Chesapeake Slices: Discovering Maryland’s Pizza Scene

And there’s even more to uncover in Maryland’s pizza scene. Maryland offers a range of classic and innovative pizza options that reflect both local flavors and unique culinary traditions. Here are additional highlights, notable stories, and events that make Maryland’s pizza culture distinct:

Maryland Brews

More Notable Pizzerias in Maryland:

1. Earth Wood & Fire (Baltimore & Fallston)

   • With locations in Baltimore and Fallston, Earth Wood & Fire specializes in wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The “Maryland Crab Pizza,” featuring crab, mozzarella, basil, and Old Bay seasoning, is a favorite that brings Chesapeake flavors to the forefront. Earth Wood & Fire’s commitment to quality ingredients and creative flavors makes it a top spot for food lovers.
   • Earth Wood & Fire

2. Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro (Rockville)

   • Matchbox is a popular Maryland spot offering artisanal pizzas with a modern twist. Their “Fire & Smoke Pizza” combines roasted red peppers, chipotle peppers, smoked Gouda, and basil—a flavor-packed pie that’s both spicy and smoky. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Matchbox has become a go-to destination for pizza in Rockville.
   • Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro

3. Pizza Alforno (Silver Spring)

   • Located in downtown Silver Spring, Pizza Alforno serves New York-style pizzas with a Maryland twist. Their popular “Seafood Pizza” is topped with shrimp, crab, and garlic—a coastal-inspired pie that has gained a loyal following. The restaurant’s large portions and unique flavor combinations make it a neighborhood favorite.
   • Pizza Alforno

4. Trattoria E Pizzeria Da Enrico (Germantown)

   • Trattoria E Pizzeria Da Enrico offers classic Italian-style pizzas made in a traditional wood-fired oven. Known for their authenticity, they use imported Italian ingredients and local produce to create delicious, fresh-tasting pizzas. Their “Old Bay Shrimp Pizza” brings together Maryland’s famous seasoning with a thin, crispy crust.
   • Trattoria E Pizzeria Da Enrico

5. Anthony’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar (Ellicott City)

   • Anthony’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar is an Ellicott City staple known for its Italian-American cuisine and cozy ambiance. Their “Shrimp Scampi Pizza,” topped with shrimp, garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of parsley, combines Italian flavors with a Maryland seafood influence. Anthony’s also offers an extensive wine list to pair with its pizzas.
   • Anthony’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

Maryland Weddings

Famous Maryland Pizza Stories:

1. The Story of Ledo Pizza’s Unique Shape

   • Ledo Pizza, founded in 1955 in Adelphi, Maryland, has a unique origin story tied to its distinctive square shape. When the Ledo family began making pizzas, they wanted each slice to be a perfect square, which made it easier to share with large groups. This shape, along with Ledo’s flaky crust and slightly sweet sauce, became a signature style that set it apart. The unique rectangular pizzas became so popular that Ledo expanded across the state, and it remains a Maryland favorite to this day.

2. Joe Squared’s Music and Art Connection

   • Joe Squared in Baltimore isn’t just known for its coal-fired pizzas but also for its deep roots in the local arts community. The pizzeria often hosts live music, art shows, and events, making it a hub for Baltimore’s creative community. The unique combination of food and art at Joe Squared has helped foster a strong sense of community, and their “Crab and Old Bay Pizza” is a symbol of Baltimore’s culinary and cultural fusion.

3. Vin 909’s Chesapeake-Inspired Pies

   • Vin 909 Winecafé in Annapolis has a farm-to-table philosophy that emphasizes local ingredients, and their “Blue Crab Pizza” is a direct reflection of the Chesapeake Bay area’s heritage. This pizza, topped with Maryland blue crab, roasted corn, and smoked mozzarella, has become a local legend and is often listed as a must-try for visitors. Vin 909’s Chesapeake-inspired menu showcases how Maryland’s seafood can be incorporated into unique pizza creations.

