Toronto's Best Slice

[Davwud]

Hey

So where can I get the best slice in TO??

DT

[Moimoi]

I'm ashamed to admit that I'm a sucker for the Hawaiian slice at Pizza Nova (with an Orange Crush when I'm feeling really crazy), but my all-time favourite slice was at Massimo's... Not even sure if they're still open. It's been years, but I can still remember it. Would like to try this Brooklyn place. I'm assuming people are staying on track with this one and they do sell by the "slice".

[Googs]

Why be ashamed? Just because its a chain? I've been known to pick-up a slice at Pizza Nova of the potato pizza. So good, but for some reason they're not allowed to sell a whole pizza of it. Too bad. A quick reheat at home with a little rosemary dusted on when it comes out and I'm off o the races.

[C mac]

Best slice, I have to say it's from Pizza Pizza. Now before everyone starts laughing at me, there's a bit of a catch. It's only from ACC or Rogers Centre. I can't stand Pizza Pizza. For some weird reason, the slices at Acc and Rogers Centre are amazing. It's not even the same pizza as the rest of the chains in the city. The thing, is Im not the only one that feels this way. I have two friends who both hate pizza pizza as much as me, and both looove the slices at Rogers Centre and ACC.

As for whole Pizza, I have two:

Paisano's in North York http://paisanos.ca/photogallery.html

and the crazy exspensive Dante's...lol. Attatched is a pic of what I usually get which is pepperoni and steak.

[kwass]

Paisano's used to be in Bayview Village. I loved that place as a kid, but haven't been in years.

[C mac]

You got it! I used to live right across the street from bayview village, so I used to stop in there like 2 or 3 times a week...lol. It's a new owner now and you can't the slices sitting under the red lights anymore but the pizza is still pretty good. I moved out of that neck of the woods about two years ago so I miss it big time :(

[kwass]

The pizza slices under the red lights, were the best slices EVER!!

[C mac]

I know...I remember when I heard they closing it practically brought a tear to my eye.

[kwass]

I didn't even know that they were closing until I went to Bayview Village one day and noticed that they weren't there. And then, it was only by accident that I found out that they had re-opened someplace else. My mom was going out for dinner with friends and when I asked her where she was going, she said Paisano's, which was nice to hear, because I just assumed that when they left Bayview Village, they had closed down for good.

[W4W Toronto]

Stay away from Pizzaiolo on 3 Rees Street. They screw up your order, and the delivery guy is the same guy taking your order on the phone, I assume it is because English is not his first language, but the little guy gets really belligerent when he gets to your house with the wrong pizza order! Happened twice!

[abigllama]

Anyone try North of Brooklyn? I apparently just opened and serving New York style slices. Looking forward to this. There's someone from Libretto involved as well as a New York investor.

http://northofbrooklyn.com/

[kwass]

I am DYING to try this place. But I don't think they're open yet. Soon...but not yet.

[justsayn]

It is open now.

[kwass]

It is? When did it open? I've been waiting to hear something.

[justsayn]

I think Aug 3rd

Closed Mondays

[kwass]

Wow!! Thanks so much for letting us know! Weird though that they're closed on Mondays. Pizza places are usually open 7 days/week.

[food face]

My new favorite slice is without a doubt the pies coming out of Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws. For under $3, any gourmet slice is massive and suprisingly incredible quality. Toppings include: fresh basil leaves, prosciutto, salami, non slimy mushrooms. The crust is thin but not stupid Toronto cracker thin. They also don't skimp on the cheese. There is a perfect amount of fresh mozzerella. They are sellling them quite fast so so the slices are always fresh. You can tell by the softness of the cheese. The air hasn't hardened it and it still lookes white rather than brownish yellow if that makes sense? I would go so far as saying it's some of the best pizza in Toronto.

[Charles Yu]

I am surprise no one mention ' Ciao Roma' in Woodbridge??! ( www.crpizza.ca

)

They serve authentic Roman style pizza ( Pizza al Taglio ) which is light, fluffy and crunchy. Some very interesting and tasty topping combo like Anchovies, Arugola and sundried tomatos or Bacon, onion and cream! They cook their pizza to around 80% and finish it off when order is placed. As such, the crust is always crispy.

Price is by weight. 6 square slices typically comes to around $11

[Davwud]

Fluffy?? That's odd. Any Roman pizza I've had has been cracker thin. Crunchy though.

DT

[Charles Yu]

How about ' not densely packed or airy?? '

[Davwud]

No, what I've had was like a cracker. Interesting.

DT

[TorontoTips]

You'll find multiple styles in Rome - the wood oven style doesn't have time to cook a heavy, yeasty dough so those spots serve a thinner crust, but typically not the ultra-thin crunchy cracker type that's trendy in Cali and T.O.

