Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Vinny's Cafe

    4.2 (198 reviews)
    ModerateItalian, Cafes, Pizza
    Closed Closed

    Order Vinny's Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Vinny's Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    VINNY'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    Recommended Reviews - Vinny's Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    grandma Sicilian
    Brad R.

    TLDR: An underrated Baltimore gem serving top-tier pizza and Italian comfort food, with a standout Sicilian Grandma pie. Vinny's Cafe in Dundalk might fly under the Baltimore pizza radar, but it has no business staying there. After hearing from some locals that this spot ranks up there with Baltimore legends like Matthews, Frank's, Squire's, and Pizza John's, I to check it out. I ordered takeout, going with their Sicilian Grandma pie and a vodka chicken parm sub. When I walked in to pick up my order, I noticed the inviting dining room and a fully stocked case of pizzas and desserts, all looking fresh and ready to go. The fact that they serve slices is a major plus and not something you find much anymore in Baltimore. The vodka chicken parm sub was fantastic. The chicken cutlets were nicely breaded, the hoagie roll tasted fresh from the oven, and I loved being able to get the vodka sauce on the side so I could dip instead of wearing half the sandwich. The sauce had great flavor and paired perfectly with the smoked mozzarella and provolone melted over the chicken. As good as the sub was, the Sicilian Grandma pie was the star. Their take on Sicilian is light, airy, and almost focaccia-like, which made for an incredible base. It's not the traditional Long Island Grandma style with the dense, olive-oil-rich crust, but it holds its own. For me, Grandma style pizza showcases the essentials better than anything else. With Vinny's, the dough, cheese, and sauce all shine in perfect balance. It's the litmus test pie, and Vinny's passes the test with ease. Overall, I'm beyond satisfied and pretty sure I've found my new go-to pizza spot in Baltimore. Next time, I plan on dining in for the full experience and grabbing one of their NYC style pies. Vinny's Cafe is the real deal, and more people need to know it.

    $22.95 | 16" Casa Mia - pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, ground beef, red onions, & black olives. Added bacon for add. $3.50
    Jason W.

    Aug. 2025 | Tuesday Takeout Win Snagged Vinny's Tuesday deal on a large cheese pizza--added half bacon & sausage on one side. The toppings side could've been better distributed, but the taste and authenticity more than made up for it. Still a go-to spot that delivers every time.

    Pizza bread was yummy!
    Michele F.

    Vinny's is the best! I was in the Canton area of Baltimore for 5 weeks and I ate here once a week. The service is top notch and the staff are super friendly and attentive. For my last night in Baltimore there was no question where I would be eating! Koren, my awesome server, recommended the Fettuccine Gemma, which consisted of chicken, spinach, tomatoes and corn in a garlic cream sauce. She also recommended substituting the homemade spinach pasta, which was the best advice. The dinner portions are huge, but I managed to almost finish everything. If you're looking for good Italian, go to Vinny's.

    Vinny's Cafe sign!
    Sharon L.

    Hubby and I passed Vinny's as we were heading to another restaurant in the area and it looked so quaint that I told him I'd really like to come back over and dine there. Fast forward to tonight, we gave it a try. Lisa greeted us at the door and took us to a very nice, quiet table. I appreciated this because I had a crazy day at work and I just wanted to have a few minutes peace with my husband. The restaurant itself is a hometown sort of place that makes you feel like you are in a dining room, but you feel comfortable as you are.....and that tonight was perfect. We told her that it was our first time there and she made some great suggestions for what to have. The menu is hard to even choose from because there is so much that looked and sounded amazing! She talked us into this meatball, ricotta, marinara appetizer. Her description of the meatballs was enough for both of us to be inquisitive. Meatballs are suppose to be light little pillows. They should never be over handled to the point that they turn into billiard balls. These did not disappoint! They smelled amazing and tasted even more amazing! Bread/pizza bread and butter was brought out...all very tasty! Hubby and I both had a drink tonight and for the price, we only got one, but one was all that we needed. It wasn't loaded with ice to the point there was no liquor and it provided that little buzz that I needed personally! :) My husband ordered lobster ravioli and a salad and I ordered veal parmesan. To be honest, I really had a hard time picking anything. When our meals came out, I think we were blown away at the size of them! My hubby was able to finish eating his full pillows of pasta.....me, not so much. Never did I expect the size of veal that I got and the accompanying pasta that was under it. It was absolutely tender within a crunchy topping and had just the right amount of marinara so that it didn't lose the crunch but kept all the flavor. We finished with a coppa pistachio dessert that I was able to eat four bites of. Totally delicious and well worth having. Everything was served at the appropriate temperature. We loved the vibe of the neighborhood coming in to dine. Just a fun little place that I know we will be back to. Lisa was the best server, but all employees we came in contact with were a credit to Vinny's Cafe. Thanks for a great evening.....we can't wait to come back! :)

