Nestled in the lively streets of Baltimore, DiPasquale’s Italian Marketplace stands as a testament to authentic Italian cuisine and old-school cooking traditions. Known for its homemade pasta, fresh mozzarella, and hand-cased sausage, Guy Fieri highlighted the wonders of this local gem on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Upon entering DiPasquale’s, one is immediately enveloped by the aromas of Italian spices and sauce, a fragrance that could tempt anyone into trying their delectable lasagna. “The spices, the sauce, absolutely delicious,” exclaimed Guy, after sampling a forkful of their signature dish.
The bright hue of the marinara sauce and the perfect layering that holds the lasagna together speak volumes of the craftsmanship that goes into every dish.
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The journey of their lasagna starts with fresh pasta, lovingly made from scratch. Five eggs, a pound of flour, a sprinkle of salt, and the crucial drizzle of olive oil come together under the expertise of Jo DiPasquale, who learned these techniques from his parents.
“This is what your mom said, this is how it’s supposed to be done,” Guy notes, clearly impressed by the authenticity of the preparation. The process requires patience and love—key ingredients in the DiPasquale family recipe.
But the lasagna isn’t the only star of the show. The marketplace’s homemade mozzarella is a crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. As Guy Fieri keenly observed, “This is all homemade,” just before diving into the process of mozzarella making, where 200 pounds a week are handcrafted to milky perfection.
“You can’t find this in any restaurant. This is the real deal,” Fieri adds, tasting the mozzarella that boasts a salty exterior and a mouth-meltingly rich interior.
DiPasquale’s doesn’t just serve food; it also carries the warmth of Italian home cooking. From freshly made Italian subs stacked with mortadella, capocollo, and soppressata to savory bites like the Arancini—a Sicilian specialty—each bite taken at DiPasquale’s transports you straight to Italy. “I feel like I’m in Italy,” one of the patrons shared, reflecting the sentiment of many.
When Guy Fieri declares lasagna to be “out of this world” and authentic to the point of putting it up there with “any of the best lasagnas there are,” you know this place is something special. It’s this kind of endorsement that makes a visit to DiPasquale’s Italian Marketplace a must for any food enthusiast in Baltimore.
There’s no question as to why DiPasquale’s is a Baltimore favorite: “In the world of Baltimore Italians, this is the best,” says a contented customer. And if Guy’s seal of approval isn’t enough, the overflowing portions and the queue of loyal customers are living proof of DiPasquale’s mastery of Italian flavors.
Check out the whole clip here: