Guides / Spots

The Best Pizza in Toronto

Robin Winship

2 years ago

The best pizza in Toronto delivers everything from the paper-thin and ultra crispy foldable New York-style slice to the chewy and leopard-spotted Neapolitan-style pie. This past year we've also witnessed the surging popularity of Detroit-style squares, characterized for its thick and crisp crust and all its offshoots, from Filipino-inspired flavours to hybrids of Detroit pan pizza and Grandma squares. Toronto's options for pizza are becoming more diverse as we speak. With the onset of COVID, we not only saw new restaurants emerge, but the dominance of pop-ups overtook the city. More and more home cooks took their first foray into the industry (and successfully so), the homestyle pizza (fuelled by hard to land Instagram pizza drops) became the talk of the town.

With several destinations for excellent pizza in the city, it is hard to narrow down the upper crust of the bunch, but here is our list for some of the best pizza in the city right now.

181 Dovercourt Rd

Pizzeria Badiali

Pizzeria Badiali is a new pizza shop tucked away off the bustling strip of West Queen West along Dovercourt Road, seemingly hidden from tourists and casuals walking along one of Toronto's most exciting areas, but a neighbourhood gem to its residents. The shop is the child of restaurant industry pros Nick Halligan, Owen Walker and Ryan Baddeley, the latter of whom fronts the team with his pie-slinging abilities.

One Night Only Pizza

Toronto's standout option for delicious homestyle pizza, One Night Only Pizza, started as a popular pizza pop-up operating out of founder Luke Pollard's Riverdale backyard. After garnering quite a bit of attention and a reputation among the in-the-know food crowd, it became quite a feat to get your hands on one of Pollard's limited weekly drops. After moving into a brick-and-mortar location on Pape, Pollard is still operating his business on a pre-order model rather than accepting walk-ins. The menu is small; right now, you'll find Cheese, Pepperoni, Spicy Pepperoni, O.N.O Mushroom Pie Special and O.N.O Spicy Potato Special -- and all come with lots of house-made dipping sauce.

88 Harbord St

Piano Piano

With locations on Harbord Street, Mount Pleasant and a highly anticipated Oakville opening, this Italian restaurant run by chef Victor Barry upholds a relaxed approach to cooking and the fare here is a confluence of Italian and American influences. Alongside the menu of appetizers, pasta and mains are a short but impactful handful of pizzas. Greatest hits include The Bitter (chef Barry's favourite) consisting of fior di latte, Parmigiano, kale, dandelion, garlic, chili and lemon; The Fun Guy with roasted mushrooms, onions, ricotta, garlic, arugula and Parmigiano or for meat lovers, The Hot Rod with fior di latte, tomato, pepperoni and chili fennel oil.

1617 Dupont St

Mattachioni

This no-fuss Italian bakery, pizzeria and bodega in the Junction and now in Toronto's east end Leslieville cooks up some of the most underrated but consistently solid pizza in the city. All pizzas are served uncut and are 100% naturally leavened. The brainchild behind Mattachioni is longtime Terroni veteran David Mattachioni, who offers an incredible selection of pizzas. Order the S. Pagliacolo with fresh mozzarella, rapini, smoked provolone, sausage and garlic or the Boccadasse with tomato, hot cacciatore salami, olive, fresh buffalo mozzarella and basil.

832 Dundas St W

The Fourth Man in the Fire Pizzeria

Trying his hand at pizza, Shant Mardirosian -- the original founder of Burger’s Priest -- opened this restaurant in Dundas West in 2019, which quickly became a favourite pizzeria for many. The pizzas measure in at a whopping 18 inches and are an elevated version of the typical delivery pies of Midwest America. Taking such an objectively delicious pie and enhancing it with quality ingredients, 00 flour for the dough and San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce -- Shant has created a crowd-pleasing slice. A unanimous favourite, the pepperoni pizza is topped with dry-cured pepperoni, both low moisture and fresh mozzarella and finished with a sprinkling of Parmigiano. One slice would be enough to satisfy a light eater.

1279 Bloor Street West

Conzo's

This pizzeria from famed red-sauce joint Sugo makes large, thin-crust and wood-fired pies, with influences from New York, LA and Detroit but continues to reinvent and tweak their offerings. You'll find Cheese, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Mushrooms and a Zucchini pizza on the menu.

2312 Lake Shore Blvd W

Pizzeria Oro Di Napoli

An authentic Neapolitan pizzeria in Etobicoke, Pizzeria Oro Di Napoli cooks traditional and delicious wood-fired pizzas like Margherita D.O.P. and Vesuvio with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, deep-fried eggplant, crispy breaded prosciutto, smoked provolone, salted ricotta, basil, fresh oregano and garlic.

Sohmers Pizza

Good luck trying to get your hands on a pizza from Sohmers. This pizza pop-up currently operates out of Junction bakery Saving Mondays. The man behind the operation, Daniel Sohmer, works full time at a restaurant software start-up while he's not running one of the hottest pizza pop-ups in the city. A hybrid between Detroit pan pizzas and Grandma squares, Sohmers is unique compared to other offerings out there. Cheese and pepperoni are the mainstays on the menu but there's been a recent addition of a spicy vodka pizza. Pickups are every Saturday, with pre-orders opening Wednesday at 3 p.m. (they tend to sell out within seconds).

