The coastal town of Kittery, situated at the southernmost tip of Maine, has long been a destination for those seeking a blend of historic charm, scenic beauty, and premier shopping. However, in recent years, this gateway to the Pine Tree State has transformed into a culinary destination that rivals its larger neighbor, Portsmouth, located just across the river in New Hampshire. At the heart of this gastronomic evolution is a name that has become synonymous with quality and tradition: When Pigs Fly Pizzeria.
While many visitors are familiar with the brand’s artisan breads found in grocery stores across the United States, the flagship restaurant and company store in Kittery offer a much deeper dive into the brand’s culinary philosophy. The menu here is a masterclass in balancing rustic comfort with sophisticated, locally-sourced ingredients. For any traveler exploring the Seacoast region, understanding the nuances of this menu is essential to experiencing the local food culture.
The Art of the Wood-Fired Pizza: A Menu Masterpiece
The centerpiece of the dining experience in Kittery is undoubtedly the wood-fired oven. Unlike conventional ovens, the high-heat, open-flame cooking method used here imparts a distinct smokiness and a perfect “leopard-spotted” char to the crust. The menu reflects a commitment to sourdough techniques, a nod to the company’s roots as a world-class bakery.
Signature Pies and Innovative Combinations
The pizza menu is divided into classic interpretations and “adventurous” creations. The Margherita remains a steadfast favorite for purists, featuring house-made mozzarella, fresh basil, and a bright tomato sauce that highlights the quality of Maine produce during the harvest season. However, it is the more complex offerings that truly showcase the kitchen’s creativity.
One standout is the Mediterranean-inspired pie, which often features ingredients like roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. For those seeking something heartier, the meat-centric options utilize locally sourced sausages and cured meats, often paired with caramelized onions or roasted garlic. The dough itself—fermented slowly to develop deep flavor—is the foundation that supports these toppings, ensuring that every bite has the perfect structural integrity and chew.
Seasonal and Vegetarian Excellence
Tourism in the Northeast is heavily dictated by the seasons, and the menu at When Pigs Fly Pizzeria follows suit. In the autumn, diners might find pizzas topped with roasted butternut squash, sage, and goat cheese. During the summer, the abundance of local gardens finds its way onto the dough in the form of heirloom tomatoes and fresh arugula.
Vegetarian options are not an afterthought here; they are some of the most complex items on the menu. The use of truffle oils, various pesto bases, and exotic mushroom blends ensures that plant-based diners have a rich, savory experience that highlights the agricultural bounty of the New England landscape.
Beyond the Crust: Appetizers, Salads, and Small Plates
While the pizza is the primary draw, the supporting cast of dishes on the menu is equally impressive. The starters are designed to be shared, encouraging a communal dining style that fits the relaxed, coastal atmosphere of Kittery.
Artisan Bread Baskets and Dipping Oils
It would be a missed opportunity to dine at a restaurant born from a bakery without sampling the bread. The “bread flight” is a popular way to start the meal, offering a selection of the day’s freshest bakes—ranging from classic sourdough to more eclectic varieties like cranberry pecan or tomato basil. These are typically served with high-quality olive oils, balsamic vinegars, or house-made herbed butters. This simple pleasure connects the diner to the history of the When Pigs Fly brand, which began as a small operation in York.
Garden-Fresh Salads and Coastal Starters
To balance the richness of the wood-fired pizzas, the menu offers a variety of vibrant salads. These are not standard side salads; they are carefully composed dishes featuring organic greens, toasted nuts, dried fruits, and house-made vinaigrettes. The integration of local seafood, such as Maine lobster or Atlantic salmon, occasionally appears in seasonal specials, bridging the gap between a traditional pizzeria and a coastal bistro.
Small plates often include roasted vegetables finished in the wood-fired oven, such as charred broccolini with lemon and parmesan or honey-glazed carrots. These dishes provide a holistic look at the regional diet, where the focus is on letting the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through minimal but expert preparation.
The Company Store: A Culinary Souvenir Experience
Adjacent to the restaurant is the When Pigs Fly Company Store, which is a vital part of the tourism experience in Kittery. For many travelers, this is the final stop where they can take a piece of Maine home with them.
A World of Artisan Breads
The store features over 80 varieties of natural, artisan breads. The diversity is staggering, featuring everything from savory Onion and Rye to sweet Chocolate Bread. These loaves are baked daily and contain no preservatives, staying true to the traditional methods of bread making. For visitors staying in local Accommodations or rental homes, grabbing a fresh loaf for breakfast is a quintessential local ritual.
Specialty Foods and Kitchen Curations
Beyond bread, the store is a curated marketplace for the “foodie” traveler. It stocks an array of jams, jellies, oils, and vinegars that are used in the restaurant’s kitchen. You can find local Maine maple syrup, handcrafted pastas, and a selection of wines and craft beers that highlight the best of the United States micro-brewing scene. This section of the establishment allows visitors to explore the broader food culture of the region, making it more than just a place to eat, but a place to learn about the craftsmanship behind the food.
Integrating the Meal into a Kittery Itinerary
A visit to enjoy the menu is often part of a larger day spent exploring the landmarks and attractions of the southern Maine coast. The restaurant’s location makes it a perfect anchor point for a day trip.
Shopping and History
Many visitors spend their morning at the Kittery Outlets, one of the most famous shopping destinations in New England. After a morning of retail therapy, the pizzeria offers a much-needed respite. For those more interested in history and architecture than shopping, a visit to the Fort McClary State Historic Site provides a fascinating look at the military history of the Piscataqua River. The fort’s hexagonal blockhouse is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture and offers panoramic views of the water.
Nature and Coastal Beauty
If you prefer the outdoors, a short drive from the restaurant leads to Fort Foster, a sprawling park with piers, beaches, and hiking trails. It is an ideal spot for a post-lunch walk to take in the salt air. Alternatively, Seapoint Beach offers a more secluded, rugged coastal experience, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds of Portland or Ogunquit.
The food culture in Kittery is deeply intertwined with its geography. The proximity to the ocean and the fertile farmlands of York County means that the menu at When Pigs Fly Pizzeria is a direct reflection of its surroundings. By focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, the restaurant has cemented its place as a cornerstone of the Maine tourism experience.
Whether you are a local resident or a traveler passing through the United States on a grand tour of the Northeast, the menu offers a taste of authenticity. It is a place where the artisan traditions of the past meet the creative culinary spirits of the present, all within the beautiful, breezy context of the Maine coast. Eating here is not just about satisfying hunger; it is about celebrating the craft of baking, the heat of the wood fire, and the rich cultural tapestry of Kittery.
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