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Welcome to Sammy’s Authentic Italian Restaurant, the cornerstone of true Italian cuisine in Harrisburg, PA. Nestled conveniently at 502 N 3rd St, just across the street from the historic Capitol building, Sammy’s offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for all patrons. Our restaurant is celebrated for delivering a genuine Italian dining experience, as honored by Harrisburg Magazine. At Sammy’s, we take pride in our homemade sauces and meticulously crafted entrées, with a menu brimming with traditional selections. But the authenticity doesn’t stop at the menu; it’s in the ambiance too. Our cozy, small-table setting provides an intimate dining experience, while the open kitchen layout invites patrons into the heart of Italian culinary art.
Traditional Italian pastas & mains served in a polished dining room with a BYOB policy.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 502 N 3rd St #1112, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 221-0192
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Sammys Authentic Italian Restaurant – Harrisburg
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Reviews
Carrie Troudt
I have never had such an incredible meal.
We had intended to just get something to go because we only had 15 minutes left on our parking meter. Chef Sammy met us inside the door and dishearteningly agreed to make us something to go. Then Josh, the waiter, told us that we didn’t have to pay for parking since it was Veteran’s Day. We decided to stay and boy are we glad we did. We had the blackened yellow-fin tuna in ginger sauce as an appetizer, followed by the wild caught salmon with capers and julienned vegetables, and the sautéd grouper & shrimp. It was exquisite and I savored every single bite. Then, for dessert, we got tiramisu and a cannoli. The tiramisu had the perfect blend of flavors and texture while the cannoli was just the right amount of crunch and filling. Both desserts were the perfect level of sweetness and provided a magnificent end to the meal.
The food wasn’t the only thing that was amazing though. Since we came at a slow time of day Chef Sammy was able to take the time to share some of his origin story with us, and we were able to visit with Josh the waiter who has been there for 18 years.
Amazing food. Incredible service. Worth every penny.
… moreWe had intended to just get something to go because we only had 15 minutes left on our parking meter. Chef Sammy met us inside the door and dishearteningly agreed to make us something to go. Then Josh, the waiter, told us that we didn’t have to pay for parking since it was Veteran’s Day. We decided to stay and boy are we glad we did. We had the blackened yellow-fin tuna in ginger sauce as an appetizer, followed by the wild caught salmon with capers and julienned vegetables, and the sautéd grouper & shrimp. It was exquisite and I savored every single bite. Then, for dessert, we got tiramisu and a cannoli. The tiramisu had the perfect blend of flavors and texture while the cannoli was just the right amount of crunch and filling. Both desserts were the perfect level of sweetness and provided a magnificent end to the meal.
The food wasn’t the only thing that was amazing though. Since we came at a slow time of day Chef Sammy was able to take the time to share some of his origin story with us, and we were able to visit with Josh the waiter who has been there for 18 years.
Amazing food. Incredible service. Worth every penny.
Ryan Messner
We decided to dine here on New Year’s Eve. When I made the reservation, I asked whether there would be a special holiday menu and was told one was likely but not finalized yet. When we arrived, the menu turned out to be a smaller version of their regular dinner menu with higher pricing for the evening. Entrees that are normally around $25 were closer to $40. While not ideal, we understood the holiday markup and were fine with it.
The main issue for us was the pacing of the meal.
There were two of us. We ordered two appetizers, two entrees, and later dessert. Our appetizers arrived very quickly, about 9 minutes in, and before we had a chance to start eating them, the side salads for our entrees were already placed on the table. Shortly after, our appetizer plates were being married together to make room for the entrees.
From the time we sat down, read the menu, ordered, received appetizers, side salads, and then entrees was about 22 minutes, which felt extremely fast for a holiday dinner at premium pricing. There also simply was not enough room at our table for all the plates at once.
