My husband ordered a special Chicken Campanola and loved it! I ordered for the first time, the New York Strip Steak cooked Medium w/side of grilled onions, coleslaw and an extra side of brussel sprouts. Steak was cooked perfectly! Loved the grilled onions, but the steak tastes really good without the onions. We didn't get any alcohol drinks this evening, but will be back again for our favorites (espresso martini and house red sangria). Buon Appetito is our favorite go-to for great food, drinks and conversations with others at the bar and bartenders as-well. Special thank you to manager, Jason, who checks on all of the patrons and we appreciate that! All of the servers are knowledgeable of the specials, menu list and quick service, but our favorite server by far is Alex R. He's awesome! Kudos to the chefs for making all of the delicious food. Shout out to bartender Londo! He is non-stop and love our mix drinks! Thank you Buon Appetito for impeccable service! read more

On probably the coldest night of the year the restaurant tonight in my opinion struggled to retain warmth. The food on the other hand was piping hot from the kitchen which quickly warmed the soul. Great dining experience tonight and our server was a treat and full of charisma. The house Sangria was delicious and loaded with fruit and chewy ice. The Lemon Drop and Espresso Martinis were inhaled with no complaints. Our party of four ordered the following: Chicken "polo" Marsala that I'd rate 8/10. My wife and Brothernlaw each order a daily special consisting of lobster, shrimp and crab that was in a buttery lite Mariana that was rated a 9/10 by one and just average by the other. My sisternaw gave her seafood Alayna 9/10. Great service overall and a good dining value. Go see the manager, Jason Taylor and he will set you up with his recommendations. We were too full for desert but we will no doubt be back again to try it. RECOMMENDED read more

Our family were here yesterday for a small Bridal Shower dinner for our Granddaughter. We just want to say Thank you for making this very special for her. The food was excellent and our waitress was amazing. We would definitely recommend Buon Appetito. Thank you all again!!!! read more

Right away from the front door, we could see the daily specials. And there were more specials on the chalk board inside. Once seated for a lunch time meal, the service was perfect. After looking over the menus and deciding what was soothing for a cold damp, windy day, a bowl of soup was in order. I had the French Onion Soup, well done. It was really flavorful and loaded with onions, the broth was perfect. The cheese was adequate and golden brown, just the way I liked it. My mistake was to order a burger, med rare, it was cooked perfectly and came with French fries. Honestly,, I should not have ordered it, because I was full and satisfied from the soup. Have to say the burger was massive with all the fixings and the fries was huge as well. I ended up taking this home. After 2 bites into the burger, omg, so delicious, I hated to take it home. I could not pass on this. Parking was no problem, plenty of spaces on this afternoon. Unfortunately there are no discounts, but prices on specials help. read more

Buon Appetito - Hamburger and fries - Italian Near Me - Essex, Maryland

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Attended for a wedding in their tent. It was a cold and windy October evening. No heat. The sides of the tent were blowing in - and we (the guests) were trying to block the wind with chairs to hold the tent sides down. The bride told me the venue had heaters and to ask the staff. When I did, a manager told me that setting up the heater was "too much trouble." And if my elderly aunt was cold to "find her a different place to sit." My shrimp were also very over-cooked and mushy. Will never go there again. read more

Delicious, authentic Italian Food served with a smile. The Fettuccini Alfredo is delicious. Casual atmosphere, and usually no waiting during the day. read more

Great service, clean restaurant and hands down some of the best Italian food I've had in the Baltimore area. Chicken Parm. Delicious, stuffed Salmon with mustard sauce OMG!!! The cannoli was very good the homemade filling was very good. Good service isn't cheap and cheap service isn't good. read more

Excellent food. Kids love the spaghetti and meatballs. Friendly prompt service. Lovely environment. read more

Very friendly arrive and great meatballs. They also have the grilled chicken with two veggies on the side if you're looking for something healthy read more

A great place to have a work Christmas party. Food was great ambience is great and the service is exceptional. I will return many times.

The food tasted good. The sauce was a little odd though. Not sure why. Maybe a shortcut or used an ingredient that wasn't the usual.

