Dimo’s Apizza
Pizzeria (New Haven–Style) · Lower Burnside, Portland
Restaurant in Portland, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Coal-Fired New Haven Form
Dress
Casual
Why go
Book Dimo's Apizza when the point is New Haven-style pizza in Portland, not a formal night out. Its Esquire Best New Restaurants #17 recognition gives it a useful trust signal, but the practical appeal is simpler: focused pizza, easygoing pacing, a better fit for casual dinners than special-occasion bistro meals.
About Dimo’s Apizza
For Portland diners who want pizza as the main event, Dimo's Apizza works when the mood is New Haven-style apizza. This is a casual pizzeria, that distinction matters. If the group is considering a different kind of meal, cross-shop Canard or Le Pigeon; if the decision is pizza-focused, Dimo's Apizza is the cleaner fit.
Choose it for New Haven-style pizza
The useful way to think about this place is category first. Dimo's Apizza is a New Haven-style pizzeria, so the reason to go is focused and specific: a casual meal centered on apizza rather than a broad restaurant choice.
Portland has many restaurants for different kinds of nights. Dimo's Apizza is not best framed as an all-purpose restaurant pick. The reason to go is narrower and more useful: a direct, category-specific pizza meal in Portland. For an explorer who likes regional styles, the appeal is the New Haven reference point.
Where it fits in a Portland food day
Use it as a Portland pizza plan when that is what the group wants. For broader planning, Our full Portland restaurants guide is the better starting point if the group is split between pizza and other casual or sit-down options. If the trip is built around more than dinner, pair the restaurant search with Our full Portland hotels guide, Our full Portland bars guide, Our full Portland wineries guide, Our full Portland experiences guide.
The better planning logic is simple: treat this as a casual New Haven-style pizzeria rather than a catch-all choice for every dining mood. It makes the most sense when everyone actually wants pizza. For other Portland dining plans, Canard and Le Pigeon are useful comparison points.
Who should skip it
Skip it if the group does not want pizza or if the night's priority is a more formal restaurant plan. Dimo's Apizza makes sense when the decision is uncomplicated: New Haven-style pizza, casual dress, Portland logistics.
Planning details
- Location
- 701 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
- Reservations
- Book on OpenTable
- Website
- dimosapizza.com
- Phone
- (503) 327-8968
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Dimo’s Apizza brings a New Haven apizza sensibility to East Burnside with a working, unpretentious energy. The narrative centers on tradition — extreme-heat firing, charred blistering and a thin-but-chewy crust — rather than on seasonal fuss or fine-dining trappings. The room is described as secondary to the product, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed and straightforward; it reads like a neighborhood institution where the pizza’s texture and charring do the talking. The result is a casual, classic pizza joint that privileges regional authenticity over local trend-making affectation.
Best For
This is a neighborhood spot built around pizza first and ceremony second, making it a natural pick for casual hangouts and group meals. The write-up frames Dimo’s as part of a regional tradition rather than a destination dining experiment, so guests who come for communal, unfussy pizza service find the right fit. Signature pies such as the White Clam, Margherita and the Russo are highlighted in the venue’s repertoire, underscoring that people come for specific, well-executed slices rather than an expansive, multi-course Italian menu.
Ordering Tips
Lean into the New Haven apizza identity when ordering: the copy emphasizes a charred, blistered crust and a thinner, chewier profile distinct from Neapolitan or Roman styles. The description singles out the White Clam, Margherita and Russo as signature offerings, so those are safe bets for first-timers. Expect product-driven simplicity rather than ornate toppings or seasonal flourishes; order by pie and let the oven-driven char and texture be the defining feature of the meal.
Venue details
Ambiance
East-coast vibe with fast-casual counter service and community hub atmosphere.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Sourcing
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Counter Service
- Meal Pacing
- Standard
- Capacity
- Small
Signature Dishes
- White Clam
- Margherita
- Russo
Planning details
Location
Recognition and awards
Restaurant context
How it compares with nearby Portland options
Dimo's Apizza is the casual, pizza-first choice in this group. Canard is better for diners who want a livelier bistro meal with more menu range, while Le Pigeon is the stronger pick when the night needs a more composed, chef-led feel. Choose Dimo's when value comes from focus and low friction rather than ceremony.
For ambience, C'est Si Bon Bistro+Vins and NORMANDIE make more sense if the group wants wine, conversation, a slower dinner rhythm. Dimo's is easier to justify for a direct weeknight meal or a food-focused stop built around one regional pizza style.
If booking ease matters, Dimo's and J&M; Cafe are the lower-pressure options compared with the higher-demand bistro names. Pick J&M; Cafe for a more general casual meal; pick Dimo's when everyone is aligned on pizza and the goal is a shorter, sharper dinner.
Explore Portland
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Dimo’s Apizza guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Dimo’s Apizza
| Venue | Location | Cuisine | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimo’s Apizza | Portland | Pizzeria (New Haven–Style) | 2021 Esquire Best New Restaurants · #17 |
| Canard | Portland | French Bistro | 2026 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #752026 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2025 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #652025 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2024 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #1282023 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #139 |
| Le Pigeon | Newberg | French Bistro | 2026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Recommended2026 La Liste Top Restaurants2025 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #4262025 La Liste Top Restaurants2024 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #2722023 OAD Gourmet Casual Dining in North America Ranked · #122023 OAD Top Restaurants in North America RecommendedPearl Recommended Restaurants |
| C'est Si Bon Bistro+Vins | Portland | No published awards | ; |
| J&M Cafe | Portland | No published awards | ; |
| NORMANDIE | Portland | No published awards | ; |
How Dimo's Apizza Portland compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order at Dimo's Apizza?
Start with the New Haven-style pizza, since that is the point of Dimo's Apizza in Portland. The format suits a focused casual meal better than a formal dinner.
How far ahead should I book Dimo's Apizza?
Plan around the posted hours: Monday through Wednesday from 4–9 PM, Thursday through Sunday from 11 AM–9 PM. Dimo's Apizza was also named Esquire Best New Restaurants #17 in 2021.
Is lunch or dinner better at Dimo's Apizza?
For timing, note that Dimo's Apizza opens at 11 AM Thursday through Sunday and at 4 PM Monday through Wednesday. Choose the visit time that best fits your Portland plans.
Can I eat at the bar at Dimo's Apizza?
Bar seating may be available. The grounded reason to choose Dimo's Apizza is its casual New Haven-style pizzeria format in Portland.
Is Dimo's Apizza good for a special occasion?
Yes, if the occasion is casual and the point is New Haven-style pizza rather than a formal room. For a different kind of dinner, Le Pigeon or Canard may be better comparisons.
What are alternatives to Dimo's Apizza in Portland?
For a different restaurant choice, consider Le Pigeon or Canard. Other comparison points include J&M; Cafe, C'est Si Bon Bistro+Vins, NORMANDIE, depending on the kind of Portland meal you want.
