Kyro Pizza, Baltimore

Four friends dreamt up Kyro Pizza, conjuring ideas such as falafel pizza or a pie topped with chicken teriyaki during their first creative brainstorm. Those fusion concepts are among many that bake in the restaurant's brick ovens today. The india pizza marries mozzarella with tandoori chicken, tomato-yogurt curry, squash, and a side of mango chutney and the Masr pie combines mozzarella and feta with falafel, fresh and sauced tomatoes, and tahini. Patrons can alternatively design their own pies with ingredients that range from marinated lamb and caramelized dates to french fries or barbecued calamari, or they can opt for a veggie pie with soy cheese and a flower growing in its center. Chefs also layer sandwiches with grilled eggplant or gyro beef and simmer seafood for pasta dishes.

Kyro Pizza is a BYOB joint, so diners can bring their favorite beers, bottles of wine, or prison hooch from home.