Navigating Bethesda’s culinary landscape can feel like a delicious puzzle—a patchwork of neighborhoods where tradition meets innovation. Here, pizza isn’t just a dish; it’s a canvas where New York foldability, Neapolitan authenticity, and local creativity converge. These 20 spots represent where that alchemy happens best.
AP Pizza Shop
$$ | (301) 961-6451 | WEBSITE
This beloved Bethesda staple has been perfecting its craft for years, becoming a go-to for locals who crave quality pizza delivered right to their door. It remains a favorite among families and friends, especially on weeknights when everyone wants something reliably delicious without the fuss. If it’s your first time, start with the classic buona pizza—thin, crisp crust with balanced toppings—and the standout Caesar salad that pairs perfectly.
Also try the popular White pizza for a creamy alternative. AP Pizza Shop feels more essential than ever, thanks to its quick service and consistent quality that keeps customers coming back month after month.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
$ | (301) 304-7373 | WEBSITE
For a taste of New Haven, Frank Pepe’s is where to be. The Bethesda outpost—an offshoot of its first home in Connecticut—radiates warmth from the moment you arrive. It feels like a permanent celebration with casual table settings, cheerful chatter, and earthy pizza flavors—think thin crust baked to crispy perfection, a light balance of cheese and sauce over fresh ingredients, steaming Special pizza with its classic toppings, and deep-fried meatball ricotta slices.
Beyond tradition, they expertly craft the classics, like their signature New Haven-style pies. Dinner here is also never a bad idea. Start with a fresh salad like their house option with amazing balsamic dressing, and share a pizza with salad and beverages.
Vace Italian Delicatessen
$ | (301) 654-6367 | WEBSITE
Vace Italian Delicatessen is a classic Italian deli, celebrated for doing a few things exceptionally well. These neighborhood spots are often defined by their signature offerings—and sometimes by what they don’t try to be. Behind the counter, the staff assembles and slices the fresh pizzas and sandwiches in plain view.
There’s thin-crust pizza done the proper New York-style way, an unmissable selection of frozen stuffed pasta, humble, well-prepared Italian sandwiches, and authentic imported beers. If you’re lucky, you might catch a particularly fresh batch of that perfect crunchy bread. This place is takeout-only, so if you’re planning a meal, call ahead, or prepare to enjoy it at home.
Piccoli Piatti Pizzeria
$ | (240) 858-6099 | WEBSITE
Piccoli Piatti Pizzeria is a cozy and welcoming restaurant with a casual atmosphere that’s fast casual and kid-friendly. It’s a place rooted in tradition. The menu features a range of options, including sandwiches, small hot plates, pizzas, and wine. Throughout your visit, you’ll find no fancy gimmicks, no elaborate presentations—just authentic cooking that stays true to the classics.
Take, for example, their Parma pizza (it’s a consistent favorite), a traditional Napolitano-style pie baked in a brick oven, currently made with mozzarella, prosciutto, and a perfect crust, served with a side of simplicity. Despite the fast casual setup, Piccoli Piatti is a warm space, full of wooden tables and big mirrors.
Andy’s Pizza Bethesda
$ | (240) 204-6883 | WEBSITE
Andy’s Pizza Bethesda is a spot with a strong New York identity, offering classic slices like Margarita, sausage, or pepper, all approached with a genuine quality. A lively freshness runs through the menu, crowned by an iconic thin crust. Every part of the pie plays a role in this perfect slice, finished with flavorful sauce and a nice crunch.
On the whole pie side, expect generous portions and reasonable prices: go for the Margarita, one of the most scrumptious in Bethesda, the sausage and pepper, between crunch and flavor, and the Brussels sprouts, or mix and match slices into a whole pie for just a little extra. And grab any seat available, since Andy’s was one of the first places to champion huge slices and helpful staff, and it still maintains an impressive one today.
HEMI Pizza
$ | (878) 879-4364 | WEBSITE
Time slows down at HEMI Pizza, tucked away in the lobby of an apartment building. The space feels upscale yet welcoming, with warm lighting and a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to linger. The pizza here leaps forward, offering Detroit-style creations that redefine expectations. There’s the amazing chicken BBQ pizza with its perfect balance of smoky and sweet, and the specialty hot honey version that delivers just the right kick.
The crab pizza is a must-try—rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Daily specials might include variations on their exceptional dough or fresh salads that showcase the quality ingredients. At around $18-24 per pizza, the portions are fantastic and worth every penny. The friendly staff adds to the experience, making you feel right at home even when the pickup process gets a bit confusing. This is possibly the best pizza you’ll find in Bethesda.
