About Otto
Otto serves a tight menu of thoughtfully composed pizzas and salads in a cozy, casual setting by the river.
Reviews consistently praise the dough — chewy with a crisp, charred edge — and creative toppings from classic Margherita to corn and chorizo and truffle mushroom.
Service runs friendly and fast, with much of the seating outdoors under tents.
Patrons note a lively atmosphere that fits both relaxed afternoons and date-night meals, and a beer and wine selection that pairs well with the pies.
Location & Contact
- Address69 Main St, Chester, CT 06412
- Websitehttps://ottochester.com
- Phone(860) 526-9445
- Links Order online · Get directions
What to Expect
Pizza is the focus: Neapolitan-leaning crusts that are soft inside with charred, crisp exteriors.
Standouts mentioned by diners include pepperoni, Margherita, meat lovers, white mushroom and the corn-and-chorizo combo praised for its sweet, smoky balance.
Salads like Greek and fennel arrive fresh and bright, and small plates — oven-roasted olives and guacamole — round out the menu.
Housemade tiramisu and a rotating beer list finish meals on a local, flavorful note.
Hashtag Pizza Fact's
Pizza and Pop Culture
Pizza has left its mark on popular culture, appearing in countless movies, TV shows, and songs. From the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' love of pizza to Julia Roberts' character savoring a slice in 'Eat Pray Love,' this dish is often portrayed as the quintessential comfort food. Its representation in media underscores its role as a cultural icon and a symbol of indulgence and joy.
Menu Highlights
From the Community
Otto in Chester has built a reputation on a short, well-executed menu that puts pizza front and center.
Diners repeatedly note the dough’s character: a soft, airy interior paired with a charred, crisp rim that anchors a range of toppings from a pristine Margherita to a bold corn and chorizo pie.
Reilly Lincavicks called the corn and chorizo topping “a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory,” a good shorthand for how Otto layers flavor.
Service and setting factor heavily into the experience.
Outdoor seating under a tent beside the river creates a communal, relaxed vibe for both families and couples.
Some guests appreciate the pillowy crust—“so soft that it was nearly impossible to pick up a slice without it folding,” observed Wilson Scott—while others celebrate the char and chew that recall classic Neapolitan technique.
Beyond pizza, crisp salads like the Greek and fennel options and small plates such as marinated olives and guacamole provide complementary textures and flavors.
The menu is compact but confident, and a thoughtful beer and wine list rounds out dinners for locals and visitors alike.
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
"A visit to Chester is never complete without stopping by Otto for their delicious pizza! Love it in any season and the white mushroom pie is TO DIE FOR! 🍄🟫 …"
"We had such an incredible meal here. The pizza was out of this world. The corn and chorizo topping combo was a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory. The crust was just the right amount of crisp with a soft, airy center. The Greek salad was fresh and flavorful, with crisp lettuce and a tangy dressing that tied everything together beautifully. Their beer selection was equally impressive, and the ones we tried were ice cold and bursting with flavor. Friendly service and a cozy atmosphere made the whole experience even better. Can’t wait to come back!"
"Otto Pizza in Chester, CT, delivered a delightful dining experience on a busy fall Saturday. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, but the staff remained attentive and friendly, ensuring we had a memorable meal. We opted for the Meat Lover's pizza, loaded with bacon, sausage, meatballs, scarmorza, mozzarella, and herbs. The combination of flavors was simply outstanding. Each bite was a symphony of savory goodness, with the meats providing a hearty foundation and the cheeses adding a creamy richness. The herbs added a refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the toppings. For a lighter option, we also tried the White Meatball pizza with greens. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, and the greens added a fresh, crisp element. The combination of flavors was surprisingly refreshing and satisfying. Overall, Otto Pizza in Chester exceeded our expectations. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was inviting. We would definitely return to try other items on their menu and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great pizza experience."
Hashtag Pizza Fact's
Pizza's Nutritional Evolution
While traditional pizzas are often indulgent, there has been a growing trend toward healthier versions. Options like whole-grain crusts, reduced-fat cheeses, and an abundance of vegetables cater to health-conscious consumers. This evolution reflects broader dietary trends and the desire to enjoy pizza's flavors while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of crust does Otto use on its pizzas?
The crust is Neapolitan-style — soft and airy in the middle with a slightly charred, crisp edge. Some reviewers say it’s tender enough you might use a fork, while others enjoy the balance of chew and char.
Which pizza toppings do people recommend trying first?
Try the crowd favorites mentioned by diners: classic Margherita, pepperoni, Meat Lovers, and the corn-and-chorizo combination praised for mixing sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
Are there good vegetarian pizza options?
Yes. Vegetarians can choose pies like Margherita, white mushroom, truffle mushroom, or Veggie Lovers, which showcase fresh vegetables, cheese, and herb accents.
Is the Greek salad worth ordering?
Many guests say yes. The Greek salad is described as fresh and bright, offering a crisp, tangy foil to rich, cheesy pizza slices for a balanced meal.
What should I expect from the appetizers?
Apps are simple and flavorful — items like oven-roasted marinated olives and guacamole are meant to start the meal and pair well with a cold beer or wine while you wait for pies.
Do they have any unique or seasonal pizzas?
Reviews mention creative toppings such as corn and chorizo, eggplant, and truffle mushroom, so expect rotating or specialty pies that mix sweet, smoky, and savory elements.
How do desserts fit into the meal?
Desserts are limited but thoughtful; housemade tiramisu is listed and provides a coffee-forward, creamy finish after a salty, cheesy pizza meal.
Does Otto offer good beer and wine to go with pizza?
Customers note a solid beer selection and a good wine list. These choices are meant to complement rich, cheesy pies and brighter salads alike.
What is a memorable pizza combination people talk about in Chester?
Locals often mention the corn and chorizo pie for its unusual but well-balanced sweet-and-smoky profile, a good example of how Otto experiments with toppings while keeping clear flavors.
What pizzas are most popular at Otto?
From the menu, people often pick Margherita with Fresh Mozzarella, Greek Salad, Oven Roasted Marinated Olives, Pepperoni Pizza, Housemade Tiramisu, Margherita Pizza. Reviews highlight consistency more than novelty, so these are safe, crowd-pleasing choices.
The Slice That Started It All
In 1960, Tom Monaghan and his brother James purchased a small pizzeria named DomiNick's in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which they later renamed Domino's Pizza. Initially a small operation, it grew into one of the largest pizza delivery chains in the world. This success story highlights the potential of innovation and franchise development within the pizza industry.
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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations
Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray
Otto
The Art of Pizza Tossing
Pizza tossing is not only a practical skill for evenly spreading dough but has also become a performance art. In fact, there are international pizza-tossing competitions where pizzaioli showcase their dough-spinning prowess through choreographed routines. This blend of culinary technique and entertainment further cements pizza's place as a beloved and dynamic culinary art form.
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