We’re about to make a bold statement. If you’re originally from New York, you may want to look away.
Portland is the best pizza city in the US.
There, we said it. Are we biased? Of course. But are we alone in our opinion? Definitely not — just ask the authors of “Modernist Pizza.”
Portland’s pizza scene is bubbling with options. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 12 places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
Ken’s Artisan Pizza doesn’t take reservations, so showing up 30 minutes before it opens is never a bad idea.
Photo by @oregon_foodies
Local legends
Ken’s Artisan Pizza, 304 SE 28th Ave.
Named the No. 3 pizzeria in the US this year by Italy’s 50 Top Pizza organization, this restaurant makes wood-fired oven pies with fermented dough and primo toppings like hand-pulled mozzarella and Italian tomatoes.
Apizza Scholls, 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Keeping Ken’s Artisan Pizza company on the 50 Top Pizza list is this shop in the Hawthorne District. Tables are first-come, first-served and we recommend showing up early.
Nostrana, 1401 SE Morrison St., Ste. 101
Rounding out the trifecta of Portland pizzerias recognized by Italy’s elite pizza connoisseurs, this restaurant assembles seasonally-focused pies with a level of care and skill that a fine artist would applaud.
Scottie’s Pizza Parlor only offers whole pies at its southeast location; slices are available at its northwest shop.
Photo by @scottiespizzaparlor
Think outside the pizza box
Scottie’s Pizza Parlor, 2128 SE Division St. + 685 NW 21st Ave.
Sourdough crust made with PNW-grown wheat and locally sourced toppings are enough to set this crowd-favorite pizzeria apart — but it also offers a “Pay It Forward” program in which customers can help feed those in need.
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, 4039 N. Mississippi Ave., Ste. 101
The seasonal menu here means options frequently change, but with nearly all of the ingredients sourced locally, it’s hard to go wrong. (We’re talking about toppings like rainbow chard, gold potatoes, peaches, and chanterelle mushrooms.) Keep an eye on Instagram to snag a pie before they sell out.
Paladin Pie, 1027 NE Alberta St.
A pizza maker from Nostrana opened this Dungeons & Dragons-themed food cart. It features a wood-burning oven designed to look like a 20-sided die from D&D, pies made with sourdough-style crust, and crowd-favorite toppings with vegan options.
Pizzeria Stellina, 8000 SE 13th Ave.
With a mouth-watering menu of thin-crust pies ranging from herby ricotta with prosciutto to poached pear with caramelized onion, it might be hard to save room for dessert — but you don’t want to miss the soft serve.
The flavors in Cafe Olli’s Pomodoro pizza are anything but basic.
Photo by @cafeolli
Not to sound cheesy
Cafe Olli, 3925 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
This employee-owned cafe offers three different pizzas — made to order in a wood-burning red brick oven behind the bar — including the cheese-free and oh-so-delicious Pomodoro.
Red Sauce Pizza, 4641 NE Fremont St.
Nearly every pie can be made vegan upon request with dairy-free mozzarella. This shop also offers pizza-making classes from time to time.
Gracie’s Apizza, 7304 N. Leavitt Ave.
Rye sourdough crust is the foundation of every pie at this pizzeria in St. Johns. While you won’t find vegan options listed directly on the menu, the shop is happy to oblige requests.
PIZZA KAT, 2174 W. Burnside St.
You can order any 12- or 18-inch pie without cheese or substitute vegan cheese at this neighborhood gem, or just go for one of the signature vegan options like the Club Med or Vegan Luxe.
What has four corners and a thick, crispy, chewy crust? A pie from Ranch Pizza, that’s what.
Photo by @ranchpdx
Cross-country crusts
Ranch Pizza, multiple locations
Sicilian-style pizza (rectangular or square shaped with thick crust that’s crispy on the outside) is this pop-up-turned-brick-and-mortar pizzeria’s specialty. You’ll find whole and quarter pies, as well as half-and-half options — perfect for when you just can’t decide.
Assembly Brewing, 6112 SE Foster Rd.
The craft beers here aren’t the only draw; the Detroit-style square pies (all of which can be made vegan) are deep-dish delish, especially the Supreme Pizza.
Pizza Thief, 2610 NW Vaughn St.
Get your New York-style pizza fix at this Slabtown pizzeria where thin crust, whole pies, and large slices are given the spotlight.
Dimo’s Apizza, 701 E. Burnside St.
If you’ve never tried (or heard of) New Haven-style pizza, you’re in for a treat. Eater describes it as a “hotter, crispier, and dirtier descendant of Neapolitan style pie.” Thin, charred crust lovers will have a hard time resisting seconds — and thirds.