Alatri Bros
$$ | (301) 718-6427 | WEBSITE
Alatri Bros, featured among Bethesda’s top pizza spots, aligns with the authentic Italian eateries that are becoming local favorites. This one blends traditional recipes with modern touches, with pizzas like the inferno topped with spicy salami, the multi carni layered with savory meats, or the salsiccia featuring house-made sausage. The appetizers, from buffalo wings with zesty sauce to handcut fries dusted with herbs, are satisfying.
As are the entrees, like eggplant Parma with its light breading or shrimp fra diavolo swimming in a fiery tomato broth. Alatri Bros is a cozy space where the scent of baking crust and simmering sauces creates a welcoming vibe. The garden patio, breezy in summer and snug in winter, is the prime spot on weekend afternoons.
Edith’s Pizza
$ | (301) 686-3224 | WEBSITE
Pizza is America’s most beloved comfort food, found in every neighborhood at pizzerias—the most popular type of Bethesda restaurant, along with diners. We love Edith’s, a cozy spot spotlighting pies baking steadily in the brick oven. Their version is classic, with crisp crust, flavorful sauce topped with fresh mozzarella, with options like pepperoni and margarita that satisfy every craving. It’s served with crisp salads, customizable toppings, and indispensable garlic knots.
A slice of their fluffy, thin-crust pizza seals the deal.
Pizzeria Da Marco
$$ | (301) 654-6083 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a taste of Naples right in the heart of Bethesda, Pizzeria Da Marco is where to go. Their menu showcases authentic Italian-style pizzas built on a foundation of high-quality ingredients that run through every pie. Always present is a classic margarita pizza, brought to life with fresh mozzarella and basil, and a delicious vegetarian option that captures the essence of Naples.
Pizzeria Da Marco is a cozy, family-friendly spot that embraces a relaxed spirit, featuring comfortable seating, warm lighting, and the charm of a neighborhood pizzeria. The portions are so generous you’ll likely need a to-go box, and the helpful staff make everyone feel welcome. While evenings can get busy, the affordable prices—around $15–$20 for a large pizza—and convenient parking just half a block away make it worth the visit.
Manny & Olga’s Pizza
$ | (301) 656-1450 | WEBSITE
Manny & Olga’s is small, no-frills, and straightforward, with just a take-out counter and late-night hours shaped by whatever cravings and the night owls send—and that’s exactly why we love it. At this Bethesda pizza spot, you trust the reliable offerings of the friendly staff. The beauty is how you’ll savor robust flavors and satisfying twists on classic options: pizzas, gyros, and sides like fries and salads find a hearty balance, generously loaded with toppings.
The Philly cheesesteak is outstanding. Just be sure to call ahead for those late-night orders.
Flippin’ Pizza
$ | (240) 333-2490 | WEBSITE
Flippin’ Pizza’s open kitchen is the first thing you notice when you walk into this unassuming yet welcoming spot. It’s a straightforward dining area of tile, laminate, bright colors, and stainless steel, bathed in light that streams through the storefront windows—it all sets the stage for the satisfying meal ahead.
It’s one of the top pizza joints in Bethesda—a classic that’s held its ground over the years—and the menu pulls you into generous portions, fantastic flavors, and the comfort of a family-friendly experience. Think large, tender chicken wings that outshine typical pizza-place offerings, customizable pies for picky eaters, and kid-friendly cooled-down slices. Everything has a friendly, attentive approach that never compromises on value.
Ledo Pizza
$$ | (301) 469-6700 | WEBSITE
At Ledo Pizza, you’d better arrive early, since it’s always buzzing. This pizzeria, in a convenient spot in the North Bethesda/Potomac area, draws in diners thanks to their intense pizza flavors, reimagined: thin and crispy, more contemporary, yet rooted in soulful, traditional quality. There’s chicken wings served ‘naked’ with buffalo sauce on the side, half mushroom and half pre-cooked bacon pizza, and fresh salads.
Never pass on the crispy crust packed with flavorful ingredients, and a tip to order the bacon well-done to avoid it being undercooked. There’s also consistently good quality compared to other nearby places, and super friendly staff that you’ll appreciate long after a visit. Ledo Pizza feels cozy thanks to its inviting atmosphere. Sometimes, outdoor tables are available, and an impromptu meal just happens.
