My friend and I decided we wanted calzones and, having searched for Portland's premier calzone establishment on Yelp, settled on Anthony's Italian Kitchen. Arriving at store, we perused the selection of calzones listed on their wall-mounted menu. Having made our decisions, we attempted to place our order with the cashier. He informed us that they did not have any calzones. He then offered to sell us pizza instead, and so we agreed that, as we were both very hungry, we could simply order a few slices. We placed our revised orders, at which point the cashier informed us that he just had a pizza that he was willing to sell us for the combined total of the slices we ordered, but with the requirement that we leave the store immediately if we accepted this deal. We took the pizza. It was 14 dollars, and I guess it was alright, but I could've easily purchased a pizza of comparable quality at a chain pizza place for 66% of the price. Also, I'm pretty sure Pizza Hut has calzones on the menu and that they WILL serve them to you if you ask and offer to pay the listed price. Also, they will not ask you to get out immediately after making a purchase. Do not come here if you want a calzone, and especially do not come here if you want to eat a calzone sitting down. If you want "discount" overpriced pizza, this seems like a great restaurant at which to purchase it.
(2)
Justine J.
This place is alright... nothing off-the-wall awesome about it. Everyone in there has always been super nice, so great service. Good Italian sandwiches & pizza.
(3)
Zach D.
I wandered in hungry around noon before the lunch rush. The guy in front of me ordered a "tan jeff", a special, so i got one too. good call. It's a grilled wheat wrap with house chicken salad and deli slice ham. what? I've never seen that combo. And grilled wraps are so good. And so is whole wheat. Unique and tasty sandwich.
(5)
Benzo H.
Best basement pizza in Portland. If you don't need your dining experience to be in a basement, you can do better.
(2)
Sarah K.
I was in Maine with my field hockey team to play the Southern U. Of ME- but we stayed in Portland. To get ready for our game the night before we needed to get someplace cheap, quick-ish and big enough to fit my team of 20 athletes. Even though I called earlier to give them the heads up...no one seemed to have taken a message so they were caught pretty off guard about making 20 dinners. Despite the little oversight it was still a good dinner- we were not there for a dinner show but I hear it's a hoot! I ordered the turkey dinner wrap- it was excellent- a little bizarre on a wrap but still good. We were there for a REALLY long time- but it was still a good time. This is an order at the counter and they bring it to you kind of place. It was good. That is all :-D
(4)
Ian W.
Anthony's Italian Kitchen is located in the basement of 151 Middle Street next door to Bull Moose Music. The walls just outside the shop are painted with a Broadway theme and depict musicals such as The Lion King and Les Miserables; enter through the "Stage Door" for Anthony's Italian Kitchen. The shop itself is very small with a takeout counter, but in the next room covered by curtain is Anthony's Dinner Theater, which offers a live performance and 5 course dinner ($39.95 pp) in an intimate cozy setting every Friday and Saturday evening. For information, visit anthonysdinnertheater.com Beer and wine available. The food menu offers roll-ups, sandwiches (8" or 10"), ciabatta sandwiches, melts, pizza (by the pie or slice), melts, salads, Italian dinners, chips, and cooler drinks. See the menu at anthonysitalian.com We stopped here for dinner takeout over the weekend and ordered two Italian dinners (choice of pasta) served with garlic bread. The total came out to $10.69 with tax and buy one get one free coupon. The service was quick and the food was all set to go in 8 minutes. The Chicken Tetrazzini was rich and had plenty of boneless chicken chunks (chewy), mushrooms, and sliced cherry tomatoes in a parmesan cream sauce over al dente fettuccine. The Chicken Cacciatore was not too heavy and had boneless chicken, mushrooms, onions, and peppers in a light tasting red sauce over al dente fettuccine. Both dinners were pretty good and fresh. The baked buttered garlic bread (sub roll halves) was soft and firm outside. We enjoyed the food here and would definitely return. A full course dinner and a live show already sound great!
(4)
Daniel D.
The by-the-slice pizza here has changed a bit over the years, but had consistently been a taste and eating experience like no other. From the crust so good I would buy it by the loaf if I could and the pleasantly spicy tomato sauce to the cheese that makes sweet love to one's tongue, I keep coming back for that heavenly slice. Recently they've toned down the size of the crust a bit, but since it generates an amazing crunchy finish I'm happy with the development.
(5)
Jim B.
