Travelers looking for a small, family restaurant with a comprehensive menu of excellent Italian food might consider stopping at Puccini's in Cumberland, Maryland. Located in a building that was built in 1819, Puccini's offers a full menu of Italian specialties in numerous dining rooms of the old house.
The feature of the restaurant is the wood-fired pizza. The dough is handmade and each pizza comes in either a 7-inch or 12-inch size. With a variety of toppings, the smaller size averages about eight dollars. We tried the Chesapeake, which features crab on the thin pizza crust. It was cooked perfectly, and had an ample amount of crabmeat.
The linguini with marinara sauce is also a good option. The very good marinara is sweeter than in some Italian restaurants but well-prepared. I added scallops to the pasta and sauce. The basic linguine dish is only $11.95. Additions such as scallops average around $7 but you can add the meatballs for only $2.50. Our Caesar salad was large, the lettuce was crisp, and the dressing was tangy, as it should be, without being overdone.
If you are still hungry after a full meal, try the blueberry pizza a la mode. It may not be good for your waistline but it is consistent with the Italian theme and can easily be split among your table.
For those who prefer a more typical American meal, try the New York strip steak ($23.95) or the filet mignon ($27.95) with a side of pasta or salad.
The atmosphere is informal and friendly. There is a large fireplace, and the restaurant is decorated with antique photos of the area. Service is quick. A visit to Puccini's is a delightful experience.
"The slightly sweet red sauce works well on the chicken parm."
Cliff Strutz
"Zucchini fries, something that none of us had seen before, were a big hit. The veggie wrap was also met with approval by the healthy eater in the group."
Cliff Strutz
"Crab is a Maryland delicacy. Adding it to a wood-fired pizza is probably unique to America."
Ralph Smith
"Diners have a choice of a number of toppings to add to the linguine with marinara sauce, such as the scallops pictured here."
Ralph Smith
"The bar in Puccini's is warm and friendly, and well-stocked."
Ralph Smith
"Housed in an 1819 building, Puccini's is a delightful experience."
Ralph Smith