    Restaurant interior
    Christine W.

    I ordered the Chicken Leonardo. The chicken cutlet was a little dry but good, and the greens didn't have much dressing. The lobster ravioli was savory and tasty! The pizza bread and the rolls were pretty good. The service was good, although they got one of our orders wrong. They instantly took it back to make it right. It's pretty fancy ambiance wise.

    Beer

    Incredible homemade food, great family run business by an ACTUAL Italian family with roots in Naples. Authentic rustic food. Generous portions. Incredible bar. I've been eating here for years and have never been dissatisfied. They treat you like family.

    Outside on Holabird Avenue

    I stopped in for a simple cup of coffee because I'm an over the road truck driver who was in the neighborhood waiting on my load. Although I had already eaten, the food, looked amazing. The pizza slices were huge, the chicken wings were smothered and sauce, and a decent size and there were cheesecakes and cannolis also available that look delicious as well. I look forward to coming back and having more than just a good cup of coffee. As I waited, the staff was quick to expedite other people who were walking in making orders and picking up orders Very clean, proper, and hospitable I cannot comment really on the ambience other than it being chill because I came into the pick up area and not the restaurant itself But there was plenty of room to sit down if I had to wait, and the music was upbeat, which put a smile on my face

    Espresso martini
    Rama S.

    Vinny's is a community favorite with its authentic Italian flavors and menu. It is family owned and operated and the food never disappoints. Whether stopping in to grab a bite, enjoying yourself in the new dining room, or catering events Vinny's does an amazing job for great affordable prices and service. I work across the street and always get Vinny's for work party's and it is always a hit! The newly opened dining room is absolutely stunning, it doesn't even feel like you are in Baltimore with the decor and vibes. I sat at the bar and the servers were quick and kind. Drinks were also bomb. They have great happy hour deals and even do specials for game days. Oysters were fresh and even better we got them on buck a shuck. Portion sizes are great for sharing. I highly recommend Vinny's, it's worth the visit 10/10!

    Grace's oven-baked wings
    Karley B.

