Discussing pizza superlatives is high stakes, with folks claiming vehement allegiance to a particular style, so in the name of not starting a pizza war we’re simply here to guide you to 6 of Portland’s pies that can’t be topped for National Pizza Day. Whether your go-to pie is grilled, Sicilian style, Greek style, wood-fired, thin crust, deep dish, or anywhere in between, Portland’s pizza scene meets the needs of all pizza aficiona-doughs. (Sorry, had to.)
The OG: Pizza Villa
If you know Portland pizza, you know the OG opened in 1965: Pizza Villa, part locals dive bar, part pizzeria. Their pizzas are 10-inch “Greek style” with simple, crowd-pleasing toppings. Grab a pal, a pizza and a pitcher of beer and saddle up to Pizza Villa’s old school bar for a nostalgic night out that won’t hurt your wallet.
The Staple: Otto
Another name you’re guaranteed to know in Portland’s pizza scene is Otto. Otto was born in 2009 out of the belief that, “pizza is serious food with the potential to transcend its takeout chow reputation”, which is made abundantly clear with just a glance at their menu of unconventional, yet uncomplicated topping pairings.
Take for instance the Butternut Squash, Ricotta & Cranberry. I know, you’re thinking, “cranberries on pizza?!” but don’t knock it until you try it. One of the most popular pies at Otto was once thought to be too out-of-the-box: the mashed potato, bacon & scallion, and is now a renowned fan favorite. Head to Otto to expand your palate.
The Thick Crust: Slab
If thin crust doesn’t do it for you, we have Slab Sicilian Street Food at the other end of the pizza spectrum, best known for their pillowy, old world Scilian style crusts.
Our favorite, and maybe most gluttonous, is the Spicy Meat, with red pepper sauce, pepperoni, peperoncini, mozzarella, provolone and blue cheese dip. Slab is also home to a full bar program including a staff favorites cocktail list, a very hoppin’ local beer list, and an abbreviated but yummy wine list.
The Thin Crust: Coal's
A relative newcomer to Portland, Coal’s has made quite a name for itself serving up some of the thinnest grilled crust pizzas Portland’s ever seen. Self proclaimed “American-Neapolitan”, their pizzas are grilled hot and fast, resulting in perfectly char-blistered crusts, upon which they conservatively layer cheese and toppings to preserve the paper thin crust’s integrity.
Coal’s is originally from the Bronx, so you know the pizza is quality. It would be totally unacceptable to not mention the Nutella dessert pizza. Yes, dessert pizza is a thing.
The Elevated: Radici
While some pizzerias gain their clout from experimental toppings, others like Radici rely on simplicity to speak for itself. Owner and chef Randy Forrester brings his culinary expertise from New Jersey where his former restaurant was a James Beard award semifinalist.
Here in Portland, Forrester devotes serious TLC to his naturally leavened, hand mixed doughs. What does “naturally leavened” mean, you ask? In short, it means delicious. Naturally leavened dough is yeast-free and relies upon natural fermentation which creates a sourdough-y tang, the perfect interior chewiness and a nice crisp char around the edges of the crust.
While the toppings are top tier; think anchovy bagna cauda, truffle pecorino, braised pork shoulder, they’re mere supporting actors to the crust which serves major main character vibes.
The Grab-N- Go: Old Port Slice Bar
If what you’re looking for is a quick-n-easy, phenomenally foldable, grab-n-go slice, Old Port Slice Bar has got you covered for lunch, dinner and potentially most important; late night.
The Old Port Slice Bar has been known to save many late night Wharf Street wanderers with their giant pizza slices. Pop in for a night cap slice on your next night on the town for a cheesy, saucy pick-me-up, you won’t regret it.
No matter how you slice it, pizza is always a good choice and there’s no shortage of pizzerias, pizza parlors, restaurants, gas stations, bars, and breweries serving up pizza pies of all sorts in Portland, Maine.
For more delicious pies check out: Brickyard Hollow (inventive), Lazzari (late night), Foundation Brewing Co (Detroit style), Leonardos (counter service), Il Leone (on island), Friends + Family (Monday night deals), Via Vecchia (aperitivo hour deals), and Flatbread Company (family + vegetarian friendly).
Don’t see your favorite pie on our list? Send us an email at info@portlandoldport.com
