The Best Pizza in Baltimore

Great food, made fresh is the concept behind the Hershkovitz siblings' authentic Italian restaurant, Hersh's. This small, intimate eatery plates up small portions designed for sharing. The black and gray mural painted on an exposed brick wall adds to the funky atmosphere. House-made pasta, an interesting selection of antipasti and a streamlined selection of meat and fish share space with some of the best pizza in Baltimore. Expect blackened bits around the edges and fresh-made mozzarella sprinkled on the top of a pie that comes hot out of the pizza oven. The sauce is tangy, the sausage blended in the kitchen, and the toppings always fresh. Choose a pie from the eclectic combinations or put together a completely original recipe from the available ingredients.

Hardwood, ochers and ambers, and two floors of windows create an inviting space for Sammy's Trattoria, nestled in the heart of Mt. Vernon. This upbeat and energetic area is just a few blocks south of Penn Station and near Center Stage, one of Baltimore's most popular playhouses. Pesto and Margherita pizza make up a few of the classic pie options, with some more off the beaten track toppings like eggplant or broccoli rabe on some of the restaurant specialties. The rest of the menu features a range of homemade pasta, all served on the side with an entree purchase.

Liberatore's, a family-owned and operated restaurant, takes an Old World menu and pairs it with modern, chic decor. Outdoor seating is plentiful and lets diners enjoy the weather during the warmer months. The Maryland State Fair Grounds are a few blocks away, and Liberatore's is a fun place to grab a bite during events. The pizza is some of the best that Baltimore has to offer with a classic New York-style, plus a few local ingredients such as the jumbo lump crabmeat, and cream cheese. Pair those with grab-and-go sandwiches and the menu is hard to beat for casual fare.

Located right in the heart of Charm City, Forno Restaurant & Wine Bar is in the center of everything. The Hippodrome Theater is just across the street — Baltimore's Broadway venue. Brick oven pizza is just one of the artisan options at this modern Italian restaurant. The Farmer's Pizza changes daily while the carne employs a selection of meats including bacon, Tasso ham, and meatballs. There's even a lobster pie with lemon aioli. The unexpected flavor combinations make for a fun night exploring the menu.

Chef Carlo Vignotto serves up a variety of classic Italian dishes in the heart of Little Italy, a famous waterside district in downtown Baltimore. Surrounded by robust, authentic flavors, the scent of the house-made focaccia is part of the Little Italy experience. The perfectly crisp crust on the pizzette coming straight from the oven is memorable, along with the many house-made ingredients layered on top. Buffalo mozzarella, mushrooms, artichokes, and prosciutto make a savory combination on the signature menu. The pizza is only on the lunch menu, though the dinner menu has its own share of delights like the chef's choice menu which includes a 3-course meal selected by Chef Carlo.

The worst-kept secret in Little Italy, Chiapparelli's is the place that locals take their out-of-town friends. White tablecloths and folded napkins add an upscale touch to an essentially casual eatery. The fresh dough pizza is a lunch favorite, with a choice of selections like the traditional cheese with homemade tomato sauce or the Americana with a grilled chicken and sautéed spinach and mushroom topping. The front is unassuming with two lanterns to light the way into a warm and inviting evening of great food.

Columbia is home to boutique shopping, big, open green spaces and plenty of places to grab a bite, but Tino's Italian Bistro & Wine Bar is a top spot in the area. Homemade sauces and an exceptional wine list make Tino's the place to be on a Friday evening. This authentic bistro is family-friendly and willing to accommodate large groups. Tino's isn't just a restaurant, it's a community member, with foundation nights devoted to supporting local charities. Meals are sized to share, and the robust flavors bring locals back again and again.

The sight of planes flying overhead is a frequent one at George Martin's Vivo Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. This family-friendly restaurant is close to BWI, making it a great spot to entertain out of town guests. The Tuscan-inspired decor offers a hint about the culinary delights coming out of this authentic Italian kitchen. The pizza sits on a crust that is soft on the inside, yet crunchy on the outside, while the specialty pies include everything from a three-meat option to a Baltimore-inspired option with jumbo lump crab and imperial sauce.

The secret to a perfect crust starts with the oven, and Verde's in Caton uses the traditional methods perfected more than 150 years ago in Italy. An 850-degree oven blisters the crust for just about 90 seconds. The result is a pillow-soft crust with distinctive charred spots decorating the surface and adding flavor. San Marzano tomatoes make a tangy and flavorful sauce sits under the house-made Fior Di Latte mozzarella. Rotating seasonal vegetables are an optional topping when available, creating a truly unique pie that changes with the time of year.

For over three decades Casa Mia’s has been White Marsh’s go-to place for subs, pasta and some of the best pizza in Baltimore and its suburbs. The extensive menu now runs from chicken tender to Maryland crab soup plus signature salads and a range of subs and sandwiches. The pizza, though, is the star of the show. Specialties include shrimp with red pepper, jerk chicken, and the Greek pizza with meat sauce and feta cheese. A family favorite.