Gaithersburg

Maryland Pizzeria Named the Best Pizza Place in the State

Lovefood has named Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana the best pizza place in Maryland in its recent feature, “The best pizza places in every U.S. state.” The list highlights one pizza destination in each state, covering everything from New York-style slices and unusual toppings to classic Margherita pizzas.

Lovefood specifically highlighted Inferno’s Margherita pizza, noting that it has previously been recognized by The Washington Post as the best in the DC area. The pizza features an airy, Neapolitan-inspired wood-fired crust topped with organic crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, and basil. The publication also pointed to Inferno’s rotating seasonal specials, including pizzas featuring combinations such as meatballs, vodka sauce, and ricotta.

Chef and owner Tony Conte opened Inferno in 2015 after spending nine years at The Oval Room in Washington, DC. While pizza is the centerpiece of the restaurant, its rotating selection of appetizers has also developed a strong following. Inferno’s pizzas take inspiration from Neapolitan traditions while incorporating a more modern approach. The restaurant has highlighted the canotto style, which uses highly hydrated dough to create a noticeably airy and puffed outer crust with areas of bubbling and char.

The latest recognition adds to a growing list of national accolades for the Montgomery County pizzeria. Earlier this year, Inferno was ranked No. 20 in the United States by Italy-based 50 Top Pizza, moving up from No. 21 in 2025. Inferno has climbed the organization’s rankings in each of the past five years and was the only Montgomery County restaurant included in the 2026 ranking.

In September, Inferno also brought back Sunday dinner service for the first time in six years. The restaurant is currently open Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 5pm and serves until its daily supply of dough runs out.

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