Must-Try Pizza in Toronto: the Best Spots in the City

Say Cheese!

Toronto is no stranger to pizza, you’ll find tons of options all over the place. The key is finding the right ones. As a newcomer to the city, I did my research both in the field and online and gathered up a list of spots you may have heard of and some you probably haven’t. But the thing is, the good ones really stick with you. Crust, sauce, cheese, all of it. I pulled together a few that are worth your time. Some on the heavier side, ideal for rewarding yourself after a dreadful exam, and some quick slices that are perfect for after class shenanigans. You ready? Let’s go.

Pizza Maru

This one is a Korean-style pizza joint close to HOEM. Think fluffy crusts with sweet potato mousse baked inside or toppings like bulgogi beef and garlic cream sauce. You can even get green tea dough that’s supposed to be lighter and crispier. Honestly, it feels like dessert and dinner in the same bite. If you’re tired of the same old pepperoni or have class at TMU’s Kerr Hall, this place is close by and will flip your idea of what pizza even is on its head.

📍Address: 66 Gerrard St E
📍Distance from HOEM: 10-15 min TTC, 12-15 min walk

Descendant Detroit Style Pizza

Okay, this is my personal favourite because the variety is just too good. Thick, cheesy, square slices that hit differently. The edges are caramelized and crunchy which makes every bite kind of perfect. People love the Truff Ghi with mushrooms and truffle sauce, but my personal favourite is the Electric Avenue because of the jerk chicken they add. This place has also been reviewed by the infamous One Bite Pizza series, so you know its hot. If you grab a box, it’s smart to just walk over to Jimmie Simpson Park and eat outside. The pizzas are heavy so you will need the walk anyway.

📍Address: 1168 Queen St E
📍Distance from HOEM: 25-30 min TTC

Pizzeria Badiali

Now this place is massive. No seriously, the pizza slices are massive; they are the kind you fold in half just to keep everything from sliding off. The pepperoni is sharp and crunchy, the sauce has that bite to it, and the cheese just does not stop stretching. It feels like you’re in New York but you’re not, you’re just standing in Toronto with grease dripping onto the paper plate. That’s the fun part. Stop by late at night or mid-day, it doesn’t matter.

📍Address: 181 Dovercourt Rd
📍Distance from HOEM: 20-25 min TTC

Maker Pizza

Maker is probably the most unique and different on the list. They do weird toppings and they do them well. Frank’s Best is probably the pizza most people talk about. It has goat cheese and arugula which sounds more like a salad but somehow works perfectly on a pizza. Crust is chewy and soft, not thin. Definitely one you eat with friends because the pies are huge. After, you’re right by Chinatown and Kensington which makes the whole trip worth it.

📍Address: 59 Cameron St
📍Distance from HOEM: 15-20 min TTC

Finding the Perfect Pizza in Toronto

Toronto has pizza aplenty but not all of it feels special. These spots are the ones that do. Some for a quick slice, some for a full sit-down meal. If you like pizza, you’ll end up going to all of these eventually. And that’s enough said. Happy cheesy eats everyone!