with customizable menus.
Would I Go Back to Marta Baltimore?
A million times yes. Marta is easily one of the best restaurants in Baltimore, period. The food is consistently incredible, the vibe is perfect for a special night out, and Chef Oetting’s attention to detail shows in every single dish. Plus, with his James Beard semifinalist recognition, it feels like the rest of the country is finally catching on to what Baltimore foodies have known for a while now.
If you’re in the mood for something equally special on the waterfront, La Jetée is a new French restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Spike Gjerde at Harbor Point, and it’s already one of Baltimore’s most exciting fine dining openings.
And if you’re craving more Italian around Maryland after this, Frank’s Pizza & Pasta serves up some of the best Detroit-style pizza in the state.
Have you guys been to Marta yet?! I’d love to hear what you ordered and what you thought. Let me know by commenting below, Nomsters!