Toronto's Best Slice

[Davwud]

Hey

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

DT

[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.

[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!

[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!

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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

[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.

[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...

[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.

[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.

[The Chowhound Team]

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[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)

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[torontoeh]

Bitondo's = Calazones.

[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!

[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

[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.

[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!

[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!!!

[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.

[voracious]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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).

[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.