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The Best Pizza in Toronto (2026)

Toronto's strongest pies right now — Badiali's Dovercourt NY slice, Maker's Cameron sesame-edge takeout, Descendant's Leslieville Detroit squares, Acute's Brockton sourdough hybrid, Lambretta's Davenport Canada-title shop, North of Brooklyn on Queen West, Libretto's Danforth Neapolitan (the Roncesvalles pin was wrong), Beast on Tecumseth, Gatto in Bloor West Village, Defina on Roncesvalles, Mattachioni on Dupont, Queen Margherita's remaining Baby Point room, Mac's on Dovercourt, Via Mercanti in Kensington, Revolver on Queen East, Fresca's College garlic-oil slice, Bar Sugo in the old Conzo's Bloordale room, and Nice Slice on Borden — verified August 2026.

Updated for 2026•18 Destinations
No.1
Pizzeria Badiali pizza, official photo from pizzeriabadiali.com
Restaurant• Beaconsfield Village

Pizzeria Badiali

“Best NYC-style slice: Dovercourt lines, foldable crust, no reservations.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Pizzeria Badiali?** Anchoring the corner of Dovercourt Road and Argyle Street in Beaconsfield Village, Pizzeria Badiali is Toronto’s benchmark New York-style slice shop founded by Ryan Baddeley, Nick Halligan, and Owen Walker. The compact century-building space features exposed brick, an open prep line where pies are tossed and fired, and a narrow wood standing counter inside. Indoor seating is strictly standing room only, with a handful of sidewalk benches outside during warm weather months. **Pizzeria Badiali Menu & What to Order** The kitchen turns out 16-inch foldable pies and oversized slices defined by a light, airy, shatteringly crisp crust dusted with Pecorino Romano and Grana Padano. The Vodka Pie—slicked in a rich, chili-flecked rosé sauce with fior di latte—and the peppery Cacio e Pepe slice are essential orders, alongside classic pepperoni finished with hot honey or garlic dip. Vegetarians are well served with the Burrata Marinara and portobello-topped Mushroom Bianco, best paired with an ice-cold Brio Chinotto or house salad. **Know Before You Go** Badiali runs on a strict walk-in policy with no indoor table reservations, meaning sidewalk queues regularly wrap around the block during peak lunch and dinner rushes. Slices move swiftly at the counter, but ordering whole pies in advance through their online portal is the smartest way to bypass the wait. The shop operates daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., within walking distance of Trinity Bellwoods Park and the Queen streetcar.

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No.2
Maker Pizza Dr. Pepperoni, official photo from makerpizza.com
Restaurant• Chinatown

Maker Pizza

“Best topping-heavy takeout: Cameron original, sesame edge, Frank's Best.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Maker Pizza?** Tucked onto Cameron Street just west of Spadina on the edge of Chinatown, this flagship location is the operational powerhouse where Shlomo Buchler and chef Matty Matheson kicked off the brand in 2015. The utilitarian room is dominated by a sprawling production kitchen framed by bold yellow-and-black branding, with only a small high-top counter for immediate perching. It is fundamentally engineered as a high-volume takeout and delivery engine, famous across the city for its charred, sesame-seed-crusted pies. **Maker Pizza Menu & What to Order** The undisputed standout is Frank's Best, a white pie balanced with caramelized onions, roasted garlic, rosemary, organic honey, and goat cheese over a chewy three-day fermented crust. For classic red sauce cravings, the Dr. Pepperoni delivers crispy, grease-cupped pepperoni topped with fresh basil and fior di latte, while the Tropic Thunder punches through with pickled jalapeños and salsa verde. An order is incomplete without the mozzarella-drenched garlic fingers paired with a tub of spicy creamy garlic dip. **Know Before You Go** Seating at the Cameron original is sparse and strictly walk-in, so plan to take your box to a nearby park or order ahead for seamless pickup. Peak dinner windows on Friday and Saturday fill up fast, making early online orders or calls to the central dispatch line essential. Street parking on the narrow side street is tight, but the shop sits an easy two-minute walk from both the 501 Queen and 510 Spadina streetcars.

