Saturday

10-18-2025 Vol 2117

The Ultimate Pizza Showdown: A Deep Dive into Portland’s Best

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Portland, the quest for the best pizza has taken a central stage, highlighted by a recent showdown between some of the city’s most beloved pizzerias.

With two sides to the competition—the new school West Coast side versus the old school East Coast side—participants explored the diverse offerings of Portland’s pizza scene.

At the outset of the showdown, the focus was on the wood-fire pizza category, pitting Cafe Olli against Gracie’s.

Both contenders are renowned for their phenomenal offerings, making this a challenging decision for the judges.

Current recency bias came into play as they had just enjoyed a Cafe Olli pizza, clouding their judgment of the two.

While both serve wood-fired pizzas, Gracie’s smaller pies showcase a mastery over the wood oven, according to the judges, who noted its soft and beautiful crust without the overpowering sourdough taste.

Interestingly, Gracie’s pizzas often lead them to indulge in the edges, indicating the crust’s appeal.

In comparison, the judges acknowledged that Cafe Olli likely boasts a stronger tomato sauce.

Despite some criticism about Cafe Olli’s occasionally adventurous seasonal combinations, the deliciousness of the pizza they had was undeniable, leading to a tough choice.

Ultimately, Cafe Olli emerged as the winner in this face-off.

Moving forward, the competition highlighted the evolution of Portland’s pizza culture, with mentions of Tastebud and Lovely’s as pioneering establishments.

Tastebud, which opened its doors in 1999, paved the way for new pizza concepts in Portland, laying the groundwork for others to follow.

Judges recognized Sarah Minnick of Lovely’s as a significant figure in shaping the idea of a “Portland pizza,” demonstrating culinary ingenuity that often transcended traditional pizza norms.

The conversation intensified as judges considered the distinct nature of Lovely’s pizzas, where dishes resemble pizza more than traditional pizza itself.

As the judges praised the unique combinations at Lovely’s, they also acknowledged Tastebud’s more classic flavor pairings that feel familiar today.

While opinions varied on whether or not Lovely’s fit into the traditional pizza category, there was a consensus on its impact in revolutionizing the pizza landscape in Portland, leading them to crown Lovely’s Fifty Fifty the winner of this round.

Next up were two establishments deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition: Ken’s and Nostrana.

The judges acknowledged that these two pizzerias used to be considered the king and queen of Portland’s pizza scene.

While both places draw heavily from Neapolitan traditions, Ken’s Artisan Pizza was held in high esteem as the judges felt it captured the essence of authentic pizza culture.

In this matchup, Ken’s Artisan Pizza was deemed the winner, further solidifying its position amidst high expectations.

The competition continued with the focus shifting to nostalgic favorites: Pizza Jerk and Escape from New York.

With Tommy Habetz at the helm, Pizza Jerk captures the hardcore parlor nostalgia that resonates with many Portlanders.

Having a rich history in the industry, with roots extending back to Gotham and Bunk Bar, Habetz’s passion for creating casual, fun, yet chef-driven food shines brightly at Pizza Jerk.

On the other hand, Escape from New York has managed to maintain its identity as a gritty pizza place over the years, appealing to those seeking that authentic East Coast slice experience.

Judges reflected on their personal experiences with Escape from New York, recalling fond memories of late-night pizza cravings, which added a nostalgic weight to this competition.

This connection helped tip the scales in favor of Escape from New York, allowing it to advance in the bracket.

The next challenge presented was between Apizza Scholls and Ranch Pizza.

While Scholls is known for excellent toppings and a solid crust, the judges argued that Ranch offers something unique, capturing the attention of pizza lovers with its distinct approach.

However, the caliber of ingredients at Apizza Scholls ultimately secured its win in this category, allowing it to move forward in the competition.

As Lovely’s faced Ken’s in the next round, the stakes were high.

Both establishments are revered in the Portland pizza community, yet the judges leaned toward Lovely’s for its pioneering spirit.

They acknowledged that it was Lovely’s unique combinations that have allowed it to rise in the rankings, indicating an evolution in pizza preferences.

Players in the game agreed that Lovely’s has become a representative of Portland’s pizza, showcasing what can be achieved while still upholding ingredients of quality and creativity.

The final showdown loomed large as Lovely’s faced off against Scottie’s.

The judges expressed their deep affection for both establishments but recognized the distinct nature of their offerings.

If guests were seeking a classic pizza experience, Scottie’s emerged as the clear favorite, particularly for those craving familiar styles like pepperoni or cheese pizzas.

However, Lovely’s was deemed a more innovative offering, showcasing the unique spirit of Portland’s culinary scene.

Tensions bubbled as conversations turned to the essence of pizza itself, with discussions about whether the ultimate winner should cater more to crowd-pleasing characteristics or to innovation.

In the end, Lovely’s took the title, not just for what it offers on its menu, but also for how it embodies the creative ethos of Portland’s pizza culture.

As the dust settles from this ultimate pizza showdown, Portland’s pizza lovers have renewed enthusiasm for the local slice scene, considering both classic and contemporary influences that shape their pizza cravings.

image source from:pdxmonthly

Charlotte Hayes