Coastal Slices: Discovering Maine’s Delicious Pizza Scene

Kennebunkport, Maine Houses

Maine’s pizza scene is broader and more intriguing than just the highlights mentioned earlier. It offers a mix of traditional favorites, quirky local twists, and coastal influences. Here are some additional insights, pizzerias, and famous stories that further showcase the state’s unique pizza offerings:

More Notable Pizzerias in Maine:

1. Bonobo Wood Fire Pizza (Portland)

   • Located in Portland’s West End, Bonobo Wood Fire Pizza is known for its artisanal wood-fired pies with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One of their standout creations is the “Popeye Pizza,” topped with fresh spinach, garlic, ricotta, and mozzarella. Bonobo’s rustic atmosphere and commitment to sustainability make it a favorite among locals.
   • Bonobo Wood Fire Pizza

2. Enzo’s Pizza (Bar Harbor)

   • If you’re visiting Bar Harbor, Enzo’s Pizza is a must-visit. This spot offers classic New York-style pizza by the slice, a rarity in the coastal town. Enzo’s is especially popular with hikers coming down from Acadia National Park, serving up large, foldable slices that bring a taste of the city to the coast.
   • Enzo’s Pizza

3. Slice Bar (Portland)

   • Slice Bar in Portland specializes in oversized New York-style slices, making it a perfect stop for a quick, hearty bite. Their “Bacon & Blue” pizza, featuring bacon, blue cheese, and caramelized onions, is a bold favorite that blends the sharpness of blue cheese with savory bacon goodness.
   • Slice Bar

4. Rocco’s Pizzeria (Old Orchard Beach)

   • Located in the beach town of Old Orchard Beach, Rocco’s Pizzeria is a summer favorite for both locals and tourists. Known for its thin-crust pizza, Rocco’s offers creative toppings, including clams, artichokes, and even lobster. Their “Seafood Lovers Pizza,” featuring a mix of local seafood, is a hit during peak beach season.
   • Rocco’s Pizzeria

Pizza with a Coastal Twist:

Maine’s proximity to the ocean and its seafood-rich cuisine naturally inspire creative pizzas that reflect coastal flavors:

• Lobster Pizza: This Maine original combines the state’s iconic seafood with classic pizza crust, often topped with garlic butter, herbs, mozzarella, and fresh lobster meat. It’s available at several coastal pizzerias, including Rockland Café and Portland Pie Company.

• Clam Pizza: At some pizzerias, such as Rocco’s in Old Orchard Beach, you’ll find clam pizza—a pie topped with fresh, chopped clams, garlic, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It’s a taste of Maine’s coastline on a crispy crust.

• Smoked Salmon Pizza: Inspired by Maine’s smoked fish industry, some pizzerias in Portland and coastal towns offer smoked salmon pizzas, often topped with capers, dill, red onion, and a drizzle of crème fraîche.

Famous Pizza Stories from Maine:

1. Otto Pizza’s Mashed Potato Pizza Craze

   • Otto Pizza became famous for its innovative Mashed Potato, Bacon & Scallion Pizza, which gained a cult following in Portland. The pizza’s comfort food flavors, combined with a crispy crust, made it a hit not only in Maine but also in their Boston locations. Otto’s willingness to experiment with unconventional toppings helped put Maine on the map as a destination for creative pizzas.

2. Flatbread Company’s Organic Commitment

   • The Flatbread Company has long been celebrated for its focus on organic ingredients and sustainability. Founded in Amesbury, Massachusetts, it expanded to Portland in 2003, quickly becoming one of the city’s most popular spots for wood-fired pizza. Their “Mopsy’s Kalua Pork Pie,” topped with BBQ pork, pineapple, and cheese, exemplifies their innovative approach to pizza. Flatbread’s use of organic and locally sourced ingredients set a trend for eco-friendly dining in Portland’s restaurant scene.

3. Slab Sicilian Street Food’s Hearty Pies

   • Slab Sicilian Street Food in Portland made headlines with its giant, thick-crust Sicilian pizza slices, which weigh in at nearly a pound each. Co-founder Stephen Lanzalotta, known for his work at Micucci Grocery in Portland, popularized this dense, satisfying style of pizza in Maine. Slab’s “Original Sicilian,” with its simple yet delicious combination of tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs, reflects Lanzalotta’s dedication to the traditional Sicilian recipe.

4. Angelone’s Pizzeria’s Historic Legacy

   • Open since 1947, Angelone’s Pizzeria is one of the oldest pizzerias in Maine. Located in South Portland, this family-run pizzeria has remained largely unchanged for decades, retaining its old-school charm and classic recipes. Their thin-crust pepperoni pizza remains a favorite, as does the family’s long-standing tradition of making everything from scratch.