Normally it's thin, and has a crunch since it's beautifully charred and well-done, but with a nice elastic, airy rim that gives a nice bready chew and yeasty flavour... but in Rome, loads of bakeries that do breads etc. often do the large, square sheet pizzas that they sell by weight or by the slice.

Although the square style is more traditional to Sicily than up in the Lazio region, both regions do it both ways :-)

[Davwud]

Interesting.

I've had a wood oven cracker thin crust, round pizza cut into squares. Called Roman style. Not here either but in Dayton, Oh.

DT

[ghostdogg]

You couldn't pay me to buy a slice of pizza made by the cigar-smoking slob who runs that filthy, revolting joint called Bravo on Millwood.

[TorontoTips]

Interesting indeed :-)

For example, here's a slideshow with photo noting that folks in Rome love to buy thick, square slices, by weight:

http://travel.usnews.com/gallery/Worlds_Best_Pizza/

And one Rome-based blogger's take on 'the best' pizza in Rome::

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011...

Note that there's none of that crust-less crackery pizza that's popular here, but instead a couple of well-done wood-oven pizzas of the chewy-crusted margherita type that we'd probably call Napoletana, plus a couple of sweet pizzas, and of course Pizzarium by Gabriele Bonci, Rome's king of pizza, whose product looks a lot like the place recommended above.

Cheers,
.James..

[Yongeman]

TT, have you tried the pizza by the slice at Falasca SPQR on Yonge just south of Eglinton? It's Roman style pizza cut in squares and sold by weight. Check out the pics in this link: http://www.toronto.com/article/704049 . I'll warn you that they sell pizza this way only at lunch.

[meanmartin]

I used to live in Rome where they sell pizza by weight (potato pizza was the best deal for us poor students). I had no idea that existed here. Thanks for posting!

[Googs]

I've eaten my fair share of slices in Rome. There are multiple styles, not just one. Essentially, focusing on form is a distraction. It's about the ingredients and how to use them well. Start with fresh water not from your tap and work from there. Here's as good a tutorial on variations as I've seen.
http://slice.seriouseats.com/archives...

[TorontoTips]

Some Danforth Pizza House Pizza :-)

[ManAbout]

Sorry, that does not look appetizing at all. Way too cheesy, not to mention overdone.

[TorontoTips]

Yes, these were both extra cheese, but they're absolutely not overdone.
If you ask anyone in the pizza biz (I was for years) here in T.O. or visit the pizza meccas of NYC, New Haven, etc. (I have) and all will tell you that that's the primary fault of generic T.O. pizza beyond lazy restauranteurs, be it gourmet or old-school... not enough heat and/or time to create great caramelized flavours.
I've always been baffled why Pizza-Pizza is #1 in Ontario, and people love "crispy fries" but I guess some folks just do. (shrug)

[biggreenmatt]

I'm a gigantic fan of Danforth Pizza and the acres and acres of burnt cheese they pile on their pizzas.

Best old-school medium-crust pie in town.

[Beauvoir]

For the last six weeks or so I have been going to The Big Slice once a week and while the pizza is pretty good I have to say that the service is horrible.

Practically everytime has gone down like this:
-sit at a table and make eye contact with at least one of the four people standing behind the bar.
-wait five minutes for any of them to come to the table to offer the menu and take drink orders.
-wait five minutes for the drink order to arrive. Which is WATER.
-meal done, empty plates & glasses on the table...have to approach a staff member to get the bill.
-wait at least five minutes for them to collect the bill.
-wait at least another five mintes for any sort of change to come back.

Tonight was their last chance with me and I will not be going there ever again. When the waiter brought the drinks tonight I said "five minutes is kinda long to wait for a glass of water y'know?" and he gave us total attitude for the rest of the visit.
I was planning on having a whole meal there and decided to just go with a couple of slices so we could get out of there while the sun was still up.

When there is practiaclly no one in the place and we can see 4 people standing around talking and laughing I don't undertsand why it takes 5 minutes to bring the drinks.

And this is all when there are only 2 other tables being used in the restaurant!

[TorontoTips]

Hey kids!
I used to live in the Leaside area, and Bravo or Big Man were probably the best local joints, Magic Pan was shockingly bad, especially the crust, and none would be in the running for the 'best in the city', in my opinion.

I've tried virtually everyone mentioned above, except Columbo's, I remember great San Francesco slices downtown way back in the day, but I would say that for me, Massimo's, Bitondo's, Abruzzo, and Vesuvio's make the best pizza SLICES.

True that Bitondo's and Massimo's are inconsistent and only good if you insist they reheat the slices "Well-Done" as they sometimes serve them lukewarm and under-cooked when rushing to satisfy all the hungry hoardes. :-)

Re: toppings, mushrooms, etc. - for me it goes without saying that slices should be cheese or pepperoni or both, ONLY :-), and honestly, Abruzzo on Yonge in RH is as good as any of them.

