It’s a Beautiful
Pizza takes a step
back in time, serves
gourmet pies
In Portland’s bustling and vibrant Southeast Belmont neighborhood, nestled among a variety of individualistic and off-beat small businesses, It’s a Beautiful Pizza is a step back in time. Music posters of the 1960s and ‘70s surround diners of very gourmet pizza that is sure to make their day as wonderful as the restaurant’s nostalgic name.
Gourmet pizza in process
(Photo by Gerry Villani)
It’s a Beautiful Pizza recalls not only the glory days of rock‘n’roll with its posters, but also in the names of its product. Enjoy tasty pizza overflowing with delicious toppings labeled after such rock luminaries as Grace Slick, Janis Joplin and the Northwest’s own Jimi Hendrix. For a hint of the exotic East, order the (hot!) Ravi Shankar with peanut sauce, roasted coconut, scallions, shredded carrots, peanuts, spicy marinated chicken and cilantro.
This writer sampled the small size (12”) Jerry Garcia and found it to be generously topped with Italian sausage and more than what could be handled at one sitting. It can easily satisfy two or even three people! The other ingredients of that rock legend are pepperoni, ham, beef, mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, onion and pepperoncini. Pizzas also come in medium (14”) and large (16” inches).
You have the opportunity to create your own pizza as well with a wide selection of toppings, from anchovies to the afore-mentioned spicy chicken. It’s a Beautiful Pizza also serves a selection of local beer, wine and soft drinks.
Owner Carl Sandstrom came up with the name,” says Paul Seifert. “I helped him start this place about 15 years ago, and it was an instant success.” Sandstrom previously ran the Grateful Burger on 82nd Ave. “(This place) is probably named after (the band) It’s a Beautiful Day; that’s my guess,” adds Seifert. He went on to say that between seven and eight people work there at any one time, depending on the season.
It’s a Beautiful Pizza was started just across the street from its present address in what was once a gift store that happened to be empty in 1994. The eatery was moved to where it is now in 2002, in what was Majestic Cleaners.
The restaurant can seat up to 100 patrons inside, and there is a patio out back for even more on nice days. Eight can sit in the sidewalk café in front. “We do parties, soccer and birthday parties,” Seifert says.
It’s a Beautiful Pizza is at 3342 S.E. Belmont and you can call (503) 233.5444 for more information. Check it out online at www.beautifulpizza.com