Photo: Unsplash
Chef-owner: Anthony Allen and Mike Keon · Opened 2011
First location opened June 2009 on Congress Street in Portland, Maine. The Harvard Square outpost (February 2011) was the chain's first expansion beyond Maine. Co-founder Mike Keon is a Harvard Extension alum.
Under $15 per person
Counter-service pizza-by-the-slice from the Portland, Maine cult favorite. Known for mashed-potato-and-bacon, fig-and-prosciutto, and other combinations that sound weird and work. Whole pies too.
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
Otto feels like pizza should be fun. The Harvard Square space buzzes with students grabbing slices, the cases display creative rectangular pies that change daily, and the open kitchen puts the action on display. It's Maine pizza culture brought to Cambridge—inventive toppings, serious dough, and a refusal to be boring.
Energetic buzz—speak up a bit
Why It's Great
Portland's Creative Pizza Culture Lands in Harvard Square
Otto started in Portland, Maine with a philosophy: pizza doesn't have to be predictable. The Harvard Square location brings that same energy—rectangular slices with toppings that sound weird until you taste them, proper dough that's chewy and charred just right, and a casual vibe that welcomes everyone from Harvard professors to high schoolers.
The topping combinations show confidence. Mashed potato, bacon, and scallion on pizza sounds like a dare until you try it and wonder why more pizzerias don't do this. Butternut squash, ricotta, and cranberry appears in fall. Classic margherita satisfies traditionalists. The variety means there's always something new to try.
The slice format keeps things accessible. Walk up, grab a slice or two, sit at communal tables or take it to go. Whole pies are available for groups, but the grab-and-go model suits Harvard Square's pace. The bicycle delivery option fits the student lifestyle.
What makes Otto work is that beneath the creative toppings, the fundamentals are solid. The dough has proper development. The sauce balances. The cheese melts right. It's gimmick-free creativity—inventive pizzas that also happen to be genuinely good.
Two slices—one creative, one classic—and a drink. The perfect Harvard Square lunch break.
Mashed Potato Bacon Scallion
Otto's signature—sounds weird, tastes incredible
Margherita
The classic, executed well—fresh mozzarella, basil, good tomatoes
Butternut Squash & Cranberry
Seasonal creativity that defines the Otto approach
Daily Specials
Creative rotating options that reward regular visits
Why It's In Our Guide
Otto brings creative pizza to Harvard Square without sacrificing fundamentals. The inventive toppings, quality dough, and accessible pricing make it essential for anyone who thinks pizza can be more interesting.
“Otto proves that creative doesn't have to mean gimmicky.”
— Boston Globe“The mashed potato pizza sounds insane. It's also delicious.”
— Eater BostonHarvard students have adopted Otto as their default pizza spot. The lines at lunch and after late classes tell the story.
Insider Tips
Lunch for the best selection. Late evening for post-study refueling.
No reservations—it's grab-and-go. Lines form but move quickly.
Communal tables inside, outdoor seating when weather allows.
Try something creative—that's the point. The mashed potato is the signature for a reason.
Harvard Square parking is tough. Harvard T is directly across the street.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 1,172 reviews
678 reviews
Updated 2024-12
494 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Otto started in Portland, Maine and expanded to multiple locations in New England. The Harvard Square location brings the same creative pizza philosophy—inventive toppings on quality dough—to Cambridge.
Reddit Mentions
Contact Details
1432 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Daily: 11AM-11PM
6 min walk from Harvard
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Further Reading
Best Restaurants in Harvard Square
GuideHarvard Square Student Guide: Eat, Study, Explore
GuideHarvard Square vs Central Square: Which Is Better?
BlogWelcome to Guide to Cambridge: What We're Building and Why
Blog7 Hidden Gems in Cambridge That Only Locals Know About
BlogEvery T Station in Cambridge: A Complete Transit Guide