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No.3
Descendant Detroit-style pizza, official photo from descendantdsp.com
Restaurant• Leslieville

Descendant Detroit Style Pizza

“Best Detroit square: caramelized cheese crown, Leslieville original, closed Monday.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Descendant Detroit Style Pizza?** Descendant Detroit Style Pizza anchors Leslieville at 1168 Queen Street East as the trailblazer that introduced authentic Motor City pan pies to Toronto. The compact room features street-facing window counter stools, a handful of two-top tables, and vibrant local art on the walls. Everything revolves around a 48-hour cold-fermented dough baked in seasoned square blue-steel pans, resulting in an airy, focaccia-like interior and a dark, caramelized cheese frico perimeter. **Descendant Detroit Style Pizza Menu & What to Order** Pies come in two sizes—small 8x10-inch and large 10x14-inch—sauced over the cheese in classic upside-down fashion. First-timers should prioritize The No Name, loaded with Ezzo pepperoni, house-made fennel sausage, dollops of post-oven ricotta, and a drizzle of hot honey. The inventive Jaffna is a citywide standout for vegetarians with kothu roti, mango chutney, cilantro cream, and coconut sambol, while jerk chicken fans flock to the Electric Avenue. A cold can of local Ontario craft lager is the sharpest counterpoint to the rich, crisp crust. **Know Before You Go** Dining room seating is very limited and strictly first-come, first-served, so budget time for a table or order ahead for takeout during peak dinner rushes. Because each pie bakes to order from scratch, expect a standard 25-to-30-minute turnaround time. The 501 Queen streetcar drops you right steps away, and the shop runs Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., closed on Mondays.

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No.4
Acute Pizzeria sourdough pie, official photo from acutepizzeria.com
Restaurant• Brockton Village

Acute Pizzeria

“Best sourdough hybrid slice: Brockton walk-in, closed Tuesday, foldable lip.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Acute Pizzeria?** Perched at 1745 Dundas Street West near Lansdowne Avenue in Brockton Village, Acute Pizzeria is an artisanal slice and pie counter founded by Thalia Ly and Hieu Nguyen. Nguyen, whose family operated pizzerias across the city for decades, teamed with Ly to create an airy, digestible dough program centered on a 72-hour cold ferment. The compact storefront features an efficient ordering lane, minimalist design, and limited counter stools designed for quick drop-ins and easy neighborhood pickups. **Acute Pizzeria Menu & What to Order** The crust blends the charred, puffy lip of a Neapolitan pie with the sturdy, foldable structure of classic New York style. The crowd-favourite Jala Pep delivers big contrast with double pepperoni, pickled jalapeños, pecorino, and spicy hot honey, while purists should grab the classic Pepperoni or Margherita slice. Plant-based and vegetarian diners have plenty of options with the creamy Funghi, Snow on Marinara, and Vegan Bianca, best paired with an order of crispy chicken wings and house garlic dip. **Know Before You Go** Acute operates on a walk-in basis with no table reservations, so expect brisk counter lines and limited dining space during Friday and Saturday dinner rushes. For locals within range, the shop runs its own in-house Acute-to-U delivery from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on open days, saving on third-party app fees. Reach the shop directly on the 505 Dundas streetcar or 47 Lansdowne bus, with metered street parking available on Dundas West.

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No.5
Lambretta New York-style pizza, official photo from lambrettapizzeria.ca
Restaurant• Davenport Village

Lambretta Pizzeria

“Best Davenport NY pie: 2026 Canada title on the official site, closed Monday.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Lambretta Pizzeria?** Perched at 1151 Davenport Road in Davenport Village, Lambretta Pizzeria is an unfussy neighbourhood staple steered by owner Celina Blanchard. The shop surged into the citywide dining conversation after collaborator and pizzaiolo Paulo Guerra captured top Traditional honors at the 2026 Restaurants Canada competition. Inside, the compact dining space features crisp subway tile, chalkboard menu walls, and casual table seating geared for quick eat-in meals, takeaway slices, and pickup orders. **Lambretta Pizzeria Menu & What to Order** The kitchen turns out New York-style pies built on a multi-day fermented dough that yields a light, airy rim and a sturdy, foldable slice. The top draw is the Alla Vodka pie, stacked with vodka rosé sauce, cup-and-char pepperoni, dollops of ricotta, and hot jalapeño honey. White pie fans should order the High Park, loaded with spicy soppressata, sausage, and citrus chili oil, or the Patata with roasted Yukon Gold potatoes and gorgonzola. If you are dining in, pair your slices with fresh house-made pasta, a roasted beet and goat cheese salad, and an Italian soda or cold craft beer. **Know Before You Go** Seating is casual and runs on a first-come, first-served walk-in model, with a substantial portion of business dedicated to pickup, delivery, and catering. Peak dinner volumes run Thursday through Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., but slice counter turnover is steady. Metered street parking lines Davenport Road, and transit riders can take the 127 Davenport bus connecting directly to Dupont subway station.