    This is not what I thought I was signing up for, when I suggested we take my mom to Vinny's for her birthday lunch. My mother and I have been to Vinny's several times. Heck, we had my grandfather's after funeral luncheon there. My mom and I were both pretty excited to have the chance to go back. She doesn't often come over this side of Back River, so it was definitely supposed to be a special meal. I did not know that the restaurant is closed; that only the small take-out room is available for dining. This would have been fine if it was any old lunch with my mom, but this was her birthday and she ended up eating in one of six booths, in a small room with the take out counter, bar, coolers, television... you know, the typical things at your go-to pizza/sub shop. I did not know that beverages have been reduced to the bottles in the cooler. You don't get a cup unless you need ice. I did not know that you now need to order that fantastic bread they used to start you off with, the one with the sauce on top? Or that the pasta entrees no longer come with a side salad. The food was FABULOUS, don't get me wrong. But I was expecting to see the crazy wall murals and Italian statues. I was expecting a table that I could access instead of trapping everyone in the booth by parking my wheelchair at the end. To add to my disappointment, I almost fell off the sidewalk when I was leaving because their SHRUBBERY blocks a quarter of the sidewalk, forcing me to skirt my tire along the edge of the curb just so I could get past. However, I would totally order take-out from Vinny's. Grace's baked wings (with rosemary, garlic and beer) are fall-off-the-bone phenomenal. And the onion rings were crunchy perfection. My boyfriend got a cheesesteak with mayo and raw onion. It seemed average. He ate the whole thing, so there's that. I had eggplant parmigiana, with angelhair pasta. It tasted exactly like the eggplant parmigiana I have eaten in 7 other Italian-based take-out places. I don't mind that. I love eggplant. But when things taste exactly the same as places that are scattered all over the state, that seems to suggest pre-made. My mother's meal though... Eggplant Rollatini (fresh egg-battered eggplant stuffed with ricotta, spinach and roasted red peppers served over Fettuccini pasta covered with a rose cream sauce) was envy inducing. I WANT THAT! I NEED THAT in my future. Drove past the restaurant last night and was so depressed to see that the parking lot, which used to overflow, is now more than half empty. I can't understand how such a booming, popular spot has been reduced to this. I don't think the decline will stop. I feel like I'm saying goodbye.

    Chicken parm, needs gravy.

    Ordered 2 dinners for takeout. Chicken parm and Caesar salad with blackened salmon. The salmon was spot on. Chicken parm not so much. Very little sauce on the angel hair pasta. No butter for the Italian bread. No pizza bread. Vinny 's -you can do a lot better than this. $45 for 2 dinners. Disappointed. Any suggestion for better places to eat near here. Stay at the best western often. Thanks.

    Mega Slice

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brad R.
    273
    414
    1572

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John W.
    87
    50
    67

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of CJ C.
    115
    10
    20

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jason B.
    55
    63
    19

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa D.
    0
    14
    15

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Scott B.
    322
    56
    75

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob S.
    0
    39
    8

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of CJ S.
    5
    66
    96

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Best pizza south of Staten Island. Grandma Sicilian (which I had one) was out of this world!! Ready for take out 10 minutes early.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M H.
    0
    32
    9

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Vinny's Cafe

    Is the dining room open now?

    No. They claim the dining room is only open for "Private Parties". They refuse to say why they are closed. Why the big secret? Health Department problem? Owner has died? I have no idea, but they won't say. It seems they have been reduced to… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 9,104 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    La Scala - Penne Alla Vodka

    La Scala

    (748 reviews)

    $$$

    Little Italy

    This place was such a delight. We came here with our kids and they just loved this experience…read more The restaurant has a gigantic bocce ball court that takes up much of the first level. We were seated at a table that overlooked the court and a digital screen that flashed beautiful photos of Italy's top tourist spots. My kids were thrilled when they saw Venice, since they just learned about it in school. After ordering food, I took the kids to the bocce court while my partner could enjoy the wine and watch us from above. I know he appreciated having the break and a good glass of wine to go with it. Service was friendly and the food was fantastic. We ordered several dishes including several types of pasta, meatballs, cheesy bread and a caesar salad. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a great vibe overall. I already have a reservation when we pass through Baltimore again in a few weeks.

    This is a tight, upscale Italian food local that has a lot to offer…read more Yes it feels like you get stuffed in here with a shoehorn but the location is like an old house and it has lots of personality. Don't come here if you're just looking for blah food! If all you want is spaghetti and meat sauce go down to Fazzolis. This is higher flavor town Italian food with a mission to make you melt in delight. And it succeeds! Service is out standing, the food is flavor art, the location is tight but has great character, and I would come back in a heart beat!

