“In pizza we crust” should be the official slogan of Toronto given the countless spectacular pizza places it boasts. Enjoy a slice of heaven at Pizzeria Libretto, serve your greasy wheel with a side of romance at Bar Poet, and defy the traditional pizza at Slowhand. And, for those of you with a real sweet tooth, the city is home to Lamanna Bakery—an authentic Italian pizzeria offering a giant slice made entirely out of cookies!
1. One Night Only Pizza
Luke and Brianna Skye’s popular pizza joint grew from the event most of us are familiar with, Friday night pizza. For one night only in the week, some of us assign a day for ordering pizza. Whether you choose Fridays or Sundays for your cheesy fix, One Night Only Pizza offers delicious pizza made with love and organic Canadian flour. From the NachONO pizza featuring seasoned beef, pickled jalapeños, and queso cheese to a lunch slice with garlic cream, grass fed mozzarella, Buffalo chicken, and blue cheese, you never know what incredible kind of pizza you’ll get at ONO Pizza.
🍕581 Pape Avenue
2. Pizzeria Libretto
Inspired by the masters of Naples, Pizzeria Libretto serves up authentic Neapolitan, VPN certified pizza. Since opening its first location in 2008, the pizzeria has expanded to four locations. Executive Chef Rocco Agostino believes in simplicity and passion when it comes to food, and using homegrown ingredients. Try a classic Margherita or the spicy Diavola, and don’t forget to try the mouthwatering dipping sauce and housemade chili oil.
🍕5000 Yonge St. 🍕221 Ossington Ave. 🍕550 Danforth Ave. 🍕155 University Ave.
3. Pizzeria Badiali
Eat in or takeaway from this neighbourhood slice shop on 181 Dovercourt Rd. From Wednesday to Sunday, you’ll find New York inspired classics made with fresh ingredients. Their Mushroom Bianco is popular among customers thanks to whole milk mozzarella, caramelized onions, ricotta, and portobello mushrooms. Surprise yourself and order one of Pizzeria Badiali’s weekly specials, past specials have included a pizza topped with leeks and creamy Chateau De Bourgogne and an amatriciana-style pizza.
🍕181 Dovercourt Rd.
4. Bar Poet
With its kitchen open until 2am and some seriously cozy decor, Bar Poet is the perfect setting for a romantic date or dinner out with friends. Order a side of garlic fingers with truffle hot sauce and East Coast donair sauce along with a loaded pepperoni pizza. You’ll feel like you’re dining in an enchanted forest surrounded by the fairy lights and trees. Bar Poet has DJs playing nightly, great cocktails, and Skeeball for a well-rounded pizza experience.
🍕1090 Queen St W
5. Piano Piano
If there’s one thing Piano Piano takes seriously, it’s their attention to detail. Wouldn’t you want to dine at a restaurant where the chef is constantly asking himself, “How do you make that one great ingredient taste even better?” Well, Victor Barry has continued to be imaginative with his food since the age of 11. Aside from the striking design choices at Piano Piano’s three locations, including graffiti rose garden facades and their funky interiors, the restaurants are serving up traditional Italian fare. Discover the true meaning of “piano piano va lontano”, “slowly slowly we go further”, while dining at one of their unique locations.
🍕88 Harbord St 🍕623 Mt. Pleasant Rd 🍕55 Colborne Street 🍕120 Thomas St, Oakville
6. Slowhand Sourdough Pizza
Slowhand openly admits to their obsession with “light, airy, crisp sourdough pizza that’s only heavy on the toppings”. Dan and Brett began by making pizza during the pandemic and then came the pop-ups until they opened their very own pizza place at Pape and Queen. Slowhand’s casual dining spot also includes a patio and good music. Their Double Trouble sourdough pizza is made with double Ezzo pepperoni, Sicilian oregano, and fresh basil. For something a little bit more bold, why not try the What’s the Dill Yo? pizza topped with creamy roasted garlic sauce, sliced Kosher dill pickes, and Carolina Gold mustard drizzle.
🍕99 Pape Ave
7. Descendant Detroit Style Pizza
Often referred to as upside-down pizza, Detroit-style pizza is square in shape and is prepared with the sauce on top. Discover quality Detroit-style pizza at this urban, modern pizza place in the city. The Globe and Mail wrote, “Descendant’s toppings, sourced from superb local butchers and salumerie, are quite possibly the best I’ve had.” Gat Daddy at Descendant is made with house-made fennel sausage, red onions, and basil aioli, and the “No Name” pizza is topped with Italian sausage, ricotta dollops, and hot honey. Is your tummy rumbling too?
🍕1168 Queen St. E
8. King Slice
You’ll feel at home in King Slice—a family-oriented restaurant. Founded in 1989, King Slice has become known for their king-sized pizza slices made from their hand-made dough and sauce, and baked in the stone oven. You can create your own slices from anything between four to twenty-four slices. Their own menu includes the King Slice Special with pepperoni, bacon, mushrooms, and more, and pizzas made using a pesto base. You can also choose from their kaiser bun sandwiches and tasty pasta dishes served with house-made focaccia bread.
🍕1598 Bloor St W 🍕1130 Queen St W