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No.6
North of Brooklyn pizza, official Squarespace photo from northofbrooklyn.com
Restaurant• Queen West

North of Brooklyn Pizzeria

“Best thin-crust Queen West: Killer Bee, Palmerston door, walk-in only.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is North of Brooklyn Pizzeria?** Tucked discreetly around the corner on Palmerston Avenue just north of Queen Street West, this is the original storefront founded by Josh Spatz and Alex Potter. The shop serves crisp, thin-crust New York-style pies out of a compact, retro-tiled space. With counter service and a tight row of just eight walk-in stools, it functions primarily as an elite slice joint and brisk takeout operation. **North of Brooklyn Pizzeria Menu & What to Order** The pies here strike the ideal balance of blistered, chewy sourdough-style cornicione and structural integrity built for folding. The undisputed star is the Killer Bee, dressed with calabrese sausage, jalapeños, pickled red onions, and a finishing drizzle of wildflower honey. Purists flock to the classic Pepperoni with its charred, grease-cupped pepperoni discs, while the White Pizza—loaded with ricotta, garlic, mozzarella, and lemon-dressed arugula—proves equally craveable. Pair a slice with an order of pillowy garlic knots and a cold soda, or take a whole 18-inch pie down to Trinity Bellwoods Park. **Know Before You Go** With only eight bar-stool seats, expect zero reservations and heavy foot traffic during weekend afternoons and late-night rushes. Slices are served quickly from the display counter, but ordering whole pies ahead through their online portal is essential if you want to avoid lengthy sidewalk waits on Friday and Saturday nights. Street parking on Queen West is notoriously tight, so taking the 501 Queen streetcar is the smoothest route.

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No.7
Pizzeria Libretto Neapolitan pizza from the official site CDN
Restaurant• The Danforth

Pizzeria Libretto

“Best classic Neapolitan: Danforth pizzeria pin. Roncesvalles was never a room.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Pizzeria Libretto?** Anchoring the bustling Greektown strip at 550 Danforth Avenue, Pizzeria Libretto is the east-end outpost of the institution that introduced authentic VPN-style Neapolitan pizza to Toronto. The dining room features warm brickwork, soft globe lighting, roomy leather banquettes, and high-top counter seating overlooking the blazing wood-burning oven. It delivers a polished yet easygoing neighbourhood atmosphere that effortlessly accommodates everything from casual mid-week dates to boisterous family dinners. **Pizzeria Libretto Menu & What to Order** Pies here rely on a 72-hour naturally fermented sourdough base flash-baked at 850°F to produce a light, leopard-spotted, blistered crust. Start with the tender beef-pork-veal meatballs simmered in San Marzano sugo or the crisp, scamorza-stuffed arancini before ordering the textbook Margherita or the fiery 'Nduja pie. The white Funghi pizza, dressed in cremini mushrooms and gorgonzola crema, remains a longstanding crowd favorite, while dietary restrictions are expertly handled with housemade vegan fior di latte and arguably the city's finest gluten-free crust. **Know Before You Go** Reservations for parties of up to six can be booked easily through OpenTable, though tables fill up fast during peak weekend dinner services, leaving brief waits for walk-ins. The restaurant sits conveniently between Chester and Pape subway stations on Line 2, with several Green P parking lots accessible along Danforth Avenue. Doors open daily at 11:00 a.m., operating continuously through lunch and dinner.

