Carmela's Cucina

Discover authentic Italian cuisine at Carmela's Cucina in Cambridge, MD. Enjoy favorites like shrimp scampi, chicken parm, baked ziti, and delicious stromboli. Family-owned restaurant with friendly service—call +1 410-221-8082 for reservations!

Welcome to Carmela's Cucina

Taste the Difference.

Carmela's Cucina
Carmela's Cucina
Carmela's Cucina
Carmela's Cucina

Carmela's Cucina invites diners into a world of authentic Italian flavor right in the heart of Cambridge, MD. Located at 400 Academy St, this family-owned restaurant takes pride in serving traditional dishes that spark memories of bustling Italian kitchens. From the moment you walk through the doors, the aromas of basil, garlic, and fresh bread create an inviting warmth. It's a place where families gather, friends celebrate, and everyone leaves with a satisfied palette. Preferred by locals and visitors alike, Carmela's offers an array of homemade dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're craving cheesesteak, shrimp scampi, or an indulgent cannoli, a moment spent here transforms a simple meal into a delightful experience.

Directions & Reservations

Plan Your Visit

Address

400 Academy St, Cambridge, MD 21613, United States

Phone

+1 410-221-8082

Social Media

About

The Culinary Story

Carmela's Cucina
Carmela's Cucina
Carmela's Cucina
Carmela's Cucina

Carmela's Cucina stands as a staple in the Cambridge dining scene, embodying the essence of family-run Italian kitchens. Owners ensure every dish prepared is rooted in tradition, pulled from cherished family recipes passed down through generations. Over the years, the restaurant has earned a loyal customer base, often buzzing with the laughter of families and friends enjoying hearty meals together. With time-honored favorites like chicken parmesan and stromboli, Carmela's showcases the authentic tastes of Italy while embracing local flavors. The restaurant's ambiance combines cozy décor with a friendly atmosphere, making it perfect for any occasion—whether a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering.

The peak dining hours on Friday evenings see the place filled to capacity, testament to the quality and popularity of its offerings. Locals recommend coming earlier in the week or later into the evening for a more leisurely experience, allowing for better interaction with the staff, who always aim to make diners feel at home. Carmela's Cucina emphasizes community connection, supporting local suppliers to procure fresh ingredients that elevate their dishes. The eatery's commitment to their craft shines through in the attention to detail, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience.

As visitors step into Carmela's, it isn't just a meal they're enjoying—it's an immersion into Italian culture, courtesy of the warm, welcoming staff who are proud to share their heritage.

Work Hours

Availability and Service Times

  • SundayClosed
  • Monday11 AM-9 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM-9 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM-9 PM
  • Thursday11 AM-9 PM
  • Friday11 AM-9 PM
  • Saturday11 AM-9 PM

Carmela's Cucina shines with its diverse menu featuring 37 delicious dishes, catering to all appetites. Signature items include the comforting fettuccine bolognese, crispy eggplant parmesan, and baked ziti that warms the heart. The traditional pizza options, from vegetarian to carnivore styles, attract pizza lovers far and wide. Families appreciate the convenience of made-to-order subs and wraps loaded with fresh ingredients. With peak dining times on Fridays at 6 PM, diners often anticipate longer waits, making it essential to visit during quieter hours for the full Carmela's experience. Unique to the restaurant, their large cannoli and decadent tiramisu provide excellent finishing touches to any meal.

Carmela's Cucina

Carmela's Cucina showcases a charming exterior that beckons passersby with its quaint signage and inviting entrance. A few outdoor tables offer an al fresco dining experience on warmer days, where guests can relish their meals while soaking up the community vibe of Academy Street. The relaxed environment creates the perfect backdrop for conversations over shared plates, especially during the lovely spring and summer months. This inviting atmosphere reflects the restaurant's intention to foster connections, encouraging everyone to slow down and savor both the food and each other's company.

Guestbook & Reviews

Experience Through Their Eyes

Hands down the BEST PIZZA around the area! Very fresh and packed with lots of flavor. I believe the owners are Italian, and you can definitely taste it in the pizza! Whenever I am craving pizza, this is the place that I go, no matter what the price of the pizza is; it is definitely worth paying. I heard that every Tuesday they have a special on their pizza. You guys definitely have to check this place out.

J
Jalesa G.

We have drove by a few times and then we saw all the good reviews. We stopped in and had dinner there and everything was amazing. Best chicken parm I've had in a long time . The fried raviolis were awesome and you could tell they make them fresh. I definitely recommend them .

D
Duane B.

Lovely place to sit down and enjoy a great meal. The pizza was fantastic. Great crust. Meatballs are seasoned well. Pasta is like can I have one of everything please

J
Jason S.

Delicious authentic Italian food. We had a large group and they were very accommodating. They do not have a lot of seating, but the 15 of us were able to get a private section. The bathroom is in that section, but that was not a problem. The food was delicious. I ordered Shrimp Alfredo, but everyone enjoyed their food (pizza, veggie wrap, eggplant, and more). What was most enjoyable was the chef's hospitality. He brought a dessert to our table that was authentic and told us the story behind the dessert. It was good as well. This was a great time with delicious food.

M
Miss D.

This is a fantastic tiny little freestanding authentic Italian restaurant run by a husband and wife team in the super quaint Maritime town of Cambridge. I'd like to say I discovered it myself, but actually I just googled best Italian restaurant near me and it came up. So everybody locally already knows it's a great place. It's a very fun cozy little restaurant to eat in. There are just two small rooms with nice wooden tables and beautiful casual Italian decorations with black and white checkered curtains and heavy natural wood tables. You can see the cooks cooking in the kitchen. They do a large carryout business also and that action is going on on the side. Our waitress Reese was super friendly and very skilled. She made great recommendations in terms of what to choose and also how to split it up. Obviously, we had a lot of leftovers and Reese very nicely wrapped them up for us in cardboard boxes and then a nice quilted carrying bag. The portions are absolutely enormous and she was very helpful in telling us how many people to split each dish with. The antipasto salad was delicious. The cheese and meats were rolled and sliced very thinly, which gave them a nice texture. The sweet pickled peppers were delicious on the antipasto. I ordered the eggplant rollatini which I have never even heard of. It was absolutely delicious. Eggplant rolled with ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella with a tomato sauce over it. My mother ordered the crab spaghetti which she said was delicious. My brother-in-law got the pasta classico with shrimp, which he loved. We shared a nice bottle of Chianti, and for dessert we had freshly made cannolis which were absolute perfection. So if you're looking for a great place for a family meal or a nice romantic date, fairly casual and moderately priced, this is your place. I only wish it was in my home town .

T
Timothy M.

We love this spot! This is where you go when you want old school Italian food that's made with love. The pizza is always fresh (with a wide variety of by- the-slice options), the sandwiches are overflowing with goodness, the entrees are infinitely craveable (looking at you, lasagna...chicken parm...and piccata), and do yourself a favor and get a cannoli. The only difficult thing about eating here is deciding which delicious dish to get.

C
Colleen L.