The search for Baltimore’s best pizza isn’t a sprint—it’s a leisurely stroll through a city with dough in its veins. Baltimore doesn’t settle for bland crust and lifeless sauce; here, pizza means hand-tossed, brick-fired, and each topping gets a bit of stardust. If you’ve ever weighed a menu, torn between a classic Margherita and a loaded pie, or debated crispy vs. chewy, you’ll feel right at home in this city’s pizza scene.
I’ll admit it: Baltimore changed my pizza standards forever. On a late-night patchwork tour, I discovered a pie with herby tomato sauce, cheese that stretched for miles, and a crust that somehow stayed crisp even as the clock struck midnight. There’s no single style that rules—only slices that spark debates and inspire cravings. Let’s dig into the spots that make Baltimore a pizza destination you won’t forget.
Where to find the best pizza in Baltimore, MD
Here are some of the top spots to find the best pizza in Baltimore, MD:
- Di Pasquale’s Italian Marketplace & Deli
- Isabella’s Brick Oven
- Matthew’s Pizzeria
- Verde
- HomeSlyce
- Iggies
- BricknFire Pizza Co
- Birroteca
- Johnny Rad’s
- Piezzetta
1. Di Pasquale’s Italian Marketplace & Deli
Di Pasquale’s Italian Marketplace & Deli isn’t your average pizzeria. Step inside and it feels like you’ve left Baltimore for a vibrant, bustling Italian street market. Family run for more than a century, every corner tells a story of tradition and culinary passion. If you grew up with homemade pizza, this place will make you feel right at home.
Their signature pizza, the classic Margherita, offers a chewy crust that’s full of flavor, topped with bright San Marzano tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella. For something heartier, try the prosciutto arugula pizza—the salty cured meat and peppery greens offer a balance you rarely find elsewhere. Each bite tastes like it’s been perfected over generations, and it probably has.
With vegan options and digital ordering, Di Pasquale’s blends tradition with modern touches. Settle in, order the pizza, and watch regulars greet the owners by name—a Baltimore ritual in itself.
2. Isabella’s Brick Oven
Isabella’s Brick Oven is one of those hidden gems that manages to stand out, even in pizza-rich Little Italy. Most weekends, you’ll see a friendly crowd spilling out onto the sidewalk, swapping stories as they wait for their pie. The brick oven glows in the corner, churning out pizzas that are anything but ordinary.
The Vegetarian Bianca is a revelation—creamy ricotta, fresh garlic, and spinach on crackly crust. If you want something classic, the Margherita showcases their signature sauce and gooey cheese. Each pizza is kissed by a hint of wood-fired smoke and never feels heavy, only satisfying.
They’ve won a string of awards, but the real prize is the first bite when your slice is still steaming. Grab a seat outside, mingle with locals, and enjoy a pizza that’s all about simplicity done right.
3. Matthew’s Pizzeria
Matthew’s Pizzeria feels like the beating heart of Baltimore’s pizza scene. Established in the 1940s, its checkerboard floors and vintage charm instantly transport you back in time. Walking in, the scent of baking dough is all it takes to know you’re in for something special.
Their famed thick-crust pizza is a local legend—pillowy, golden, and topped with a robust tomato sauce that’s been fine-tuned for decades. The Vegetarian Special piles on generous slices of fresh peppers, mushrooms, and olives, all bubbling under a stretchy layer of cheese.
Every visit turns into an event, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for dinner. Matthew’s doesn’t chase trends—it sets the standard for Baltimore-style pizza.
4. Verde
Verde draws you in with the scent of wood-fired dough and a warm, rustic vibe that’s both chic and inviting. Housed in a renovated Baltimore row home, every detail is steeped in Italian tradition. Watching the open kitchen’s oven flicker, you realize you’re in for a real Neapolitan experience.
The Margherita D.O.C. captures everything right about classic pizza—pillowy crust, bright tomato sauce, and mozzarella made in-house. Their Funghi e Carciofi brings together earthy mushrooms and tender artichokes, a bold but perfectly balanced combination.
Gluten-free and vegan options keep everyone happy, and the drinks list nods to Italy at every turn. For a slice of Naples in Baltimore, Verde never fakes its roots.
5. HomeSlyce
HomeSlyce delivers on the promise of a lively pizza joint with a modern edge. The first time I stopped in, I noticed the creative energy buzzing from the bright décor to the inventive pies. Patio seating and a long list of local brews keep things relaxed year-round.
The signature here is the “Slyce”—a boat-shaped pizza that’s as fun to eat as it is to customize. Their Mediterranean Slyce is a standout, topped with spinach, feta, and silky mozzarella on a crispy-chewy crust. Plenty of vegetarian options mean you’ll never feel like an afterthought.
HomeSlyce feels like it was built for gatherings, late-night cravings, and casual lunches alike. It’s hard to go wrong when every pie is a little bit playful and a lot delicious.
