Imagine a place where the aroma of melting cheese and crispy crust wafts through the air, drawing you in like a cartoon character floating towards a windowsill pie.
That’s OTTO in Portland, Maine.
Let me tell you, folks, I’ve eaten my fair share of pizza.
From the streets of Naples to the deep-dish delights of Chicago, I thought I’d seen it all.
But then I stumbled upon OTTO, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite.
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s so special about another pizza joint?”
Well, hold onto your taste buds, because we’re about to embark on a cheesy adventure that’ll make your mouth water and your stomach growl.
Picture this: a storefront with bright yellow doors that pop against a sleek gray exterior.
It’s like a beacon of hope for the hungry, calling out, “Hey you! Yeah, you with the rumbling tummy! Get in here!”
As you approach, you can’t help but notice the giant OTTO sign above the entrance.
It’s not just a sign; it’s a promise of deliciousness to come.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“It’s just pizza, how good can it be?”
Oh, my friend, prepare to have your mind blown and your pizza standards forever raised.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by an atmosphere that’s cooler than the other side of the pillow.
The interior is a perfect blend of industrial chic and cozy comfort.
Exposed wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, giving the place a rustic charm that says, “We’re serious about pizza, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”
The walls are adorned with black and white photographs that tell the story of Portland’s rich history.
It’s like getting a side of local culture with your slice.
Speaking of slices, let’s talk about the star of the show – the pizza.
OTTO doesn’t mess around when it comes to their pies.
Their crust is a work of art – thin and crispy on the outside, with just the right amount of chew on the inside.
It’s the Goldilocks of pizza crusts – not too thick, not too thin, but just right.
And the toppings?
Oh boy, buckle up buttercup, because we’re in for a wild ride.
OTTO isn’t afraid to push the envelope when it comes to flavor combinations.
They’re like the mad scientists of the pizza world, but instead of creating monsters, they’re creating masterpieces.
Take their Butternut Squash, Ricotta & Cranberry pizza, for example.
I know what you’re thinking – “Butternut squash on a pizza? Has the world gone mad?”
Trust me, it works.
It’s like Thanksgiving decided to crash a pizza party, and everyone had a great time.
And boy, does this pizza party know how to throw down!
The sweetness of the butternut squash dances a culinary tango with the tangy cranberries, while the creamy ricotta plays referee, making sure everyone gets along.
It’s a flavor combination that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take and then ask for an encore.
This isn’t just a pizza; it’s a seasonal celebration on a crust.
It’s the kind of pizza that makes you want to high-five the chef and then immediately order another one.
Who knew vegetables could be such party animals?
OTTO did, that’s who.
They’ve turned pizza into an art form, and we’re all just living in their delicious, cheesy masterpiece.
Or how about the Mashed Potato, Bacon & Scallion pie?
It’s like someone took all the comfort of a loaded baked potato and said, “You know what? This would be even better on a pizza.”
And you know what?
They were right.
But let’s not forget the classics.
Their Margherita pizza is a thing of beauty – simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor.
It’s like the little black dress of the pizza world – always in style and perfect for any occasion.
And don’t even get me started on their pepperoni slices.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, grease-pooling pepperoni discs.
No sir, these are crispy, curled-up cups of porky perfection.
Each bite is a perfect balance of spicy meat, gooey cheese, and that heavenly crust.
It’s enough to make you want to stand up and slow clap.
Now, I know what some of you health-conscious folks out there are thinking.
“But what about my diet?”
Well, fear not, my calorie-counting comrades, because OTTO has got you covered too.
They offer gluten-free crusts that are so good, you’ll forget you’re eating “health food.”
And for our veggie-loving friends, there are plenty of meat-free options that are so delicious, even the most die-hard carnivores might be tempted to go green.
But OTTO isn’t just about the pizza.
Oh no, they’ve got a whole menu of delights waiting to be discovered.
Their salads are fresh and crisp, perfect for those days when you want to pretend you’re being healthy before diving face-first into a pizza.
And let’s not forget about their selection of local craft beers and wines.
Because let’s face it, nothing pairs better with a slice of heaven than a cold brew or a glass of vino.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Sure, it sounds great, but I bet it’s expensive.”
