This New Maine Restaurant Is Quickly Becoming One Of The State’s Most Talked-About Pizza Spots

A new restaurant can open quietly, or it can become the place everyone suddenly seems to be talking about. This Portland newcomer has landed firmly in the second group.

Since opening on Preble Street, the pizza spot has quickly built buzz around its creative pies, casual atmosphere, and lively events. I always find it interesting when a brand-new place starts feeling like a local fixture almost overnight.

That usually means something is clicking. In Maine, where diners have no shortage of established favorites, earning attention this quickly is no small thing.

The restaurant keeps things relaxed rather than trying too hard, which may be part of the appeal. Add an outdoor area and regular events, and there is more here than a quick meal.

For a newcomer, it has already given Portland plenty to talk about.

A Handy Downtown Address

Finding great pizza should never feel like a treasure hunt, and ZA makes things simple. The restaurant sits at 25 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101, right in the heart of the city where downtown energy meets everyday neighborhood life.

Getting there is pretty easy whether you walk, bike, or drive. Street parking is available nearby, which is a real bonus in a busy city where open spots can disappear fast.

If you are already exploring shops or galleries downtown, this stop fits neatly into an afternoon plan without a long detour.

Visitors from out of town will appreciate how close the restaurant is to other popular parts of Portland. That means you can grab a slice, stretch your legs, and keep your sightseeing moving along.

For locals, the central spot makes it an easy choice for a weeknight dinner when nobody wants to cook.

Slices So Big They Need Two Hands

Picture a slice so wide it hangs off the plate on both sides. That is the kind of moment waiting at ZA, where pizza by the slice is a real highlight and the portions are seriously generous.

Each slice is large enough to work as a full meal for one person, which makes it a great pick for a quick lunch. Some folks even cut a single slice into thirds just to manage it more easily.

The style leans close to New York pizza, with a foldable crust that holds up nicely under the toppings.

Not every pizza is sold by the slice, so check what is available that day. Cheese and mushroom slices often make an appearance, and there may be a special pizza of the day worth trying too.

Asking the staff what is fresh is always a good move.

Here is some practical advice for hungry visitors. Start with one slice before ordering a second, because these portions fill you up faster than you might expect.

If you are sharing with a friend, mixing two different flavors gives you a fun sampler without overloading your plate or your stomach.

Creative Pies Beyond Plain Pepperoni

Sure, classic pepperoni is on the menu, and it is a strong one with a nicely crisp crust. But the fun really starts when you peek at the more creative whole pies.

One standout pairs pepperoni with jalapenos and honey, creating a sweet and spicy combo that keeps every bite interesting. The heat from the peppers and the gentle sweetness of the honey balance each other surprisingly well.

There is also a cheeseburger pizza, which sounds wild but makes total sense once you taste it.

Mushroom fans have a lot to celebrate here, since the mushroom pizza is one of the most memorable options. An antipasto pizza brings a more Italian deli feel, and the Margherita keeps things simple with a mild, slightly sweet sauce and a smart sauce to cheese ratio.

A white pizza rounds out the choices for anyone skipping red sauce.

Want to build your own creation? Custom pizzas are possible, and a 14 inch pie gives you plenty of room to experiment.

Try mixing one familiar topping with one new one, and you might just discover a new favorite.

Ranch, Wings, And Other Tasty Sidekicks

Every great pizza needs a trusty sidekick, and ZA has a whole team ready to help. First up is the house ranch, a creamy and tangy dip that turns crust edges into the best part of the meal.

Wings are another strong choice, with a bold flavor that makes them easy to share around the table, or not share at all. The pepperoni wedge salad brings crunchy lettuce together with savory pepperoni for a fresh twist on a classic.

A Caesar salad is also on the menu for those wanting something lighter.

Families with picky eaters will be glad to know the menu goes beyond pizza. Macaroni and cheese is a hit with kids, and a BLT sandwich is a satisfying pick for grownups who want a change of pace.

Mozzarella sticks round out the snack lineup.

Save room for dessert, because the cannolis are a sweet finish with crisp shells and creamy filling, and they come at a friendly price. For a refreshing drink, try the lavender lemonade, or go with regular lemonade that comes with free refills.

Small extras like these make the whole meal feel complete.

Friendly Faces Behind The Counter

Walking into a place where the staff actually seems happy to see you changes everything. At ZA, the team brings a warm, easygoing attitude that makes the restaurant feel more like a friend’s kitchen than a busy pizza shop.

Service is attentive without being pushy, and servers often check in at just the right moments. Staff members are known to be flexible too, happily helping guests move seats to find a more comfortable spot.

Small gestures like that show real care for the people coming through the door.

ZA is a small, family-owned restaurant, and that personal touch shines through. The chef clearly takes pride in the food, and the front of house team keeps things welcoming from start to finish.

It is the kind of place where a quick chat with staff can lead to a great menu suggestion.

Newcomers should not be shy about asking questions. Wondering which pizza is best for a first visit or what the special is that day?

Just ask, since the team knows the menu well and enjoys helping guests find the perfect order for their mood and appetite.

Trivia Nights, Live Tunes, And Good Vibes

Pizza tastes even better with a side of entertainment, and ZA understands that perfectly. The restaurant hosts fun events that turn an ordinary meal into a lively night out.

Tuesday trivia is a great reason to gather friends and test your brainpower between bites. Teams can laugh, guess, and cheer while sharing a big pie at the table.

Even if your answers miss the mark, the food makes up for it.

Live music shows up too, adding a cheerful soundtrack to the evening. Special events and occasional entertainment can add a little extra energy to an evening at the restaurant.

The overall atmosphere stays comfortable and relaxed rather than fancy or stiff. Young families with little kids fit right in, and groups of friends feel just as at home.

Air conditioning keeps things pleasant on warm summer days, so the dining room stays cool even when the ovens are busy. Check the website or call ahead to see what events are coming up during your visit.

A Patio Made For Sunshine And Celebrations

Maine summers are short, so every sunny afternoon counts. ZA makes the most of the good weather with a lovely patio where guests can enjoy pizza in the fresh air.

The outdoor space works for a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner as the sun goes down. It also has a surprising talent for hosting bigger moments.

Couples have even held wedding receptions on the patio, turning a pizza place into a beautiful celebration spot.

Catering is another service worth knowing about, especially for weddings and special events. The team helps guests plan with patience and kindness, answering questions along the way so the big day feels less stressful.

Serving pizza at a party is a crowd pleaser, since almost everyone loves a good slice.

Thinking about booking an event? Reach out early, especially for summer dates, since warm weekends fill up quickly in Portland.

Have a rough guest count and a few menu ideas ready before you call. That way, the conversation moves smoothly and you can focus on the fun parts, like picking your favorite pizzas for guests to enjoy under open skies.

Smart Timing, Hours, And Happy Hour Deals

Timing your visit well can save money and stress. ZA is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 10 pm, and it closes on Mondays, so plan around that day.

Happy hour runs in the afternoon, roughly from 3 to 5 pm, and many items drop to around five dollars. That makes it a fantastic window for grabbing a couple of slices and a drink without spending much.

A slice, a lemonade, and a whole pie to take home can still land at a friendly total.

Prices for whole pies sit on the higher side, with a custom 14 inch pizza reaching around 32 dollars depending on toppings. Considering how big and filling the pizzas are, a single pie can easily feed a small group.

Slices offer a budget friendly way to try things first.

Takeout is quick and convenient, with orders often ready in around 25 minutes, even on a Friday night. Online ordering makes pickup simple.

For a calmer sit-down meal, weekday lunches and early evenings tend to feel relaxed, giving you more time to enjoy every cheesy bite.