The secret to great Italian cooking is that the food must be prepared with love! That's what you'll get at Anthony's! Tony & his family live the spirit of preparing great food with love and they love to serve you with a smile. The food is fabulous home-style Italian plus the requisite pizza-sub fare. If you want an extra special treat, visit during one of "Anthony's Dinner Theater" nights! This is a intimate dinner theater experience featuring some of Maine's best singing talent and shows from the heart. We just went to their "Tribute to the Rat Pack" and enjoyed a wonderful 4 course dinner with incredible singing woven throughout the evening! Anthony & his family love what they're doing- I love Anthony's Italian Kitchen!
(5)
Katelyn P.
My office has Anthony's cater for us a lot and they are always punctual and very generous with their servings. We're always very happy with them and that's why I keep ordering from there!
(5)
Dude D.
Pizza was very good. Simple, straightforward Italian food. My dinner partners seemed to appreciate the sandwiches, too. Nice service but a slow night and we didn't see the theater. Not a large venue; only seats a few families but worth a trip if you're downtown.
(4)
Karen S.
Nice to find a place that doesn't serve just flat bread pizza. Good traditional pizza with lots of flavor. Quick take out. Only open during the week unfortunately.
(5)
Deni T.
I ordered online for a work lunch and asked for delivery. Not only did Anthony call me to let me know it would be no problem, I got a follow up call the next day to see if everything was to our liking. Class act for sure. I discovered this restaurant in my college days and always come back. Everything is delicious and the staff is amazing. They are efficient and attentive.
(5)
Adrian S.
Having only had the meatballs that Tony so graciously donated to a cast dinner a while back, (we were in a show together), I knew that I was in for a treat when I went in to the restaurant. The atmosphere was warm & welcome, the menu was full of great options, and the portions were huge! I will say that the seating leaves something to be desired, as I didn't realize it was such a small dining room; however, it just lead to the warm & cozy environment that I *was* expecting it to have. The pasta, meatballs, and sauces I had were delicious and filling, and I'm very eager to return & continue trying new and seemingly delicious dishes.
(4)
Nicole B.
A few weeks ago, another Yelper checked in at Anthony's Kitchen. It instantly reminded me of years past when I worked closer and visited regularly. My mouth began watering at the thought of their oh-so-delicious chicken parmigiana calzone. I could taste it, and I wanted it, badly. That's the power of Anthony's Kitchen... years after your last bite, the mere mention of the place sends you on a quest across Portland in the rain for its deliciousness. Anthony and his staff are super sweet, helpful, and light-hearted. You can feel the happiness when you walk in and chat with them for a few minutes before your meal arrives (and yes, my chicken parm tasted exactly as I remembered). I absolutely love this spot, and I don't know whether I should thank or strangle the yelper-who-checked-in. He helped me rediscover an old haunt---but now I crave more from the kitchen across town!
(5)
Michaela M.
I go to Anthonys at least once a week, as I work in town. I have never been let down. The pasta, the pizza, and the sandwiches are all supreme. For all the haters calling out the "basement" feel - I think that is half the allure of Anthony's! You feel like you are tucked away in a real Italian bistro. Also, Anthony and his daughters are the best! We always get the best customer service and he always has a smile on his face. He goes out of his way to have personal interactions with everyone that walks through the door.
(5)
Kathy R.
For a fast food pizza-by-the-slice kind of place, Anthony's is good. If you want real Italian at a nice sit-down place where someone takes your order, this is not the place to go. My family and I came here for a quick dinner and while their meals were ok (gyros were dry but edible, ziti and meatballs were ok but the sauce tasted like Ragu, pizza was good) the chicken Marsala I ordered was pretty awful. It tasted like they just dumped Marsala wine and olive oil over some microwaved chicken tenders and mushrooms (from a can) and called it a day. I threw most of it out, and that's saying something because I will eat almost anything, and hate wasting food. So avoid the chicken Marsala, don't expect a nice sit down type place, and you will be fine!
(2)
Aaron P.
