Pizza is one of the world’s most satisfying foods. It’s hot, dressed in delicious toppings and, best of all, can be held in one hand. Avoid the grab-and-go takeout joints in the downtown core and check out one of these eateries for a seriously good slice.
There are multiple Mercatto locations in Toronto, but the one at Bay and Adelaide is the most hoppin’. You'll find a full lineup of authentic Italian food with options like misticanza, polpette or grilled calamari to whet your appetite for the main course – piping hot pizza. One of the best experiences you can have is with the Agnello which features ingredients that’ll make you feel like you’re dining on the Mediterranean coast.
When atmosphere matters just as much as the quality of food, head east on Adelaide, a couple of blocks past Yonge, for a truly authentic southern Italian experience. The pizza shop is inside the remodeled Adelaide courthouse – one of the few historic buildings in Toronto that hasn’t been razed to make room for a condo. Once inside, dig into the San Nicola di Bari pizza and see how Italian tuna, red onion and capers create magic together.
Venture two blocks east of Yonge on Wellington and you’ll stumble across this gem that’s been around since 2006. Trevor, the owner and master chef, had just one mandate when he opened and that was to deliver mind-blowingly good food to anyone who comes into the restaurant. You can opt for one of his famous Chicago-style deep dish pies which are 2.5-pound behemoths, or go sophisticated with a sushi pizza which consists of ahi tuna tartare on a crispy rice cake.
If Toronto has signature foods other than poutine, it’s gotta be pizza and craft beer. You can fill up on both here, with their small-but-comprehensive pizza menu. Choose from the bruschetta pizza (lavender oil, balsamic stout glaze, fried basil), short rib pizza (parmesan, caramelized onions, arugula, chives and maudite braised), or Hog Wild (beer cured bacon, oregano, smoked sausage, Berkshire pulled pork, mozzarellaand garlic confit). You'll definitely find the perfect beer pairing.
Pizza can either be played safe or wild and experimental. Bannock does a bit of both. You can opt for an old-world pie like the Margherita which comes with just mozzarella and basil, or make your tastebuds explode with a roast duck poutine pizza. And if you really want something that rivals the food tasks on The Amazing Race, go for the “Caesar Salad + Magic BBQ Squid” pie.