Mark's Pizzas — Local services in Toronto

A disappointing experience for average pizza. After reading a recent very positive blogTO article (Oct 3, 2020) about this place I had to try it. Needless to say, my expectations were set very high since the article painted a picture of uncompromising care in the selection of ingredients including their own in-house flour blend, and how a great deal of experimentation goes into the creation process. (In addition, their website reinforced my high expectations as well)

Adding to their mystique further is their ordering policy and operating hours. They are only open 3 days each week (Thursday, Friday, Saturday). And the pizza menu changes every Tuesday. Pizzas are limited so and you have to text your pre-order. They do not take orders by phone. There is only one size: large (8 slices), and they charge premium prices. I ordered a pepperoni with mushrooms - $30.

In my experience, establishments with such restrictive hours and ordering policies are usually reserved for the best. Fair or not, this is the implied stigma.

So yeah, while the pizza tasted fine and okay - certainly not bad at all - I was still let down because of all the anticipation leading up to it. In my opinion, there was no distinct improvement/“betterness” (yes, i just made this word up) to the overall taste of this pizza compared with many other pizzas I’ve tried. Meaning, there was nothing remarkable or stellar about this pizza over and above many others in Toronto that I’ve tried before - AND which, due to the confluence of all the aforementioned factors, I was utterly compelled to expect.

The most unfortunate part is, (because I do not live in the area) I can’t even say that if I’m in the area, sure I’d consider getting pizza here - because they only take orders by text that is pre-ordered days in advance.

ADDING REPLY TO OWNER’S RESPONSE HERE: I actually don’t yet have a favorite pizza spot in Toronto hence I’m always eager to try new places here. All the good places here (yours included) are of similar ranking to me, and taste more or less equally “good” in the sense that none really shines brighter than the next and none really stands out from the rest. Hence, I have come to use the term “average” to describe my experience, as in “the pizza in Toronto is average”. However, in reference to the intent of your question; while I don’t have a favorite pizza spot - the best pizza I’ve ever tasted was at Pizzeria Capolinea (19123 La Spezia, Italy). Traditional wood burning stone oven thin crust pizzas. Wow. I mean WOW. Quick, simple, lightly dressed thin crust pizzas made in a minute and cooked for maybe 5 minutes that you eat with a knife and fork. Who knew simple could be that good. My mind was completely blown. A quaint, unassuming neighborhood pizza spot that I literally stumbled on by chance (we were roaming and exploring in the area and got hungry, so we googled for places to eat nearby). I know it’s not fair, but that experience has ruined pizza for me since and which has usurped itself as my new standard. There you have it - Please don’t feel bad! Everyone’s ranking is relative to their experience. Anyone reading this please try Mark’s pizza to judge for...

Really worth a try! Well-made, premium pizzas with quality ingredients. The ingredients are the centerpiece to their pizzas.

The dough is a thin crust style. I want to say crispy but that's not accurate. Thin but not crunchy or overdone. This is not the focus. It is more like a supporting character in the background in the show.

The star of their pizzas are clearly the toppings and the sauce. It's exquisite. I feel as though it could be placed in some other form other than a pizza (what it would be I don't know), and I would still compliment the chef. I am envious of what I imagine are weeknight dinners at Mark's household.

The ranch sauce is also excellent. Generally, I don't care for dipping sauces because it always has that slightly artificial taste to me. This is not your chain-store dipping sauce. It is creamy and complimentary. A delight. I recommend picking up an extra one with your order.

We ordered two pizzas: the Tomato Sauce Mushrooms with House Sausage and Pepperoni, Jalapeno and Hot Honey. I don't know how they do it, but their pizzas are not greasy. No dabbing necessary. It was possibly the first time we've eaten pizza without dabbing off the excess grease and oil (or maybe we've been eating terrible pizza this whole time). Although you can't tell in the pictures, the Hot Honey will look deceptively like grease or oil in the light. I was confused with the leftovers and was about to dab it off. Don't! Both pizzas were stellar. (We started eating before I remembered to take a picture.)

Located inside CIBC plaza. Parking available. Takes credit cards. Not listed on food apps. Not sure if phone orders are available. Ordered online through their website during the pandemic. Large pizzas only.

Family-friendly, warm staff with a simple menu. A little heartwarming restaurant to feed and nourish from one...

I recently had the pleasure of indulging in what can only be described as an extraordinary pizza experience. This pizza was a culinary masterpiece that left an indelible mark on my taste buds.

The first thing that struck me was the impeccable balance of flavors. The tomato sauce was a burst of vibrant, tangy goodness, perfectly complemented by the creamy, gooey mozzarella cheese. Each bite was a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, a testament to the artistry of the pizzaiolo.

What truly set this pizza apart was its exquisite toppings. The generous scattering of pepperoni provided a spicy kick that danced in harmony with the other ingredients. Fresh basil leaves added a refreshing herbal note, while roasted red peppers brought a sweet, smoky depth to every bite. We ordered the Eggplant Parm pizza.

The crust was a revelation in itself. It had that ideal combination of crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy on the inside. It held up beautifully under the weight of all those toppings, providing the perfect textural contrast to the cheesy, saucy goodness above.

This pizza was not just a meal; it was an experience. It was a reminder that pizza, when crafted with care and passion, transcends mere food and becomes a form of art. I left the pizzeria with a satisfied smile and a newfound appreciation for the beauty that can be found in a simple yet extraordinary...