Maine Coast Life's guide to Portland pizzerias
Written by Madison Ellingsworth
The great thing about pizza is that it's malleable to your every mood. Those in a rush can snag grab-and-go slices daily at spots like Miccuci's, Amato's, and Anania's. Others who are looking for something absorbent to munch on while they're enjoying craft beers can order pies at Brickyard Hollow, Foundation, and Shipyard.
But for this story, Maine Coast Life is focusing on the places where you can settle into a table with a companion and enjoy the art and presentation of pizza. It's one of the most communal dishes out there, literally a shared experience. And the best part is, no one can accuse you of taking the bigger slice if it happens to be on your side of the pizza tray.
There are numerous places to enjoy this special dining experience. But here are five that deserve highlights.
This New York-style pizzeria is a well-known spot on the Cumberland Avenue strip. For 30 years, it has been producing the type of pies you'd normally find in Westchester County, N.Y., one of the country's meccas of the classic dish. The doughs are hand-tossed with thin crusts, reminiscent of Neapolitan style. Pizzaiolo features a build-your-own pizza option for those particular about their toppings. However, for adventurous eaters, the spot features pretty wild specialty pizzas like Blueberry BBQ Chicken and Spicy Hawaiian. There is limited seating, so arrive early.
At its heart, Za was built around a love story. The two owners, Brandon and Jessica, met and fell in love while working in a restaurant on the waterfront. They first kneaded their hands in the pizza business with Truckin Pizza, an unmistakable staple of the food truck scene in Southern Maine. From there, the husband-and-wife team opened a brick-and-mortar store on Preble Street, behind the city's public library. The crusts are a bit heartier, and the charred dough adds texture and a nice wood-fire smell to the bubbling sauce and cheese. They've got traditional pies like pepperoni and white, but also boast non-traditional pies, including Everything Bagel and Ribeye.
(When we told our editor Austin that the owners of Za run Truckin Pizza, he screamed, "Whoa, no s***! Their Margherita pizza is unreal." So, we're including that anecdote here as well.)
The first Flatbread opened in Amesbury, Mass., nearly 30 years ago, and Portland's oceanside restaurant was only the company's second location. This beloved pizzeria overlooks the wharf, and outdoor seating provides a scenic view of the harbor and the Casco Bay Ferry. It is known for making delicious pizzas with both red and white sauce and for its rotating selection of veggie and carne specials. However, if you're looking for a classic, try the Coevolution, Community Flatbread, or Jay's Heart — three of Flatbread's signature pies. The restaurant does not take reservations, and wait times can vary, but it's worth the wait, especially if there's room to grab a drink and listen to live music on the deck.
This pizzeria is located next to Congress Square Park and is a wonderful place to stop after exploring one of the park's frequent markets or after browsing the Portland Art Museum. With a limited menu, this restaurant has focused on creating a select number of treasured pizzas, some with unique flavors like vodka sauce and green garlic cream. But the restaurant sets itself apart from the pack by offering a vast selection of wine. In fact, the restaurant hosts private wine tastings to elevate your palate, reframing pizza and wine pairing as an art rather than a self-help Friday night meal after a hard work week.
Farther down Congress Street, Lazzari flashes neon signs to catch pedestrians with a curious eye. With colorful lighting and engaging music playing through the house speakers, the vibes alone are enough to draw in hungry patrons. The spot specializes in wood-fired sourdough breads. If you look too quickly, you'll mistake the pizza selections for traditional pasta dishes, but the Bolognese, marinara, and meatball and onion pies reimagine culinary traditions for the better. Open until 1 a.m. every night, this is a great stop after hitting a rocking event at Geno's or seeing a show at the State Theatre.
*
What is your favorite pizza spot in Portland? Did it make our list? Let us know!