too bad it's not d.c., because the best italian (in my opinion) is a place called La Perla, near 24th and penn. ave., nw. keep it in mind if you are in the district, ever. price is high, service is untouchable, setting is florence-ish. "mama mia, that's an incredible restaurant!" and stay away from filomena's in georgetown, on wisconsin ave. it blows, now. lost a star in the rating, big time.
i know this helps you not for baltimore, but i'm good at being a waste of time. ask sonic or miss marple. but seriously, consider that restaurant if you're ever in dc!