Food & Wine Names Angeli's Pizzeria Maryland's Best

The popular pizza chain earns recognition as the top destination for pizza in the state of Maryland.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Italian Food

Screen-print poster illustration of a single charred artisanal pizza on a wooden peel, celebrating Maryland's top-ranked pizzeria. — Food & Wine magazine has named Angeli's Pizzeria, a staple of Baltimore's Little Italy, as the premier pizza destination in Maryland. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Food & Wine has selected Angeli's Pizzeria as Maryland's premier pizza destination. The recognition follows the pizzeria's consistent performance in national industry rankings.

Why it matters

This selection highlights the establishment's growing national reputation and its successful expansion within the Maryland dining scene. The ranking underscores the pizzeria's ability to maintain culinary quality across its regional locations.

Angeli's Pizzeria operates a 1,500-square-foot location in Ellicott City and maintains a presence in Baltimore. The business previously held a #77 ranking on the 2023 Yelp list of Top 100 Pizza Spots in the U.S.

The players

Angeli's Pizzeria

This pizza establishment operates locations in Baltimore and Ellicott City and has roots tracing back to a 1986 New Orleans opening.

Food & Wine

This publication focuses on culinary trends, wine, and dining experiences through expert reviews and annual industry list features.

The details

Founded in New Orleans in 1986, the business relocated to Baltimore's Little Italy following the destruction of its original site during Hurricane Katrina. The Ellicott City expansion currently occupies the space formerly held by River House Pizza Co.

1986: Angeli's Pizzeria originated in New Orleans.
2023: Angeli's ranked #77 on Yelp's Top 100 list.
2025: Angeli's debuted at #47 in 50 Top Pizza USA.
2026: Angeli's ranked #44 in 50 Top Pizza USA.
October 2026: Food & Wine selected Angeli's as the Maryland representative.

Culture Shift

This recognition aligns with the 50 Top Pizza USA rankings, tracking the professional growth of regional craft pizzerias over time. The selection reflects a broader cultural shift where neighborhood institutions increasingly achieve national brand status through consistent quality metrics.

Residents can visit the new 1,500-square-foot Ellicott City location to experience the menu recognized by national critics. The ranking may lead to increased demand and wait times at both the Baltimore and Ellicott City restaurants.

The takeaway

The success of Angeli's Pizzeria demonstrates how businesses can rebuild and thrive by focusing on core product quality after significant disruptions. Diners should monitor regional rankings to discover top-rated local establishments before peak hours arrive.