Pizza is one of the most crowd-pleasing family dinners, popular with all ages and endlessly customizable. It’s no wonder that kids frequently look forward to “pizza day” at school, and that ordering pizza is often a cause for excitement. Here’s what local families recommend for restaurants with delicious pizza and a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for family outings.
Johnny Rad’s Pizzeria Tavern | Baltimore
If your kids get bored easily while waiting for their food, Johnny Rad’s is the anathema to that boredom. With plenty of skee-ball machines, arcade games and skateboarding videos playing on the TV, there’s a lot for kids to do. The pizza has plenty of vegan options and unique topping combinations. Try the “Trainwreck,” featured on the show “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.”
johnnyrads.com
Peace A Pizza | Catonsville
Peace A Pizza is a community institution, often holding fundraisers for local schools and nonprofit organizations. The restaurant has a wide variety of meat, chicken and vegetarian pizzas to suit every taste, including a unique “upside-down” pizza. Still hungry? Babas bakery operates out of the Peace A Pizza building and serves delicious, fresh-baked cookies.
Frank’s Pizza and Pasta | Baltimore
Frank’s has been serving up pizza in the Overlea neighborhood for more than 35 years and been voted “Baltimore’s Best Pizza” in Baltimore Magazine and The Baltimore Sun. It serves both New York and Detroit-style pizzas and is also well-known for its calzones and cheesesteaks.
frankspizzaandpasta.com
Pizza Johns | Essex
One of the longest-lasting pizzerias in the Baltimore area, Pizza Johns first opened in 1966, and its menu and building have continued to expand over time. Notably, Pizza Johns also sells bake-at-home pizzas in its lobby and online. Recently, Pizza Johns was awarded “Best Pizza” in the 2025 Baltimore Style Readers’ Choice awards.
Strapasta | Phoenix
While Strapasta does not primarily focus on pizza, it’s known for its family-friendly atmosphere and wide variety of Italian dishes. Its menu is large enough to suit any palette, which has made it a favorite among many Phoenix locals.
Matthew’s Pizzeria | Baltimore
The oldest pizzeria in Baltimore, Matthew’s has been open since 1943 and is often hailed as having the best pizza in Baltimore. One of its most popular offerings is the “Crab Pie,” a white pizza topped with crab and Old Bay seasoning.
