A Guide to the Best Pizzerias in Portland

Portland isn’t just about coffee and food carts; it’s also home to a significant pizza scene. Pizza here is a craft, with chefs sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, experimenting with seasonal flavors, and baking with precision. Here are five standout pizzerias that capture Portland’s creativity, quality, and community in every bite.

Apizza Scholls in Southeast Portland has earned national praise for their Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. Owner Brian Spangler uses a 100-year-old sourdough recipe for the crispy yet chewy crust. Their signature "Apizza Amore" combines pepperoni, hot Italian sausage, garlic, and oregano, while the "Tartufo" features black truffle cream, caramelized onions, and wild mushrooms.

Ken's Artisan Pizza is run by acclaimed local chef Ken Forkish. He imports Italian '00' flour for the perfectly blistered crusts, then tops them with seasonal organic produce and high-quality meats. The "Funghi" with roasted wild mushrooms and fontina cheese is a menu staple, while monthly specials highlight what is the freshest.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/kensartisan/

Despite the name, Escape From New York Pizza puts a Portland spin on the classic New York slice. All the dough is made in-house using Northwest wheat, and they top their massive 22-inch pies with local meats and vegetables. The "Lumberjack" features pepperoni, Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and mushrooms, while the "Vegan Delight" celebrates the city's love of plant-based eating.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/EscapeFromNewYorkPizza/

Inside the Cully neighborhood, Tastebud operates a wood-fired pizza cart that's a local favorite. Owner Mark Doxtader sources produce from nearby farms to top his naturally leavened crusts, like the "Margherita" with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato. During the summer, the cart appears at various street food events around town.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/EscapeFromNewYorkPizza/

Dove Vivi in Northeast Portland is known for their cornmeal-crusted "Detroit-style" pizzas, which feature a thick, crispy base and caramelized Wisconsin brick cheese around the edges. Signature pies like the "Bacon, Onion & Herb" highlight quality local ingredients, while the "Vegan Sausage" shows their plant-based creativity.