When I first heard that the renowned Maine-based bread company, When Pigs Fly, had ventured into the pizza business with When Pigs Fly Pizzeria in Kittery, Maine, my interest was immediately piqued. The buzz only intensified after reading a glowing review from Serious Eats. Located conveniently next door to their popular company store in Kittery, it became a must-try destination on our drive back from Portland. Eager to experience this bread-centric pizzeria, we made it our dinner stop.
Modern and industrial interior of When Pigs Fly Pizzeria Kittery
The pizzeria itself boasts a modern and industrial aesthetic, featuring an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the pizza-making process unfold, and exposed air shafts that contribute to the urban-chic vibe. For those seeking a slightly more tranquil dining experience, an enclosed patio offers a quieter retreat from the lively main dining area.
When Pigs Fly bread has always been known for its playful and sometimes unconventional approach to baking. While opinions may vary on whether it’s great bread, it undeniably stands out as fun bread. Their unique varieties, ranging from Mango to Pineapple Raisin with Toasted Sesame and even Ginger and Maple Walnut Banana, showcase a willingness to experiment with flavors. This adventurous spirit left me genuinely curious about how their bread expertise would translate into the realm of pizza.
Display of When Pigs Fly's unique bread loaves
To truly gauge their pizza prowess, we opted for the classic Margherita. This quintessential pizza arrived adorned with fresh mozzarella, vibrant San Marzano tomatoes, fragrant basil and oregano, savory pecorino romano, and a drizzle of olive oil. While personally, I lean towards a more generous sauce application on my pizza, I recognize the delicate balance required to prevent a soggy slice, and the restraint was understandable. The cheese was undeniably flavorful and the overall seasoning was well-executed, punctuated by delightful bursts of fresh basil throughout. For those wanting to customize their pie, When Pigs Fly Pizzeria offers a wide array of toppings to personalize your pizza experience.
Close-up of a Margherita pizza slice at When Pigs Fly Pizzeria
Examining the underside of the pizza revealed a pleasing speckling of char, indicative of proper Neapolitan-style cooking. My only minor critique focused on the end crust. It was a touch thicker and softer than my ideal preference. I personally favor an end crust with a crisp exterior that gives way to a slightly airy and chewy interior. However, the undercrust itself was commendable – nicely thin and exhibiting a satisfying chewiness.
Underside of the pizza showing char and crust
Beyond pizza, the menu at When Pigs Fly Pizzeria extends to a variety of sandwiches, refreshing salads, fresh fish dishes, and hearty burgers, ensuring options for diverse palates. Intriguingly, they previously featured pork buns, which were apparently highly praised by Andrew, a notable food writer, but regrettably, these have been removed from the current menu. For dessert, the tempting ice cream sandwich trio, made with When Pigs Fly’s own cookies, beckoned. Despite a strong desire to indulge, a day already filled with multiple ice cream stops and donut sampling earlier in the day proved to be my limit.
Pizza slice being held up to show thin and chewy undercrust
Overall, the pizza at When Pigs Fly Pizzeria was undeniably good, delivering a solid and satisfying meal, though perhaps not quite reaching the level of “stupendous.” However, if you find yourself passing through Kittery, Maine, it’s certainly a worthwhile stop for a pizza. While I cannot definitively claim it to be the absolute best pizza in the Kittery area without further exploration, it would not surprise me if it ranks among the top contenders in the immediate vicinity. Consider venturing beyond the Margherita and exploring their pizzas with more elaborate toppings for a potentially even more exciting culinary experience.
When Pigs Fly Pizzeria
460 US Route 1, Kittery, ME
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