HOWEVER, personally I think you can almost pass on them all and just go to Danforth Pizza House instead, order a pizza to take out, freeze the remaining slices, and it would still probably be the best of the bunch :-)

[Googs]

The Big Slice has table service?!?!?!? I've always ordered at the counter and then sat down.

[Pincus]

The Big Slice near Dufferin on St. Clair has table service.

[Beauvoir]

This is the location I was talking about although based on my experiences there for the past few weeks...what they consider table service I consider complete lack of customer service!
(And I'm not one of those "the customer is always right" guys..)

[Snarf]

Anyone remember Pizzabilities?

[urbandreamer]

telepizza at college and ossington--minimalistic pizza (aka thin crust, good sauce)--impressed me.

I also had an interesting sweet onion kosher pizza on bathurst--name escapes me, it's just south of the chicken nest.

[Luvtooeat]

Great slice value at Bravo Pizza in Leaside
you might run into Burke or Carlyle

[Googs]

What's their slogan? "Bravo. Pizza for people practicing their golf swing." This is the nice version.

Celebrity endorsement aside, is the pizza any good?

[Yongeman]

Is Bravo the one in the little plaza on Millwood? I tried it once and thought it was pretty good.

[Luvtooeat]

Yes it is on millwood
Light crust, quality toppings

[Luvtooeat]

Pizza good and yes leafs suck even though I'm a die hard TML fan they are starting to try my loyalty (44 years and no cup)

[Googs]

I'll take my revenge by eating their pizza while watching the Canucks. If the pizza's bad, I'll eat it while watching the Sens. That way I get my suffering done in one shot.

Thanks for the tip. Trying Bravo this week.

[Luvtooeat]

Keep in mind its take out only
Enjoy

[Googs]

Well there's another playoff dream shot down. No dine in, no delivery, just take-out?

[Luvtooeat]

C'est La Vie

ps they do delivery

416 425-2500

[Googs]

Oh, their website doesn't mention anything about delivery. Thanks luvtoeat. I'll give Bravo a try.

[Davwud]

Tried to grab a slice at lunch on Wednesday and they didn't open at their specified time. Supposed to open at 11:30 and at 11:45 inside not a creature was stirring.

DT

[Googs]

That only makes me more determined.

[Davwud]

For ever action there's a equal and opposite reaction. I'm even more less determined.

DT

[Googs]

Less determined it is! In my hunt for the best local delivery pizza. I gave Bravo a call. They won't drive east of Leslie. Good for you.

Crestfallen, I finally managed to convince Beau to give Venice Pizza, a little hole in the wall at St Clair & O'Connor a try. I won't have to convince him next time. Hallelujah, we've found our pizza. He LOVED it.

Admittedly, I knew the quality had dipped a little some time ago, but I'm happy to report it's right back up again. This isn't gourmet pizza in the way that people think of it these days. There's no wood burning oven, no ultra-expensive and precious toppings. Just a decent neighbourhood pie made by a guy who's been doing it for about 28 years.

[Davwud]

The older I get the more I think that those "Workhorse" type foods are the best kind. The gourmet stuff is nice once in a while but the guy toiling away, cranking out delicious, non pretentious pies (or whatever kind of food) are so special.

DT

[TorontoTips]

Indeed!

[Googs]

Venice got a hat trick. Three pizzas, all winners. For that kind of consistency, we'll be sticking with them for so long as we live in their delivery range. Here's their menu as posted on Just-Eat, BUT save your dough and call the restaurant directly.
http://www.just-eat.ca/restaurants-ve...

[Davwud]

Thanks for the tip

Any idea when they open and how their slices stack up against a whole pie??

DT

[Googs]

I realize I'm in the wrong post. I've never had just a slice from them. In fact, you'd have to call to ask if they do that. The storefront's almost on a residential side street so I don't know what kind of walk-up they do.

Venice Pizza 416-751-6666
Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 4pm-10pm

[Davwud]

Just called.

They do sell slices.

DT

[Luvtooeat]

They are open pretty late which explains the some times later opening
Probably best to call before going

Cest la vie refers to Googs comment "no dine in"
Translation " that's life "

[kwass]

Do I feel stupid!!

[Luvtooeat]

No worries we all have those brain cramp moments
I just hope after all the trouble of trying to get a slice that you are not disappointed

[kwass]

Where is C'est La Vie?

[Cup cake]

For an "Old School" slice, I say Bitondos. Your basic cheese and pepperoni. It can be better some days than others. The cheese panzarotti is also delish with a side of the tomato sauce (basically feeds two people). Also order the spiced olives and a Lemonata and life is good. I wouldn't travel across the city for it but if you are in the 'hood (Clinton, south of College), it is the best. Pizza to order are pretty good too if you have time to wait for it.