Throughout the meal, the service continued at this pace, with frequent attempts to clear plates and even an offer of to go boxes while we were still eating. We were hoping for a more relaxed, fine dining style experience given the occasion and the cost. From sitting down to receiving the check was about 66 minutes, and that was only because we intentionally slowed ourselves down. A party of six seated next to us after we arrived also ordered appetizers, entrees, and dessert, and still finished before we did.
We also noticed afterward that we were charged for three desserts when we had only ordered two.
All of that said, the food itself was excellent. Everything we ordered tasted great.
I’m sharing this mostly for others considering dining here on special occasions. The food is very good, but on nights like New Year’s Eve, a slower, more intentional pacing of courses would go a long way toward improving the overall experience.
… moreThe main issue for us was the pacing of the meal.
There were two of us. We ordered two appetizers, two entrees, and later dessert. Our appetizers arrived very quickly, about 9 minutes in, and before we had a chance to start eating them, the side salads for our entrees were already placed on the table. Shortly after, our appetizer plates were being married together to make room for the entrees.
From the time we sat down, read the menu, ordered, received appetizers, side salads, and then entrees was about 22 minutes, which felt extremely fast for a holiday dinner at premium pricing. There also simply was not enough room at our table for all the plates at once.
Throughout the meal, the service continued at this pace, with frequent attempts to clear plates and even an offer of to go boxes while we were still eating. We were hoping for a more relaxed, fine dining style experience given the occasion and the cost. From sitting down to receiving the check was about 66 minutes, and that was only because we intentionally slowed ourselves down. A party of six seated next to us after we arrived also ordered appetizers, entrees, and dessert, and still finished before we did.
We also noticed afterward that we were charged for three desserts when we had only ordered two.
All of that said, the food itself was excellent. Everything we ordered tasted great.
I’m sharing this mostly for others considering dining here on special occasions. The food is very good, but on nights like New Year’s Eve, a slower, more intentional pacing of courses would go a long way toward improving the overall experience.
Melinda Hack
The food and service was amazing!!! We showed up later in the evening and even though the kitchen was about to close they still sat us and we never once felt rushed. Everything from the appetizers, salad, bread and main courses were fresh and delicious. The chef even came out at the end of our meal to let us know we could ask for anything custom for future visits and sent me home with pudding since I was on a soft food diet from a recent surgery. I highly recommend adding this to your list of places to try!
… moreGabriella Sobell
The food is very fresh, and handmade, which really took me by surprise! The portions are great, the chicken francese was absolutely delicious! The chicken was perfectly cut, tender, and juicy, and had the right amount of pasta, even though I would love to have more on the dish- but that’s probably because coming from Long Island, NY, all of our portions are bigger than they should be. The salad that comes with the dish was fresh too- and the dressing tasted great too. Didn’t I mention the food is handmade? Yeah, ALL of his menu items are handmade- even the dressings!
My mom had the chicken parmigiana, and she said the same for her chicken as for mine, and she said the pasta tasted homemade, and was just right portion wise. For the sauce, she said it was very fresh and vibrant! Needless to say, we both enjoyed our dishes very much, and we will be back whenever we’re in town again!
After our main course, we ordered dessert, and that was delicious, homemade ice cream with delicious handmade chocolate hard shell! The right amount of ice cream, with the right amount of homemade whipped cream. Absolutely loved every bite of every meal we had.
The prices for the menu items were priced well, and more than fair in my opinion! Our order total came to about $72 and we had 2 mains, dessert, a drink, and a water. (Free water, of course!) This Italian restaurant deserves recognition, and if you are debating on where to go for a bite to eat- come to Sammy’s! You WONT regret it.
I look forward to coming back whenever I am in the area. I am from Long Island, NY- and I am so glad to have found this spot. What I loved the most was learning that Sammy is the chef, AND owner of this place, and was once from Long Island too! I have to say- that last business he left on Long Island, definitely has let a very good chef go- please come and see for yourself!!!
Also- reservations would be best, but if it’s not a popular busy night- you might get lucky to be seated on arrival. I didn’t notice on his site that they would like to have you call for reservations, but I’m so happy and glad they were able to accommodate my mom and I.