I would eat here every day if I could. In fact, I DID eat here every day for a stretch of months until I got too fat and had to stop. The subs, pizza, and wraps are just pure deliciousness. The meatball and chicken parm subs are especially crazy-good. I've been to Italy a couple times, and this is not authentic Italian. The portions are more generous, the flavors less-subtle, and the ingredients probably not as fresh, but you know what? I don't care! It's hearty American Italian food and I love it. The atmosphere is weird, but charming in its own way. It's located at basement level and has no windows. It's decorated in a musical theater theme with a shrine-like corner dedicated to The Sopranos (the HBO show). Tony (the owner) is obsessed with performing and musical theater, and hosts musical revue nights at Anthony's Dinner Theater, which is really just the dining room (which has a stage at one end) with some curtains drawn to separate it from the ordering area. I've been to one of these, and it was...unique, but that's a separate review. Tony is jovial and clearly loves greeting people and playing host, while his daughters prepare food, take orders, and do table service. All three of them are charming and pleasant to chat with. I am secretly in love with one of his daughters (shhhhhh). Fun fact: I once heard Tony confess that he's never actually been to Italy :)
(5)
Flora F.
I succumbed to a weird bolognese craving and unreasonably positive Yelp reviews and ordered the angel hair (it was that or ziti) with the "meat-based" house red sauce here. I don't know why I expected an Italian restaurant in a basement in the Old Port to be anything but a funny-smelling checkerboard-floored room adorned with red curtains and walls plus lots of fake foliage and a late-Elvis cover band on the soundtrack, or to include any discernible meat in the "meat-based" sauce, but I was disappointed. Stay away if you can help it.
(2)
Emily A.
The best meatballs I've ever had. EVER! My mouth is starting to water and I'm getting a craving for some of them as I'm typing this. This family owned restaurant is fantastic. The food is great and the people who serve it to you are even better! I've been lucky enough to eat Anthony's cooking many, many times and I have never been disappointed. So go and try the meatballs and be a member of a large, fabulous Italian family for the night!
(5)
Oldbrass O.
The autumn gobbler on wheat. Go there and get this. Tell them to add extra cranberry. You will not be disappointed! Now if they only served Moxie...
(4)
Jordan K.
Anthony's is a great place in the Old Port to get a hot sandwich. Although I've often found that Anthony's is somewhat overpriced, their food is excellent, as is their service. Anthony's is very italian, family run, and a very great place for lunch.
(3)
Nora B.
I love their pizza! Cute staff! ;p nice and very professional!
(5)
Adrienne M.
Delicious pizza, but horribly tacky interior. The pizza there is probably as close to NY fare as you're going to get. Just close your eyes and enjoy it.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Very Loud Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Seb T.
My friend and I decided we wanted calzones and, having searched for Portland's premier calzone establishment on Yelp, settled on Anthony's Italian Kitchen. Arriving at store, we perused the selection of calzones listed on their wall-mounted menu. Having made our decisions, we attempted to place our order with the cashier. He informed us that they did not have any calzones. He then offered to sell us pizza instead, and so we agreed that, as we were both very hungry, we could simply order a few slices. We placed our revised orders, at which point the cashier informed us that he just had a pizza that he was willing to sell us for the combined total of the slices we ordered, but with the requirement that we leave the store immediately if we accepted this deal. We took the pizza. It was 14 dollars, and I guess it was alright, but I could've easily purchased a pizza of comparable quality at a chain pizza place for 66% of the price. Also, I'm pretty sure Pizza Hut has calzones on the menu and that they WILL serve them to you if you ask and offer to pay the listed price. Also, they will not ask you to get out immediately after making a purchase. Do not come here if you want a calzone, and especially do not come here if you want to eat a calzone sitting down. If you want "discount" overpriced pizza, this seems like a great restaurant at which to purchase it.
(2)Justine J.
This place is alright... nothing off-the-wall awesome about it. Everyone in there has always been super nice, so great service. Good Italian sandwiches & pizza.
(3)Zach D.
I wandered in hungry around noon before the lunch rush. The guy in front of me ordered a "tan jeff", a special, so i got one too. good call. It's a grilled wheat wrap with house chicken salad and deli slice ham. what? I've never seen that combo. And grilled wraps are so good. And so is whole wheat. Unique and tasty sandwich.
(5)Benzo H.
Best basement pizza in Portland. If you don't need your dining experience to be in a basement, you can do better.
(2)Sarah K.
I was in Maine with my field hockey team to play the Southern U. Of ME- but we stayed in Portland. To get ready for our game the night before we needed to get someplace cheap, quick-ish and big enough to fit my team of 20 athletes. Even though I called earlier to give them the heads up...no one seemed to have taken a message so they were caught pretty off guard about making 20 dinners. Despite the little oversight it was still a good dinner- we were not there for a dinner show but I hear it's a hoot! I ordered the turkey dinner wrap- it was excellent- a little bizarre on a wrap but still good. We were there for a REALLY long time- but it was still a good time. This is an order at the counter and they bring it to you kind of place. It was good. That is all :-D
(4)Ian W.