[ruminant]

I was looking forward to trying the slices at Bitondo's but had a dreadful first-time experience recently - unfriendly service, cold slices pushed at us with no offer to reheat them. Maybe this was an off night, but I won't be back.

[Yongeman]

I've really only had slices from Bitondo's a couple of time, but they were both hot and good. Try it again. My problem is that I usually opt for either of the sandwich choices across the street (San Francesco or Caplansky's).

[ruminant]

Thanks! Maybe I will. I am curious about San Francesco (have been to Caplansky's a couple of times).

[mrbozo]

I liked the slices at San Francesco, across the road from Bitondo (who indeed were very good back when - their panzerotto deep-fried in olive oil was to die for for [eventually]). Large, thin crust, tangy tasty sauce, a modicum of cheese and a few rounds of pepperoni. Tasty.

[kingkolo]

GIGI'S support these guys! They are independent and their pie is top notch. Try the eggplant, artichoke and feta...it's awesome! Also a more traditional...sausage, mushroom and garlic is great as well.

[timdim]

I tried Bitondos for the first time last night. It was actually not very good at all. Too bad olympic 76 dont do slices. one of the best pizzas in the city

[Yongeman]

Hey timdim, where is Olympic 76? What do you like there?

[timdim]

It is on Gloucester just east of yonge (Gloucester is north of Wellsley, South of Bloor). I like a basic Pizza, peperoni, mushrooms and onions. Its cheep, nice patio and the crust is not thin and not to thick. Everything tastes fresh. Try it. I have been going ther for 18 yrs (used to be across the street). It is very old school but very good. I have had the pastas too and although not bad, the pizza is the real draw.

[Yongeman]

Thanks, but I've been on a hunt for thinner, rather than thicker crusts lately.

[magic]

Their 'za is pretty nice, I agree. It's been there forever. Years and years to little fanfare, but locals know it. Nice calzones too. But yeah, the pizza is best there.

[Googs]

Does anyone know if Olympic 76 Pizza has a website? I can't find one. I'd like to give them a whirl.

[magic]

No idea, wouldn't be suprised if they were without a website, it doesn't seem like a "websitey" place. But who knows: )

[timdim]

i agree, not really a websitey place. they still give you a hand written bill. Give it a shot and stick to the basics. You'll like it.

[fickle]

They don't have a website. The menu is very basic, the room is straight out of the 70s and your pizza is delivered on the classic pizza stand. I love it there. It's pure comfort food.

[Googs]

Oh wow the pizza stand. I am so there.

[timdim]

Googs, they also put shelf stable parmesean and hot chili flakes in shakers on the table.

[Googs]

I know. I went this week with a girlfriend. Love the Olympic 76 pizza. Very old-fashioned about everything they do.

[embee]

OK Colombo's fans: what have I missed? Boy was I disappointed. Nice people and it was a fun place to kibbitz. The pie was very big for the price. The sauce was better than the Toronto norm. The crust was bready and not crispy (fresh out of the oven) and had a processed taste despite being obviously fresh. The copious cheese had little flavour. I might drop in for a slice if a craving struck while in the area, but hardly worth a journey or a longish wait for delivery.

[KEYLIMESODA]

Bitondos gets my vote.

[Pincus]

They used to have a much better crust and it was one of my go to places. Then they replaced it with something less great and I have stopped going there.

[GGS]

No one's mentioned it but when we lived in the area we used to go to King Slice just west of Dundas on Bloor. I think it's the fennel in the sauce that I liked. The arrabiatta or margherita (sp?) slice.

[voracious]

In the east end, Bona Pizza and Top Notch are both very good.

[bluedog]

I can't believe I never brought this up before, I think that one of the best pizzas on the Danforth is at the Danforth Pizza House between Jones and Donlands. It's run by this very old guy from Napoli who's been doing nothing but at the same location for 30 years. Isn't perfect, and selection is limited, but what they do, they do very well. Always our choice for takeout.

[TOfoodie]

Magic Oven is the best pizza around...other than my home made of course....

[sweetspotlee]

Embee's reference to Magic Oven as "food in the form of a pizza" is bang on the money. And in my opinion, this is not such a good thing. If I want Thai Chicken, I'll order Thai food, not pizza... Also, years ago when I tried it (more than once to give them a chance) I was sure they were using pre-baked crusts (i.e. Loblaws Splendidos, or what have you). I think that's terrible and even if they are not doing that, I find their food in the form of pizza to be far from magic. If you are making homemade, are you using a Splendido-like crust that's pre-baked? I'd like to know. Because if so, it would make sense that you love M.O. and thus, perhaps my theory about their crust would be all the more plausible.