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No.8
Beast Pizza, official photo from thebeastrestaurant.com
Restaurant• King West

Beast Pizza

“Best chef-driven dinner pie: Tecumseth only, closed Monday–Tuesday, no slices.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Beast Pizza?** Anchoring the corner of Tecumseth and Wellington in King West, Beast Pizza is the evolution of Scott Vivian's legendary nose-to-tail restaurant, reimagined alongside chef-partner Nate Middleton into a relaxed, chef-driven pizza parlour. The black-brick exterior opens into a warm, low-lit dining room featuring casual banquettes, cozy wood-toned tables, and a convivial bar. It trades fine-dining formality for an energetic neighbourhood supper-club mood focused on naturally fermented dough and whole-animal butchery techniques. **Beast Pizza Menu & What to Order** The kitchen turns out pies with an airy, chewy crumb and a deeply blistered, crunchy edge. The signature Meatball pie is essential eating, layered with rich tomato sauce, house meatballs, sweet fennel jam, and fresh arugula. Pair it with the Lord Pesto topped with creamy burrata and pistachio pesto, or begin with the applewood smoked Ontario trout pâté served alongside fresh-baked pizza dough bread. Wash everything down with a rotating Ontario craft beer or natural wine, and finish with the retro raspberry cheesecake sundae. **Know Before You Go** Beast Pizza operates strictly for evening sit-down dining and takeout, with no daytime slice counter available at this location. Table reservations are recommended for prime weekend seatings, though solo diners and early walk-ins can often snag bar stools without a wait. Street parking along Tecumseth is scarce, so taking the 504 King streetcar to Tecumseth Street is your best transit bet.

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No.9
Gatto Wood Oven Pizza, official photo from gattopizza.ca
Restaurant• Bloor West Village

Gatto Wood Oven Pizza

“Best Bloor West wood-oven: dinner-only Neapolitan, book Friday.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Gatto Wood Oven Pizza?** Anchoring Bloor West Village at 2312 Bloor Street West, Gatto Wood Oven Pizza is a warm, unpretentious neighbourhood trattoria centered around a blazing wood-fired oven. Founded as a family-run west-end fixture, the room gained international acclaim when pizzaiolo Paulo Guerra landed among the global elite at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas. The interior features cozy dining room tables, bar seating, and a sidewalk patio during warmer months. **Gatto Wood Oven Pizza Menu & What to Order** The main draw is the award-winning Apollo 9 pizza, built on a long-fermented Neapolitan dough that blisters with a crisp, airy chew in the wood oven. Past the award-winning pies, the kitchen turns out rich, layered Truffle Mushroom Lasagna and tender handmade gnocchi. Pair your dinner with the house Alabama Worley cocktail or a classic Aperol Spritz, and cap things off with fresh cannoli or espresso-soaked tiramisu. **Know Before You Go** Gatto operates on a dinner-only schedule starting at 4:00 p.m. every day of the week. Weekend tables fill up fast with neighbourhood regulars and families, making advance reservations via OpenTable or phone a wise move. It is easily reached on transit, located just a short walk between Jane and Runnymede subway stations along Bloor Street West.

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No.10
Pizzeria Defina Roncesvalles room, official photo from pizzeriadefina.com
Restaurant• Roncesvalles

Pizzeria Defina

“Best Roncesvalles wood-fired: walk-ins, Tuesday any-pizza $20. Not Libretto.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Pizzeria Defina?** Anchoring the mid-stretch of Roncesvalles Avenue at 321 Roncesvalles, Pizzeria Defina is the neighbourhood's go-to wood-fired institution, turning out award-winning pies from an oven custom-built by a local mason. The dining room pairs exposed brick and warm timber accents with cozy banquettes, bar seating up front, and a tranquil backyard patio in warmer months. Founded with technical guidance from world-renowned pizzaiolos Roberto Caporuscio and Tony Gemignani, it operates as a lively, community-rooted dinner room. **Pizzeria Defina Menu & What to Order** The kitchen specializes in expertly blistered Neapolitan and Roman-style crusts alongside one of the city's most respected gluten-free crust options. Go for the neighbourhood-inspired Roncy pizza—stacked with Yukon Gold potatoes, double-smoked bacon, caramelized shallots, fior di latte, and fresh dill—or the hearty Pumba with wild boar meatballs and garlic confit. Kick things off with the crispy green beans tossed in truffle aioli or the saffron-infused Arancini Milanese, washed down with a classic Negroni or a pint from the Ontario craft tap list. **Know Before You Go** The Roncesvalles location operates strictly on a first-come, first-served walk-in model, meaning prime dinner slots and popular promotion nights—like Tuesday discount pizzas and Sunday pastas—can involve a wait. Transit access is effortless via the 504 King streetcar stopping right along the avenue, though drivers will need to search for metered street parking or side-street spots. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with all-day service starting at noon Friday through Sunday.