Anthony's Italian Kitchen is located in the basement of 151 Middle Street next door to Bull Moose Music. The walls just outside the shop are painted with a Broadway theme and depict musicals such as The Lion King and Les Miserables; enter through the "Stage Door" for Anthony's Italian Kitchen. The shop itself is very small with a takeout counter, but in the next room covered by curtain is Anthony's Dinner Theater, which offers a live performance and 5 course dinner ($39.95 pp) in an intimate cozy setting every Friday and Saturday evening. For information, visit anthonysdinnertheater.com Beer and wine available. The food menu offers roll-ups, sandwiches (8" or 10"), ciabatta sandwiches, melts, pizza (by the pie or slice), melts, salads, Italian dinners, chips, and cooler drinks. See the menu at anthonysitalian.com We stopped here for dinner takeout over the weekend and ordered two Italian dinners (choice of pasta) served with garlic bread. The total came out to $10.69 with tax and buy one get one free coupon. The service was quick and the food was all set to go in 8 minutes. The Chicken Tetrazzini was rich and had plenty of boneless chicken chunks (chewy), mushrooms, and sliced cherry tomatoes in a parmesan cream sauce over al dente fettuccine. The Chicken Cacciatore was not too heavy and had boneless chicken, mushrooms, onions, and peppers in a light tasting red sauce over al dente fettuccine. Both dinners were pretty good and fresh. The baked buttered garlic bread (sub roll halves) was soft and firm outside. We enjoyed the food here and would definitely return. A full course dinner and a live show already sound great!
(4)Daniel D.
The by-the-slice pizza here has changed a bit over the years, but had consistently been a taste and eating experience like no other. From the crust so good I would buy it by the loaf if I could and the pleasantly spicy tomato sauce to the cheese that makes sweet love to one's tongue, I keep coming back for that heavenly slice. Recently they've toned down the size of the crust a bit, but since it generates an amazing crunchy finish I'm happy with the development.
(5)Jim B.
The secret to great Italian cooking is that the food must be prepared with love! That's what you'll get at Anthony's! Tony & his family live the spirit of preparing great food with love and they love to serve you with a smile. The food is fabulous home-style Italian plus the requisite pizza-sub fare. If you want an extra special treat, visit during one of "Anthony's Dinner Theater" nights! This is a intimate dinner theater experience featuring some of Maine's best singing talent and shows from the heart. We just went to their "Tribute to the Rat Pack" and enjoyed a wonderful 4 course dinner with incredible singing woven throughout the evening! Anthony & his family love what they're doing- I love Anthony's Italian Kitchen!
(5)Katelyn P.
My office has Anthony's cater for us a lot and they are always punctual and very generous with their servings. We're always very happy with them and that's why I keep ordering from there!
(5)Dude D.
Pizza was very good. Simple, straightforward Italian food. My dinner partners seemed to appreciate the sandwiches, too. Nice service but a slow night and we didn't see the theater. Not a large venue; only seats a few families but worth a trip if you're downtown.
(4)Karen S.
Nice to find a place that doesn't serve just flat bread pizza. Good traditional pizza with lots of flavor. Quick take out. Only open during the week unfortunately.
(5)Deni T.
I ordered online for a work lunch and asked for delivery. Not only did Anthony call me to let me know it would be no problem, I got a follow up call the next day to see if everything was to our liking. Class act for sure. I discovered this restaurant in my college days and always come back. Everything is delicious and the staff is amazing. They are efficient and attentive.
(5)Adrian S.
Having only had the meatballs that Tony so graciously donated to a cast dinner a while back, (we were in a show together), I knew that I was in for a treat when I went in to the restaurant. The atmosphere was warm & welcome, the menu was full of great options, and the portions were huge! I will say that the seating leaves something to be desired, as I didn't realize it was such a small dining room; however, it just lead to the warm & cozy environment that I *was* expecting it to have. The pasta, meatballs, and sauces I had were delicious and filling, and I'm very eager to return & continue trying new and seemingly delicious dishes.
(4)Nicole B.