    Tagliata - Polepette ~ Meatballs

    Tagliata

    (820 reviews)

    $$$

    Inner Harbor

    11.16.25 Hubby and I…read morehad a concert to go to at CFG Arena so I decided to select a restaurant nearby before the show to celebrate my birthday coming up in 1.5 weeks. When I did a search online, this restaurant received high reviews and had a lovely ambiance. I made reservations via OpenTable. When I made the reservation, I noted it was for my birthday. Upon being seated, I was given a handwritten birthday card. Our server was Christopher. He was knowledgeable informing us of the specials and offering a recommendation after my husband selected a particular glass of wine. Christopher started us off by providing us with complimentary bread. I ordered the lobster ravioli (half size) and my hubby ordered the chicken marsala with spaghetti. I enjoyed the succulent lobster and the flavorful sauce. My hubby enjoyed his entree as well. For dessert, I ordered the chocolate semifreddo which had chocolate mousse, cold brew gelato, white chocolate crema, and chocolate hazelnut crumble. Christopher brought it out with lighted candle and surprised me with a complimentary olive oil cake. Both were delectable and simply perfection. If I were at home, I probably would have licked the plates. Towards the end of dinner, Christopher didn't come to check on us as frequently, but I appreciated his thoughtfulness with the complimentary cake and his knowledge of the menu. I enjoyed the food, ambiance, and special gestures the restaurant made to celebrate my birthday.

    The service was on point and food & mocktails were delicious. The waiter encouraged each of us to…read moreorder the large portions of our pasta dishes, even though we already had an appetizer and two sides. Neither of us could finish our meals and didn't want to take seafood back to our hotel fridge. I get the desire to upsell but better advice would've been, get the small portions and save room for dessert. It's also very tightly packed and loud. So if you get over stimulated easily (or just spent all day in an airport/plane) maybe consider something more low key.

    Costiera - Tagliatelle ragu...sooooooo tasty! House made pasta too!

    Costiera

    (98 reviews)

    Little Italy

    Wow! I have always driven by Costiera and been intrigued... it did not disappoint!…read more The service was great and made our experience fun. The restaurant was definitely small, so I would either make a reservation well in advance or come sit at the bar early! When you come I highly recommend the short rib, one of the best dishes I had in a WHILE.

    Costiera went beyond my expectations. I really wanted to do…read morerestaurant week even though the whole north eastern seaboard got slammed with the worst storm its seen in 10 years. With main roads and side streets finally cleared... I booked a RW dinner res at Costiera. There is a parking garage across the street for 5 dollars. We walked over (still icy ugh) but made it in and were seated. Interior was very nicely done up with wicker basket light fixtures and a nice colorful mural above the host stand. Our server AJ took great care of us- they were funny, attentive and very friendly. For restaurant week the menu honestly was fantastic with many options for every person's palate and dietary preferences. I went with the octopus appetizer, squid ink bucatini with calamari, and a pound cake with lemon curd and mint whipped cream. Every single thing I had was delicious. The octopus was grilled perfectly and tender and the bean puree and potato paired nicely. The pasta was umami and not too tomatoey or acidic. My pound cake was tasty with the tanginess of the curd pairing well with the whipped cream. My boyfriend enjoyed his mushroom soup, his mushroom bolognese rigatoni( i tried this, I would absolutely order this next time)and a decadent chocolate tart. If you're reading this and they extended their restaurant week menu, go now and enjoy a fantastic meal.

    Sotto Sopra - Half portions of squid ink pasta and Pumpkin Pasta

    Sotto Sopra

    (584 reviews)

    $$$

    Downtown

    It has been over 11 years since my last review, and Sotto Spora still hits the spot. Never misses…read more They always run a really nice special around tax season in which you can get $15 select pastas and $7 select wines and cocktails. So I decided to stop in for a nice dinner and wine. The place was pretty much packed, but I was able to get a table since it was just me. Dinner was pretty simple for me, I love their spaghetti bolognaise and my fave Montepulciano wine. For an appetizer I love the beef carpaccio( that was not apart of the special). And it is also their 30th anniversary so they have some really nice specials going on. If your in the Mount Vernon section, make sure you stop in you will not be dissapointed SYOY