5. Portland Pie Company’s Lobster Pizza

   • Portland Pie Company introduced the Lobster Pizza, a creative nod to Maine’s most famous export. This pizza combines melted butter, fresh lobster, mozzarella, and herbs on a crispy crust, offering a luxurious slice of coastal flavor. It has become a signature dish, drawing tourists who want to taste Maine’s seafood in an unconventional form.

Maine Brewing

Pizza Festivals and Events in Maine:

1. Portland Food Festival (Featuring Pizza)

   • Overview: While not exclusively a pizza festival, the Portland Food Festival features local pizzerias serving up slices alongside other Maine specialties. It’s a great opportunity to sample a variety of pizzas while enjoying the city’s broader food scene.
   • Website: Portland Food Festival

2. Taste of Maine Festival (Including Pizza Vendors)

   • Location: Freeport, ME
   • Overview: The Taste of Maine Festival brings together food vendors from across the state, including local pizzerias that offer special, Maine-inspired pies like lobster pizza, clam pizza, and more.
   • Website: Taste of Maine Festival

3. Portland Pizza Tour

   • Overview: For those who love pizza and want to experience Maine’s pizza culture up close, the Portland Pizza Tour takes visitors on a walking tour of the city’s best pizzerias. Participants can enjoy slices from various spots, hear about the history of each pizzeria, and learn about the local ingredients used.
   • Website: Portland Pizza Tour

Craft Beer and Pizza Pairings in Maine:

Maine is known for its craft beer scene, and many pizzerias offer craft beer and pizza pairings:

• Allagash Brewing Co. & Pizza at Otto: Otto Pizza frequently collaborates with Allagash Brewing Co., offering beer and pizza pairing events that showcase Maine-made brews alongside Otto’s creative pies.

• Maine Beer Company & Flatbread Company: At Flatbread Company, diners can pair wood-fired pizzas with Maine Beer Company’s IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews, enhancing the pizza experience with local flavors.

Why Maine’s Pizza Scene Is Special:

Maine’s pizzerias offer a mix of classic Italian techniques and coastal creativity, featuring local seafood, bold toppings, and artisanal approaches. Whether it’s a classic thin-crust slice, a thick Sicilian slab, or a seafood-topped pie, Maine’s pizzas are uniquely delicious and reflect the state’s culinary diversity. From Portland’s buzzing foodie scene to hidden gems along the coast, Maine offers a pizza experience that’s as adventurous as it is satisfying.

Maine has its share of memorable and famous pizza stories that reflect the state’s blend of creativity, tradition, and local flavors. Here are some of the most notable pizza stories from Maine that highlight its unique pizza culture:

Otto Pizza’s Mashed Potato Pizza Phenomenon

One of the most famous pizza stories in Maine comes from Otto Pizza, known for its innovative toppings and creative combinations. In 2009, founders Anthony Allen and Mike Keon introduced a bold new creation: the Mashed Potato, Bacon & Scallion Pizza. Initially met with skepticism, the pizza quickly became a fan favorite and gained a cult following, both in Portland and beyond.

The pizza features a layer of buttery mashed potatoes topped with crispy bacon, fresh scallions, and melted cheese. It blends the comforting flavors of New England mashed potatoes with the crispiness of a pizza crust. The creation not only put Otto on the map as one of the most inventive pizzerias in Maine but also helped cement Portland’s reputation as a culinary destination. Otto’s mashed potato pizza has since been featured in numerous food magazines and shows, making it one of the state’s most iconic pies.

Slab Sicilian Street Food’s Giant Slices

Slab Sicilian Street Food in Portland made a big impression—literally—when it introduced its massive Sicilian-style pizza slabs to Maine’s food scene. Co-founder Stephen Lanzalotta, who had previously worked at Micucci Grocery, became known for his signature thick, doughy slices that weigh almost a pound each.

Welcome to Maine, Lighthouse and ocean

The story of Slab’s signature pizza began when Lanzalotta developed his Sicilian-style recipe at Micucci’s, where it gained a devoted following. After leaving Micucci’s, he co-founded Slab in 2014, continuing to serve the thick, fluffy slices topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and herbs. The pizza’s dense, chewy crust, combined with its large size, earned it national attention, with features in Bon Appétit, Thrillist, and other media outlets. The “Original Slab” has become one of the most recognizable pizzas in Maine, attracting locals and tourists alike who want to try the biggest slice in Portland.

