Toronto has lots of excellent Italian restaurants with excellent pizza, but I’ve also added some to the list that have American and Canadian sensibilities.
Tried and True:
- Pizzeria Badiali: It’s hard to argue with this one – very few people ever complain about having a bad slice from this well-know New York-style pizzeria. Potential drawback: Long lines, a lot of influencers and tourists, and very little room to eat.
- Slowhand: If you love a thick-but-light sourdough crust, this is the place for you. Detroit-style technically, but you’ll see what I mean when I say it tastes lighter. Potential drawback: Outdoor picnic table seating mostly.
- Descendant Detroit Style Pizza: The pizza here is just as good as some of the best places I’ve visited in Detroit. Potential drawback: If you haven’t tried this style before, you should know that the classic style is very indulgent, with a rich (and a little bit oily) crust.
- North of Brooklyn: A trendy spot designed for most people to pick up a slice, but ordering a giant pie is even more satisfying. A little bit New York, a little bit Toronto. Potential drawback: Limited options and limited seating.
- Piano Piano: Victor Barry closed down Splendido and reopened as Piano Piano mostly because he wanted to make ridiculous pizzas. I loved the original wacky specials like the “Bodega” which featured iceberg lettuce and mayonnaise. Check out their lunch pizza specials. Potential drawback: Now that there are so many locations, and a whole frozen pizza business, the pizzas feel less intentional and special compared to before, but I still really enjoy it.
- Terroni (and the Terroni family of restaurants): Even though they have opened up all over Toronto, I think this business always knocks it out of the park with consistent quality. Potential drawback: Some of the Roman style ones I find a little dry; I prefer their classic Neapolitan style ones.
- Maker Pizza: This is the place you want to order from when you want the satisfying bold flavours of say, Domino’s and Pizza Hut for a games night, but would prefer fresher and better ingredients. Potential drawback: There are not a ton of options, but the options are good.
- Gusto 101 and 501: Provided that they’re not too busy, these are easy, fairly nice places to enjoy a whole Neopolitan-style pizza on King West or King East. Potential drawback: The King West crowd.
- Queen Margherita Pizza: I like them a lot for Neapolitan pizza. Potential drawback: maybe none, but it has been awhile since I last visited.
Honourable Mentions:
- Pizzeria Libretto: It’s a solid, can’t-go-wrong establishment.
- Pizzeria via Mercanti: The Kensington Market location used to be one my favourite restaurants in the area, but is now more of a nostalgic favourite.
- Pizzeria Defina: This one is a neighbourhood favourite with a great mix of flavours that keep it Italian but always a surprise. It has been awhile since I last visited.
- Blondies: A pizzeria designed for the self-aware Millennial, with cute little pepperoni pieces and sesame crusts. The Food Dudes-adjacent chain uses a fermented crust and a really fatty mozzarella. Potential drawback: The pizzas for some reason never stay hot enough.
- General Assembly Pizza: A casual but stylish spot that pairs its quick Italian pizzas with VQA wines. The space really is the biggest sell! Just like Piano Piano however, their whole frozen pizza business has changed the draw of the original location and intentionality.
On My Radar:
- Mac’s Pizza
- Acute Pizzeria
- Revolver Pizza Co.
- Superpoint
- Bar Sugo (have had their pastas, not pizzas)
- Pizza Maru
Last updated: September 2025