Pizza Nova has been part of the Canadian dining scene since 1963, when a young Italian family opened the first location in Toronto.
Still family-owned and headquartered in Scarborough, Ontario, the company now has more than 150 restaurants across the country. Their menu continues to grow while staying connected to Italian traditions.
One of their more unique offerings is the charcoal crust which is infused with vegetable charcoal made from beech and birch. The deep black colour makes an immediate impression, yet the flavour remains the same as their traditional dough.
Customers describe it as lighter and more airy, with a texture that makes it easier to digest. The crust holds its crispness well and provides a striking contrast to the toppings.
Pizza Nova’s pizzas continue to reflect a mix of familiar Canadian favourites and Italian-inspired gourmet creations. Their medium-think crust pizzas holds up well to toppings without being overly heavy. The dough has a balance of crispness with a light chew. The tomato base has a nice tang and dip options are available.
We tried the Canadian Pizza which layers pepperoni, fresh mushrooms, and bacon for a rich and balanced flavour.
The Pepperoni Pizza remains a classic option while the Cheese Pizza highlights the quality of the tomato sauce and mozzarella, simple yet satisfying.
The Chicken Florentine Pizza brings something different to the menu. Inspired by Tuscan flavours, it combines pesto sauce, sautéed spinach, grilled chicken, and feta, finished with roasted garlic. The pesto adds brightness, the feta a tangy note, and the roasted garlic deepens the savoury profile, making it a memorable flavour.
My favourite was the Honey Stinger with the black charcoal crust. This pizza combines hot soppressata, a southern Italian dry-cured salami with a rich, spicy profile, sun dried black olives, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey, a fusion of wildflower honey and chili peppers. The balance of sweet and heat creates bold flavour, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a little kick with their slice.
Overall, Pizza Nova delivers reliable pizza with a good amount of variety to keep repeat visits interesting. It is a solid choice when you want a familiar slice with Canadian touches.
We visited Pizza Nova at 267 College Street, Toronto ON with owner Chi Son Phu.