Angelone’s Pizzeria’s Legacy Since 1947

Angelone’s Pizzeria, one of Maine’s oldest pizzerias, has a story that dates back to 1947, when it was founded by Italian-American brothers Joe and Tony Angelone. Located in South Portland, Angelone’s quickly became a local favorite, known for its classic, thin-crust pizzas with traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms.

Angelone’s story is one of old-school pizza tradition and local loyalty. It has remained a family-owned business for over seven decades, serving generations of Mainers. The pizzeria’s commitment to its original recipes, including its signature thin crust and house-made sauce, has made it a beloved institution. Despite Maine’s growing pizza scene, Angelone’s has stayed true to its roots, retaining its retro charm and classic flavors. The pizzeria is often mentioned in “best pizza” lists for its nostalgic ambiance and simple yet delicious slices.

Portland Pie Company’s Lobster Pizza

Portland Pie Company, which started in Maine in 1997, became famous for its Lobster Pizza, a coastal twist on the classic pie. Topped with fresh Maine lobster, garlic butter, mozzarella, and herbs, the Lobster Pizza offers a luxurious taste of Maine’s seafood heritage. The pizza has become a signature dish, drawing in tourists who want to try lobster in a unique, non-traditional way.

The story of Portland Pie Company’s Lobster Pizza reflects the restaurant’s commitment to using local ingredients and flavors. The lobster pizza has been featured on food tours and in travel guides, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Maine. The pizzeria’s success with seafood-inspired pizzas has led to multiple locations throughout Maine and New Hampshire, solidifying its status as one of the state’s most popular pizza chains.

Finelli Pizzeria’s Big Mac Pizza

Finelli Pizzeria, located in Ellsworth, is known for its quirky creations, with the Big Mac Pizza becoming one of its most famous offerings. Inspired by the iconic fast-food burger, the Big Mac Pizza features ground beef, pickles, onions, special sauce, and melted cheese, all on a crispy pizza crust.

This creative pie was developed by owner Bruce Finelli as a fun addition to the menu, combining the flavors of a classic burger with a pizza crust. The Big Mac Pizza became an instant hit among locals and was featured in local food publications for its playful take on fast food. It’s a prime example of Maine’s pizzerias embracing bold flavors and pushing the boundaries of traditional pizza toppings.

Flatbread Company’s Organic Pizza Revolution

Although Flatbread Company originated in Massachusetts, its Portland location helped pioneer the organic pizza movement in Maine. When it opened its doors on Portland’s waterfront in 2003, Flatbread brought a new ethos to the city’s pizza scene, emphasizing organic ingredients, sustainability, and wood-fired cooking.

One of Flatbread’s signature pies is the Mopsy’s Kalua Pork Pie, topped with BBQ pork, pineapple, red onions, and mozzarella. This combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors has become a fan favorite. Flatbread’s emphasis on organic and locally sourced ingredients resonated with Maine’s environmentally conscious diners, making it a cornerstone of Portland’s growing food culture. The pizzeria’s story is one of commitment to sustainability, and it has helped shape the local pizza scene into one that embraces both quality ingredients and environmental responsibility.

Bonobo Wood Fire Pizza’s “Pizza Popeye”

Bonobo Wood Fire Pizza, located in Portland’s West End, became known for its artisanal, wood-fired pizzas, with one of its standout creations being the Pizza Popeye. Featuring spinach, garlic, ricotta, and mozzarella, the Pizza Popeye gained fame for its fresh flavors and perfectly charred crust, cooked in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy.

Bonobo’s story is about bringing authentic wood-fired pizza to Portland, using local ingredients whenever possible. The Pizza Popeye, named after the cartoon character famous for his love of spinach, reflects Bonobo’s playful approach to pizza-making. It’s become a local favorite and is often featured in local food guides as a must-try pie in Portland.

Enzo’s Pizza’s Slice by Slice Story in Bar Harbor

Maine Lobster – Background – Jason Nappi

Enzo’s Pizza in Bar Harbor is known for bringing authentic New York-style pizza to the picturesque coastal town, where seafood often takes center stage. Founded by Enzo and Maria Ruggiero, who moved from New York to Maine, Enzo’s brought large, foldable slices to Bar Harbor, satisfying the cravings of tourists and locals alike.

Enzo’s story is one of maintaining pizza authenticity in a seafood-dominant region, offering classic options like pepperoni, cheese, and white pizza. The pizzeria’s large slices and late-night hours make it a favorite among hikers coming down from Acadia National Park, earning it a reputation as the go-to spot for a post-adventure meal.

