Portland is a city known for its vibrant food scene, and one of the most beloved dishes in the city is pizza. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for the best pizza in Portland.
Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top pizza places in the city.
From classic Neapolitan-style pies to creative toppings and innovative crusts, Portland’s pizza scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual slice or a sit-down dinner, there’s a pizza joint in Portland that will satisfy your cravings.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the best pizza in Portland and discover the city’s top pizzerias.
Table of Contents
The Pizza Culture in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon has become known as a pizza city, with a thriving pizza culture that attracts both locals and tourists alike. The city has a diverse range of pizza styles, from classic Neapolitan to unique Portland-style pies.
Portland-style pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and creative toppings. Portland restaurants are constantly pushing the boundaries of pizza, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create unique and delicious pies.
One of the reasons that Portland has such a strong pizza culture is its focus on local and sustainable ingredients. Many Portland pizzerias source their ingredients from local farms and producers, ensuring that their pizzas are not only delicious but also environmentally friendly.
Portland also has a strong craft beer culture, and many pizzerias offer a wide selection of local brews to pair with their pies. With so many great pizza and beer options, it’s easy to see why Portland has become a destination for pizza lovers.
Top Pizzerias in Portland
1.Apizza Scholls
Apizza Scholls is a popular pizzeria that serves delicious pizzas with a thin and crispy crust. They offer a variety of toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and olives. The restaurant has a warm and cozy atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
2. Pizza Jerk
Pizza Jerk is a funky pizzeria that serves up some of the best New York-style pizza in Portland. Their pies are big, cheesy, and delicious, with a crispy crust and plenty of toppings. The restaurant has a laid-back vibe and is perfect for a casual night out.
3. Life of Pie
Life of Pie is a farm-to-table pizzeria that uses locally sourced ingredients to create their delicious pies. They offer a variety of toppings, including house-made sausage, roasted garlic, and fresh basil. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
4. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty is a popular pizzeria that serves up some of the best wood-fired pizzas in Portland. Their pies are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
5. Ken’s Artisan Pizza
Ken’s Artisan Pizza is a popular pizzeria that serves up some of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas in Portland. Their pies are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The restaurant has a stylish and modern atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
6. Baby Doll Pizza
Baby Doll Pizza is a cozy pizzeria that serves up some of the best thin-crust pizza in Portland. Their pies are made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The restaurant has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
7. Dove Vivi
Dove Vivi is a popular pizzeria that serves up some of the best cornmeal-crust pizzas in Portland. Their pies are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a unique cornmeal crust. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
8. Gracie’s Apizza
Gracie’s Apizza is a popular pizzeria that serves up some of the best New Haven-style pizzas in Portland. Their pies are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
9. Ranch Pizza
Ranch Pizza is a trendy pizzeria that serves up some of the best Detroit-style pizzas in Portland. Their pies are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a unique square shape. The restaurant has a cool and modern atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
10. Tastebud
Tastebud is a farm-to-table pizzeria that uses locally sourced ingredients to create their delicious pies. They offer a variety of toppings, including house-made sausage, roasted garlic, and fresh basil. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
11. Pizza Thief
Pizza Thief is a popular pizzeria that serves up some of the best New York-style pizzas in Portland. Their pies are big, cheesy, and delicious, with a crispy crust and plenty of toppings. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
12. Scottie’s Pizza Parlor
Scottie’s Pizza Parlor is a popular pizzeria that serves up some of the best Chicago-style pizzas in Portland. Their pies are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a deep-dish style. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
13. East Glisan Pizza
East Glisan Pizza is a trendy pizzeria that serves up some of the best New York-style pizzas in Portland. Their pies are big, cheesy, and delicious, with a crispy crust and plenty of toppings. The restaurant has a cool and modern atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
14. Assembly Brewing
Assembly Brewing is a popular brewery and pizzeria that serves up some of the best wood-fired pizzas in Portland. Their pies are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
15. Secret Pizza Society
Secret Pizza Society is a trendy pizzeria that serves up some of the best New York-style pizzas in Portland. Their pies are big, cheesy, and delicious, with a crispy crust and plenty of toppings. The restaurant has a cool and modern atmosphere
Types of Pizzas in Portland
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is a style of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is characterized by its thin, chewy crust and simple toppings. In Portland, you can find Neapolitan pizza at places like Apizza Scholls, which uses a wood-fired oven to cook their pies.
New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza is known for its large, foldable slices and crispy crust. It is typically made with a thin, chewy crust and topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Some popular places for New York-style pizza in Portland include Sizzle Pie and Baby Doll Pizza.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza is a style of pizza that originated in Chicago. It is characterized by its thick, doughy crust and generous amounts of cheese and toppings. While not as common in Portland as other styles, you can still find deep-dish pizza at places like Oven and Shaker.
Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza is a rectangular-shaped pizza that is typically thick and fluffy. It is often topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like onions, peppers, and sausage. In Portland, you can find Sicilian pizza at places like Scottie’s Pizza Parlor.
Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is a recent addition to the pizza scene in Portland. It is characterized by its rectangular shape and crispy, caramelized edges. It is typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like pepperoni and sausage. Some popular places for Detroit-style pizza in Portland include Pizza Jerk and Lovely’s Fifty Fifty.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is another style of pizza that originated in Chicago. It is characterized by its thick, buttery crust and layers of cheese and toppings. While not as common in Portland as other styles, you can still find Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at places like Via Chicago.
Portland Style Pizza
Portland-style pizza is a unique style of pizza that is characterized by its thin, crispy crust and unconventional toppings. Some popular places for Portland-style pizza include Lovely’s Fifty Fifty and Scottie’s Pizza Parlor.