The food and service is top notch and first class! Every time I've been there it has been a wonderful experience. The prices are reasonable with great specials. read more

This was my second time to go to Buon Appetito since they opened. Wasn't impressed the first time and my opinion did not change from my second visit. This place is loud, all you hear is everyone around you and the kitchen if sitting in the front dining area. While there were many folks there at an early time, I still don't understand the appeal. We ordered the brussel sprouts appetizer, tasty, but about 12 sprouts on a huge plate. Brussel sprouts needed to be cooked a bit longer, and too much honey, not enough balsamic. $12 For entree I chose Veal Picatta. Veal was tender, sauce was too thin, and too much there for the minimal amount of pasta on the again huge plate. The pasta is definitely not made from scratch, so if you're not giving anything but thin sliced Italian bread and butter, no salad, put more pasta on this huge plate. $23. Had to purchase garlic bread, which was good. $4 Parking is not great. They've got a lot going on here, with a banquet room and a bar and a liquor store beside the restaurant, but for Essex, this is overpriced and not enough food to fill the huge plates that they serve stuff on. The only item that filled the plate at our table was the a la carte salad, not sure of that price, but it was a nice looking salad, had to ask for extra dressing. One small ramekin for a pile of salad. I don't get the appeal of this place, but make your own decision. read more

Always delicious! I don't why I ever try and go anywhere else! The food is top notch and Jason is so nice and the rest of the team there! You can watch sports, sit by a fire, there's nice music playing. read more

Couldn't quite tell what type of food was their specialty as the menu offers many options outside of Italian. Went with the grilled chicken breast meal which was delicious. The interior was much bigger than expected including a bar and a private dining area available for events. Staff was efficient and very friendly. read more

Buon Appetito - Grilled chicken breast, asparagus, and mashed potatoes - Italian Near Me - Essex, Maryland

We are always skeptical of small town ratings of Italian restaurants--the perspective typically seems skewed such that anything over Olive Garden level is given undue accolades. But, wow. We were pleasantly and thoroughly surprised by Buon Appetito. The first sign that this was something special was the salad. Most mom and pops serve the prefabbed, semi wilted house salad made hours ago from the store bought salad mix with a couple of cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices thrown in. Not here. Delivered to us were bountiful mounds of meticulously placed varietal greens, adorned by crisp vegetable slices and sweet, vibrantly red, perfectly sliced (not wedged--the lazy man version) heirloom tomatoes, this accompanied by a freshly made garlic parmesan dressing made from a high end reggiano. It was such a beautiful and delicious salad, I immediately wished I had ordered two and foregone the main meal. But those did not disappoint. My husband ordered the Chicken Francaise,---three beautifully thin and lightly breaded and pounded cutlets adorned with a perfectly textured lemon butter sauce that did not attempt to mask the fork tender chicken. It was served over fresh homemade linguine and was better than most we have had anywhere. My Spaghetti Marinara was slightly oversauced, but you could not fault the slow braised richness of this sauce clearly made from fresh romas and camparis and without the usual sugar laden facade that are most small town gravies. Finally, we are sticklers for Tiramisu.. Most neighborhood Italian serve an industrialized version, but Buon outsources to what has to be Maryland's premier creator of this confection--perfectly textured, freshly made, and served in a lovely presentation. Do not be misled by the innocuous looking building in the middle of a mid america neighborhood--Buon Appetito can hold its own to the best family Italian this country has to offer, and at very reasonable prices. A special thanks to Jason the owner and to our waiter, Alex., for adding to this special and very unexpected experience. read more

The staff was very welcoming. Seated quickly. Drinks to the table quickly. Food was out in about 10 mins. The food itself, was absolutely delicious! Will definitely be eating here again. read more

Visited Buon Appetito as part of a private event. We were seated in their event area which is nice and large. This place is a hidden gem. It doesn't look like much from the outside but the inside is nice and my goodness the outdoor area is insane. Staff were all great, food was yummy, desserts were good (I think I tried a bite of everything they offered). For more info on kid friendly elements check out my IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CywSAhAOeDS/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== read more

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Friendly staff, the food is so delicious you don't want to stop eating. If you do manage to finish your food you could be tempted to lick your plate. They have an outside seating area for those nicer days where you want to enjoy the weather. All I can say is try this restaurant out you won't be sorry read more

Good and service was excellent. Had to go to the courthouse to file papers. We were starving, so thought we'd come here. So glad we did.

Great local business! Their pasta dishes are amazing! My favorite is stuffed shells. I appreciate what the owner does for the community and that they took a run down spot and gave it new life. read more

My meal was terrible - cold and way too much sauce that wasn't seasoned well. The manager was very rude. Never again

Fabulous food and drinks. Service is superb! A must go to in Essex. Staff is friendly and efficient. Menu and cocktails with plenty to choose from. Will be returning soon. read more

Haven't been to a restaurant this well ran ever.Food and service was amazing! Food came out fast and we never had a empty drink. Highly recommended read more

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Wonderful!! The food was amazing! I never leave reviews but I have to because this place was lovely. I had a special request for my meal and they completed it no issue! The crab stuffed salmon and was so amazing and I requested it to be on top of fettuccine Alfredo. The meals were so good I can't wait to go back. Everyone in the establishment was so friendly. The restaurant opened 3 months ago. The owner checked in when we were done with our meal and was enthusiastic about his business and showing us around the whole place. It's beautiful, he has a great attitude and he has great plans in store. 10/10 recommend! read more

