The Best Pizza in Toronto

No.1

Restaurant• Multiple Locations

Maker Pizza

“The Frank's Best with caramelized onions and roasted garlic is undefeated.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Born from a collaboration between chef Matty Matheson and Shlomo Buchler, Maker Pizza fundamentally changed the city's takeout landscape when it first opened in Chinatown. It quickly became a local institution, celebrated for its unapologetically bold approach to pizza. The vibe is consistently high-energy and unpretentious, focusing entirely on the craft of the pie rather than elaborate dine-in aesthetics. You will recognize a Maker pizza immediately by its signature sesame-crusted edges, generous, high-quality toppings, and a chewy, structurally sound dough that holds up perfectly to their heavy-handed ingredient combinations. With multiple locations now scattered across Toronto, it remains the go-to for those who want a serious, flavour-forward pizza that doesn't shy away from being extra. For a first-timer, you absolutely have to order Frank’s Best; it is a white-sauce masterpiece with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and a drizzle of honey that perfectly balances the savoury elements. If you prefer a red base, the Dr. Pepperoni is a reliable, flavour-packed classic. Don't skip the sides—the garlic fingers and their legendary creamy garlic dip are essential additions to any order. Expect to pay a premium for the quality, but it is worth it. These spots are primarily designed for takeout and delivery, so don't plan on a formal sit-down experience. Order ahead through their website or app to avoid long waits, especially on weekend evenings when the ovens are running at full capacity.

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No.2

Restaurant• Multiple Locations

North of Brooklyn Pizzeria

“The Killer Bee pie with perfectly cupped pepperoni, jalapeños, and honey.”

— Very Toronto Editors

North of Brooklyn Pizzeria fundamentally changed the local pizza landscape when it launched in 2012, bringing a serious, obsessive approach to the thin-crust slice. Founded by Josh Spatz and Alex Potter—both veterans of Pizzeria Libretto—the concept was born from a collaboration with Frank Pinello of Brooklyn’s famed Best Pizza. They set out to bridge the gap between high-end artisanal pies and the casual, grab-and-go slice shops that were sorely lacking in Toronto at the time. The vibe across their multiple locations is consistently unpretentious and focused, often featuring rustic, industrial-leaning interiors that keep the spotlight firmly on the oven. It is the kind of place that feels like a neighbourhood staple, whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or picking up a few boxes for a Friday night in. For a first-timer, the Killer Bee is non-negotiable; the combination of calabrese sausage, jalapeños, and pickled red onions, finished with a drizzle of honey, is a masterclass in balancing heat and sweet. If you prefer to keep it classic, their pepperoni is arguably the best in the city, featuring a perfectly crispy, thin crust that holds up under a generous amount of high-quality cheese. Don't skip the garlic knots or the creamy garlic dip, which is practically a religion for regulars. Prices are premium for the category, but the quality of ingredients justifies the cost. Most locations operate as walk-in spots, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends. Check their website to confirm if your nearest location offers dine-in, as seating varies significantly from shop to shop.

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No.3

Restaurant• Leslieville

Descendant Detroit Style Pizza

“The crispy, caramelized cheese crown around the edges is life-changing.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Since opening in 2015, Descendant has been the undisputed pioneer of Detroit-style pizza in Toronto. Tucked away in Leslieville, this petite, art-filled spot is where you go when you want a serious, heavy-hitting pie. The magic lies in their meticulous process: a 48-hour cold-fermented dough pressed into traditional blue steel automotive pans, resulting in that signature airy, thick crust with caramelized, crispy cheese edges. The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, with a small dining room that feels like a hip, local art gallery. It is a place that takes its craft seriously, focusing entirely on delivering a consistent, high-quality product that has earned a fiercely loyal following in the East End. For a first-timer, the 'No Name' is the quintessential order, featuring a perfect balance of Ezzo pepperoni, house-made fennel sausage, ricotta dollops, and a drizzle of hot honey. If you want something different, the Electric Avenue—topped with jerk chicken and curried lime aioli—is a local favourite. Pizzas come in small (8x10) or large (10x14) formats; a small is plenty for one person, while a large easily feeds two to three. Expect a wait for your pie, as they are baked to order, so plan accordingly. Prices are mid-range for the quality and portion size. While they do take reservations, the space is tiny, so booking ahead is smart if you want to dine in, though takeout is a very popular option for locals.

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No.4

Restaurant• Dovercourt Village

Badiali

“The Burrata marinara slice is worth standing in line for.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Pizzeria Badiali transformed a quiet corner of Dovercourt Road into the city's definitive New York-style slice shop. Founded by industry veterans Nick Halligan, Owen Walker, and executive chef Ryan Baddeley, the shop brings a serious, fine-dining sensibility to the humble slice. The vibe is unpretentious and focused entirely on the craft, featuring an open kitchen where you can watch the team pull massive, perfectly blistered pies from the oven. It has become a neighbourhood staple that feels like it has been there for decades, despite its relatively recent arrival, drawing consistent crowds that spill out onto the sidewalk. For a first-timer, the Original Cheese is the benchmark, but the spicy Vodka Pie is the true standout that justifies the hype. If you want to round out the meal, the chopped salad is essential, and don't skip the house-made garlic dip for your crusts. Expect to wait in line, especially on weekends, though the service moves efficiently. It is a casual, counter-service spot with limited seating, so plan to grab your slices to go and enjoy them in a nearby park. They operate daily, and while the menu is tight, the quality of the dough and the raw California tomato sauce makes every visit worthwhile.