[Jar]

Prebaked pizza crusts sure do exist as taking a short cut in the Weston rd. Finch to Steeles area, I saw a large industrial space devoted to such pizza crusts. So what we have is a factory that churns out the pizza crusts that to begin with the larger retailers want, and paying a little more or less, those retailers sell pizza dough in varying degrees of poorness! Anyone very good friends with a Pizza Shop owner, if you can get him making a small batch of dough, and you can line a few friends so a he will sell you all lots of pizza doughs, have him add lots of black pepper into the dough he is making, lots of black pepper!!! So Tasty!!!

[bestandworst]

It is on Clinton St south of college. If driving, enter Clinton from Dundas and drive N up the one way St. It will "end", so you need to jog left to re-find Clinton and continue N. With 2 or 3 tables, it is mostly take out. Go during normal peak hours. Best is their standard plain cheese BTW.

[hungryabbey]

mm good advice, thanks!!

[ognir]

Gotta check that out. Thanks. There's a few interesting looking places down in there.

[bestandworst]

Uh oh, the pressures on! I really hope you like John's if you return. I re-read your post and have to say that yes it is a bit pricy for the weight/size, but the quality is so excellent and if you go at a busy time, it should not be dry nor bland.

As far as Bitondo goes, it is fried and not healthy, but it is so tasty and perfect!

[bestandworst]

I agree with most of these postings (I've eaten a lot of pizza over the years) The one place I dont agree with is Massimo on College - it is so inconsistent. I went last night for the margherita and literally threw it away and proceeded to Johns Classic. It was so bland and watery and the crust really did seem like cardboard - no exaggeration, it was tough. I have had good slices at Massimo, but it has always been inconsistent and I have decided to not risk it ever again. If you grab a slice once in a while...dont risk it at Massimo. Grab a fried panzerotto at Bitondo!!!! mmmmmmmmm And John's Classic has amazing pesto pizza.

[hungryabbey]

where is bitondo? Do they have eat in restaurant or is it just take out?

[smr714]

Bitondo's is right across the street from the Monarch. Take a friend, Grab a calzone, and hit the second floor of the tavern and grab a beer and a smoked meet sandwich and share.

[jennjen18]

Where is Johns Classic?

[bestandworst]

Johns Classic is on the south side of College St, east of Clinton. In the heart of Little Italy.

[Davwud]

First off, thanks for all the suggestions.
I went to Madanto today. I probably should've gone with the margherita slice but instead I opted for the one with pepperoni only. It was very good. I was quite impressed with the selection they have. Not sure where I'll try next.

DT

[ognir]

Okay, I know this isn't a slice, and this is may sound weird, but for a whole pizza, one of the best in the city that I've had is at Brass Taps Pizza Pub at College and Dovercourt. This is my local pub and I was amazed as anyone to discover this hole in the wall has amazing pizza. I've taken many, many of people there and everyone has shared my amazement. Try the "Vendetta" (#21).

As for a slice, I like Mamma's.

[hungryabbey]

Are all the brass taps the same in quality? Theres one on the Danforth that Ive always been curious about but am unsure of the quality. Anyone been to this one?

[xtal]

I went to the Brass Taps on the Danforth last winter for a pint and a pizza, and it was very good. I can't remember exactly what I had though. They used to have a special on Wednesday nights that offered half-price pizzas with the purchase of a beverage. Not bad at all.

[hungryabbey]

hm good to hear. Yah, they always seem to have some kind of special, like 1/2 off nachos, or pizza or burgers. I should try it out, I do walk by literally every single day.

[ognir]

They used to all be owned by the same guy, but he sold them off a few years ago, so I can't speake to the quality of the other BTs. The one at College & Dovercourt is owned by the (in)famous Dave & Dave from Newfoundland. Good times!

[torontoeh]

Bitondo's = Calazones.

[sweetspotlee]

Yes, this is indicative of Bitondo's - basically it's good for that style of pizza. Also, I have never had their pepperoni - I stick with the basic cheese and sometimes mushrooms (I kinda like canned for the fact that you can't get them on pizza much these days!). Anyway, Bitondo's is good dumpy pizza. And they are really best for their calzones I think.

If you want what I think is the BEST pizza, you should go for Colombo's at Danforth/Coxwell. Be sure to order the pizza, rather than a slice (which at Colombo's is a little round mini pizza). I think you will prefer this over Bitondo's. I know I do.

The thing that I would also like to say is that the suggestions I made are all in their own right good... on the premise that there are different kinds/genres of pizza out there. John's was not on my list, but should have been. I forgot about it.

[mickeyj]

Thanks for the tip on Colombo's -- I'll definitely give it a try.

[mickeyj]

So, I tried BITONDO'S today, on the strength of sweetspotlee's recommendation, above. Here's my report: the crust is a la Massimo's -- crispy around the very edges, but not thin. I ordered it with mushrooms and pepperoni. The pepperoni was okay, not great.