6. Iggies
Iggies is where Baltimore’s pizza lovers gather for a taste of something both artisanal and welcoming. It feels almost like a pizza lab, but one where every experiment is a hit. My first visit left me wondering how a crust could be so airy yet deliver such great chew.
The Patate Semplice stands out: thin potato slices, rosemary, and olive oil on a blistered, golden base. For purists, the Margherita is bright and balanced, proving that less really can be more. Everything is made fresh and cooked fast, but nothing tastes rushed.
Whether you’re sharing a few pies or grabbing a quick bite, Iggies proves that careful technique and top-notch ingredients can transform the simple into the memorable.
7. BricknFire Pizza Co
BricknFire Pizza Co feels like a hidden treasure tucked just steps from downtown bustle. Their wood-fired oven sends intoxicating aromas into the air, drawing you closer with every radiant pie. My first bite convinced me that flavor and texture could live in perfect harmony.
The Truffle Shuffle pizza is a must for anyone seeking a richer flavor—mushrooms, truffle oil, and mozzarella melting on a delicate crust. Their Margherita, with its classic layering of fresh basil, tomatoes, and cheese, is no less impressive. You can’t help but notice the high-quality ingredients and careful technique in every slice.
Whether you’re rushing through lunch or slowing down for dinner, BricknFire crafts pizzas that make you want to linger a little longer—just to savor the last bite.
8. Birroteca
Birroteca blends modern flair with rustic Italian comfort, all tucked into a stylish space that feels both lively and relaxed. Communal tables invite strangers to become friends over bubbling-hot pizza and plenty of conversation. The local buzz isn’t just for show—every dish gets its due attention, thanks to stellar sourcing and clever technique.
The Smoked Eggplant pizza is a highlight, balancing rich, earthy flavors with a pop of fresh herbs and just the right amount of mozzarella. Fans of bold taste rave about the Roasted Mushroom and Truffle pie—deep, woodsy, and beautifully balanced. Each pizza arrives with a crust that’s both crisp and chewy, a rare feat and a treat to eat.
Birroteca’s menu bridges tradition and creativity, making it a favorite when you want to try something a little unexpected but thoroughly satisfying.
9. Johnny Rad’s
Johnny Rad’s brings a touch of old-school cool to Baltimore’s pizza circuit. There’s always a buzz—skateboard art lines the walls, the playlist is legendary, and the pies keep regulars coming back. It’s the sort of place where friends linger over slices long after plates are empty.
The Templeton pizza jumps out for its roasted garlic, spinach, potatoes, and red onion—rich in flavor, with a crust that holds its own. Vegan and vegetarian pizza lovers will find plenty to cheer about, with the Aloha Mr. Hand topping charts for pineapple and jalapeño zest.
Every pizza has a distinct personality, and you’ll taste the care that goes into each one. Johnny Rad’s proves that great pizza can also be totally original.
10. Piezzetta
Piezzetta rewrites the rules for fast, fresh pizza in Baltimore, sitting right inside Horseshoe Casino. Step up to the counter, and you can design your dream pizza or pick from chef-driven creations—either way, it’s ready in about three minutes. Every pie starts as a blank canvas and ends with a golden, thin crust straight from the oven.
The Classic Veggie packs a punch with peppers, mushrooms, and onions—perfect for something hearty but still light. If you’re the sort who likes to tinker, the Build Your Own option lets you get creative with premium toppings and sauces. Everything tastes fresh because it is, made to order in an open kitchen where you can watch each topping fall into place.
For pizza on the go that never feels mass-produced, Piezzetta delivers big flavor and surprising quality.
More Things to Try in Baltimore, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
What pizza style is Baltimore known for?
Baltimore isn’t tied to one pizza style. You’ll find everything from Neapolitan to New York–style, Sicilian, and plenty of inventive thin-crust creations. The city’s scene values fresh dough, creative toppings, and a balance of chewy and crispy textures.
Are there good vegan or vegetarian pizza options in Baltimore?
Absolutely. Many top pizzerias, including Johnny Rad’s, Verde, and Iggies, offer vegan cheese, veggie-packed pies, and even gluten-free crusts. You’ll have no trouble finding a meat-free masterpiece.
What are the top neighborhoods for pizza in Baltimore?
Fells Point, Canton, Little Italy, and Federal Hill all boast standout pizzerias within walking distance. Basically, if you’re near the water or in a bustling historic neighborhood, there’s good pizza nearby.
Do Baltimore pizzerias offer delivery and takeout?
Nearly all the best spots offer both, along with online ordering. Some, like HomeSlyce and Piezzetta, even specialize in speedy service for late nights or busy schedules.
Can I find gluten-free pizza in Baltimore?
Yes. Many pizzerias, including Verde and Birroteca, offer gluten-free crusts without skimping on flavor or quality. Just mention your dietary needs when you order.