Pizza Making Techniques
Making great pizza is an art that requires the right techniques and tools. Here are some pizza making techniques that can help you create the perfect pie:
Thin Crust
Thin crust pizza is a popular style that originated in Italy. To make a thin crust pizza, roll out the dough as thinly as possible. This style of pizza is perfect for those who prefer a crispy crust.
Wood-Fired Oven
A wood-fired oven is a traditional way of cooking pizza. The oven is heated with wood, which gives the pizza a unique flavor. The high temperature of the oven also helps to create a crispy crust.
Fermented Dough
Fermented dough is a technique that involves letting the dough rise for an extended period. This process helps to develop the flavor of the dough and creates a more complex texture. Fermented dough is perfect for those who prefer a chewy crust.
Electric Oven
An electric oven is a great option for those who don’t have access to a wood-fired oven. To get the best results, preheat the oven to the highest temperature possible. This will help to create a crispy crust.
Naturally Leavened Dough
Naturally leavened dough is a technique that involves using natural yeast to ferment the dough. This process can take several days, but it helps to create a more complex flavor. Naturally leavened dough is perfect for those who prefer a sourdough flavor.
Neapolitan-Style
Neapolitan-style pizza is a traditional style that originated in Naples, Italy. This style of pizza is characterized by a thin, crispy crust and minimal toppings. To make a Neapolitan-style pizza, use a wood-fired oven and let the dough rise for an extended period.
Special Dietary Options
Vegan Pizza
Portland has a great selection of vegan pizza options. One of the top choices is Sizzle Pie, which offers a variety of vegan pies, including the popular “Vegan Angel of Doom” with vegan mozzarella, vegan sausage, and jalapenos. Another great option is Virtuous Pie, which uses nut-based cheeses and offers unique toppings like cashew-based ricotta and truffle almond cream.
Gluten-Free Pizza
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, there are several places in Portland that offer gluten-free pizza options. One of the best is Dove Vivi, which offers a gluten-free cornmeal crust that is crispy and delicious. Another great option is Pyro Pizza, which offers a gluten-free crust made with rice flour and tapioca starch.
Remember to always check with the restaurant before ordering to ensure that the pizza is completely gluten-free and prepared in a gluten-free environment.
Overall, Portland has a great selection of pizza options for those with special dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options. Whether you’re looking for a classic margherita or a unique vegan pie, there’s something for everyone in Portland’s pizza scene.
Portland Pizza Personalities
Portland is home to some of the best pizza personalities in the world. From Ken Forkish of Ken’s Artisan Pizza to the pizzaiolos at Apizza Scholls, there’s no shortage of talent in this city.
Tommy Habetz, founder of Pizza Jerk, is known for his creative toppings like smoked oysters and pickled jalapeños. Defino, a family-owned pizzeria, has been serving up classic pies since 2010. Craig Melillo of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty is known for his sourdough crust and fresh, local ingredients.
Cathy Whims, owner of Nostrana, is a James Beard Award-winning chef who incorporates seasonal ingredients into her pizza creations. Reeva, a newcomer to the Portland pizza scene, is already making waves with their Detroit-style pies.
No matter what your pizza preferences are, Portland has a pizza personality that will satisfy your cravings.
Exploring Portland Beyond Pizza
While Portland is famous for its pizza, the city has much more to offer than just pies. Here are some fun things to do in and around Portland that will satisfy your appetite for adventure:
- Visit the Willamette Valley: Just a short drive from Portland, the Willamette Valley is known for its world-class wineries and vineyards. Spend a day touring the countryside, sampling local wines, and enjoying the picturesque scenery.
- Explore the Pacific Northwest: Take a hike in the Columbia River Gorge, go whale watching on the coast, or visit the stunning Mount Hood. The Pacific Northwest offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
- Check out Portland’s food scene: While pizza may be the star of the show, Portland has a diverse and exciting food scene. From food carts to fine dining, there’s something for every taste and budget.
- Visit Powell’s City of Books: This iconic bookstore is a must-visit for book lovers. With over a million new and used books, Powell’s is one of the largest independent bookstores in the world.
- Attend a local event: Portland is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Check out a music festival, art show, or theater performance to experience the city’s creative energy.
Whether you’re a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or culture lover, Portland has something to offer. So, take a break from pizza and explore all that this amazing city has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated pizza places in Portland?
Some of the top-rated pizza places in Portland include Life of Pie Pizza, Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, and Apizza Scholls. You can find more great options by checking out Yelp or Thrillist.
Where can I find wood-fired pizza in Portland?
If you’re looking for wood-fired pizza in Portland, you can’t go wrong with places like Ken’s Artisan Pizza, Dove Vivi, and Pizza Jerk. Each of these places offers unique takes on the classic wood-fired pizza.
What is the best pizza shop in Oregon?
It’s hard to say what the best pizza shop in Oregon is, but some of the top contenders include Life of Pie Pizza, Apizza Scholls, and Lovely’s Fifty Fifty. Each of these places offers delicious pizza with unique toppings and crusts.
What makes Portland-style pizza unique?
Portland-style pizza is unique because it often features locally-sourced ingredients and unique toppings. Many pizza places in Portland also offer a variety of crust options, from thin and crispy to thick and chewy.
Where can I find the best New York-style pizza in Portland?
If you’re looking for the best New York-style pizza in Portland, you can’t go wrong with places like Scottie’s Pizza Parlor, Pizza Maria, and East Glisan Pizza Lounge. Each of these places offers delicious pizza with that classic New York-style crust.
What are some popular pizza places in downtown Portland?
Some popular pizza places in downtown Portland include Sizzle Pie, Hot Lips Pizza, and The Star. Each of these places offers unique takes on classic pizza, with a variety of toppings and crust options to choose from.
