Though very late, I’m continuing with my food reviews from our trip summer trip to Oregon. I feel it’s important that I do so, because our next food outing was Pietro’s Pizza.

I first visited Pietro’s when my wife and I were in Salem, OR for my now brother-in-law’s wedding, about four years ago as of this writing. I had incredibly fond memories of this pizza: the chewy crust with the cornmeal on the bottom, the fresh taste of the toppings… my mouth watered at the very thought of this pizza, even during the four years away from this pizzeria.

The first time we went, we got it to go. There was no one in the place as we ordered and waited, but I remember the lively atmosphere. There were plenty of video games and decorations that seemed to say, “Family fun zone is right here.” I couldn’t remember what the decorations were, but now that I had a chance to come back, I was reminded.

Pirates.

The place was full of pirate stuff. And this time, it was crowded with kids aplenty. I was not to be deterred: I was going to get my pizza and love it. It had been four years, and no screaming child was going to get in my way.

We ordered two different pizzas: a pepperoni, to satisfy those that didn’t want to deal with certain toppings like mushrooms and olives (those people are sacrilegious), and, if I remember correctly, a Pietro’s Combo: pepperoni, salami, beef (sausage), olives, and mushrooms.

I gave a small, unnecessary speech before I took my first bite. I got odd looks from my friends and family members. I took that first bite and…

Not quite how I remembered. Time and high expectations will do that to you. The crust was very good and came the closest to my memories. It was crispy yet chewy, with a nice texture and mouth feel. The combo came with lots of toppings, so describing it as decadent, regardless if that word is overused, is accurate. It was a very good pizza, and they used good ingredients, but the abundance of toppings made it a rich, filling pie. If you want a simple pizza, this was not it; it was quite overloaded.

The pepperoni pizza was very much like a Round Table pizza except for the crust. The cheese was dominant, causing the crust to take a back seat. I’m not sure if it was the amount of cheese or just the brand/kind they used – it has been some time since the summer so I can’t recall. It was good cheese, and tasty, but it certainly overshadowed the crust.

Don’t get me wrong. The pizza was very good. And yes, I will go back the next time I’m in Salem. But it didn’t have quite the impact it did during my first partaking.

The prices are about what you’d expect for a popular pizza chain that specializes in high-end pizza. According to their current menu, a one-topping large (our pepperoni) is $18.30, while a large Pietro’s Combo is $24.00. Their pizza is worth the price. Sodas are refillable.

That said, here is this review’s rating scale:

	RUN, don’t walk, to this place and eat.
	A staple on my list of places to visit while in Salem.
	Pizza night? Consider Pietro’s.
	I want pizza and there are few other choices.
	Avoid like you would a moldy pizza.

I give Pietro’s Pizza 4 stars. If you’re looking for pizza that will make you feel self-indulgent when eating the toppings, Pietro’s is definitely a must. Beware, though, for their lovely crust takes a back seat to those toppings, which is a shame.

Pietro’s Pizza
1637 Hawthorne Ave NE
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 364-0128

There are also Pietro’s in Milwaukie and Hood River, OR.