January 18, 2012

9 Portland-area places for nearly perfect pizza

There are few things as disappointing as getting the Diet Coke poured and the red pepper flakes ready only to open a pizza box and bite into a slice that's just, well ... blah.

Rest assured that a visit to any of these spots - or a trip for takeout - will always make you wish you could eat ... just ... one ... more ... piece:

Antonia's Pizzeria, 193 Lower Main St., FreeportWhy go: Because two people in your group are craving pizza, one wants a burger and another has a hankering for a spanakopita dinner. There's something for everyone on this menu.
Nearly perfect because: The 10-inch pie seems a lot bigger because of the generous amount of tasty toppings. Plan to take a couple slices home.
Pie to try: Hercules (mozzarella & cheddar, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham & homemade meatballs) or Chicken Alfredo (grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, fresh mushrooms, mozzarella & cheddar with alfredo sauce)

Bonobo Wood Fired Pizza, 46 Pine St., Portland
Why go: Cool name, cool place, wood-fired pies.
Nearly perfect because: Fresh ingredients, unusual combinations and crispy crusts.
Pie to try: Goat (sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, spinach, rosemary, goat cheese, parmesan, roasted garlic & butter)

Flatbread Company, 72 Commercial St., Portland
Why go: When it comes to pizza, it's the healthiest you'll find. Plus, the waterfront views are great.
Nearly perfect because: Organic veggies and chem-free meats may go against the premise of gooey, greasy pizza, but they sure taste good on a flatbread.
Pie to try: Nitrate-free pepperoni & mushroom (with wood-fired cauldron tomato sauce, whole milk mozzarella and imported parmesan).

Jimmy The Greek's, 15 Philbrook Road, South Portland
Why go: Not only is the pizza great but there are also more than 100 beers to choose from. Also visit the 215 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach location.
Nearly perfect because: Fresh ingredients and a crust that lives in the middle ground of not too think, not too thin.
Pie to try: Signature Gyro Pizza (gyro meats & veggies over tzatziki sauce)

Micucci's Grocery, 45 India St., Portland
Why go: The self-serve Sicilian slabs. They're thick and chewy, yet surprisingly light. (Don't dilly dally; when the lunchtime allotment is gone, it's gone.)
Nearly perfect because: Of the crust. One Facebook friend describes it as "fluffy."
Pie to try: Cheese. With that crust, who needs toppings?

Otto Pizza, 225 Congress St., Portland
Why go: To get a slice. There are too few places where you can walk in, order a slice and be in pizza heaven within five minutes. Also try the 576 Congress St. location.
Nearly perfect because: Oh that crust! Thin, crispy and foldable. And then there's the lengthy list of unique toppings.
Pie to try: Apple, bacon and red onion or mashed potato, bacon and scallion

Pizza By Alex, 93 Alfred St., Biddeford
Why go: OK, OK. Biddeford may be a stretch for "Portland-area" pizza but it's worth the drive to try this five-star pizza which costs less than $7 for one-topping. (One size fits all.)
Nearly perfect because: They've been making pizza longer than many of us - and our parents - have been alive.
Pie to try: Hawaiian (pineapple & ham)

Portland Pie Co., 400 Expedition Drive, Scarborough
Why go: Plenty of great, local beer options to help wash down that pizza and a cozy fireplace. Also try the 51 York St., Portland and 869 Main St., Westbrook locations.
Nearly perfect because: They put generous portions of their tasty sauce on whichever crust you choose - basil, beer, garlic, wheat or gluten-free.
Pie to try: Harbormaster (red sauce, sliced chicken smothered in BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, smoked bacon and three-cheese blend)

Siano's Pizzeria, 476 Stevens Ave., Portland
Why go: Pizzas are baked in a brick oven and the dough is often tossed - up in the air - in view of waiting of customers. Also try the Main Street, Freeport location.
Nearly perfect because: If you like garlic, you'll find they're far from stingy with it here.
Pie to try: Woodfid's (red sauce, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, provolone, parmesan and pecorino romano)