These famous Maine pizza stories highlight the state’s diverse and innovative approach to pizza. From classic Italian recipes to seafood-topped creations and quirky, burger-inspired pies, Maine’s pizza scene is filled with creativity and character. Whether it’s a giant slab in Portland or a lobster-topped pie by the coast, Maine’s pizzerias reflect the state’s rich culinary heritage and love for bold flavors.

Maine doesn’t have a large-scale pizza-exclusive festival, but the state features several food festivals where pizza plays a key role. Here are the best events where you can enjoy Maine’s diverse pizza offerings:

1. Portland Pizza & Pints Festival

• Location: Portland, ME
• Overview: The Portland Pizza & Pints Festival is a pizza lover’s dream. It celebrates Portland’s vibrant pizza and craft beer scene, bringing together the best local pizzerias and breweries for a day of tasting and fun. Held annually in the fall, this festival is a relatively new addition to Maine’s event lineup but has quickly become a favorite among locals.
• Highlights:
  • Unlimited pizza tastings from participating pizzerias
  • Craft beer pairings from local breweries
  • Live music and family-friendly activities
  • Pizza-making demonstrations by local chefs
• Website: Information is typically available closer to the event date via Portland community events listings.

2. Taste of Maine Festival (Featuring Pizza)

• Location: Freeport, ME
• Overview: While not exclusively about pizza, the Taste of Maine Festival showcases the best of Maine’s culinary scene, including local pizzerias offering their signature pies. This event focuses on Maine’s diverse food culture, with seafood, craft beer, desserts, and plenty of pizza options to sample.
• Highlights:
  • Maine-inspired pizza options, such as lobster pizza and clam pizza
  • Food vendors from across the state
  • Cooking demonstrations featuring local ingredients
  • Local brews, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere
• Website: Taste of Maine Festival

3. Portland Food Festival (Including Pizza Vendors)

• Location: Portland, ME
• Overview: The Portland Food Festival brings together some of the city’s best chefs, food trucks, and local restaurants, including top pizzerias. It’s a great opportunity to explore Maine’s pizza culture while also enjoying a wide range of other foods. Local favorites like Otto Pizza, Flatbread Company, and Slab Sicilian Street Food often participate.
• Highlights:
  • Pizza vendors showcasing their best pies
  • Artisanal food, desserts, and drinks
  • Local produce and food stalls
  • Cooking demos and tastings
• Website: Portland Food Festival

4. Maine Lobster Festival (Including Lobster Pizza)

• Location: Rockland, ME
• Overview: While the Maine Lobster Festival is all about celebrating Maine’s iconic crustacean, local vendors, including pizzerias, serve up unique creations like lobster pizza. This festival is the ultimate blend of Maine’s seafood culture and pizza innovation, featuring fresh lobster, garlic butter, mozzarella, and herbs on a crispy crust.
• Highlights:
  • Lobster pizza, lobster rolls, and other seafood treats
  • Cooking contests, live music, and craft vendors
  • A traditional Maine experience with a pizza twist
• Website: Maine Lobster Festival

5. Kennebunkport Festival (Featuring Pizza)

• Location: Kennebunkport, ME
• Overview: The Kennebunkport Festival is a multi-day event celebrating food, art, and local culture, with a focus on community dining experiences. While not exclusively about pizza, it often includes pop-up pizzerias, food trucks, and local restaurants offering creative pizzas made with Maine ingredients.
• Highlights:
  • Gourmet pizza options from local chefs
  • Wine, beer, and pizza pairings
  • Art showcases, live music, and waterfront dining
• Website: Kennebunkport Festival

6. Portland Pizza Tour

• Location: Portland, ME
• Overview: The Portland Pizza Tour isn’t a festival, but it’s a must-do for pizza enthusiasts. It’s a guided walking tour that takes participants to some of Portland’s best pizzerias, offering tastings and behind-the-scenes stories about each location’s approach to making pizza. Participants can expect to try various styles, from classic thin crust to thick Sicilian slabs.
• Highlights:
  • Guided tour of Portland’s top pizzerias
  • Tastings at multiple stops, including Otto, Flatbread, and Slab
  • Learn about Portland’s pizza history and culture
• Website: Portland Pizza Tour

Why Maine’s Pizza Festivals Are Special:

Lobster, Butter, and Corn-Maine Foods

Maine’s pizza events may not be as large-scale as in other states, but they offer a unique fusion of New England flavors and coastal creativity. Whether it’s sampling lobster-topped pizza at a food festival or enjoying a slice paired with craft beer, Maine’s pizza festivals showcase the state’s rich culinary traditions in delicious and inventive ways.