My story is in the mushrooms. I saw the pizza come out of the oven. And then I saw it sit there for a couple minutes. Then the pizza maker guy went and spoke to the guy who takes the orders. Then they looked at the receipt/bill hanging before the pizza maker; then they talked some more. Then the pizza maker futzed with the pizza, cut it, threw it in the box, and put in under the heat. Then the guy who takes the order told me that I only paid for 1 topping but got 2. So I gave him another buck.

Took the pizza home. The mushrooms:
a) were canned. As in slimy;
b) on top of the baked pizza. They obviously forgot to put them on the pizza, then added them on after the pizza was cooked; and
c) made the cheese wet.

The pizza was $8.95 for a 12" pizza. Cheap.

It was fine, but I think I'll stick to John's Classic on College, just around the corner from Bitondos.

[Aardvark]

I used to love Camarra's. I haven't had it in a long time. I used to order it for delivery but found it was even better in the restaurant.

[ggom1]

I've been to John's on Baldwin a couple times in the past several years and don't like it much - I'm only there when friends want to go. They stopped selling individual slices a while ago, and even when they did have them the quality didn't seem as good as the College St. location.

[fifthglen]

Just for my 2 cents worth, when I need a pizza slice in Toronto, I head for Big Slice at Yonge/Garrard. I am also a big fan of their sandwiches. The atmosphere may leave some to be desired, but for the price you won't be left hungry!

[indianchik]

ok.. BY FAR, the BEST pizza EVER is Camarra Pizzeria Ristorante. 2899 Dufferin Street, North York, ON M6B 3S7 .. 416 789-3221.. i think they are a bit expensive but AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING pizza.

[mickeyj]

I second traceym's post about John's Classic. There is a second John's on Baldwin which will deliver.

[embee]

Anyone been to the John's on Baldwin lately? I was a regular there in the early nineties and their pesto slice was extraordinary. Then, somewhere along the way, it deteriorated and I haven't been back in many years.

[xtal]

I learned a while ago that John's on Baldwin is a great place to split a bottle of wine with someone, but a poor choice when it comes to food.

[DDD]

I was at John's Italian cafe about 6 months ago, it was quite good, but not like the good old days (probably has to do more with the clientelle)

[The Chowhound Team]

Folks, please note that discussions about cookbooks are off topic on our regional boards. If you're looking for the tangent about Peter Reinhart's "American Pie," it's been relocated to our Home Cooking board, here:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...

[traceym]

I think the best pizza by the slice is at John's Classic Pizza at 591 College (across from Cafe Diplomatico). Deliciously thin and crispy and nice flavour of olive oil on the crust, not at all saucy. The pesto is my favourite. Pizza though is personal taste thing, I love pizza but I could never eat Pizza Pizza even if I was starving. Do give John's a try, I've quite tasted anything like it before or since.

Another favourite of mine is the Quattro Stagioni at Regina Trattoria 782 College but it is only available by the whole pie and eat-in.

[ognir]

While I respect your opinion, I feel I have to be the voice of opposition here. John's Classic is mediocre in my opinion. Overpriced and bland.

[spigot]

Not to pile on traceym, but ITA - I never got the hype about John's. I've been there two or three times over the years (never my choice) and always found it dry and salty.

[bestandworst]

Had a slice at Johns Classic last night. The pesto slice. I have to say I still love it! If you were with me you would never have called it dry for sure. Salty? I doubt it because I dislike salty food. I cannot vouch for the tomato based slices there because everytime I go I have to have the pesto because I love it so much! Try the Pesto!!

[ognir]

I will give it another try on your recommendation.

[sweetspotlee]

Massimo's is on the north side of College St. just west of Spadina. I forget the exact cross street, but it's right on the corner. Be sure to get the Margherita slice.

[jennjen18]

Okay, someone's gotta tell me where Massimo's is, you guys are making me go there tomorrow, even!!!

My best slice for some reason is the Pizza Pizza at York University. The ladies there have their own way of making it, and its just different from all the other Pizza Pizzas outside of campus. Its more expensive too. Hmm...

[pancake]

Classico (yonge/eglington) (jane/bloor)

yummiest pizza. Thin crust with cornmeal dusting. Alot of variety with toppings. Highly recommended. You won't be disappointed.

[Fredster]

In my opinion:

Best independent slice: ex-aequo Massimo's and Papa Ceo's
Best chain slice: Pizzaiolo
Best independent whole pizzas: La Lucciola (Eglinton/Dufferin), Vesuvio (Dundas West), Bravo Pizza( 901 Millwood Rd in East York), New York Pizza (Danforth), Regina Pizzeria on College (more a dining out place)

Best chain whole pizza: Mamma's

[sleepy]

thanks for your comments. i live about 5mins away from Bravo Pizza in East York and haven't even heard of them. so tonight i gave it a try and it is one of the best pizza's ive had in a while. simple style but made just right.