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No.11
Mattachioni Dupont storefront, official Squarespace photo from mattachioni.com
Restaurant• Junction Triangle

Mattachioni

“Best bakery-pizza destination: Dupont naturally leavened pies, daily 9-9.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Mattachioni?** Located at 1617 Dupont Street on the western edge of the Junction Triangle, Mattachioni is an Italian corner bodega, artisanal sourdough bakery, and wood-fired pizzeria created by longtime Terroni pizzaiolo David Mattachioni. The compact, sunlit space pairs grocery-stocked shelves with rustic repurposed church pews and counter service, spilling onto a curbside CafeTO patio during warmer months. **Mattachioni Menu & What to Order** Every pizza is built on a slow-fermented, 100% naturally leavened sourdough crust with exceptional char and chew—the Margherita delivers pure simplicity, while the S. Pagliacolo excels with bitter rapini, fennel-rich house sausage, and melted smoked provolone. Midday diners flock to the sandwiches, especially the mortadella pressed into tomato focaccia and the herb-stuffed Ontario porchetta on fresh sourdough. Plant-based diners have a dedicated favorite in the garlicky Marinara pizza, and a tight selection of local and Italian wines pairs easily across the board. **Know Before You Go** Given the narrow dining room and limited seating, expect brief waits at peak dinner hours as walk-ins take priority for small groups, though reservations for larger parties can be booked by phone. Bread lovers should visit before early afternoon, as day-baked sourdough loaves routinely sell out. The restaurant operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., within walking distance of Dundas West station and the West Toronto Rail Path.

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No.12
Queen Margherita Pizza, official Squarespace photo from qmpizza.com
Restaurant• Baby Point

Queen Margherita Pizza

“Best remaining QMP room: Baby Point only. Leslieville and Dundas West are gone.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Queen Margherita Pizza?** Occupying a stately former bank building at 785 Annette Street in Baby Point, Queen Margherita Pizza stands as the brand's sole surviving Toronto dining room. Founded by John Chetti and Rocco Mazzaferro, the space centers on a 900-degree wood-fired oven imported from Naples, set against dark wood banquettes, exposed brick accents, and warm pendant lighting. Seating spans deep dining room tables, bar seating, and a sidewalk patio setup during warmer months. **Queen Margherita Pizza Menu & What to Order** Pies here rely on Caputo Tipo 00 flour and crushed San Marzano D.O.P. tomatoes, emerging from the wood fire blistered and chewy. The classic Margherita DOP showcases exclusive Ontario-crafted fior di latte, while the Pepperoni & Hot Honey offers an addictive kick of sweet heat. Round out dinner with crisp arancini or a crispy shallot Caesar, washed down with a cold Peroni or local Ontario wine on tap. Vegetarians have plenty of traction with pies like the mushroom-and-chèvre Alla Campagnolo. **Know Before You Go** Table reservations are available via the Baby Point page on their website, though weekday walk-ins can usually grab a table without friction. Weekend dinner rush picks up heavily between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. with neighbourhood families, so book ahead for prime slots. Street parking lines Annette Street, while the 26 Dupont and 79 Scarlett TTC buses connect swiftly from Jane and Runnymede stations; note that the dining room is closed Mondays.

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No.13
FLAG Unsplash: pizza placeholder for Mac's (Square Online SPA, no public site hero)
Restaurant• Dovercourt Village

Mac's Pizza

“Best Dovercourt weeknight pie: vodka slice, closed Mon–Tue. FLAG photo.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Mac's Pizza?** Occupying the former Village Pizza room at 759 Dovercourt Road, Mac's Pizza is the brick-and-mortar evolution of founder Josh McIlwaine’s pandemic-era apartment pop-up. The interior is straightforward and unpretentious, outfitted with a warm slice display case, casual counter perches, and minimal streetfront seating. It functions as an everyday Dovercourt Village anchor built for quick slices, beer in cans, and reliable takeout boxes rather than drawn-out sit-down affairs. **Mac's Pizza Menu & What to Order** Pies here lean thin, crisp, and foldable in true New York fashion, built on fermented dough and Bianco DiNapoli tomato bases. The Lemonhead has developed a devoted following, layering lemon-pepper cream, ricotta, mozzarella, cracked pepper, and fresh zest with a citrus wedge on the side to squeeze over top. For traditional red sauce fans, the Angry Pep delivers cupping pepperoni and pickled jalapeños offset by house hot honey, which pairs seamlessly with side tubs of roasted creamy garlic or chili garlic dip and cans of Burdock IPA. **Know Before You Go** There are no reservations here; everything is strictly walk-in, whether you are picking up individual slices from the counter or ordering whole 16-inch pies. Peak weekend dinner hours see steady sidewalk queues, though counter turnover moves briskly if you plan to carry your pie up to Dovercourt Park. The shop is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, operating from noon onward Wednesday through Sunday with midnight closings on Friday and Saturday.