Cheesy Pizzi
$ | (240) 497-0000 | WEBSITE
Pizza restaurants in Bethesda reflect the histories of the families or individuals who created them. In this case, Cheesy Pizzi blends Italian heritage with Maryland roots, specifically those of the local community. This spot is a cozy, welcoming space where pizza comes from fresh daily ingredients, sandwiches arrive crowned with quality meats and cheeses, and hearty personal pizza lunch specials—freshly baked with care—sit alongside crisp salads and homemade baklava.
If you want substance, go with the classic cheese pizza made with top-quality dough, a bold tomato sauce, premium mozzarella, and a subtle touch of herbs. The perfect finisher is the baklava, served as a sweet homemade treat with flaky pastry and honey syrup.
2 mato
$$ | WEBSITE
2 Mato offers a pleasant, authentic tapas experience with a creative twist. The restaurant they’ve created has a thoughtful menu full of delicious options. There are fresh seafood ceviche, pulpo a la Gallega just like you’d find in Spain, and portabellos stuffed with crab that taste like a special occasion.
It’s a cozy, warmly lit dining room (this Bethesda location feels intimate yet welcoming) where the kitchen hums to life on busy nights, and the shared plates, like ceviche and stuffed mushrooms fresh from the oven, promise a flavorful evening. And if they have pulpo a la Gallega on offer, don’t miss it.
Ledo Pizza Bethesda, MD – River Rd.
$$ | (301) 656-5336 | WEBSITE
Ledo Pizza delivers a classic take on family-friendly dining in a space designed to welcome everyone. There are cozy booths, warm lighting, cheerful staff, and a bustling open kitchen. It’s the ideal setting to devour dishes that celebrate straightforward American comfort food. That translates to exceptional pizza, including a brilliant pepperoni pie, robust salads with addictive house dressing, and Philly cheesesteaks that remain a savory favorite.
Value spills over into the service, too, with staff building lasting relationships and the owner going out of their way to ensure satisfaction.
Gregorio’s Trattoria
$$ | (301) 347-6830 | WEBSITE
What sets Gregorio’s Trattoria apart from the other Italian spots in town is that the general manager and owner, together with their friendly and attentive staff, has shaped a dining experience built on family-friendly fun and consistently great food. The space in Bethesda was designed with families in mind: welcoming atmosphere, warm service, and a demonstrated love for fresh ingredients, especially the pizza dough that guests can play with while waiting, where the restaurant’s heart runs deep.
Go for the pizza with wonderful crust, the linguini with clams, or the calamari and pepperoni pizza. The shrimp scampi is a must, paired with a cheese pizza praised for its phenomenal taste, and don’t skip the canola and tiramisu desserts for a perfect finish.
M & N’s Pizza
$ | (301) 656-6262 | WEBSITE
M & N’s Pizza is a hidden gem, cash-only pizza spot, and a cult hit—and there’s not even a sign out front. Vintage pizza boxes and family photos line the walls, and there are original tile floors and cozy booths that set the stage for paneer makhani pizza with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and cream for a rich touch. The star is the thin-crust pizza, and the spicy chicken curry pizza (they’ll substitute palak paneer if it’s a special request).
Ask for the kadhai paneer on the side, or a version with chicken tikka to go with it, plus a cup of strong chai. Or stay longer with a cold lassi, from lunch to early evening.
PLANTA
$$ | (301) 407-2447 | WEBSITE
PLANTA’s innovative plant-based spot, now a Bethesda staple, has perfected the dairy-free experience with a focused menu and attentive service, while keeping the untouchable favorites: the crispy bang bang broccoli, leek bianca pizza, and standout watermelon nigiri. Their superpower? Nearly everything feels fresh and intentional—from the creative appetizers that open the meal to the satisfying main dishes.
Vegan, Mediterranean, and Asian influences weave through the menu, like the leek bianca pizza with its delicate balance. Clean, pleasant ambiance mingles with convenient access next to the parking garage and Metro station, creating a mood that invites lingering meals—even for meat eaters—over a couple of thoughtfully crafted recommendations from the knowledgeable staff.
Glen Echo Pizza & Subs
$ | (301) 263-0414 | WEBSITE
Glen Echo Pizza & Subs has earned its place as the classic pizza joint that has seen generations of Bethesda families grow up. Its specialty is the pizza with anchovies: savory toppings layered onto a crust that even kids enjoy, with that perfect balance of chew and crisp. Pair it with a quick soda for the ultimate neighborhood lunch. And always, always, a side of subs to share.
Glen Echo Pizza & Subs has maintained its focus on fast, friendly service over the years, working its magic with quick preparation, kind staff, and that throwback feel to when fast food was king.
