Quick answer
Baltimore's pizza scene is a delicious tapestry, far richer and more diverse than many outsiders realize. Forget everything you thought you knew about Charm City's culinary landscape, because its pizza offerings are truly world-class, spanning classic local traditions to innovative artisan creations.
- Best overall
- Matthew's Pizza
- Top pick
- Matthew's Pizza — An undisputed Baltimore institution with unique, consistent quality.
Top verdicts
- Matthew's Pizza: Anyone seeking an authentic taste of Baltimore's pizza heritage in a no-frills, beloved local spot.
- Paulie Gee's Hampden: Foodies and pizza aficionados looking for creative, high-quality pies in a stylish, bustling neighborhood setting.
- Verde: Those seeking a true taste of Italy with rigorous adherence to Neapolitan pizza traditions in an elegant setting.
Pizza has a long and storied history in American cities, and Baltimore is no exception. From early 20th-century Italian immigrant communities bringing their cherished recipes to today's modern pizzerias, the humble pie has evolved alongside the city itself. Many of Baltimore's oldest pizzerias have become beloved institutions, serving generations of families.
You'll find everything from the unique, thin-crusted 'Baltimore style' that originated here, to authentic Neapolitan pies kissed by wood-fired ovens, and robust Detroit-style squares. The city also boasts fantastic New York-style slices, crispy Roman pinsa, and creative artisan pizzas pushing the boundaries of flavor and texture.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew's Pizza | Baltimore Style | budget | Highlandtown |
| 2 | Paulie Gee's Hampden | Neapolitan | mid | Hampden |
| 3 | Verde | Neapolitan | mid | Fells Point |
| 4 | Joe Benny's | Roman Pinsa | mid | Canton |
| 5 | Homeslyce Pizza (Federal Hill) | New York Style | budget | Federal Hill |
| 6 | Pizza di Joey | Detroit Style | mid | Federal Hill |
| 7 | Johnny Rad's | Thin Crust | budget | Fells Point |
| 8 | Zella's Pizzeria | Neapolitan | mid | Federal Hill |
| 9 | Angeli's Pizzeria | New York Style | budget | Canton |
| 10 | Brendali | Italian | mid | Little Italy |
1Matthew's Pizza
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone seeking an authentic taste of Baltimore's pizza heritage in a no-frills, beloved local spot.
- Strengths
- Highlandtown
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Matthew's Pizza is a Baltimore institution, serving its unique thin-crust, slightly crispy pizza since 1943. Known for its perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio and robust flavor, it's a nostalgic favorite that consistently delivers.
- What to order
- The classic Pepperoni pizza – simple, iconic, and perfectly executed. Don't skip the extra cheese!
🕐 Opening hours
2Paulie Gee's Hampden
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Foodies and pizza aficionados looking for creative, high-quality pies in a stylish, bustling neighborhood setting.
- Strengths
- Hampden
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Paulie Gee's brings Brooklyn-born Neapolitan artistry to Hampden with its wood-fired, naturally leavened pizzas. Known for inventive toppings and a cozy, vibrant atmosphere, it offers a sophisticated yet fun pizza experience.
- What to order
- The "Hellboy" with spicy soppressata, mozzarella, and a drizzle of hot honey, or explore their unique vegan offerings.
🕐 Opening hours
3Verde
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking a true taste of Italy with rigorous adherence to Neapolitan pizza traditions in an elegant setting.
- Strengths
- Fells Point
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Verde transports you to Naples with its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Cooked in a custom-built wood-fired oven, each pizza features a perfectly blistered crust and fresh, imported ingredients.
- What to order
- The classic Margherita DOC, showcasing the simplicity and quality of San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
🕐 Opening hours
4Joe Benny's
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those looking for a unique pizza experience different from traditional Neapolitan or NY styles, with a focus on a light, airy crust.
- Strengths
- Canton
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Joe Benny's specializes in Roman Pinsa, a lighter, crispier, and more digestible style of pizza made with a blend of flours and high hydration. Their creative toppings and vibrant atmosphere make for a memorable meal.
- What to order
- Try the "Pinsa Carbonara" with egg, guanciale, and Pecorino Romano, or a classic "Pinsa Margherita".
🕐 Opening hours
5Homeslyce Pizza (Federal Hill)
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Students, families, and anyone craving a reliable, hearty slice of classic NY-style pizza in a laid-back setting.
- Strengths
- Federal Hill
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Homeslyce is a popular spot for classic New York-style pizza, known for its large, foldable slices and consistent quality. It's a go-to for casual dining, grabbing a slice on the go, or feeding a crowd.
- What to order
- A large Pepperoni or Supreme pie for sharing, or a couple of their massive slices for a quick meal.
🕐 Opening hours
6Pizza di Joey
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Adventurous eaters and fans of pan pizza looking for a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal with a distinctive crunchy crust.