[bobbieMac]

sadly New York Pizza on the Danforth is now closed. It was one of the better slices in the East End...many a lunch was had there.

[acd123]

I agree. La Lucciola (Eglinton/Bathurst) is one of the best pizzas in town.

[shpeizmaven]

they're now out of business

[bogie]

My $0.02:

Best franchise slice: Mamma's
Best franchise whole pie delivery & value: Pizza Nova
Best small chain pizza: Terroni
Best independant slice: Massimo's
Best independant whole pie: Pizza Gigi on Harbord

Special mention: Via Allegro restaurant has, without a doubt, the most authentic Pizza Margherita I have had in TO. It uses freshest tomatoes and buffalo milk mozza on a thin crust, which is baked in a true wood-burning oven and then topped with fresh basil. This is a very expensive restaurant, but pizza is $17 if I remember correctly.

[DDD]

I agree that Gigi is better than Cora (even though Cora's slices are huge). I also vote for Massimo's, although a couple of times, they were too salty. Also the guys at Tyme 4 at Queensway/Islington make quite a decent pie, again I've had a couple of times when it was so so, but 8 times out of ten they're very good.

[cord]

OK - just realized there is a Mamma's pizza in the beaches where I live, so I am going to have to try very soon. I'm sure I had a slice of theirs many years ago at the CNE, but time for a more critical visit!

[phoenikia]

I used to frequent Amato, esp. the one that at Yonge and Eg over the past few years, but it just doesn't taste as good (to me, anyhow) as I remember it tasting at the Queen and Bathurst location about 10 years ago.

In the last year, I finally realized that I prefer Mamma's slices to Amatos...I kept returning to Amatos because of all the choices, but I often was getting stuck with a dried out piece of pizza that tasted like it had been sitting there a long time. Although there are less choices at Mamma's, I've enjoyed any of the slices I have ordered, esp the slices at Mamma's Yonge north of Lawrence location.

I've had a couple disappointing slices at Mamma's Bayview & Eg strip plaza location.

[sweetspotlee]

Guys, you're right - Mamma's is the best chain pizza slice, not Nova. I'd just forgotten that Mamma's is popping up everywhere and is considered a chain now. And yes, I agree, it's their basic cheese slice that is their best.

As for the Amato (now Madanto) at Yonge/Eg, it has not been there for 10 years. In fact, I think Amato has only existed for about 3 years or less. Is phoenikia thinking of another establishment at Yonge/Eg?

Embee: there is no New York pizza in Toronto to my knowledge. I'm interested to hear if someone knows otherwise. Oddly enough, when I'm in NY, I never have good pizza - I find it soggy and the sauce too sweet. I will try these places you suggest tho. Also I was recently told about some incredible pizza at the base of one of the bridges in Manhattan (I think it was the Brooklyn Bridge) - do you know the place I mean? I can't remember the name.

[phoenikia]

I didn't intend to suggest Amato had been operating at Yonge and Eg for 10 years- you're correct that an Amatos was only operating at Yonge and Eg for around 3 years.... I wasn't thinking of another establishment in the Yonge and Eg area ;)
I was just comparing my recent mediocre slices in the past few years (which have mostly been coming from the Yonge and Eg location) to the memory of great slices from Queen and Bathurst in 1998.

[embee]

It has been years, so I can't vouch for how anything is today. I don't know about the one near the bridge. Totonno's is in Coney Island, I believe on Mermaid Av -- possibly on Neptune -- in what was a dreadful neighbourhood. The had the most amazing cheese. They would be open for a few hours, then run out of food and close at some random time. There is a Totonnos in Manhattan, but I don't believe it is the same.

Pepe's and Sally's are in New Haven. I haven't looked at the New England board, but I suspect you'll find much discussion about New Haven "apizz".

[aser]

Terroni is pretty decent, but honestly, there is no good pizza in Toronto if your tastebuds have experienced the best in NY. Sad but true.

My personal top 5 are...

1) Difara's - Dom is a legend
2) Totonno's - Coney Island only, the one in Manhattan does not have a coal oven.
3) Patsy's - E Harlem
4) Grimaldi's - BK
5) Lombardi's - the originator, but has become somewhat of a tourist trap.

Beware of a long wait at Difara's, everything is made to order. This means toppings are cut, cheese freshly grated, herbs freshly chopped. So tasty, the square pie is devine, DO NOT overload it w/ toppings.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aser/210736018/

http://www.sliceny.com/archives/2004/...

[Pizza Lover]

The pizzeria by the Brooklyn Bridge is Grimaldi's.

As previous posters have mentioned the quality of a good slice can best be measured in a plain cheese & sauce slice.
Kosher pizza places make an above average slice - as the kosher cheese used lends different characteristics to the slice. My top two favorites are My Zaidy's Pizza on Clark Ave in Thornhill (Sobey's Plaza) and Tov Li (bathurst south of steeles). Ask for well done and you'll think you've reached Pizza Nirvana.

