Paisano's Pizza — Restaurant in Maryland

Review Title: A Magical Evening at Paisano Pizza

Rating: ★★★★★**

My son, Felix, and I had the pleasure of visiting Paisano Pizza for the first time last Friday night, and it was an experience we'll never forget.

The moment we walked in, we were greeted by the delightful aroma of freshly baked dough and melted cheese. The cozy ambiance, complete with checkered tablecloths and soft Italian music, made us feel instantly at home. We chose a table by the window, giving us a great view of the bustling kitchen through a large glass pane.

We ordered a large Margherita pizza and a couple of sodas. While waiting, Felix noticed something unusual—a life-sized wooden statue of an Italian chef in the corner of the restaurant. "Dad, look at that!" he exclaimed. "Did he just wink at me?"

I chuckled and reassured him that statues don’t wink, probably attributing it to a trick of the light. However, as our pizza arrived, Felix continued to insist that the statue had moved again. Just to humor him, I glanced at the statue, and at that very moment, a sudden gust of wind swept through the restaurant, even though all the doors and windows were shut. The lights flickered, and for a brief second, it did seem like the statue winked. I rubbed my eyes, convinced I was seeing things.

Our server, Maria, noticed our curiosity and came over with a smile. When Felix asked if the statue was magic, she laughed and shared the legend of Chef Luigi, the original owner of Paisano Pizza, whose spirit is said to still watch over the place, ensuring every pizza is perfect.

Intrigued, Felix approached the statue and whispered, "If you're real, give us a sign." At first, nothing happened, but then the lights flickered again, and the aroma of the pizza intensified. Felix ran back to our table, eyes wide with excitement.

As we dug into our pizza, we were both amazed at its perfection—the crust was crispy yet soft, the tomato sauce tangy, and the cheese melted just right. "This is the best pizza I’ve ever had," I told Felix. "Maybe Chef Luigi really is watching over it."

After we finished our meal, Maria brought over a plate of complimentary cannoli, saying, "From Chef Luigi," with a wink. Felix was thrilled and thanked Chef Luigi as he looked at the statue.

On our way out, Felix and I couldn't stop talking about our adventure. He asked if I thought the statue really moved, and I playfully ruffled his hair, saying, "Maybe it did, maybe it didn't. But one thing’s for sure—Paisano Pizza has the best pizza and the best adventures."

Back home, Felix eagerly recounted the evening to his mom, insisting she join us next time. As I tucked him into bed, I reflected on our magical night of great food, laughter, and a touch of mystery—exactly what we needed.

Paisano Pizza provided not just a meal but an unforgettable experience. Delicious pizza, friendly staff, and a sprinkle of magic make it a must-visit. Highly recommend!

Review Summary: Best pizza in town, and who knows, you might just...

TL; DR I have communicated with the owner, Omar, after the occurrence. He did not, as promised, maintain communication on his implementation of a paltry consequence for an egregious action of one of his employees.

On June 14, 2025, I ordered online, as I have countless times before. When I entered the store no one was at the counter. Several employees could be seen, along with one, later identified as Freddy, who was sweeping. When I got to the counter he gestured to me and said, "mayate". Another young man came to the counter. His facial expression was giddy, his lips quivering, stifling a giggle as he stared at me. He definitely understood the slur, as did I. My reaction was to freeze as he barely maintained his composure. I paid for my food and left. In the parking lot I called to speak to the manager. I told her what happened. At first she denied that I picked up an order and said there was no one sweeping. I described the man and said I'll be coming back in there. When I returned, she told me his name was Freddy, she asked him about it and he admitted saying it. I left. A few minutes later the owner, Omar, called me. I told him what happened. He said he didn't speak Spanish and didn't know what mayate means. I told him, "guess what, I don't either, but I know it's a slur a kin to the N-word." At this point he apologized profusely. I said, "check your cameras, you'll hear it." He told me the cameras do not record sound but I believe you. I said still check the cameras, you'll see everything else checks out. His words: "these stupid people are going to make me lose my business." This, after we briefly touched on the economy, how I personally limit spending and do not feel safe nor would I patronize a business when there's blatant racism. He lamented the fact that he wasn't present, he left early due to possible heat sickness. He told me the consequence for Freddy would only be a warning! Well, I have my own warning: Avoid Paisano's and the giggle- stifling endorsement of blatant racism!...

The pizza here is one of my favorites in the area but they did just recently reduce the size of the calzones and strambolis so be aware. I only get those two things either the supreme style pizza or the stramboli. The Customer service has been fine when I visit this location but I’m starting to feel for the quality of the food you receive the prices don’t match. I think they may be a little expensive for the amount of food you receive. I am not sure if I would frequent this restaurant if I didn’t live in close proximity of the establishment. While the pizza is good I think I’m paying more for the convenience instead of the quality of the food. They definitely need to go back to the original sizes of the strambolis if they are going to continue to charge 15 bucks for something a little bigger than the size of a hot pocket!! You can go to so many pizza style restaurants and get a great deal for under ten bucks. I think to stay competitive this place needs a signature style and reasonable style special or combo. The cheapest special is 20 bucks with a pizza some wings and no drink included given the deals now that’s not even the standard. I do know they have a 10 buck style sub and fries but again I don’t eat subs so that doesn’t...