With that- Sammy’s Authentic Italian Restaurant deserves so much more recognition! Still deciding? Well, take my review as a positive sign to come here for your next outing!
… moreMy mom had the chicken parmigiana, and she said the same for her chicken as for mine, and she said the pasta tasted homemade, and was just right portion wise. For the sauce, she said it was very fresh and vibrant! Needless to say, we both enjoyed our dishes very much, and we will be back whenever we’re in town again!
After our main course, we ordered dessert, and that was delicious, homemade ice cream with delicious handmade chocolate hard shell! The right amount of ice cream, with the right amount of homemade whipped cream. Absolutely loved every bite of every meal we had.
The prices for the menu items were priced well, and more than fair in my opinion! Our order total came to about $72 and we had 2 mains, dessert, a drink, and a water. (Free water, of course!) This Italian restaurant deserves recognition, and if you are debating on where to go for a bite to eat- come to Sammy’s! You WONT regret it.
I look forward to coming back whenever I am in the area. I am from Long Island, NY- and I am so glad to have found this spot. What I loved the most was learning that Sammy is the chef, AND owner of this place, and was once from Long Island too! I have to say- that last business he left on Long Island, definitely has let a very good chef go- please come and see for yourself!!!
Also- reservations would be best, but if it’s not a popular busy night- you might get lucky to be seated on arrival. I didn’t notice on his site that they would like to have you call for reservations, but I’m so happy and glad they were able to accommodate my mom and I.
With that- Sammy’s Authentic Italian Restaurant deserves so much more recognition! Still deciding? Well, take my review as a positive sign to come here for your next outing!
Olivia Ryan
Tried Sammy’s for the first time to celebrate our anniversary. I’ve driven past this place for a few years and always thought it looked very cute and cozy. It definitely lived up to the expectations. The food was amazing from the red pepper and mozzerella appetizer, to the lobster bisque and the star of the show, the pasta dishes. Fresh bread at the table with oil to dip in. It’s BYOB which is honestly nice to save some money.
The service was very friendly. Overall would highly recommend. Sammy surprised us with a dessert for our anniversary. They definitely made the night special and memorable.
… moreThe service was very friendly. Overall would highly recommend. Sammy surprised us with a dessert for our anniversary. They definitely made the night special and memorable.
Anthony Sabatelli
Sammy‘s is quaint place that’s been in business for 23 years. 1 waiter (owners/chef’s son) & a few tables but we didn’t wait long for our food which was delicious. I had the scallop & Shrimp with Lobster sauce. The service was impeccable and because it was my husband’s birthday they brought out a piece of chocolate cake for him. It’s also byob & prices are a little steep but Highly recommend.
… moreTanya Fegan
Have wanted to try Sammy’s for years and the hubby and I finally went. We called to make a reservation and the person who answered was more than accommodating. We arrived a few minutes early and waited while they cleared a table for us. There were only two tables that weren’t occupied. The space is smaller and the tables are closer together but somehow once you sit down you don’t feel like you are sitting on top of others and you still feel like you are having dinner privately. Only two servers to work the room but they handle it very well especially considering they do it all including the clearing and setting of tables. Erin, our server had the bottle of wine I brought open and on the table before I even realized it (pro). We ordered the Roasted peppers/fresh mozzarella and the antipasti appetizers and both are good however the roasted pepper app was excellent. Menu has plenty of options and all dinners come with bread and salad. The salad first appears to be nothing special until you taste the dressing! It was a house balsamic and it was fantastic. The scallops I ordered were seared and blackened to PERFECTION. My husband’s shrimp were tender, the best sautéed shrimp I’ve had in quite awhile. Both of our dishes were simpler in presentation, served over angel hair which was ideally prepared, not overcooked. The flan for dessert was probably the best I’ve had. Even sent a photo to my daughter in Chicago who is a foodie and she commented “oooohhh, that’s falling apart perfectly”-
If you haven’t tried Sammy’s you should! Just don’t forget your own bottle of wine or whatever spirits you enjoy….it’s BYOB.
