December brings a special kind of magic to Maple Lawn. The evenings feel cozier, the air is crisp, and celebrations, big and small, fill the calendar. Whether you’re planning a festive night out, a relaxing seasonal dinner, or the most romantic dinner in Maple Lawn, Galliano Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar sets the perfect stage.
Known as one of the best Italian dinner restaurants in Maple Lawn and a top choice for handcrafted cocktails, Galliano offers a warm, elegant escape where winter wines, rich flavors, and good company come together beautifully. Guests visit from Crofton, Severn, Annapolis, Baltimore, and across Central Maryland to enjoy its inviting charm.
A Warm Welcome for Winter Nights
As you step into Galliano, the soft lighting and welcoming aroma of Italian cooking invite you to unwind. December is a month of gathering, celebrating, and slowing down, and Galliano’s atmosphere reflects exactly that.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy table for two or meeting friends to toast the season, it is a place where every meal feels elevated, and every detail feels intentional. With our premium wines and artisan cocktail selection, it’s no surprise that we are often considered the best cocktail bar in Maple Lawn as well.
Start with Seasonal Antipasti
A December evening calls for warm, comforting starters that set the tone for the meal. Galliano’s antipasti menu offers several delicious choices:
Burrata
Served over toasted ciabatta with tomatoes, balsamic, pesto, and arugula, light yet indulgent, perfect with a crisp white like Inama Soave Classico.
Grilled Octopus
Seared and served with fresh herbs, rosemary potatoes, and roasted pepper coulis. For seafood lovers, this dish shines brightly in winter.
Galliano’s Arancini Rice Balls
Filled with fire-roasted red peppers and Italian cheeses, topped with shaved parmesan. Pair it with Romance Rosé or Luna Nuda Rosé for a festive touch.
Mediterranean Meatballs
Slow-simmered in tomato sauce and topped with shaved parmesan, an excellent choice on a chilly evening.
Each antipasto pairs beautifully with our curated wine list, setting the stage for an elegant December dining experience.
Winter Wine Pairings for Every Palate
December is the perfect time to explore rich reds, sparkling wines, and elegant whites. Galliano’s wine list features premium selections from Italy, Napa Valley, France, and beyond, all chosen to elevate your dining experience.
For White Wine Lovers
- Banfi Principessa Gavia – bright and crisp, perfect with seafood dishes
- Attems Sauvignon Blanc – refreshing, excellent with light salads or burrata
- Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse – a winter favorite, ideal with creamy pastas
These pair beautifully with dishes like Shrimp Arugula or Mozzarella Caprese.
For Red Wine Lovers
- Zenato Valpolicella Ripasso – rich and smooth, excellent with meatballs or pasta
- Michele Chiarlo Barolo – warm, powerful, perfect for special occasions
- Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico – a crowd-pleaser with traditional Italian mains
These reds elevate hearty dishes such as Pappardelle Bolognese or Salsiccia & Rapini.
Sparkling for Seasonal Celebrations
- Chloe Prosecco Brut
- La Gioiosa Prosecco
- Lucien Albrecht Sparkling Brut Rosé
A sparkling toast makes every December evening feel like a celebration.
Elegant Winter Entrées for December Nights
Galliano’s main dishes offer rich, comforting flavors perfect for the season.
Pasta Classics That Warm the Soul
- Fettuccine Alfredo – creamy, comforting, and perfect with a glass of Wente Chardonnay
- Pappardelle Bolognese – wide pasta tossed in a hearty beef ragù, perfect for cold evenings
- Penne alla Vodka Galliano Style – smoked prosciutto, peas, mushrooms, and a creamy vodka sauce
- Ravioli di Aragosta – lobster-stuffed ravioli in rosé cream sauce, topped with crab meat—ideal for a special December date night
- Truffle Gnocchi – housemade gnocchi in a Gorgonzola fondue with black truffles
These dishes pair beautifully with reds like Rompicollo Tuscan Red or the elegant Annabella Red Blend.
Hearty Land Entrées for Cold Weather
For diners craving a warm and indulgent winter meal, Galliano’s land entrées deliver beautifully:
Classic Chicken Parmigiana
A comforting favorite served with spaghetti.
Chicken Marsala
Sautéed with mushrooms in a rich marsala wine sauce—perfect with a full-bodied red.
Chicken Principessa
Sautéed with roasted red peppers and fontina cheese, topped with jumbo lump crab meat—a house favorite for special occasions.
Veal Saltimbocca
Seared with prosciutto in a sage brown butter sauce.
Beef Tenderloin
An 8 oz. premium center-cut filet served with broccolini and rosemary potatoes—an exquisite choice for December celebrations.
Pair these entrées with bold reds like Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet, Faust Cabernet, or Damilano Barolo.
Cocktails for the Season
Beyond wine, Galliano is known for elegant cocktails. While the cocktail menu is crafted in-house and changes seasonally, guests can expect beautifully balanced drinks that pair well with winter dining, think warm spices, citrus notes, and stunning presentations.
Seafood Favorites for a Festive Evening
If you prefer seafood, Galliano offers refined options that feel luxurious during winter:
Grilled Mediterranean Branzino
Paired with quinoa, broccolini, and lemon-infused olive oil. Sip with Antinori “Guado al Tasso” Vermentino.
Salmon Piccata
Fresh salmon in a white wine lemon sauce, served over linguine.
Fettuccine Mediterraneo
A rich combination of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat tossed in rosé or alfredo sauce.
Shrimp Scampi
Tossed with linguine in lemon herb butter, light yet satisfying for winter evenings.
Each dish pairs well with whites like King Estate Pinot Gris or Flowers Chardonnay.
Why Galliano Is Maple Lawn’s Go-To Destination in December
✔ Elegant ambiance perfect for holiday celebrations
✔ Extensive wine list for winter pairings
✔ Cozy dining ideal for date nights
✔ Handcrafted cocktails for festive evenings
✔ A menu filled with comforting, refined Italian classics
✔ Convenient for guests visiting from Crofton, Severn, Annapolis & Baltimore
Whether you’re celebrating the season, enjoying a night out with friends, or planning the most romantic dinner in Maple Lawn, Galliano offers an unforgettable December dining experience.
Make Your December Evenings Memorable
As the year winds down, treat yourself to a night of good food, good wine, and warm hospitality. Gather, celebrate, or simply unwind, Galliano Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar is ready to make your December nights extraordinary.
Raise a glass, savor every bite, and toast to December in the heart of Maple Lawn.
Galliano Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar – Maple Lawn
8110 Maple Lawn Blvd, Fulton, MD
(410) 834-6000
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3 PM–6 PM
Reserve your table now!
