A Beloved Little Italian Restaurant in Baltimore

December 04, 2025

My family has stayed loyal and true to our all time favorite restaurant, Chiapparelli’s. This little gem is located in Little Italy, Baltimore on South High Street. Chiapparelli’s truly has the most amazing food and the environment inside of the restaurant is so cozy, warm and welcoming. I may be biased because it is a family tradition to celebrate birthdays at Chiapparelli’s, but it is one million percent worth a visit.

(My family and I at Chiapparelli’s circa 2010!)

Chiapparelli’s Restaurant History

Chiapparelli’s was first opened in the early 1940’s as a pizza joint by Pasquale Chiapparelli’s and his brother. Pasquale, originally from Naples, Italy, moved to the United States in 1925 at the age of 26 years old. He moved to Baltimore to join many of his family members that had moved here prior to him. Pasquale married a woman known as Miss Nellie who worked with him in the restaurant making her speciality of daily fresh ravioli! Both Miss Nellie and Pasquale passed away in the early 2000’s, so the restaurant was passed down to their daughter-in-law Kit Chiapparelli, and grandson Bryan Chiapparelli.

Food

(Chicken parm!)

The authentic Italian cuisine is what keeps my family coming back to our most favorite restaurant. Chiapparelli’s offers a wide range of options from lunch to dinner. Lunch hours are generally from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday. Dinner hours range from 3:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. Friday and Saturday Chiapparelli’s is open until 11:00 p.m.

For lunch, they offer select appetizers, fresh dough pizza, subs, paninis, and entrees such as my great-grandmas favorite, the eggplant parm. Of course you must also try their infamous Chip’s salad. My family goes to Chiapparelli’s specifically for their salad; it is just that good! Their famous salad is a secret dressing recipe tossed with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. If I could give you any advice when in Baltimore, go to Chiapparelli’s and get yourself a salad, you will not regret it!

The dinner menu is quite similar, but portion sizes and prices increase. You get a larger range of appetizers to choose from, loads of delicious, homemade pasta, seafood, and meat entrees. If authentic Italian subs and pizzas are your favorite, I would suggest going during lunch hours, since those menu items are only served during lunch. I have never tried their pizza or subs, but I have no doubt they are extraordinary.

Pricing

Pricing for lunch appetizers range from $5 to $16. Pizza is priced from $13 to, at most, $17. Subs, paninis and entrees are also around that price.

Dinner pasta dishes hover around the $20-$30 price point depending on what protein you order. Seafood and meat dishes are also around the $30 range.

Chip’s famous salad does not come with entrees anymore unfortunately. :( There is a $4 up charge for salads now, but totally worth it in my opinion.

Atmosphere

Chiapparelli’s has had interior renovations done over the years, but the comfort and charm of the restaurant has always stayed consistent. The entire building is made of brick, giving it that aged yet classic feel. The soft lighting feels so comfy and they have family pictures displayed all over the restaurant which makes your dinner experience feel personal.

There are always old Italian classic songs playing softly through the speakers which makes you feel as if you have transported to the country.

I hope that you give Chiapparelli’s a visit. Little Italy is a wonderful part of Baltimore to visit. The string lights and brick homes give it a romantic feeling. After your visit to Chiapparelli’s, take a stroll through Little Italy and see the other authentic restaurants and bakeries within its streets!