Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria III in Baltimore: Thick-Crust Pies and Sit-Down Dining on the East Side
Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria III is a family-owned sit-down pizzeria in Baltimore's Belair-Edison neighborhood that specializes in thick, rectangular Detroit-style pizza and traditional Italian entrees. The restaurant occupies a modest storefront and operates as a casual dinner spot rather than a grab-and-go counter, setting it apart from Baltimore's pizza-focused takeout culture.
What the restaurant actually is
The business functions as a full-service Italian restaurant with pizza as its centerpiece, not a pizza-only shop. Diners order at a table, and the kitchen produces pies with a crisp, airy crust characteristic of Detroit-style pizza (also called Sicilian in some regions): rectangular slices with a well-developed edge and a tender interior. The restaurant also serves pasta dishes, seafood entrees, and appetizers, allowing it to function as a destination for sit-down Italian meals rather than purely casual pizza consumption.
Menu and pricing
Detroit-style pies start around $18 for a half-sheet and move upward depending on toppings; a fully loaded specialty pie runs closer to $25 to $28. Pasta entrees, including lasagna and seafood preparations, fall in the $14 to $22 range. Appetizers such as calamari and mozzarella sticks run $8 to $12. The restaurant does not operate as a delivery-focused business; customers must dine in or call ahead for takeout pickup. Prices are accurate as of recent operations, but confirming current rates by phone before a visit is prudent.
How it compares to other Baltimore pizza options
Baltimore's pizza landscape divides loosely between tavern-style thin crust (common in Canton and Federal Hill), Neapolitan wood-fired models (such as Evo Pizzeria in Canton), and casual New York-style slice shops. Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria III occupies the Detroit-style niche, which is less saturated in Baltimore than thin-crust tavern pizza. This makes it a distinct choice for diners seeking that particular crust texture and rectangular format. Unlike Evo, which emphasizes high-temperature, short-bake Neapolitan technique and wine pairing, Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria III prioritizes affordability and family-style seating. Unlike thin-crust takeout options, it invites extended table dining.
Who it suits and who it does not
This restaurant works well for families seeking a casual Italian meal where children are expected and comfortable, and for diners specifically interested in Detroit-style pizza crust. It suits groups of four or more who want to share multiple pies and entrees. It does not cater to those seeking fast counter service, upscale ambiance, or Neapolitan wood-fired pizza. Solo diners may find the table-service model less efficient than a slice-shop alternative.
What the first visit involves
Call ahead to confirm they are open and seating is available. Arrive expecting a modest interior with standard table seating. Order directly from a server or at a counter, depending on current service flow. Wait times for pies typically run 15 to 25 minutes. The restaurant operates cash-friendly and likely accepts card; confirming payment methods ahead is wise. Parking is street-based in Belair-Edison; arrive with this in mind.
Hours and logistics
The restaurant operates in the Belair-Edison neighborhood, a working-class East Baltimore area with limited parking infrastructure. Hours are typically evening-focused (closed daytime), but exact opening and closing times vary seasonally and by day of the week. Confirm hours by phone before making the trip. The storefront is accessible by car from I-95 via East Baltimore avenues; public transit options are limited in the immediate area.
Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria III fills a specific niche in Baltimore's pizza taxonomy, offering thick-crust Detroit-style pizza in a sit-down setting where few direct competitors exist, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking that particular style and format.