Pizza Festivals and Events in Maryland:

1. Maryland Food Truck Festival (Including Pizza Trucks)

   • Location: Various locations, including Timonium and Annapolis
   • Overview: The Maryland Food Truck Festival showcases food trucks from around the state, including several mobile pizzerias that bring wood-fired ovens and gourmet toppings on the go. Guests can sample a variety of pizzas, often with Maryland-inspired toppings like crab and Old Bay.
   • Highlights:
     • Pizza trucks offering everything from classic to seafood-inspired pies
     • Local craft beer, live music, and family-friendly activities
     • A chance to explore Maryland’s diverse food truck culture
   • Website: Maryland Food Truck Festival

2. Baltimore Pizza Week

   • Location: Baltimore, MD
   • Overview: Baltimore Pizza Week is a week-long event celebrating the city’s pizza scene. During this week, local pizzerias offer special deals and unique pizza creations, giving residents and visitors a chance to explore the city’s diverse offerings. From traditional Italian to crab-topped specialties, Baltimore Pizza Week highlights the city’s creativity and passion for pizza.
   • Highlights:
     • $10-$15 pizza specials at participating pizzerias
     • Limited-time pizzas featuring local ingredients
     • A “Pizza Passport” to encourage people to try multiple spots
   • Website: Information is typically available through Baltimore community event listings.

Maryland Beers & Breweries

1. Taste of Bethesda (Featuring Pizza)

   • Location: Bethesda, MD
   • Overview: Although not a pizza-specific event, Taste of Bethesda is one of Maryland’s premier food festivals, featuring a variety of restaurants, including popular pizzerias. Local spots showcase their signature pizzas, including options with Maryland-inspired toppings like seafood and Old Bay.
   • Highlights:
     • Sample-sized pizza options from local restaurants
     • Live entertainment, art vendors, and family activities
     • A great way to explore the best of Bethesda’s food scene
   • Website: Taste of Bethesda

Why Maryland’s Pizza Scene Stands Out:

Maryland’s pizzerias offer a mix of classic East Coast styles, Neapolitan techniques, and local flavors inspired by the Chesapeake Bay. The influence of Maryland’s seafood culture, especially with ingredients like crab and Old Bay seasoning, adds a unique twist to traditional pizza toppings. Whether it’s a coal-fired pizza in Baltimore, a seafood-inspired pie in Annapolis, or a classic Ledo square slice, Maryland offers a rich and varied pizza experience that’s worth exploring.

Maryland’s pizza events and pizzerias provide both locals and visitors with a chance to experience these unique flavors and the state’s vibrant culinary culture. From college-town favorites to artisanal creations, Maryland’s pizza scene has something for every palate.

Certainly! Maryland has several notable pizza stories that highlight the state’s rich pizza culture and the creative ways local pizzerias incorporate Maryland traditions and flavors. Here are some of the most famous Maryland pizza stories:

1. Ledo Pizza’s Legendary Rectangular Shape

Ledo Pizza is a Maryland institution with a story that dates back to its founding in 1955 in Adelphi, Maryland. When founder Robert Beall first started serving pizza, he wanted to create a unique experience that stood out from the traditional round pies of the time. He developed a distinctive square pizza with a flaky, pastry-like crust and a slightly sweet sauce, cut into square slices. This shape allowed each slice to be a perfect square, making it easy to share among family and friends.

Maryland Foods-Waterfront view of boats

Over time, the unique rectangular shape, sweet sauce, and thick, square-cut slices became Ledo’s signature, attracting a loyal following and leading to the chain’s expansion across the state. For many Marylanders, Ledo Pizza is a nostalgic favorite and a must-have comfort food. Its square shape has become iconic and is instantly recognizable, setting Ledo Pizza apart as one of Maryland’s most beloved pizza chains.

2. Joe Squared and Baltimore’s Creative Spirit

Joe Squared in Baltimore has earned a reputation not only for its unique square pizzas but also for its dedication to local art and music. Founded by Joe Edwardsen in 2005, Joe Squared initially gained fame for its coal-fired, square-shaped pizzas that stand out for their crispy, charred crusts and creative toppings. Their Crab and Old Bay Pizza, featuring Maryland blue crab and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, became an instant hit, celebrating the state’s signature flavors in pizza form.

What makes Joe Squared even more special is its strong connection to the Baltimore arts scene. The pizzeria regularly hosts live music, art shows, and community events, turning it into a gathering spot for the city’s creative community. Joe Squared’s story highlights the blending of food, art, and community, making it an iconic part of Baltimore’s cultural landscape. The pizzeria’s Crab and Old Bay Pizza has become a signature item that attracts both locals and visitors eager to experience a slice of Baltimore’s creativity.

3. The Origin of Baltimore Pizza Week

Baltimore Pizza Week was inspired by the city’s vibrant pizza culture and the unique personalities of its pizzerias. Organized by local food lovers, the week-long event highlights Baltimore’s diverse pizza scene by encouraging local pizzerias to offer special deals and unique, limited-time pizza creations. It’s a celebration of Baltimore’s love for pizza, and it often includes Maryland-inspired pies featuring ingredients like blue crab, Old Bay seasoning, and even fried chicken.

