Monte’s Fine Foods opened in Portland as an authentic Roman-style pizzeria, bakery, and neighborhood grocery market that brings Old World traditions to Maine’s food scene. 🍕
This family-owned establishment earned Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award by crafting pizza on house-made Roman pinsa—a dough made with American wheat, rice, and Maine spelt flours that’s cold-fermented for a minimum of 72 hours for superior flavor and digestion.
Located on Washington Avenue in East Deering, Monte’s won over Portland locals with Italian tomato sauce, abundantly stuffed sandwiches, and their signature thin, crispy Roman-style pies that feature tangy sauce and premium mozzarella.
How Monte’s won Portland’s hearts
Monte’s Fine Foods captured Portland’s affection by combining artisanal craftsmanship with genuine neighborhood hospitality.
The restaurant’s commitment to 72-hour cold fermentation set them apart from competitors who rush their dough, creating pizzas with better flavor, texture, and digestibility that customers noticed immediately.
Monte’s created an experience beyond just food—their combination pizzeria, bakery, and local/imported foods market transformed them into a community hub where people discovered culinary treasures while grabbing dinner.
The commitment to local ingredients and fresh, nutritious greens available every day earned them devoted fans who appreciated supporting sustainable food systems. 🌿
Their rotating seasonal menu with fresh, flavorful ingredients meant regulars always had something new to discover while enjoying their favorites.
The restaurant’s dedication to vegan and dietary options—including vegan cheese, vegan pepperoni, and gluten-free crusts—welcomed everyone to experience their Roman-style excellence.
Food Highlights
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Sausage and Ricotta Pizza: This rich combination features savory Italian sausage with creamy ricotta, onion, and hot chili for those who love bold, hearty flavors.
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Pepperoni Pizza: The most popular choice featuring perfectly cupped pepperoni on their signature cold-fermented crust with tangy sauce and great mozzarella that showcases why this is Portland’s favorite slice. 🍕
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Cheese Pizza: A simple masterpiece that proves Monte’s dough, sauce, and cheese quality—the thin crust delivers a good crisp while the Italian tomato sauce shines through.
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Monte’s Mushroom Pizza: A variety of fresh mushrooms, including local oysters from Timberwoods Farm, make this classic pizza exceptional for mushroom lovers 🍄
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Meatball, Onion, and Black Olive Pizza: A customer favorite that loads house-made meatballs with onions and black olives for a savory punch.
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Garlic Pinsa: A fan favorite on Monte’s signature Roman-style dough that features garlic as the star ingredient for a simple but intensely flavorful pie. 🧄
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Cacio e Pepe Pizza: This Roman classic brings the beloved pasta dish to pizza form with sharp pecorino cheese and cracked black pepper.
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Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza: An unexpected hit that combines roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon for a sophisticated flavor profile.
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Buffalo Tempeh Pizza: For plant-based eaters, this vegan option delivers spicy buffalo sauce with tempeh for satisfying protein.
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Vegan Supreme Pizza: Made with vegan cheese and vegan pepperoni, this pizza proves plant-based options can be just as delicious as traditional pies. 🌱
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Gluten-Free Pizza: The gluten-free crust is vegan and pretty good, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy Monte’s pizza experience.
Atmosphere
Monte’s Fine Foods occupies a neighborhood market space where the aroma of fresh-baked bread and pizza welcomes you the moment you walk through the door.
The combination pizzeria-grocery concept features a few window seats inside during winter and a nice outdoor patio in warmer weather, perfect for enjoying Portland’s beautiful seasons.
Shelves stocked with imported Italian specialties, local products, and organic goods create an authentic market experience where you can shop while waiting for your pizza. ✨
Bottom Line
Visit Monte’s Fine Foods for authentic Roman-style pizza with 72-hour cold-fermented dough, house-made sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, comprehensive vegan and gluten-free options, a neighborhood market with local and imported specialties, and staff who genuinely care about your experience.
Address:
788 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04103
📞 (207) 613-9873
🕔 Mon–Sat 9 AM–8 PM, Sun 9 AM–6 PM