Buon Appetito - Stuffed salmon over fettuccine Alfredo - Italian Near Me - Essex, Maryland

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from the moment you enter this restaurant, you'll know you are in for a great experience. the atmosphere is warm and inviting and the aroma from the kitchen is heavenly. the staff is friendly, professional, and provides great service. the food not only is presented well , it's cooked to perfection! I have visited several times and I am always impressed. read more

Buon Appetito - Blackened ahi appetizer - Italian Near Me - Essex, Maryland

Went to Buon appetito lastnight for the first time and it was an amazing experience. The reasturant is cute and cozy. Our waitress Stephanie was extremely nice and everyone was so attentive. They gave complimentary bread with butter which was yummy. We ordered garlic bread (3.95$) as a side which was delicious as well. I had the fettuccine Alfredo (10.95$) and added chicken for (5$) more and my bf had the Pollo A La Francaise (15.95$). Both dishes were amazing and everything came out quickly which is a bonus. For drinks I stuck to water and my bf got a Italian old fashioned which was good but a on the smaller for the hefty price of 15$. I can't wait to go back and to take my cousin and parents. Essex needed a place like this and I'm so glad they decided to open here! Can't wait to try the wine selection next time. read more

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Best Penne Palermo Ever !!! Terrific gem of a restaurant located on Mace Avenue - plenty of on-site parking. The building has several options for service: 1) the front room is a pleasant family friendly restaurant with comfy booths and tables; 2) there is a separate bar area with a great bar and seating; 3) another attractive dining area in the back provides ample seating for private parties. 4) outdoor dining on a back patio, and 5) a large tented outdoor space with many tables and live music. Our waiter, Johnny, couldn't have been more attentive. He anticipated our needs and kindly supplied whatever we needed. He is amazing! Our dinner choices were penne palmetto, pizza, Caesar salad and tiramisu. All were delicious and obviously freshly made! I love this restaurant and plan to return regularly.Iii read more

Fantastic back deck atmosphere, feels like you're on vacation. Great food, great prices, great service. Do not be turned away by the front of the restaurant which is attached to a liquor store. Inside, the restaurant is another world. A real hidden gem! read more

I love the Penne Carbonara with chicken and shrimp!! It's a giant portion as well so plan to take some home.

My boyfriend and I always get the Margherita pizza and it's so good. It's pretty consistent too. Only downside is that it's small :/ I've had one of the pasta dishes and it was amazing. We got the cheese fries and they were ok, nothing special. The staff is very tentative and checks on you enough. I love the ambiance there and I think it would be a nice spot in the summer since they have outdoor seating in the back. read more

I went to the restaurant to inquire about renting the back room for a dinner party. The gentleman I spoke with was very rude and acted like he couldn't be bothered and didn't want to give me any information. Rudely stated there were no Monday nights available and walked away. I won't be going here or recommending this place. read more

Been there 5 times so far and really like the place! Very friendly staff and every meal i got was GREAT!!! Jason is the manager and took me on a tour of the place. Great outside area for parties and music! Cant wait for summer to eat outside!!! read more

Good food, great staff, accommodating to my special needs mobility wise, plus clean. Great meal, and Happy First Anniversary Buon Appetito!

Service is wonderful, decor is great! Breakfast was very good! Dinner was ok.. not impressed. Salad is not included with meal's and the bread served was very cold and stale. Not sure if we're returning. read more

Have eaten there twice in the last 6 weeks, once for lunch & once for dinner and the food is absolutely delicious. Had a steak for dinner & the scrimp scampi w/garlic sauce for lunch and both dishes were prepared perfectly. In addition I had their home made red sangria to drink--ummm good. Service was quick, friendly and well informed as to items on the menu. Definitely a welcome addition to the Essex area. read more

very disrespectful manager, he is not educated at all , does not know how to handle situations, will never go back to this place , disappointed. read more

I did not expect a restaurant of this quality in this area of town but boy was I wrong! We have been there twice now and both experiences were top notch! First, the servers are well trained. They are knowledgeable about the menu are are friendly and polite. There are multiple dining spaces from bar side to dining room to outdoors. This last visit I had eggplant Parmesan and my wife had veal piccata and both were the easily equal to the quality of a fine dining restaurant in the city. Drinks are reasonably priced. Other entrees on a prior visit were also excellent. Jason, the manager (?) spent some time touring the restaurant with us. I suspect he is the reason the service is so good. Okay now to be picky. The rolls and butter were just thin slices of a not-so-fresh baguette with those little butters in plastic individual containers. Parking is okay but fills up quickly on busy nights. But these minor criticisms did not seriously detract from what was (in my opinion) probably the best overall non-crab cake dining experience in eastern Baltimore County. read more