A few weeks ago, another Yelper checked in at Anthony's Kitchen. It instantly reminded me of years past when I worked closer and visited regularly. My mouth began watering at the thought of their oh-so-delicious chicken parmigiana calzone. I could taste it, and I wanted it, badly. That's the power of Anthony's Kitchen... years after your last bite, the mere mention of the place sends you on a quest across Portland in the rain for its deliciousness. Anthony and his staff are super sweet, helpful, and light-hearted. You can feel the happiness when you walk in and chat with them for a few minutes before your meal arrives (and yes, my chicken parm tasted exactly as I remembered). I absolutely love this spot, and I don't know whether I should thank or strangle the yelper-who-checked-in. He helped me rediscover an old haunt---but now I crave more from the kitchen across town!
(5)Michaela M.
I go to Anthonys at least once a week, as I work in town. I have never been let down. The pasta, the pizza, and the sandwiches are all supreme. For all the haters calling out the "basement" feel - I think that is half the allure of Anthony's! You feel like you are tucked away in a real Italian bistro. Also, Anthony and his daughters are the best! We always get the best customer service and he always has a smile on his face. He goes out of his way to have personal interactions with everyone that walks through the door.
(5)Kathy R.
For a fast food pizza-by-the-slice kind of place, Anthony's is good. If you want real Italian at a nice sit-down place where someone takes your order, this is not the place to go. My family and I came here for a quick dinner and while their meals were ok (gyros were dry but edible, ziti and meatballs were ok but the sauce tasted like Ragu, pizza was good) the chicken Marsala I ordered was pretty awful. It tasted like they just dumped Marsala wine and olive oil over some microwaved chicken tenders and mushrooms (from a can) and called it a day. I threw most of it out, and that's saying something because I will eat almost anything, and hate wasting food. So avoid the chicken Marsala, don't expect a nice sit down type place, and you will be fine!
(2)Aaron P.
I would eat here every day if I could. In fact, I DID eat here every day for a stretch of months until I got too fat and had to stop. The subs, pizza, and wraps are just pure deliciousness. The meatball and chicken parm subs are especially crazy-good. I've been to Italy a couple times, and this is not authentic Italian. The portions are more generous, the flavors less-subtle, and the ingredients probably not as fresh, but you know what? I don't care! It's hearty American Italian food and I love it. The atmosphere is weird, but charming in its own way. It's located at basement level and has no windows. It's decorated in a musical theater theme with a shrine-like corner dedicated to The Sopranos (the HBO show). Tony (the owner) is obsessed with performing and musical theater, and hosts musical revue nights at Anthony's Dinner Theater, which is really just the dining room (which has a stage at one end) with some curtains drawn to separate it from the ordering area. I've been to one of these, and it was...unique, but that's a separate review. Tony is jovial and clearly loves greeting people and playing host, while his daughters prepare food, take orders, and do table service. All three of them are charming and pleasant to chat with. I am secretly in love with one of his daughters (shhhhhh). Fun fact: I once heard Tony confess that he's never actually been to Italy :)
(5)Flora F.
I succumbed to a weird bolognese craving and unreasonably positive Yelp reviews and ordered the angel hair (it was that or ziti) with the "meat-based" house red sauce here. I don't know why I expected an Italian restaurant in a basement in the Old Port to be anything but a funny-smelling checkerboard-floored room adorned with red curtains and walls plus lots of fake foliage and a late-Elvis cover band on the soundtrack, or to include any discernible meat in the "meat-based" sauce, but I was disappointed. Stay away if you can help it.
(2)Emily A.
The best meatballs I've ever had. EVER! My mouth is starting to water and I'm getting a craving for some of them as I'm typing this. This family owned restaurant is fantastic. The food is great and the people who serve it to you are even better! I've been lucky enough to eat Anthony's cooking many, many times and I have never been disappointed. So go and try the meatballs and be a member of a large, fabulous Italian family for the night!
(5)Oldbrass O.
The autumn gobbler on wheat. Go there and get this. Tell them to add extra cranberry. You will not be disappointed! Now if they only served Moxie...
(4)Jordan K.
Anthony's is a great place in the Old Port to get a hot sandwich. Although I've often found that Anthony's is somewhat overpriced, their food is excellent, as is their service. Anthony's is very italian, family run, and a very great place for lunch.
(3)Nora B.
I love their pizza! Cute staff! ;p nice and very professional!
(5)Adrienne M.
Delicious pizza, but horribly tacky interior. The pizza there is probably as close to NY fare as you're going to get. Just close your eyes and enjoy it.
(4)