Related: The Unbelievable Candy Store in Maine with More than 10,000 Treats
Related: There’s a Cheesy Pub in Maine and It’s Everything You’ve Ever Wanted
Related: This 100-Year-Old General Store in Maine Bakes Goods so Delicious You’ll Think You’ve Died and Gone to Heaven
Well, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
OTTO manages to keep their prices reasonable, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to eat like royalty.
It’s like they’ve cracked the code on how to serve gourmet pizza at everyman prices.
But what really sets OTTO apart isn’t just their food – it’s the vibe.
The staff here are friendlier than a golden retriever at a frisbee convention.
They’re always ready with a smile and a recommendation, making you feel less like a customer and more like a long-lost friend who’s finally come home.
And let’s talk about the clientele.
On any given night, you’ll see a mix of locals and tourists, families and first dates, all brought together by their love of good pizza.
It’s like a United Nations of pizza lovers, proving that no matter our differences, we can all agree on the unifying power of a perfect slice.
Now, I know some of you pizza purists out there might be skeptical.
“Can a place in Maine really compete with the pizza capitals of the world?”
Well, let me tell you, OTTO doesn’t just compete – it carves out its own delicious niche in the pizza pantheon.
It’s not trying to be New York-style or Chicago-style or any other style.
It’s proudly, defiantly OTTO-style, and that’s what makes it special.
But don’t just take my word for it.
OTTO has been racking up accolades faster than a squirrel collects acorns before winter.
They’ve been featured in national publications and have expanded to multiple locations across New England.
It’s like the little pizza joint that could, and boy, did it ever.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds great, but what if I’m not in the mood to dine in?”
Well, fear not, my pizza-loving pals, because OTTO has got you covered.
They offer takeout and delivery options, so you can enjoy their delicious creations in the comfort of your own home.
It’s like having a gourmet pizzeria in your living room, minus the need to put on pants.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, OTTO even offers online ordering.
It’s perfect for those nights when you know you’re going to be too tired to cook, but still want to eat like a king.
But here’s a pro tip: if you can, try to dine in at least once.
There’s something magical about eating a pizza fresh out of the oven, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bustling pizzeria.
It’s an experience that can’t be replicated, no matter how comfy your couch is.
Now, I know we’ve spent a lot of time talking about the food (and rightfully so), but let’s take a moment to appreciate the role OTTO plays in the community.
They’re not just a business; they’re a part of the fabric of Portland.
They source ingredients locally when possible, support community events, and have become a beloved institution in their own right.
It’s like they’ve taken the idea of being a “neighborhood pizzeria” and cranked it up to eleven.
And let’s not forget about their commitment to sustainability.
OTTO uses eco-friendly packaging and implements practices to reduce food waste.
It’s nice to know that while you’re stuffing your face with delicious pizza, you’re also supporting a business that cares about more than just their bottom line.
Now, I know what some of you night owls are thinking.
“But what if I get a pizza craving at 2 AM?”
Well, I hate to break it to you, but OTTO isn’t a 24-hour joint.
But trust me, once you’ve had their pizza, you’ll be dreaming about it all night anyway.
It’s like the pizza that haunts your dreams, but in a good way.
So, whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot, or a tourist seeking out the best bites Portland has to offer, do yourself a favor and make a beeline for OTTO.
Your taste buds will thank you, your stomach will do a happy dance, and you’ll finally understand why people get so worked up about pizza.
Just remember to pace yourself.
With pizza this good, it’s easy to get carried away and end up in a food coma.
But hey, there are worse ways to spend an afternoon, right?
So there you have it, folks.
OTTO isn’t just a pizzeria; it’s a culinary adventure, a community hub, and quite possibly the best thing to happen to Portland since… well, since Portland.
Don’t just take my word for it, though.
Head on over to OTTO and taste the magic for yourself.
Your pizza-loving soul will thank you.
For more information about OTTO’s menu, locations, and hours, be sure to check out their website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own OTTO adventure, use this map to guide your way to pizza paradise.
Where: 250 Read St, Portland, ME 04103
Life’s too short for mediocre pizza.
Go to OTTO, order a slice (or five), and thank me later.
Your taste buds are about to go on the ride of their lives.