There are plenty of pizza places in Toronto, ranging from old school delivery chains like Pizza Pizza (a high school and university favourite, but I have to admit that I have since out grown them) and Pizzaiolo to more “new school” locales, especially in the downtown area. Some of the regular places my husband and I go to are:
Originally from Alberta, this chain (yeah, yeah, I know, I don’t typically review national and international chains, but this place is quite unique) is very kid-friendly, with full-size 10″ pizzas as well as mini pizzettes, perfect for kids or if one wants two different types (my husband and I would typically order four pizzettes to share). The restaurant is what I would probably call “semi-service.” One sits down, writes down his or her order and then brings it to the counter. Pizzas are delivered to you by a server. In general, the pizzas are well-cooked, with fresh-tasting toppings and chewy crusts. Selection is also good – there’s a lot to choose from, ranging from more “old world” pizzas like the margherita to more creative and seasonal choices like the Don Andreas (pictured above), a favourite of mine that was on the Spring/Summer 2013 menu. My least favourite pizza is the marinara – even with additional toppings – as the sauce itself was very overpowering. There are currently two locations in the GTA – one in the Annex (Bloor and Spadina) and the other at Yorkdale’s Dine on 3.
Cooked in the same kind of oven as Famoso, this two location (Danforth and Ossington) joint is full-service and much more “grown-up.” Like Famoso, the pizzas are thin crust and cooked in a wood-fired oven from Naples at 900 degrees. The pizzas are done in 90 seconds. Unlike Famoso, pizzas only come in one size, and the selection is not as large (a good thing – makes decision making much easier). It’s also full service, so there’s no need to go to an order counter. Taste-wise, the pizzas aren’t too different from Famoso. Favourites of mine include the prosciutto and arugula as well as cremini (mushrooms). The restaurant boasts a pretty good cocktail menu as well. And if you’re looking for dessert to share, definitely go for the sfingi (Italian doughnuts). Want something on your own? Why not the affogato? I am a little disappointed that they no longer have the quattro formaggi pizza though. It’s one of my favourites.
I honestly can’t decide whether I like Libretto or this place more. Magic Oven is known for their “healthier” pizzas. There are several different crusts to choose from, including gluten-free and spelt, as well as vegan and vegetarian-friendly toppings. I recently had a pizza with tofu and kale on it. Grilled salmon is also available. The pizzas come in two different sizes at 10″ and 16″ in diameter. Currently, there are six locations in the GTA including one on the Danforth and another on Yonge and Wellesley. Magic Oven also delivers to select areas in the city. Magic Oven also has delicious pastas (including noodles made from “alternative” flours such as spelt) and salads. Appetizers include tofu fingers, samosas and chicken wings (sauces come on the side). The wings, however, are often a bit overcooked, and therefore not a top choice of mine.
Other pizza places we like include Terroni (they are known NOT to slice their pizzas) – especially the Rosedale/Summerhill location and Ciao Wine Bar in Yorkville.