… moreIf you haven’t tried Sammy’s you should! Just don’t forget your own bottle of wine or whatever spirits you enjoy….it’s BYOB.
Altamash Ahmed
Five stars isn’t enough!
From the moment I walked in, I knew this place was something special—but nothing could’ve prepared me for just how amazing the experience would be.
Let’s start with the food: I ordered the Grouper for my entrée, and wow. Perfectly cooked, flaky, buttery, with just the right seasoning to let the freshness shine. Every bite was a mini vacation for my taste buds. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better—I met the flan. Creamy, silky, caramel perfection. Honestly, if they boxed it up and sold it by the dozen, I’d be their first subscriber.
But here’s the real star of the show: the service. The staff made us feel genuinely welcome, like we were guests in their home rather than just diners in a restaurant. Friendly, attentive, and thoughtful without being overbearing—this is hospitality done right.
And just when I was ready to roll myself home and write a love letter to the kitchen, I found out… they serve halal meats. That was the cherry on top of an already perfect evening.
Highly recommend. Come for the food, stay for the service, and leave already planning your next visit.
… moreFrom the moment I walked in, I knew this place was something special—but nothing could’ve prepared me for just how amazing the experience would be.
Let’s start with the food: I ordered the Grouper for my entrée, and wow. Perfectly cooked, flaky, buttery, with just the right seasoning to let the freshness shine. Every bite was a mini vacation for my taste buds. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better—I met the flan. Creamy, silky, caramel perfection. Honestly, if they boxed it up and sold it by the dozen, I’d be their first subscriber.
But here’s the real star of the show: the service. The staff made us feel genuinely welcome, like we were guests in their home rather than just diners in a restaurant. Friendly, attentive, and thoughtful without being overbearing—this is hospitality done right.
And just when I was ready to roll myself home and write a love letter to the kitchen, I found out… they serve halal meats. That was the cherry on top of an already perfect evening.
Highly recommend. Come for the food, stay for the service, and leave already planning your next visit.
Kevin Helson
I recently tried Sammy’s for the first time with family who traveled to Pennsylvania for a visit. Our experience at Sammy’s was incredible!! Everyone left happy, full, and ready to come back for another dinner. The dinning room is small and quaint which is perfect for a small group. The service was a 10! Adam, waiting on us quickly and ensured we had everything we needed to enjoy our time. We tried the steam clams, the Pasta Efagioli, and the Bruschetta. The claims were to die for, steamed to perfection in a flavorful tomato, garlic broth that had the perfect level of spice! The Bruschetta was incredible and tasted like the tomatoes had just been picked, marinated, and chilled perfectly to sit upon a slightly charred piece of Italian bread. The Pasta Efagioli was delicious and like everything that evening was brought to our table piping hot and tasty. Our dinners consisted of the Chicken Parmigiano, the Chicken Rossano, and the Lobster Ravioli. I had considered clubbing the others in my party so that I could eat their dishes too! They were all so, so good. Anyone of them would make for the perfect Italian dish and there were many more on the menu which sounded so good! The desserts did not disappoint either. We tried the Tiramisu and the Spumoni Tartufo. I cannot even begin to tell you how incredible these were. Words just will not do them justice. So, you have to get to Sammy’s soon and try it out yourself. It is BYOB, so bring two or three bottles of wine to enjoy! U cannot recommend this place enough, absolutely incredible!!
… moreBud Unger
My wife and I came to Sammy’s after a quick google search for restaurants!! Sammy’s is by far the most delicious authentic Italian restaurant I’ve been too!! My great grandmother’s Italian food is second to Sammy’s!! I requested the waiter choose my dish!! This was the best choice!! We will be going back to Central NY only hoping for the chance to visit again soon!!
… more