During Baltimore Pizza Week, popular spots like Joe Squared, Paulie Gee’s Hampden, and Hersh’s Pizza & Drinks attract pizza enthusiasts who want to try each pizzeria’s one-of-a-kind creations. The event has become a beloved tradition that draws in both locals and tourists, shining a spotlight on Baltimore’s creative pizzerias and encouraging the city to explore its unique flavor combinations. It’s one of Maryland’s most anticipated food events, showcasing the culinary talent and originality of Baltimore’s pizza makers.

4. The Creation of Paulie Gee’s “Crabby Boi” Pizza

Paulie Gee’s Hampden is the Baltimore outpost of the popular Brooklyn pizzeria known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. When owner Kelly Beckham brought Paulie Gee’s to Baltimore, he wanted to incorporate the flavors of Maryland into the menu. This led to the creation of the “Crabby Boi” pizza, a Neapolitan-style pie topped with fresh Maryland crab, herbs, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning.

The Crabby Boi has become a hit, drawing pizza fans from around the state to experience this uniquely Maryland take on pizza. Paulie Gee’s dedication to local ingredients and the blending of Neapolitan technique with Maryland seafood has made the Crabby Boi one of the most talked-about pizzas in Baltimore. It’s an example of how Maryland pizzerias can incorporate local flavors in ways that pay homage to the state’s heritage while maintaining traditional pizza techniques.

5. The Story Behind Rocco’s Pizzeria’s Crab Pizza

Rocco’s Pizzeria in Annapolis is another pizzeria that has put Maryland’s crab culture front and center. Known for its traditional New York-style pizzas, Rocco’s decided to add a Crab Pizza to its menu to reflect Annapolis’s coastal location and love for seafood. This pizza, topped with fresh crab, garlic, mozzarella, and a touch of Old Bay, has since become a local favorite and is regularly mentioned by visitors and food critics alike.

Maryland Pizza-Along the boardwalk and water’s edge

Rocco’s story is a testament to how Maryland pizzerias adapt and incorporate local flavors into classic recipes. The popularity of the Crab Pizza shows that even traditional New York-style spots can embrace Maryland’s unique ingredients to create memorable dishes. The success of Rocco’s Crab Pizza has inspired other Annapolis pizzerias to experiment with seafood toppings, making crab-topped pies a signature of the area.

6. Facci Ristorante’s Fusion of Italian and Maryland Flavors

Facci Ristorante, with locations across Maryland, brings authentic Italian flavors to the state while also showcasing local ingredients. Their Maryland Crab Pizza, topped with lump crab meat, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of Old Bay, is a fusion of traditional Italian and Chesapeake Bay influences. Facci’s use of a wood-fired oven and high-quality ingredients elevates this pizza, making it a standout item on the menu.

Facci Ristorante’s story is one of honoring Italian culinary traditions while celebrating Maryland’s iconic ingredients. The Maryland Crab Pizza has become a favorite among diners who want to experience a slice of Italy with a Maryland twist, and it highlights the versatility of seafood in pizza.

7. Ledo Pizza’s Loyal Following and Expansion

As one of Maryland’s oldest pizza chains, Ledo Pizza has developed a loyal following over the years. Its unique square slices, flaky crust, and sweet tomato sauce have made it a staple at family gatherings, sports events, and casual dining spots across Maryland. The story of Ledo Pizza’s expansion began when demand grew beyond its original Adelphi location, and the chain started franchising throughout the state. Today, Ledo has locations in several states, but its heart remains in Maryland, where many consider it a go-to for pizza night.

Ledo’s expansion story is a testament to how a small, local business with a distinctive product can grow into a beloved regional brand. Even as it has expanded, Ledo has stayed true to its Maryland roots, maintaining its original recipe and iconic square shape. It’s not just a pizza—it’s a tradition for many Maryland families, making Ledo Pizza a symbol of community and nostalgia in the state.

Why These Stories Stand Out:

Maryland’s pizzerias are known for their creativity and ability to blend local ingredients with classic pizza-making techniques. From Joe Squared’s coal-fired, artsy vibe to Paulie Gee’s Crabby Boi pizza, these stories illustrate how Maryland’s pizzerias honor the state’s heritage while pushing the boundaries of pizza. Whether it’s a crab-topped creation, a rectangle of Ledo’s sweet sauce, or a unique Old Bay twist, Maryland’s pizzerias continue to surprise and delight with their inventive approach to pizza.

Maryland Wineries

These famous pizza stories show that Maryland’s pizza scene is about more than just great food—it’s about celebrating local culture, community, and the creative spirit that defines the state.