If you’re craving pizza in Montreal, you’re in luck. The city’s pizza scene offers a wide variety of styles, from New York and Detroit to traditional Neapolitan. Here are the top 10 pizza places you should check out:
1. Elena
Elena, located in Saint-Henri, is one of Montreal’s top spots for pizza. This eatery is run by Ryan Gray and Emma Cardarelli, who also owns the prestigious Nora Gray. Elena offers a casual atmosphere in a bright and airy space, but the pizzas are anything but simple. The menu features creative combinations like blue cheese with pear or mushroom with celery root, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed yet upscale dining experience.
2. Gentile Pizza Parlour
Located in Westmount, Gentile Pizza Parlour is right next to Café Gentile. They offer a range of 16-inch pizzas, available by the slice or as whole pies, as well as Sicilian Brooklyn square pizzas (which are available in limited quantities each day). Gentile Pizza Parlour is all about quality, from the carefully crafted crust to the perfect amount of cheese that melts off each slice. Their dedication to quality is evident in every detail, including instructions on how to reheat your pizza to get that straight-out-of-the-oven freshness.
3. Bottega
Bottega is a staple in Montreal’s Little Italy, known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas. Brothers Fabrizio and Massimo Covone have been running this pizzeria for over a decade, consistently delivering top-notch pies. Their menu includes both traditional pizzas and “bianche” options, which are made without tomato sauce. Bottega is also celebrated for its appetizers and extensive wine list, making it a great choice for a well-rounded Italian dining experience.
4. Hang Time Pizza
Hang Time Pizza, located in NDG, is a vibrant pizzeria that pays tribute to the 1990s. Chef Jordan Bikerkraut, who gained attention for his Detroit-style pies at the Fungool pop-up in 2020, now offers both New York-style and Detroit-style pizzas at this standalone spot. The New York-style pizzas are thicker and more gourmet, with a soft, chewy centre and a crispy crust. The Detroit-style pizzas, known for their fluffy, airy texture and crispy, cheesy edges, are also a highlight.
5. Moccione Pizza
Moccione Pizza in Villeray is a must-visit for fans of Neapolitan-style pizza. Since its opening in November 2021, Moccione has gained popularity for its light, easy-to-digest pizzas, which are made with a long fermentation process. Chef Cianciulli’s generous use of toppings sets Moccione’s pizzas apart, making it a new favourite in the Montreal pizza scene.
6. Adamo
Adamo, located in Saint-Henri, is a no-frills pizza counter that serves up classic, thin-crust New York-style slices. This joint, run by Tony Campanelli, is perfect for a quick bite. The menu features old-school favourites like cheese, pepperoni, pesto, and Hawaiian, as well as more adventurous options like tomato and ricotta or brisket and pickles. The straightforward, deli-style approach makes Adamo a beloved spot for a satisfying slice.
7. San Gennaro
San Gennaro in Little Italy is the go-to place for a quick, classic slice. This small, cosy café offers Roman-style pizzas like Pomodoro, Margherita, and salami, all served by the slice. Owned by the same team behind Bottega, San Gennaro also offers a selection of Italian sweets, including gelato, biscotti, and cannoli, making it the perfect stop for both pizza and dessert.
8. Pizza Bouquet
Pizza Bouquet, a newer addition to Little Italy, specializes in thick, chewy New York-style slices. Despite marketing itself as a simple takeaway spot, Pizza Bouquet offers complex and thoughtfully crafted pizzas. One standout option is their Staten Island-style upside-down pizza, where mozzarella is placed on the bottom and topped with a garlicky Pomodoro sauce. Their other unique offerings include combinations like soppressata with honey, goat cheese, and red onion.
9. Brook
Brook is a New York-style pizza joint located in Verdun. Run by Toby Bouchard, who honed his pizza-making skills at a Pizzeria No. 900 food truck, Brook serves traditional pies like pepperoni and all-dressed, as well as specials like smoked meat with pickles. The pizzas are known for their elastic dough and classic flavours, making Brook a favourite among pizza lovers in the area.
10. Pizza Toni
Pizza Toni, situated in the Mile End, is known for its quick and affordable slices, perfect for a casual meal. The pizzeria, opened by the team behind Falafel Yoni, offers classic options like marinara with arugula, margarita, and cheese and pepperoni. They also serve square margherita pizzas in the Al Taglio style. Pizza Toni has gained a reputation for elevating the quality of quick, take-out pizza in Montreal.
These top 10 pizza spots in Montreal each offer something unique, whether it’s the style of pizza, the atmosphere, or the creative combinations of toppings. No matter which one you choose, you’re in for a delicious experience!