    Wow - Riccardo Bosio pulled out all the stops for a great Tax Day Special Dinner! It has been…read morefascinating watching him over the years create special dining experiences for his customers. What a delicious idea - several pastas on the menu for $15.00 and a glass of red or white wine for $7.00. We made a reservation for 4 of us at 5:30 PM to celebrate our double wedding anniversaries. We were warmly greeted by Amelia, and seated at our favorite table. The restaurant already had a lively vibe - everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves. The restaurant is elegant and very inviting. Eliza, our server, came over right away to get us started with drinks. She was very friendly and attentive to our every need. The service is always exemplary. We enjoyed four glasses of a very crisp Pinot Grigio and two glasses of a robust Montepulciano wine. They always start you off with freshly baked homemade breads and bread sticks. We began our culinary journey with a Charcuterie Board, which was beautifully plated with an assortment of Prosciutto, finocchiona, parmigiano, pecorino, fried artichokes, crostini, green olives, caperberries, marinated vegetables, and pepperoncino. It was so delicious and more than enough for the four of us. We had two entrees of the Creamy Carbonara alla Sotto Sopra - a spaghetti with smoked bacon, egg, cream, and parmesan, one entrée of Cacio e Pepe -spaghetti with a creamy sauce made with just Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, and one entrée of Alla Amatriciana - spaghetti with a rich sauce of pancetta, tomatoes, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Each and every pasta dish was carefully prepared and presented and loaded with flavor. We all were in Italian heaven. Riccardo made the evening more fun as he was dressed as Uncle Sam and was going around spreading good cheer throughout the restaurant. We could not have asked for a more enjoyable way to spend our anniversaries.

    Dalesio's Of Little Italy - Scampi & Crab Alla Sardegna

    Dalesio's Of Little Italy

    (405 reviews)

    $$

    Inner Harbor

    I'm in Baltimore for a few days and my mind starts planning to visit the usual rotating restaurant…read morespots. I did a search on Yelp and found I never been to Dalesios of Little Italy? Dalesios of Little Italy has been open since 1984 and has been serving great Italian dishes in the heart of Baltimore's Little Italy. Walking inside, the restaurant is tastefully decorated. It screams old world, European charm with it's unique art adorning the walls. I'm seated in the first dining room, closest to the front door. There's a bar inside this room which adds to the Italian decor. First time here, I don't know the restaurants portion sizes. Is it family style where one plate can feed a small army? The portion size was perfect. I ordered a nice glass of Italian wine and the Scampi & Crab Alla Sardegna. The pasta dish was amazing. The pasta was cooked perfect al dente and the Scampi & Crab sauce was something unique to Baltimore. It's Crab & Shrimp simmered in a cognac, garlic & tomato cream sauce. All of this goodness is served over linguine. I love Maryland Crabs and to have them topped in a pasta dish makes my heart sing. I highly recommend this dish. My waiter was very informative, he made some great dinner suggestions but I first had to try the Scampi & Crab Alla Sardegna. The next time I come I'm going to order the Lasagna!

    I was in town for my birthday weekend and we stopped in to Dalesio's for dinner. The restaurant was…read morefairly empty on a Friday night but we stayed because of the reviews. I can start with the service. We were quickly seated, the sever didn't introduce himself and we asked for straws for our drinks no less than three times before we were finally given straws. We also asked our server if they did anything special for birthdays, as I was in town for my birthday weekend and he blew us off rather quickly instead of engaging. For food we started with an order of garlic bread and we were quickly underwhelmed, it reminded us of Texas toast out of the freezer section and we didn't finish it. I ordered the chicken parmesan that came with broccoli, I'll start by saying the broccoli was the best thing on the plate. The food was rather bland and I felt like I could have made the same meal by grabbing a jar of marinara in the grocery store aisle. I wish I had a better review, I wanted to love this place but in between the food and service I was underwhelmed.

    Vinny's Cafe - italian - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...