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 through a few of Portland’s best 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, Detroit Style, 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 Detroit Style: Foundation Brewing Company
If you like pizza, beer, and dogs, Foundation Brewing Company has you covered. They have dog friendly outdoor seating, Detroit style pizza, a wide variety of beers, and even spiked lemonade.
Foundation Brewing has something for every pizza lover. Choose from build-your-own pizzas, or specialty options such as Greek and Buffalo Chicken, you’ll be sure to find the perfect slice.
The Thin Slice: Off Track Pizza
When it’s time to “Let out the pizza ponies,” Off Track Pizza is ready to race to the finish line with some seriously good slices. Opened in 2023 by local culinary legends Mark Hubbard, Mitchell Ryan, and Josh Miranda, Off Track brings thin crust foldable slices to Portland.
Signature pies include icons such as the creamy Vodka Burrata with basil and vodka sauce, the spicy Sausage & Pepper loaded with ricotta and cherry bomb peppers, or the Salami Garlic that packs a punch with mozzarella and garlic cream sauce. Off Track Pizza is the perfect stop for a quick bite, takeout, or a satisfying sit-down meal – no matter where the race takes you!
The Neapolitan: Quanto Basta
When it comes to authentic Italian pizza, Quanto Basta is the real deal. Serving up naturally-leavened, Neapolitan-style pies made with the freshest local ingredients, this spot takes inspiration from owner/ operator Elizabeth English’s time cooking in Rome and the Campania region. The menu changes with the seasons, so you can expect bold flavors that are as fresh as they are satisfying.
The name “Quanto Basta” means “to taste” in Italian—because, really, when it comes to pizza, how much is enough? It’s all about serving up the perfect balance of flavors, just the way it should be.
The Wood-Fired Pizza: Camp Pennant
Get ready to set up camp at Camp Pennant, where wood-fired pizza meets summer camp vibes! This waterfront spot brings the heat with pies baked at 900 degrees in a state-of-the-art oven, giving you that perfectly puffy, leopard-spotted crust.
With fresh buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and a mix of classic and creative toppings like sausage and artichoke or white clam, it’s a fun, delicious stop that’ll have you feeling like you’re on a never-ending summer vacation.
The Grab-N-Go: Pizzaiolo
If what you’re looking for is a authentic New York style, grab-n-go slice, Pizzaiolo has got you covered for lunch, dinner and potentially most important; late night.
Pizzaiolo has become a staple in the Portland pizza scene, known to serve up slices for lunch, dinner, and even a midnight snack. Open until 12am every night! They use local and fresh ingredients every step of the way, making sure each pie is crafted to perfection. 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.
The Sushi Pizza: Great Wave Sushi
A master in sushi creations, Great Wave Sushi operates as a mobile food truck popular year-round. One of their standout specialty items is the Sushi Pizza Slice, a limited menu item that appears once in a while but still deserves its own spotlight. This unique creation features a soy paper base with sushi rice, a spicy tuna roll “crust,” mixed crab with Kewpie, chunks of tuna, salmon, and avocado. It’s drizzled in spicy mayo and eel sauce, then garnished with mixed sesame seeds and scallions. A must-try for adventurous eaters looking for a twist on the classic pizza experience!
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), Leonardos (counter service), Il Leone (on island), Friends + Family (Monday night deals), and Flatbread Company (family + vegetarian friendly), Monte’s Fine Foods (Authentic Roman-style), Portland Pie Co. (flavored crusts).
Don’t see your favorite pie on our list? Send us an email at [email protected]
