I Tried Portland’s New Pizza Place and I’m a Big Fan

I haven't found a crust in Portland quite like the thin, crispy pie at Pizzaiolo. I also haven't encountered such a proud, social owner like Pat Scally.

I received a door hanger flyer from Portland's new pizza place on my door last week and left it there for longer than I'm willing to admit. When Sunday night rolled around and I was less than excited about prepping a meal, I walked out to my porch to retrieve the faded, warped, and dirty menu for Pizzaiolo.

I love a pizza with ricotta, so I picked the The White Stone-Roni pizza. The White Stone-Roni has creamy whole milk mozzarella, parmesan, house made ricotta, and pepperoni.

Here's how I know I loved the pizza: I didn't even take a picture before I started eating it.

I did, however, get a photo of the free sample slice I received when I walked into Pizzaiolo. Yeah, I got a free sample slice of pizza while I waited for the pizza I ordered. There are no words sweeter than 'free pizza'. Pat sometimes gives out sample slices or donates his slice pies to keep the pizzas on his counter as fresh as possible.

The owner at Pizzaiolo, Pat Scally, is super experienced in the pizza arena. He's worked at popular spots like Bronx Pizza in San Diego and most recently as OTTO's director of operations. He chatted me up while I waited and showed off his freshest ingredients, including the freshly-prepped all white meat shredded chicken breast and fresh cheeses. He's proud of his pizzas and the ingredients he uses to make them.

The menu is simple with a handful of fresh pizzas, a selection of salads, one sub, and breadsticks. The sub is Mama's Meatball Sub made with "garlicy meatballs". They love fresh garlic at Pizzaiolo, so if you're looking to kiss someone soon after, pack a toothbrush.

Here's my one caveat: I wouldn't pick this place for the ambiance. In a city where pizza joints are not only delicious but have interiors designed to perfection, Pizzaiolo has room for improvement. Still, if you want a slice with fresh ingredients and an owner with tons of pride in his business, this is your spot.

I'll be back to Pizzaiolo for another slice of their fresh, foldable New York style pizza. Find them a little off the beaten Old Port path at 360 Cumberland Avenue, just a block from MECA and Port City Music Hall.

Have you tried Pizzaiolo? Check them out on Facebook.