9 Charles St W

8Mile Detroit Style Pizza

Located near Yonge and Bloor, this restaurant for Detroit-style pizza was previously popular lunchtime spot Ooshee Oven. The eatery pivoted following the onset of the pandemic as their concept prior relied heavily on the office lunch rush. Building on the growing trend for Detorit-style pies, 8Mile has nailed the ideal composition of the rectangular pizza, golden brown and impossibly crispy crust with a soft and fluffy centre, topped with plenty of creative toppings and sauces. Don't miss their Detroit Red Top with signature red sauce, Ezzo pepperoni and garlic oil or the White Truffle with truffle marinated mushrooms, arugula, white truffle ricotta and topped with signature red sauce and Parmesan.

1130 Queen St W

King Slice

With two locations in the city, this pit-stop for a late-night bite delivers everything you'd want in a New York-style slice. Cheese or pepperoni, sprinkled with red pepper flakes or a sprinkling of Parm, King Slice is a cult favourite for good reason.

88 Ossington Ave Unit 2

Blondies Pizza - Ossington

A collaboration between the Food Dudes and chef Matt Blondin, Blondies has three Toronto locations, as well as a Port Credit and newly opened Oakville location. The vibrant pink-hued restaurant has grown into an instant hit amongst pizza lovers in the city. The dough is made from a high-protein sourdough that undergoes a three-day ferment and is baked in a wood-burning oven. Pizzas come either blonde or red, with one of their best sellers being the Cold Drink/Hot Girl with double pepperoni, oregano, pickled jalapeño, tomato sauce and honey.

188 Augusta Ave

Pizzeria Via Mercanti - Kensington

This authentic Neapolitan pizza restaurant has a handful of locations across the city and was even voted as the #1 Pizza in Ontario in 2018 by ICCO Pentola D’Oro. Each menu varies slightly depending on location but expect all of the Napoletana classics, as well as some more unique creations. Try The 6ix with fior di latte, mushrooms, hot soppressata, black olives, artichokes, ricotta cheese and prosciutto cotto or the Via Mercanti, which is a two layer pizza with ricotta, prosciutto cotto, mixed mushrooms, hot soppressata and topped by their famous Margherita.

321 Roncesvalles Ave

Pizzeria Defina

With a location in Roncesvalles and one on Dupont, this restaurant for wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas is an International Pizza Expo winner and regarded as one of the top Italian restaurants in the city. Defina makes their crusts four different ways, Napoletana, Roma, Kamut or gluten-free and have recently ventured into square pan pizzas and frozen pizzas. Created in honour of the two neighbourhoods the restaurant resides in, you'll find a Junction Triangle pizza on the menu with plum tomato sauce, fior di latte, Portuguese chicken, Moroccan olives, red onion, roasted peppers and parsley, as well as a Roncy pizza with fior di latte, Yukon Gold, double smoked bacon, caramelized shallots, black pepper and dill.

11 Clinton St

Bitondo's Pizzeria

This unassuming old school pizzeria on Clinton Street does takeaway slices and Italian sandwiches and has become quite a beloved spot for pizza in the neighbourhood. Sitting relatively untouched since its initial opening 50 years ago, Bitondo's is emblematic of Toronto's Little Italy neighbourhood. Their no-frills slices are large and pepperoni is usually the way to go.

1352 St Clair Ave W

Frank’s Pizza House

This family-run pizzeria in Corso Italia has been under the operation of the Taverniti family since 1992 and is consistently ranked as having some of the best pizza in the city. You can build your own pizza or choose from their menu of 10-inch pies, with options like a Quattro Formaggi, Margherita, Diavola and even a Toronto pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, green peppers and mushrooms.

1182 St Clair Ave W

Pizza e Pazzi

This authentic Italian restaurant serves traditional wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza and has been doing so in the Corso Italia neighbourhood since 2011. They are also one of the few pizzerias that can claim certification from the Associazone Verace Pizza Napoletana and most ingredients are D.O.P. (Denominazione d' Origine Protetta) certified. Spotted with those signature black leopard spots, Pizza e Pazzi has plenty of options for both San Marzano-based and mozzarella-based pizzas. Find Margherita pizza with buffalo mozzarella or Capricciosa with evoo, fior di latte, smoked ham, mushrooms and artichoke.

302 College St

Fresca Pizza

An unconventional take on the slice, this unassuming pizza joint claims they are serving Toronto-style pizza with a Vietnamese twist. This tiny counter-serve spot on College Street is known for its cheese or pepperoni slice with the addition of garlic oil.

