As you may have been able to tell, one of our editors is on vacation at one of the most popular beach destinations for those in our area. After years of visits and savoring countless slices from different restaurants at every hour, we believe Trattoria Lombardi’s offers Ocean City’s best pizza– or at least, our favorite. The restaurant is located between 92nd and 93rd Streets (but known as Lombardi’s 94th St.) on Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Maryland, has been a staple for Italian cuisine and pizza since 1962. Additional photos below.
Owned and operated by the Calcara cousins, Vasco and Paolo, this family restaurant has built a loyal following since its inception in 1962. Although Vasco passed away in July 2024, Paolo’s warm presence is felt in the restaurant almost every night. On our most recent visit to reaffirm Lombardi’s as our top choice, Paolo greeted and seated guests with his characteristic friendliness. Unaware of who we were or the reason for our visit, he insisted that we try the anchovies– and even promised, “Next time you come, I’ll make a special pasta dishwith anchovies.” Ever the businessman, Paolo also proudly handed us a menu to feature in the photos of the pizza he noticed us taking.
Many patrons praise the restaurant’s consistent quality, friendly atmosphere, and authentic Italian flavors, making it a favorite among both locals and vacationers. Lombardi’s extensive menu features a wide array of Italian classics, with a particular emphasis on their highly regarded pizza. During our visit, we ordered a large pizza split down the middle– one half with just cheese (we feel a plain pizza allows the true flavor to shine) and the other half “The Woiks,” their supreme pizza enhanced with anchovies.
Beyond its renowned pizza, the trattoria also serves generous portions of pasta dishes– homemade lasagna, manicotti, and ravioli– along with classics like chicken, veal, and shrimp parmigiana. Appetizers such as fried calamari and mussels are also popular choices.
While not a fine dining establishment, Trattoria Lombardi’s offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Often described as a “beachy joint” with a lively, occasionally boisterous ambiance, the restaurant’s consistent service and down-to-earth vibe contribute to its lasting appeal as a family-friendly spot. Nostalgic touches, from the stained glass lamps to the heavy-duty plastic cups that somehow make a soda taste better, complete the experience and make everything just right.