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No.14
Pizzeria Via Mercanti pizza, official photo from pizzeriaviamercanti.ca
Restaurant• Kensington Market

Pizzeria Via Mercanti

“Best Kensington Neapolitan: Augusta wood-fired, confirm hours by phone.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Pizzeria Via Mercanti?** Anchoring Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market since 2012, Pizzeria Via Mercanti is a lively, family-run southern Italian staple founded by Salerno native Romolo Salvati. The dining room is defined by a roaring wood-fired stone oven and sunlit by an expansive central skylight, flanked during warmer months by bustling CaféTO sidewalk patio seating. It channels the relaxed, energetic pace of an authentic Italian market pizzeria, welcoming neighborhood regulars, students, and pizza devotees for blistered, unpretentious pies. **Pizzeria Via Mercanti Menu & What to Order** The showstopper here is the signature Via Mercanti pizza, a legendary two-tier creation layering ricotta, prosciutto cotto, and spicy soppressata beneath a second Margherita top. Before the pies hit the table, the Bocconcini di Pizza—warm, folded mini dough rolls stuffed with cheese and cured meats—are a non-negotiable starter alongside crisp arancini di riso. The Salsiccia e Friarielli brings sharp, garlicky rapini and sausage into perfect balance, best washed down with a classic Limoncello Spritz or a cold Italian draft, with plenty of vegetarian choices on hand. **Know Before You Go** Walk-ins move briskly during weekday lunch, but weekend dinner hours and sunny patio seats fill quickly, making reservations via their website recommended for larger parties. Driving through Kensington Market is slow and street parking on Augusta is virtually non-existent, so hopping on the 510 Spadina or 506 Carlton streetcar is the most seamless approach. The kitchen serves continuously seven days a week from noon onwards, closing at 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

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No.15
Revolver Pizza Co. pie, official photo from revolverpizza.com
Restaurant• Leslieville

Revolver Pizza Co.

“Best Leslieville wood/NY hybrid: 916 Queen E only, closed Monday.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Revolver Pizza Co.?** Anchoring a storefront at 916 Queen Street East in Leslieville, Revolver Pizza Co. brings founder Sal Sayegh's acclaimed hybrid pies from South Etobicoke to the east end. The minimalist room focuses on an open kitchen counter setup with limited front window bar seating, catering primarily to rapid takeout and quick slices. **Revolver Pizza Co. Menu & What to Order** The kitchen nails the sweet spot between foldable New York-style slice integrity and wood-fired Neapolitan blister using high-hydration, oil-free dough and grass-fed mozzarella. The hot-honey-kissed Stinger, the savory Chef Special, and the bitter greens on the Sausage & Rapini pie are regular crowd favourites. Don't skip a side of their scratch-made spicy garlic aioli for dipping crusts, followed by one of the house-made desserts crafted from family recipes. **Know Before You Go** Reservations are not accepted; dine-in is strictly walk-in along the compact window bar, with most patrons opting for preorder pickup or delivery. Take the 501 Queen streetcar to Carlaw Avenue for easy transit access, or look for street parking along Queen Street East and nearby side avenues. The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.

