A Maine pizza chain is named one of America's best by Reader's Digest

Pizza. Is there a more universally beloved food on the planet?

There's nothing like a few slices of pie while doing practically anything. Ballgame? Pizza. Party? Pizza. Funeral? Pizza. Doctor's appointment? Pizza. It's always the perfect time for a slice.

Fortunately, Maine is home to an incredible pizza scene. From one end of the state to the other, you'll find outstanding pizzerias serving just about every style imaginable. Thin crust, Greek-style, Neapolitan, Detroit-style, Sicilian, bar pies, and everything in between, there's no shortage of fantastic options for pizza lovers in the Pine Tree State.

Greek-style Neapolitan Detroit-style Sicilian

While we all have our own opinions on what the best pizza in Maine is, one legendary magazine recently claimed that a popular local chain is hands down number one.

The iconic Reader's Digest put together a list of the best pizza joints in every state. The site reviewed sales figures, reviews, articles and feedback from Mainers and beyond to determine the rankings. As for Maine's top pie, the honor went to the one and only OTTO.

Best Pizza

Founded nearly 20 years ago in Portland, OTTO quickly gained fame for its giant, thin-crust slices that have become a local favorite. The pizzeria is known for creative topping combinations, from the iconic mashed potato pizza to unique options like tortellini, hot honey, butternut squash, and white beans. OTTO has set itself apart as an industry leader in inventive pizza.

I can't even tell you how many slices of Otto I have scarfed down over the years, especially the ones after 10p. It just hits so nicely, especially after a long day of work or play.

OTTO Named Maine Best

But don't just take my word for it, here's what Reader's Digest had to say about OTTO, and their delicious pies:

Perhaps not for the pizza purists among us, OTTO in Portland has made its mark along the East Coast pie trail with its creative toppings, from three-cheese tortellini to pulled pork and mango. Feeling overwhelmed? You can't go wrong with the one that started it all: the mashed potato, bacon and scallion masterpiece. Is it lunch? Is it brunch? It's pizza!

The mashed potato pie even started a massive trend here in Maine, and now you can find those toppings in pizzerias everywhere as they try to emulate OTTO's version. Some are good, but there's only one GOAT, and that's, of course, OTTO.

OTTO

I still remember the first time I had a slice of OTTO pizza; it completely changed the way I thought about pizza. It was so different from anything else being made around here at the time. There's no denying that OTTO has played a key role in the exciting evolution of Maine's pizza scene.

What began as a small Portland pizzeria has grown into a regional powerhouse, with 29 locations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Clearly, they're doing something right.

Congratulations to OTTO for earning this national acclaim. It's always fantastic to see a Maine business thrive -- especially one that continues to innovate and expand. We look forward to their continued success!

While we all have our own opinions on what the best pizza in Maine is, one legendary magazine recently claimed that a popular local chain is hands down number one.

Where this fits

Openings get the attention, but it is the second and third year that decide whether a restaurant becomes part of a city's routine.

Key takeaways

• Maine is home to an incredible pizza scene
• While we all have our own opinions on what the best pizza in Maine is, one legendary magazine recently claimed that a popular local chain is hands down number one
• Founded nearly 20 years ago in Portland, OTTO quickly gained fame for its giant, thin-crust slices that have become a local favorite
• I can't even tell you how many slices of Otto I have scarfed down over the years, especially the ones after 10p
• Don't just take my word for it, here's what Reader's Digest had to say about OTTO, and their delicious pies

The bottom line

None of this settles the wider question. It does make one thing harder to ignore: the pressure in the dining room has shifted, and others will have to respond to it.