We've searched all over Portland, Maine for the tastiest, cheesiest must-try pizza spots that are essentials to hit when you're there. Here's our break-down.
1. OTTO
(photo provided by mainetoday.com)
Our first ever Portland Pizza experience was here and it was some of the best pizza we've had anywhere.
Clearly we aren't the only ones with this opinion given their now 7 locations in Maine & 5 locations in Massachusetts.
Our favorite, of course- resides in Portland on Congress St. This is the O.G. must stop.
GOTTA GET:
We got 2 gotta get's for you! First- you must try their Mashed Potato pizza, topped with bacon and scallions! (left photo). Sounds kind of crazy- we know. But trust us on this one. You also must try their Butternut Squash Pizza with ricotta and cranberries (right photo).
(photos provided by Otto)
2. Slab
Located in the old Portland Public Market building on Preble Street- Slab is a nationally-acclaimed must hit spot!
Tap takeovers and food events are popular at this pizza spot- and when the weather is warm they have their outside patio open, which is often accompanied by live music. Definitely a great atmosphere to have a beer, listen to some jams and have a slice of ah-maze-ing pizza.
Slab offers pizza one of two ways, thin crust or their original and infamous Sicilian Slab Style.
GOTTA GET:
Their Mushroom Slab is absolutely to die for. This tasty slice is comprised of caponata, mushroom, red onion, provolone and oregano.
Nom. Nom. Nom.
(All images provided by Slab)
3. Micucci Grocery
Serving Sicilian slab pizza, baked fresh daily in Micucci's own bakery- you get little bit of Italy, right in Portland.
This family owned business has been around for over 60 years- and while we are naming them as one of our must try Portland pizza places- they have an amazing variety of other tasty hand selected imports of meats and cheeses!
(photos provided by Micuccui's Grocery)
4. Portland Pie Company
(photo provided by Portland Pie Company)
Around since Since 1997 Portland Pie Company serves gourmet pizzas, appetizers, salads, pastas, and sandwiches along with a full bar. With 3 locations in Maine, Portland Pie Company also recently opened 2 locations out of their home state- in Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire.
5. Bonobo
This pet-friendly wood fire pizza spot, located in the West End on Pine Street, offers playful pizzas made from fresh local ingredients. The name comes from the endangered primate Bonobo, similar to a chimpanzee.
What makes Bonobo so great? They are all about supporting local! Bonobo Wood Fire Pizza makes it their goal to support Maine businesses- so they buy all their ingredients from local farms.
The map to the right illustrates all the farms from which Bonobo receives their top notch ingredients- such as tomatoes, chicken, goat cheese, and pork.
But they don't stop there! Bonobo also frequently features local artists on their walls. Giving Portland creatives a platform to share their work and even make a sale or two!
GOTTA GET:
"Everything but the Bagel" pizza. This specialty pie has smoked salmon, capers, dill, tomato, red onion, garlic butter, everything bagel cream cheese and a little sprinkle of mozzarella!
Delicious!
(photos provided by Bonobo)