BALTIMORE. Sicilian actor Al Pacino probably knows good pizza ­ that much is true. Oddly enough, the "Godfather" star has nothing to do with this restaurant. Transplants from Egypt created this cafe in the mid-1990s, and it has become a unique stop for Middle Eastern favorites and classic Italian pizza, often jazzed up with interesting combinations of designer flavors. Unique toppings such as mango chutney, yogurt curry, and tandoori chicken make for surprisingly delicious pies. The ornate Egyptian atmosphere only adds to the pleasingly over-the-top dynamic.

LITTLE ITALY. A narrow two-story foyer, flanked with Italianate arches and elegant white columns, adjoins this attractive dining room. The menu emphasizes healthy, flavorful preparation techniques and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Start off with the shrimp St. Andrea with lobster saffron mashed potatoes and tomato garlic butter, and then select a lovely plate of steak, pasta, fish or veal for your main course. Excellent wine list.

Little Italy is full of excellent, authentic dining options, but this one has carved out a niche for its friendly hospitality and its simple but flavorful cuisine. Ample portions of pastas, meats and seafood are generously ladled with the excellent, robust tomato sauce and plenty of melting cheese. Sample ziti la rosa, full of tasty sautéed shrimp, or the sweet, hearty sausage Marsala. The restaurant has several small dining rooms divided by hallways, giving an intimate feel to the space. If you have any room left after all that feasting ­ most don't ­ the cannoli is a worthwhile indulgence.

NORTHEAST BALTIMORE. Baltimore is full of restaurants touting their crabcakes as the region's best, but Angelina's really may take the cake, so to speak. Numerous local publications and contests have named these beauties the hands-down favorites. If you don't feel like ordering the specialty of the house, they also offer plenty of other Italian favorites, including seafood pastas, ravioli, and lasagna. The combination of the Irish pub downstairs and adjacent candlelit dining room may be unorthodox, but at this 50-year-old stronghold, it works. Live music is sometimes provided, usually focusing on classic Irish standards. And if you get addicted to those crabcakes, fear not ­ just call 1-800-CRABCAKE and they can be delivered right to your door.

LITTLE ITALY. Baltimore's Little Italy is lined with fabulous dining opportunities, but this one is continually heralded as the best of the best. The elegant, candlelit decor makes it a prime setting for romantic evenings, though you are just as likely to see business meetings and casual get-togethers occurring here. Every one loves the impeccable service, the beautiful presentation, and of course, the food. Sit next to the lovely marble fireplace and feast on one of numerous fresh pastas, a tender steak Florentine, and mouthwatering veal scaloppini. The daily specials take advantage of the bounty of each season.