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No.16
Fresca Pizza and Pasta storefront, official photo from frescapizzatoronto.com
Restaurant• Little Italy

Fresca Pizza and Pasta

“Best cheap College slice: garlic-oil brush, closed Sunday, student-line speed.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Fresca Pizza and Pasta?** Run by husband-and-wife duo Vien and Lieu Huynh since 2010, Fresca Pizza and Pasta is a utilitarian slice shop and comfort-food fixture at 302 College Street, just west of Spadina. Situated firmly in the University of Toronto gravity well, the narrow, brightly lit storefront eschews design gimmicks in favour of a straightforward stainless-steel counter and a handful of basic dining tables. **Fresca Pizza and Pasta Menu & What to Order** The undisputed ritual here is getting the signature house-made garlic-basil oil brushed lavishly across your hot slice, turning a classic Margherita or crispy Pepperoni into an herbaceous, savory powerhouse. Beyond the thin, foldable New York-style pies, the kitchen turns out hearty, generously sauced pasta bowls like the crowd-favourite Fusilli alla Vodka tossed with bacon in a rich rosé sauce, alongside folded calzones and stuffed meatball sandwiches. Vegetarian options are plentiful across the whole board, and an ice-cold can of Brio or classic soda completes the traditional slice-counter spread. **Know Before You Go** This is a strict walk-in operation with fast counter turnover, though lines frequently surge during the weekday lunch rush and late-afternoon student dinner hours. The 506 Carlton streetcar drops riders right along College Street, with the 510 Spadina line an easy two-minute walk east. Fresca is open Monday through Saturday and closed every Sunday.

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No.17
Bar Sugo pizza, official photo from bar.sugotoronto.com
Restaurant• Bloordale Village

Bar Sugo

“Best Bloordale wood-fired: now Bar Sugo, same oven, dinner-only.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Bar Sugo?** Located at 1279 Bloor Street West just steps from Lansdowne, Bar Sugo is the sit-down pizzeria sibling to Conor Joerin's revered red-sauce institution Sugo. Formerly operating as Conzo's, the room centers around a custom wood-fired oven assembled from reclaimed bricks from Joerin's high school, Ursula Franklin Academy. The space balances a warm, dimly lit tavern vibe with casual booths and bar seating that stay buzzing late into the evening. **Bar Sugo Menu & What to Order** Crisp, char-blistered pizzas and generous pasta plates lead the charge here. Standouts include the classic cup-and-char pepperoni pizza, the signature Vinny Massimo pie, and the vegetarian-friendly zucchini and whipped ricotta white pizza. Beyond pizza, order the rich rigatoni rosé or the spaghetti bolognese made with the kitchen's signature slow-simmered beef, veal, and pork ragù, paired with a glass of chilled natural wine or a classic amaro spritz. **Know Before You Go** Bar Sugo is overwhelmingly a walk-in operation, with reservations limited to group family-style menus for parties of five or more. Lines form fast on Friday and Saturday evenings, so aiming for the 5:00 p.m. opening or dropping in on Sunday afternoon is the smoothest way to bypass a wait. Lansdowne subway station is just two blocks east on Bloor, making public transit far easier than hunting for Bloordale street parking.

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No.18
FLAG Unsplash: pizza placeholder for Nice Slice (Ambassador SPA, logos only on site)
Restaurant• Harbord Village

Nice Slice

“Best Harbord thin-crust slice: vodka pesto, closed Mon–Tue. FLAG photo.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Nice Slice?** Located at the corner of Harbord and Borden streets in Harbord Village, Nice Slice is a casual neighbourhood pizzeria founded by Mac's Pizza alum Nick White. The bright corner spot mixes retro diner warmth with wood accents, wrap-around counter stools, and casual two-top tables opposite Emmer Bakery. It bridges the gap between a grab-and-go slice joint and a relaxed neighbourhood hangout where you can linger over a cold drink and a fresh-baked pie. **Nice Slice Menu & What to Order** The kitchen turns out crisp, well-structured thin crust pies available as generous slices or whole rounds. The standout order is the Za'atar pie, an inspired creation topped with mozzarella, za'atar sauce, ricotta dollops, black olives, pesto, and a sweet-tart swirl of pomegranate molasses. Meat eaters should make a beeline for the Vodka Pepperoni or the Sausage and Long Hots finished with hot honey. Round out the meal with house creamy garlic dip and a glass of Nice Pils, a crisp custom collaboration brewed with nearby Bickford Brewing. **Know Before You Go** Seating is strictly walk-in with counter service, so grab a stool or table as soon as you order. Peak slice traffic hits during midday school rushes and weekend evenings; if you want a custom whole pie for dinner, ordering ahead through their website is smart. Transit access is effortless via the 94 Harbord bus, and the shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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