- Strengths
- Federal Hill
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Pizza di Joey brings authentic Detroit-style pizza to Baltimore, featuring a thick, airy crust with crispy, caramelized cheese edges. What started as a popular food truck now serves square slices from a cozy brick-and-mortar spot.
- What to order
- The "OG Red Top" for a classic experience, or "The Spicy Goat" for something more adventurous with hot honey.
🕐 Opening hours
7Johnny Rad's
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Casual diners, groups, and anyone looking for great pizza in a fun, alternative atmosphere, especially those with vegan preferences.
- Strengths
- Fells Point
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Johnny Rad's offers delicious thin-crust pizzas with a punk rock attitude and a strong commitment to vegan options. It's a lively, unpretentious spot perfect for a casual meal with friends.
- What to order
- "The Slayer" for meat lovers, or any of their robust vegan pizzas like "The Straight Edge."
🕐 Opening hours
8Zella's Pizzeria
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Couples or small groups seeking a warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious, artisanal pizzas for a relaxed evening out.
- Strengths
- Federal Hill
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Zella's Pizzeria is a cozy, neighborhood spot in Federal Hill, known for its well-crafted Neapolitan-style pizzas and relaxed ambiance. It's a local favorite for quality ingredients and a comfortable dining experience.
- What to order
- The "White Pizza" with ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil, or a classic Margherita with fresh basil.
🕐 Opening hours
9Angeli's Pizzeria
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families, groups, and anyone looking for a hearty, classic NY-style pizza experience in a friendly, local setting.
- Strengths
- Canton
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Angeli's Pizzeria is a Canton staple, dishing out generous New York-style pizzas with a perfectly chewy crust and fresh toppings. It's a straightforward, unpretentious spot loved by locals for its reliable quality.
- What to order
- Their classic cheese or pepperoni pizza, or try their specialty pizzas like the "Meat Lover's."
🕐 Opening hours
10Brendali
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners seeking a classic Italian restaurant experience with reliable, well-made wood-fired pizzas in a romantic setting.
- Strengths
- Little Italy
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Brendali offers traditional Italian pizzas from a wood-fired oven in the heart of Little Italy. This charming eatery provides a cozy, authentic experience with classic recipes and a warm, inviting ambiance.
- What to order
- The "Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi" or a simple "Quattro Formaggi" to savor the quality ingredients.
🕐 Opening hours
Frequently asked questions
What is "Baltimore Style" pizza?
Baltimore Style pizza is characterized by its thin, slightly chewy, and often cracker-crisp crust, typically with a generous amount of cheese that sometimes extends to the very edge, creating a deliciously browned, almost caramelized rim. The sauce is usually robust and savory, and it's a nostalgic taste for many locals.
Are there good vegan pizza options in Baltimore?
Yes, Baltimore has a growing number of excellent vegan pizza options. Johnny Rad's in Fells Point is particularly well-known for its extensive and delicious vegan pizza menu, including house-made vegan cheeses and specialty toppings. Many other pizzerias can also accommodate dietary needs upon request.
Which neighborhood has the best concentration of pizza places?
Federal Hill and Fells Point are arguably the neighborhoods with the highest concentration of diverse and highly-rated pizza spots. You'll find everything from New York-style slices to authentic Neapolitan and Detroit-style pies, often within walking distance of each other.
Is Baltimore pizza typically Neapolitan or New York style?
Baltimore's pizza scene is a true melting pot. While you can find fantastic examples of both authentic Neapolitan (like Verde and Paulie Gee's) and classic New York style (like Homeslyce and Angeli's), the city also boasts its unique 'Baltimore Style' and other regional variations like Detroit and Roman Pinsa.
Do any pizza places in Baltimore offer gluten-free options?
Many modern pizzerias in Baltimore recognize the demand for gluten-free options and offer gluten-free crusts. However, it's always best to call ahead and confirm their specific offerings and cross-contamination policies, especially for severe allergies. Artisan pizzerias might not always have GF crusts due to their specialized dough.
What's the best time to visit Baltimore for pizza?
Anytime is a great time for pizza! However, for the best weather to explore neighborhoods on foot between pizzerias, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal. Weekdays generally offer shorter wait times than busy weekend evenings.
Is parking difficult near popular pizza spots?
Parking can be challenging and often metered in popular, dense neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Fells Point, and Hampden. If driving, plan to arrive early or be prepared to use paid parking garages. Using ride-sharing services, public transportation, or the free Charm City Circulator is often a more convenient option.
Are there any cash-only pizza places I should know about?
Yes, the iconic Matthew's Pizza in Highlandtown is famously cash-only, a tradition they've maintained for decades. It's always a good idea to check a restaurant's website or reviews beforehand if you prefer to pay with card, or simply carry some cash for convenience.