Gaetano’s is an Italian-American restaurant known for its huge menu and commitment to having something for everyone. From picky eaters to those with dietary restrictions, Gaetano’s is sure to have a dish to please.
This article explores the expansive world of the Gaetano menu. We’ll take a closer look at appetizers, entrees, pasta dishes, salads, pizzas, desserts, drinks, and sides.
So, if you’re looking for a new favorite dish or just curious about what Gaetano’s has to offer, keep reading for a complete overview of the Gaetano menu.
Appetizers (Antipasti): Setting the Stage for a Memorable Meal
No Italian meal is complete without a selection of antipasti, those tempting appetizers that get your taste buds revved up and ready for the main event. Gaetano’s menu offers both classic Italian starters and some more modern and unique options.
Classic Italian Starters
You can’t go wrong with a traditional bruschetta, garlic bread, or garlic cheese bread, all featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients. For seafood lovers, there’s fried calamari, PEI mussels, clams casino, and shrimp de Jonghe.
Unique and Modern Appetizer Selections
If you’re looking for something a little different, Gaetano’s also offers Maryland blue crab cakes, grilled artichoke, creamy burrata, sausage & peppers, crispy zucchini fritti, fried ravioli, blistered shishito peppers, and grilled oysters.
Vegetarian diners will appreciate options like stuffed mushrooms and eggplant rollatini.
Zuppa & Insalata: Fresh Soups and Salads
Gaetano’s “Zuppa & Insalata” section celebrates fresh, seasonal flavors. Start with a comforting bowl of Minestrone, packed with vegetables and herbs, or ask about the Soup of the Day, crafted with the best ingredients the season has to offer.
The salad selection is equally impressive. Classics like the Caesar and Caprese share the menu with more inventive creations. Try the Strawberry Spinach Salad with its sweet and tangy vinaigrette, or the substantial Tossed Grilled Chicken Cobb. For something lighter, the Mista offers a mix of greens and a simple dressing. The Gaetano’s Wedge and Roasted Beet Salad are also popular choices. No matter your preference, you’ll find fresh, high-quality ingredients and flavorful dressings.
Pizza: From Traditional to Creative
Gaetano’s offers a range of pizzas, from traditional favorites to more adventurous options. If you’re in the mood for a classic, you can’t go wrong with the Margherita, featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and a vibrant tomato sauce. The Italian Meats pizza is another popular choice, loaded with a satisfying combination of savory toppings.
No matter what toppings you choose, you can expect a perfectly crisp crust and a flavorful sauce that really makes the pizza sing.
For something a little different, try the Wild Mushroom Pizza, with its earthy flavors and delicate texture. The Chicken Pesto Pizza is another standout, offering a creamy, herb-infused twist on a familiar favorite. Gaetano’s also offers gluten-free pizza crusts.
Primi: Pasta Perfection – A Symphony of Shapes and Sauces
No Italian menu is complete without a selection of primi, or pasta courses. Gaetano’s offers a range of both classic and contemporary pasta dishes, all made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection.
Classic Pasta Dishes
For those who appreciate tradition, Gaetano’s offers familiar favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, and lasagna. Each dish is prepared with care, using time-honored recipes and the freshest ingredients. The spaghetti and meatballs feature a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce, while the fettuccine Alfredo is creamy and decadent. And who can resist a slice of Gaetano’s lasagna, layered with pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella?
Tomato-based sauces also take center stage in dishes like Bolognese, stuffed manicotti, and sausage and peppers. Each of these dishes highlights the versatility of Italian cuisine, with robust flavors and satisfying textures.
Seafood-Infused Pasta Creations
Seafood lovers will find plenty to savor in Gaetano’s selection of seafood pasta dishes. From shrimp scampi to lobster ravioli to pescatore, each dish showcases the freshest and highest-quality seafood available. The shrimp scampi is light and flavorful, while the lobster ravioli is rich and decadent. The pescatore, a seafood medley served over pasta, is a true celebration of the sea.
Unique and Contemporary Pasta Selections
For a more adventurous palate, Gaetano’s offers a range of unique and contemporary pasta dishes, such as classic clams aglio e olio, carbonara, penne pesto & pollo, gnocchi salsiccia & funghi, and wild mushroom ravioli. These dishes showcase the creativity and innovation of Italian cuisine, with unexpected flavor combinations and modern twists on classic recipes.
Secondi: Entrees – A Celebration of Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
The secondi, or entree, course at Gaetano’s is where the kitchen really shines. Whether you’re in the mood for meat, poultry, or seafood, there’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Meat and Poultry Dishes
For meat lovers, the Ribeye is a must-try. Cooked to your liking and served with a savory sauce, it’s a hearty and flavorful choice. The Veal Parmigiana is another classic, featuring tender veal cutlets breaded and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
Chicken dishes abound, prepared in the classic Italian style. Options include Chicken Piccata, with its bright lemon and caper sauce; Chicken Milanese, a crispy, breaded cutlet; Chicken Marsala, simmered in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine reduction; Chicken Parmigiana, a comforting favorite; and Chicken Cacciatore, a hunter-style stew with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and peppers.
Seafood Entrees
If seafood is your preference, the Salmone is a standout. The kitchen prides itself on using the freshest fish, prepared simply to highlight its natural flavors. Grilling and baking are the primary preparation techniques for Gaetano’s seafood options.
Vegetarian Entrees
Vegetarians will appreciate the Eggplant Parmigiana, a satisfying dish featuring layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese. It’s a hearty and flavorful option that’s sure to please.
Contorni: The Perfect Sides
No great meal is complete without the perfect side. Gaetano’s offers a rotating selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables to complement your main course. Ask your server about today’s contorni, which may include crispy Brussel sprouts, tender broccolini, or perfectly sautéed spinach.
What about the kids?
Gaetano’s has plenty of kid-friendly options, too. You can order smaller portions of some menu items, or choose from familiar favorites like chicken fingers and fries, or spaghetti and meatballs. There’s something to please even the pickiest eaters.
Desserts and Digestivos: A Sweet Finale
Don’t even think about skipping dessert at Gaetano’s. You absolutely have to try the traditional Italian Tiramisu. Or maybe the Cannoli are calling your name? If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Limonchello Mascarpone Cake!
And to properly end an Italian feast, you’ve got to have a digestivo. Gaetano’s offers a wide selection, including Amaro, Solerno Blood Orange, Molinari Sambuca, Romana Sambuco (White and Black!), Lemonchello, Crema Lemonchello, Blood Orangechello, Crema Pistachio Licour, and Drambuie. What a list!
In Conclusion
Gaetano’s menu offers something for everyone, from classic Italian-American favorites to innovative dishes that showcase the chef’s creativity and commitment to quality ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting plate of pasta, a perfectly grilled steak, or fresh seafood, you’ll find it at Gaetano’s.
More than just a meal, Gaetano’s aims to provide a memorable dining experience. From the warm ambiance to the attentive service, every detail is designed to delight.
So, take a closer look at the menu and plan your visit to Gaetano’s. You won’t be disappointed!