The Baltimore pizza wars sure are heating up. After what seemed like 2 years of construction, the famed Pasta Mista in Towson has finally opened its first city location. Located in the Shops at Brewer's Hill next to the Five Guys, Pasta Mista serves us NY style pizza, pastas, salads and subs. It's a no frills casual kinda place with a big menu and solid food.

When you first walk in, you're greeted by a counter with 16 different specialty pizzas all available by the slice. For those who like their variety, choose from slices of Chicken Ranch, Baked Ziti, Chicken Buffalo and more. I settled on 3 slices -- plain cheese, baked ziti and chicken ranch -- along with spaghetti and meatballs. All to split with my partner in marinara mischief.

The NY style pizza was good, although a little greasy. Great thin crispy crust...even on the slice reheat. Big messy slices that somehow reminded me of Tutti Gusti. The chicken ranch easily beat out the ziti slice, but ranch makes everything better. Spaghetti and meatballs were very tasty...and cheesy. Meatballs were a little soft but nice and moist and flavorful. Comes with a slice of garlic bread on the side.

Pasta Mista is a great spot for a low key meal and I'll definitely return to try other items. Their pizza can't compare to other standouts like Py or Joe Squared, but I'm sure I'll be back to try more pasta and sandwiches. It's a welcome addition to the pizza scene...in the Canton lineup, it's below Py and above Pizza & Wing Factory.

Pros: free parking lot, good prices, solid food, outdoor seating. Cons: no delivery, no fresh-out-the-oven personal size pies, closes early-ish,

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