Getting cozy with your lover in the crisp Maryland weather has got to be one of the most romantic acts out there. The kind where you tuck into each other like you’re storing warmth for winter and suddenly even your frozen fingertips feel poetic. You know the best way to upgrade this romance is with a candlelit meal, right? Let me take you on a trip (with words) to one of the most romantic candlelit spots in Maryland.
Leonardtown hides an Italian restaurant that glows like a secret you want to keep but absolutely must share. Il Piccolo Morso sits downtown, tucked into a block that blends historic charm with the friendly hum of small-town Maryland. The restaurant keeps the ambiance low-lit and warm, the kind of lighting that makes everyone look like they’ve been moisturized and emotionally stable for years. Tables glow with candles, and the modern décor sets the stage for evenings that feel both intimate and lively. Staff greet guests with the kind of easy confidence that comes from actually caring whether you enjoy your meal, and the option of dining-room or bar seating makes the place feel flexible enough for both date nights and “I just need pasta” nights.
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The surrounding neighborhood adds to the charm. Leonardtown Square, which might as well be called the town’s outdoor living room, sits just steps away with its brick walkways, seasonal events, and people strolling between shops. A short walk brings you to the Port of Leonardtown Winery, where visitors sample local wines and wander the scenic grounds like they’re auditioning for a travel brochure. These nearby spots make the restaurant feel like part of an evening rather than a standalone destination, though it easily holds its own as the main event.
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Now, let’s talk food. Il Piccolo Morso treats appetizers like a welcoming handshake. Sicilian arancini arrive as warm, golden rice fritters filled with beef and peas, carrying the kind of crispy shell that cracks just perfectly. A dish like that makes you feel seen, especially if you’re the type who scans a menu for arancini the way some people check horoscopes, which I am. The drunken mussels and clams come sautéed in white wine and garlic, with rustic bread ready to soak up every last bit of broth. The scent alone could convince a person to sit up straighter and reconsider their life choices.
The mains hit even harder. Gnocchi with pesto tastes like tiny pasta pillows: soft, comforting, and coated in a bright green sauce that wakes up every corner of your palate. The kitchen treats gnocchi as the tender little clouds they should be. The baked spicy chorizo rigatoni shows up in a bubbling dish filled with chewy tubes of pasta swimming in a sauce made from spicy chorizo, marinara, red wine, and spices. Melted mozzarella stretches with each forkful, giving you a small workout before you surrender and lean fully into the experience. Both dishes feel bold without being fussy.
Desserts bring the final flourish. Tiramisu arrives with layers so delicate they practically sigh when your fork hits them. Cannolis balance crisp pastry shells with sweet, creamy filling. Salted caramel cheesecake adds a luxurious richness, and limoncello mascarpone brings a bright, citrusy finish that feels like a last little spark in the candlelight.
Families don’t get left out, either! Kids’ menus offer classics like buttered noodles, chicken parmesan, lasagna, and spaghetti with meatballs. Salads stay refreshing and flavorful, with caprese and Caesar versions that keep things light before the pasta parade begins.
Leonardtown may not be the place you expect to find a candlelit Italian gem, yet that’s exactly what makes Il Piccolo Morso so special. Visit Maryland, stroll through Leonardtown, maybe swing by the winery, and then settle into this warm, glowing spot for a meal that upgrades any evening into a romantic one. And after that first candlelit bite, you just might find yourself cozying up again… just like in the beginning of our little story.
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Dining and Cooking