Popular Pizza Spots

Based on recent awards, critical acclaim, and popular opinion, here's a curated list of highly-regarded pizzerias across Ontario.

Popular Pizza Spots

Please note that "best" can mean different things (Neapolitan, New York style, Detroit style, classic Canadian, etc.), so this list includes a variety. Many of these are concentrated in larger urban areas like Toronto, Hamilton, and Windsor, which are known for their vibrant food scenes.

Award Winners & Highly Acclaimed:

  1. Son of a Peach Pizzeria (Burlington): Recent winner of national pizza competitions (RC Show, Canadian Pizza Summit) and will represent Canada at the 2026 International Pizza Challenge. Known for traditional and creative pies.
  2. Cowabunga Pizzeria (Hamilton): Won "best slice of cheese pizza" at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas. Famous for its sourdough starter dough.
  3. Armando's (Amherstburg/Leamington): Owner Dean Litster (Professor Zaaa) has won numerous awards, including Canadian Pizza Summit Champion and Chef of the Year by Canadian Pizza magazine, and is a candidate for "Best Pizza in the World" by The Best Chef awards.
  4. Pizzeria Libretto (Toronto - multiple locations): Widely celebrated for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas with VPN Certification.
  5. Pizzeria Badiali (Toronto): Known for classic New York-style pizza with carefully sourced, house-made ingredients.
  6. Pizza Nova (Southern Ontario - multiple locations): A large chain that consistently wins the "Best Pizza" in Toronto Star Readers' Choice Awards for the GTA, indicating widespread popularity and consistent quality.

Other Highly Rated & Popular Spots (by style/region where applicable):

Neapolitan/Wood-Fired:

  1. Pizzeria Via Mercanti (Toronto): Known for quality and passion for good food.
  2. Pizzeria Defina (Toronto): Spot for creative wood-fired pies.
  3. Annette Food Market (Toronto): Authentic Neapolitan pies cooked in a wood oven.
  4. Pizza e Pazzi (Toronto): Specializes in authentic Neapolitan pizza.
  5. Viva Napoli (Toronto): Authentic Neapolitan pizza, multiple award winner.
  6. Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante (Niagara Falls): Family-owned, individual-sized wood-fired pizzas, a local favourite for 40 years.
  7. Nodo (Toronto): Offers classic and creative Neapolitan pizzas with a focus on fresh ingredients.
  8. Slowhand Sourdough Pizza (Toronto): Relaxed setting for authentic Neapolitan and eccentric creations.
  9. Conzo's (Toronto): Delicious pies cooked in a 650-degree wood oven.

New York Style / Classic:

  1. Revolver Pizza Co (Etobicoke, Vaughan, Toronto): Wood-fired & NY Style Pizza.
  2. Descendant Detroit Style Pizza (Toronto): Specializes in Detroit-style pizza.
  3. North of Brooklyn Pizzeria (Toronto - multiple locations): Known for blistered, fresh, and tender pies.
  4. Fresca Pizza and Pasta (Toronto): No-frills, family-run, serving delicious slices.
  5. Bitondo Pizzeria (Toronto): Small, old-school pizza place with New York-style pizza.
  6. The Fourth Man in the Fire Pizzeria (Toronto): Known for NY-style and Detroit-style pies.
  7. King Slice (Toronto): Famous for gigantic slices and handmade garlic dough crust.
  8. Village Pizza (Toronto): Casual New York-style pizza joint with thin-crust pies.
  9. Blondies Pizza (Toronto - multiple locations): Recognizable for its iconic pink patterned pizza boxes.
  10. General Assembly Pizza (Toronto): A popular choice for classic pies.
  11. Jz's Pizza (Toronto): Offers a wide selection of Italian cuisine including pizza.
  12. 850 Degrees Pizzeria (Etobicoke): Committed to using fresh ingredients.

Unique & Regional Flavors:

  1. Mr. Singh's Pizza (Multiple locations including Toronto, Pickering, Windsor): Known for 100% vegetarian, plant-based pizzas blending Indian spices with Italian techniques.
  2. Ciao Roma Pizzeria (Woodbridge): "Roman style" pizza with a fluffy, bubbly crust, sold by slice and weight.
  3. Maker Pizza (Toronto): A collaboration with Chef Matty Matheson, known for creative and popular pies.
  4. Bar Sugo (Toronto): Sister spot to Sugo, offering wood-fired pizzas and Italian-American eats.
  5. Gusto 101 (Toronto): Italian restaurant with popular pizza offerings.
  6. Taverna Mercatto (Toronto): Known for its delightful pizza.
  7. Oakwood Pizzeria (Toronto): Authentic Italian pizza joint with generous portions.

Other Notable Mentions (may have fewer online reviews or specific accolades, but are well-regarded locally):

  1. Gino's Pizza (Over 100 locations across Ontario): One of Ontario's most popular pizza chains.
  2. City Pizza (Cambridge): Known for revolutionary prices and high-quality, fresh homemade pizza.
  3. Pizza Fiamma (Brampton and other locations): Uses fresh ingredients and toppings, expanding rapidly.
  4. Pizzaiolo (Multiple locations): Four generations of pizza-making tradition, fresh gourmet pizzas.
  5. Carolina (Toronto): Renowned for its "best pizza in the city" and Neapolitan pizzas.
  6. Giulietta (Toronto): Michelin Guide recognized, offers excellent Italian fare including pizza.
  7. One Night Only Pizza (ONO Pizza) (Toronto): A well-kept secret, known for walk-in slices and whole pies.
  8. DoughBox (Toronto): Frequently mentioned among top pizza places in Toronto.
  9. 8Mile Detroit Style Pizza (Toronto): Another strong contender for Detroit-style pizza.
  10. Cafe Oro di Napoli (Toronto): Often listed among the best pizza in Toronto.
  11. Bar Poet (Toronto): Known for NY-style pizza in a fun atmosphere.
  12. Queen Margherita Pizza (Toronto): Mentioned by a Canadian Pizza Summit judge as part of the "great talent" in Toronto.
  13. Maipai tiki and pizza bar (Hamilton): Previously won for best pizza recipe (Mala Honey pie) at the Canadian Pizza Summit.
  14. Double Double Pizza & Chicken (Multiple locations): A common Canadian pizza chain.
  15. Pizza Pizza (Ubiquitous across Ontario): While not gourmet, it's a staple for many for convenience and accessibility.
  16. Dominos / Pizza Hut / Little Caesars (Ubiquitous across Ontario): Major chains that, while not considered "gourmet," provide a widely available pizza option.

This list is a starting point, and I highly recommend checking recent local reviews and articles for the most up-to-date recommendations in specific regions of Ontario. Enjoy your pizza journey!