720 Queen St W

Terroni - Queen

Arguably one of the most recognized destinations for Italian fare in Toronto. Terroni's legacy reverberates throughout the city and has grown into quite the empire with multiple offshoots including Sud Forno, Spaccio and grocer, Stock T.C. With three Terroni locations in the city, an expansive menu of appetizers, pizza, pasta and larger mains is offered. Served uncut and with no alterations, the menu consists of several Neapolitan-style pies like classic Margherita and Bufalina, as well as a handful of white pizzas including one with house smoked salmon and a pie with mozzarella, gorgonzola, fresh pears, walnuts, speck (smoked prosciutto) and honey.

511 Rogers Rd

North of Brooklyn Pizzeria - Rogers

With several locations across the city, Toronto's original spot for Brooklyn-style pizza is a tried and true classic and for good reason. Regarded as one of the best slices in the city, owner and co-founder Josh Spatz (formerly of Pizzeria Libretto) consulted pizza whiz and native New Yorker Frank Pinello on creating what is now the North of Brooklyn slice. Brooklyn-style pizza, you make ask? A confluence of New York-style and Neapolitan influences that results in wood-fired, thin-crust and foldable pizza.

371 Old Kingston Rd

Mark's Pizzas

A relative newcomer to the scene, Mark's Pizza, run by Mark Alousis, is a small takeaway-only shop located in Scarborough that got its start as a homegrown pizza-making hobby by Alousis himself. What evolved from a tent parked in his driveway to circulating festivals to now operating out of a brick-and-mortar location, Mark's Pizza is consistently busy as people try to get one of the limited pre-order spots for his pies. The pizzas are roughly crafted with New York-style in mind but instead have a slightly puffier crust. The dough is regularly being experimented with but expect organic and house-milled flour that adds a nuanced sophistication to the finished product. Menu items frequently change based on availability and seasonality -- for springtime, expect lots of ramp-based pizzas that Alousis forages himself. There have been several homegrown pizza operations this past year but Mark's has to be one of our favourites.

1168 Queen St E

Descendant Pizza

A catalyst for the Detroit-style pizza movement that now seems to be dominating the city, Descendant Pizza opened in Toronto back in 2015 from former Pizzeria Libretto chef. The menu features inspired creations like the Electric Avenue with jerk chicken, fresh pineapple, curried lime aioli, green onion, Mama Lil’s Peppers and Diablo’s Fuego hot sauce or the Truff-Ghi with a cheese blend, slow-roasted garlic cremini mushrooms, caramelized onions, double-smoked bacon, white truffle sauce, lemon zest, fresh thyme and Grana Padano. With citywide recognition and even a feature in Bon Appétit, you know the popularity of this pizzeria is far-reaching.

184 Ossington Ave

Superpoint

This pint-sized pizza joint landed on Ossington back in 2016 and has been a staple for grabbing a NY-style slice while wandering through the west end. With such proximity to Trinity Bellwoods Park, Superpoint has become a haven for grabbing a whole pie to enjoy with friends and Bellwoods beer on a nice day. There are also a few tables in the back of the restaurant that makes for a casual yet intimate option for dining in. The pizzas are thin crust and measuring in at 18 inches; you'll find options like classic cheese and pepperoni and rotating specials like a breakfast pizza.

772 Dundas St W

Queen Margherita Pizza - Dundas West

This Neapolitan-style pizza joint first opened back in 2010 in Leslieville and has become a must-visit pizzeria in the city. There are three locations scattered strategically throughout the city, in the west end, east end and close to Toronto's core. There are several pizzas on the menu, categorized into tomato-based and white pizzas. The Diavola is a favourite, comprised of fior di latte, hot sopressata, black olives and hot peppers or if you're looking for a more veg-forward pie, opt for the Birdman, with kale, Grana Padano, garlic aioli, roasted tomato, toasted sunflower seeds and black pepper.

155 University Ave

Pizzeria Libretto - University

This Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant opened back in 2008 on Ossington and has been booming ever since. Owned by business partners Max Rimaldi and Rocco Agostino, Pizzeria Libretto has evolved into an integral Toronto institution over the years and has expanded to four locations across the city. There are dozens of fantastic pizzas to choose from on the menu, from tomato-based to white pies, gluten-free to vegan options and now even Sicilian and New York-style, this pizzeria continues to expand their offerings (you'll even find a line of frozen pizzas on their menu).

59 Cameron St

Maker Pizza - Chinatown

The ever-bustling Maker Pizza has evolved into one of Toronto's most popular takeout pizza establishments since its inception back in 2015. Owned by Shlomo Buchler -- who consulted friend and famed chef Matty Matheson to create Maker's menu -- has seen the concept achieve nothing but resounding success. Matheson is now officially a partner in the business and with two locations already established, Cameron and Avenue, we can only expect more to open across the city. The brand always seems to be experimenting with new items, like their sought-after square pies, dessert specials and a soon-to-launch line of frozen pizzas. However, staples and customer favourites on their menu must be the Dr. Pepperoni pie with double natural pepperoni, organic mozzarella, parmesan, toasted fennel powder and organic tomato sauce and the Frank's Best with caramelized onions, goat cheese, organic mozzarella, parmesan, rosemary, sea salt, organic honey and their trademark sesame crust.