[embee]

I have lived in New York City and in New Haven Conn, where places like Totonno's and Frank Pepe's and Sally's set a standard I've never encountered in Toronto. (No idea if these places are still good, but they were awesome when I was growing up.)

Real pizza, to my understanding, is more of a tomato topped thick foccacia--no cheese, much less any other toppings. I don't much like it, but I find that loading any pizza with a huge pile of stuff makes it something other than a pizza. I agree with the comment about trying it plain (sauce and cheese).

I think Mamma's is the best of the chains. Try their plain cheese pizza.

I admit to having had some good slices at Amato but, having learned about their documented business practices, I won't go near one any more.

I've been to Massimo's many times over many years. Some Margherita slices I've had there were as good as pizza gets; other times, the slices were blah.

I don't find Camarra's particularly special and have run into some attitude issues there.

I've never liked Cora's

I'll need to give more thought to the other independents. For "food in the form of a pizza", Magic Oven can be very nice. Some of the Thai-flavoured roast chicken pies are delicious (though not truly pizza). They have some weird crusts and toppings, but careful choices can be rewarding.

I'm embarassed to admit this, but I've had some pretty decent pizza (whole only-not the premade slices) from a few PizzaPizza locations. I'm not mentioning specific locations because, for all their attempts at standardization, it still comes down to the person making each individual pie. (The bad ones far outnumber the good ones.)

[Yongeman]

Imho:
Best chain: Mamma's

Best slices: Massimo's Margherita slice

Cora's Garlic slice

I haven't tried all of the above spots. That's just my observation from what I've had.

[hungryabbey]

I personally love the magic oven. Its the most fresh and healthy tasting pizza ever. You dont feel gross afterwards and you get to pick from a tonne of great exotic toppings!

[sweetspotlee]

Here is the lowdown on pizza, from a seriously obsessed fan of it:

First, Pizza Nova - arguably the best quality and taste of the chains. But by no means the best pizza around. Also, as is the case for most places, the Pizza Nova slices are slightly inferior to their whole pizzas.

Now to your point about Amato. First off, the one at Yonge/Eg is no longer an Amato franchise - it's now called Madanto (they have a website if you want to see). There was some discussion on the board this week about why they splintered off from Amato (basically because Amato head office was involved with shady business practices, not paying their workers, etc...)

Anyway, here's the best-to-worst order of the three places that are VERY similar:

1) Pizzaiolo
2) Madanto
3) Amato

Truly great slices around Toronto:

Bitondo's (also outstanding calzone)
Massimo's (best is Margherita)
Big Slice (Gerrard and Yonge only, avoid St. Clair/Dufferin place with same name)
Cora Pizza (slice only, not whole pizza)
Louie's Classico (for those who like cornmeal crust)
Colombo's (also great calzone, tied with Bitondo's)
Mamma's Pizza (not outstanding, but above average for sure)

And if you're interested in whole pizza, not just slices, my faves are:

Colombo's Pizza (Danforth) - I think they are of the best in the city
Bitondo's (Clinton St.) - very close call between here and Colombo's
Oakwood Pizza
Marcello's
Dante's (somewhat overrated and expensive, but still very good)

A lot of people like Camarra's but I think it's overrated. It is very good when you're in the mood, but basically, it's comparable to Pizza Hut (greasy crust with a bit of cornmeal), but at an even higher price.

I'd also like to add a very important thing:

When you are dealing with quality pizza, whole or sliced, try it with just sauce and cheese - so many people put all kinds of toppings on it, and they forget just how good pizza is plain. As a pizza freak, the way I judge quality is on this basis mostly - how good does someone's pie taste just plain? Try it and see for yourself!

[cord]

ha - I totally forgot about Cora from my University days, how could I! Thanks for the detailed information. I am definitely going to try Pizzaiolo, as well as the ones you have rated as the best!

[cord]

Funnily enough, I had an amazing slice on Wednesday at the CNE. In the food building at Pizza Nova - extremely fresh, stringy cheese, great crust - really yummy considering it was the food building.
Anyway, I am still partial to Amato. I know that some locations are not as good as others - I have had good slices from the one at Yonge/Eg and also Queen West. I have not tried Pizzaiolo yet, so if anyone can give opinion on how it fares compared to Amato or other slice places, I'd be interested!

[ONstilts]

Does anyone remember the name of a place that has a hand crafted clay oven made in Italy and brought over here to Canada? I believe it is on, or around the Queen West area. It was in a recent restaurant spotlight in Eye Weekly.

[Yongeman]

Do you mean Pizzeria Libretto? Here's a link for recent comments: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/552830

[ONstilts]

That's the one! Thanks.

[W4W Toronto]

Love Libretto pizza! Hate the line ups and general crowdedness of the place.