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No.5

Restaurant• Multiple Locations

Pizzeria Libretto

“You can never go wrong with their classic Margherita.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Pizzeria Libretto fundamentally changed Toronto’s dining landscape when it opened its original Ossington location in 2008, introducing the city to authentic, VPN-certified Neapolitan pizza. Founded by chef Rocco Agostino and partner Max Rimaldi, the restaurant was built around a custom-made, wood-burning oven imported from Naples that hits temperatures high enough to blister the dough in under 90 seconds. The result is that signature soft, elastic, and slightly wet center that necessitates the "libretto"—the traditional technique of folding your slice like a book to keep the toppings from sliding off. While the original Ossington spot has recently evolved into the more nightlife-focused Bar Libretto, the brand remains a staple across the city, maintaining a consistent, casual, and chef-driven atmosphere that prioritizes high-quality, simple ingredients over unnecessary complexity. For a first-timer, the classic Margherita D.O.P. is the only way to truly judge the craft, though the 'Nduja or the Funghi are excellent choices if you want something with more punch. Don't skip the antipasti; the arancini and the meatballs are consistently reliable starters. Prices are mid-range, making it a solid option for both a casual weeknight dinner and a group outing. Reservations are generally recommended, especially at peak times, though the walk-in experience is often manageable. Keep an eye out for their rotating weekly pizza features, which often showcase creative, seasonal ingredients, and check their website for specific location details, as each spot carries its own unique neighbourhood vibe.

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No.6

Restaurant• Dovercourt Village

Mac's Pizza

“Consistently fantastic, unpretentious, and dangerously delicious.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Born from a pandemic-era side hustle that started in a home kitchen, Mac’s Pizza is the quintessential neighbourhood success story. Owner Josh McIlwaine, a former bartender and sales professional, turned his obsession with dough into a brick-and-mortar reality in Dovercourt Village in 2022. The space, which previously housed Village Pizza, feels like a true community hub—cozy, unpretentious, and intentionally laid-back. It is the kind of place where the staff might shout a friendly greeting from across the room, and the decor, largely sourced from family basements, adds to the authentic, lived-in charm. It is not trying to be a high-end dining destination; it is simply a reliable, fun spot that prioritizes good pizza and a welcoming atmosphere for locals who want to grab a slice or settle in for a full pie. When you go, the dough-forward, thin-crust pies are the main event, featuring high-quality ingredients like Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes. First-timers should absolutely order the classic pepperoni or the vodka pie, which has earned a reputation for its perfectly crispy crust and balanced, creamy sauce. The menu is concise but thoughtful, often featuring creative specials that keep regulars coming back. Expect a mid-range price point that feels fair for the quality. It is a great spot for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, and while it is not a formal reservation-heavy establishment, it is best to plan ahead if you are ordering for a group. Don't skip the roasted garlic dipping sauce—it is a non-negotiable addition to your order.

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No.7

Restaurant• College-Spadina

Fresca Pizza and Pasta

“The Margherita slice heavily brushed with their famous garlic oil is a student staple.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Since 2010, Fresca Pizza and Pasta has been a cornerstone of the College-Spadina stretch, serving as a no-nonsense, family-run institution. Founded by Vien and Lieu Huynh, who brought their culinary experience from the previous tenant at this location, the shop has cultivated a fiercely loyal following among U of T students and locals alike. The atmosphere is unapologetically utilitarian—it is a small, bustling, and often crowded space where the focus is entirely on the oven. It is not a place for a leisurely sit-down dinner, but rather a high-energy, classic slice shop that feels like a permanent fixture of the neighbourhood’s fabric. For a first-timer, the move is simple: order a slice of the Margherita or pepperoni and make sure to have them brush it with their signature garlic oil—it is the defining feature that elevates their pizza above the standard city fare. The crust strikes that elusive balance of a crispy, sturdy undercarriage with a soft, airy crumb. While the slices are the main draw, their pasta dishes, particularly the Fusilli Alla Vodka, are surprisingly solid comfort food. Prices are exceptionally reasonable, making it one of the best value meals in the area. It can get busy, so be prepared for a short wait during peak hours, and while they accept cards, bringing cash is a good habit for quick slice transactions.

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No.8

Restaurant• Bloordale Village

Conzo's Pizza

“Old school Italian-American vibes with phenomenal modern execution.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Conzo's Pizza, located in the heart of Bloordale Village, is the brainchild of the team behind the legendary Sugo. Born from a desire to expand their community-focused Italian-American footprint, the space itself is a testament to local roots—the brick oven was built using reclaimed bricks from Ursula Franklin Academy, where the owners attended high school. The atmosphere is unpretentious, lively, and feels like a natural extension of the neighbourhood, with a warm, wood-paneled interior that invites you to settle in for a long, casual meal. It’s the kind of place that prioritizes community connection just as much as the food on your plate. For a first-timer, you absolutely must order one of their wood-fired pies; the dough is double-fermented for that perfect crispy-chewy balance, and they don't skimp on the toppings. If you’re feeling adventurous, the zucchini pie with whipped ricotta and basil pesto is a standout, though you can never go wrong with their classic pepperoni. Pair your meal with a glass of natural wine or a simple cocktail. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and while it’s a great spot for a casual dinner, it can get busy, so plan accordingly. Keep an eye on their social media for any seasonal specials or menu updates, as they occasionally collaborate with other local favourites like Famiglia Baldassarre for their pasta dishes.

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