Pizzeria Badiali — Restaurant in Toronto

I recently ate at Pizzeria Badiali in Toronto, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. Arriving on a sunny Sunday afternoon around 2:30 pm, my companions and I found ourselves enticed by the aromatic wafts of freshly baked pizza dough that greeted us as we joined the eager queue outside the restaurant. Despite the substantial crowd, our excitement grew as we anticipated the flavors that awaited us within.

The wait in line, which lasted approximately an hour, was well worth it in the end. As we finally stepped inside, we were immediately embraced by the cozy yet vibrant ambiance of the restaurant. The staff, bustling with energy, efficiently attended to patrons with warm smiles and a sense of genuine hospitality.

We were seated on the charming small patio, a sunlit oasis that perfectly complemented the joyful atmosphere. Inside while ordering, the staff promptly greeted us, displaying an impressive knowledge of the menu and a willingness to guide us through the selection process. Our decision to order four different pizza slices was met with enthusiasm, and we eagerly anticipated the forthcoming culinary delights.

The first bite into the pepperoni slice was a revelation – the crust was flawlessly crispy on the outside, while maintaining a tender chewiness within. The balance of tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and savory pepperoni was a harmonious symphony of flavors that danced on the palate.

The cacio e pepe slice, a delightful nod to the classic pasta dish, was a testament to Pizzeria Badiali's creativity. The interplay between the sharpness of the pecorino cheese and the subtle heat of freshly cracked black pepper created a captivating taste experience.

The vodka slice, another unique offering, boasted a rich and velvety tomato sauce infused with the distinct essence of vodka. This unexpected twist elevated the slice to a level of sophistication that set it apart from the typical pizza fare.

For those seeking a bolder flavor profile, the spicy sausage slice did not disappoint. The generous helping of zesty sausage crumbles paired harmoniously with the tomato base, providing a delightful kick that left a memorable impression.

However, what truly stood out was the revelation that was the hot honey dipping sauce. A seemingly simple addition, this condiment elevated the pizza experience to a new dimension. The contrasting elements of sweetness and heat interplayed beautifully, enhancing each slice with an addictive, irresistible quality.

As we savored every mouthful, our meal was accompanied by a sparkling water that refreshed our palates and perfectly complemented the bold flavors of the pizza. While the price point may be considered slightly elevated at around $40 for five slices, two dipping sauces, and a beverage, the quality of the ingredients, the creativity of the menu, and the overall dining experience make it a justifiable indulgence.

Overall, my visit to Pizzeria Badiali was a culinary adventure that exceeded expectations. The flavors, ambiance, and attentive service combined to create a memorable outing that I wholeheartedly recommend to all pizza enthusiasts. Whether you're a local Torontonian or a visitor exploring the city, a trip to Pizzeria Badiali promises a delectable journey through the artistry of pizza-making. Be sure to embrace the hot honey dipping sauce – it's a game-changer that encapsulates the innovative spirit of this remarkable...

A slice of pizza so good, it makes you not care about the long line.

“What’s the best pizza in Toronto” “Badiali’s” If you’re like me, you’ve probably seen these numerous videos circulating over social media where people call this spot the best pizza slice in Toronto. Video after video, I would see this same answer pop up, so after even hearing it from my friends and colleagues, I had to try it for myself.

Upon arriving to Badiali’s, there’s a very high chance you’ll be met with a long line. My friend and I came here around 2pm on a weekday and our wait time was 30+ minutes. Our experience started off pretty low because of this line, hot sun beating down on us, line barely moving, but all the hype from the social, we were having very high expectations for this pizza and if it disappointed, we would have been very mad waiting this long.

When you get close enough to the front of the line, you’ll be allowed to come inside the door of the restaurant. This is where I have my main gripe with Badiali’s, my review is gonna continue and rave about the pizza but I believe the system they have in place for ordering is lacking. People will stand at the register and take quite a long time to choose what they want, especially if they haven’t been to Badiali’s before. I believe they should place a smaller menu outside the restaurant that people in line can view and start thinking about their order before even entering.

A part from that, let’s get to the food. This pizza is good, damn good. When we first ate our pizza after waiting, my opinion wasn’t as raving. But as the days go on since then, I start to appreciate how good those slices were. I got three slices (Pepperoni, Vodka, and Mushroom), as well as a green garlic ranch, while my friend got two slices (Pepperoni and Vodka) with a Hot Honey Dip.

All of the slices I got were great, not a single thing I can say badly about any of the flavours. The crust on the pizza is incredibly light and encourages you to finish the entire slice, especially when you have one of their amazing dips to pair it with. The various cheeses on the different slices are all really high quality, with the varying sauces all offering a different experience.

A lot of people tend to love the regular pepperoni slice, but I very much enjoyed the Vodka and Mushroom slices more, with the Mushroom slice offering the most enjoyable combination of flavours and textures that I feel may make it my personal favourite that I had.

I have to mention this, order a dip. The dips here are exceptional and honestly might be the thing I took away most from my experience. Be it the hot honey, or garlic ranch, both offered a different experience to the pizza and make it fun to mix and match different slices with different dips. The hot honey offers a fantastic sweet and savoury flavour that pairs really well with that classic pepperoni.

There are chairs outside to dine on if they aren’t already accompanied, but parking seems to be limited in the near vicinity. Service is friendly, with employees being patient and accommodating to customers.

Is Pizzeria Badiali the best pizza in Toronto, it’s hard to say as there are some fierce competitors throughout the city. But one thing that cannot be disagreed, is that Pizzeria Badiali offers one of the best take-out slices (and dips) that you can find in the city, maybe even the...

Badiali Pizzeria has been my go-to spot in Toronto since they opened, and it’s become a tradition with my friends. At least once a week, we find ourselves here, because honestly, no other pizza compares. From the very first time I tried it, I knew this place was something special, and after countless visits, my opinion hasn’t changed one bit.

What sets Badiali apart is consistency. Every single time, the pies come out with that perfect balance, a light, blistered crust that’s chewy yet crisp, fresh toppings that taste like they were chosen with care, and flavor combinations that feel both classic and inventive. It’s pizza made with passion, and you can taste it in every bite. The staff is very friendly and passionate about pizza.

The line does get long sometimes, but it goes by very fast. Definitely worth the wait.

Here are my ratings and impressions of the pizzas I’ve tried:

Cacio e Pepe – 8.78/10 A creamy, peppery twist that stands out for its richness. A little heavier, but still a really enjoyable and clever take.

Cheese Slice – 8.91/10 A great measure of fundamentals. Simple, cheesy, and perfectly balanced — proof that Badiali nails the basics better than anyone.

Marinara – 8.93/10 Minimalist but full of flavor. The sauce is tangy, bright, and rich — truly the star here.

Mushroom Bianco – 8.97/10 Deep, earthy, and indulgent. The mushrooms add an incredible savory note that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.

Margherita – 9.13/10 The classic benchmark pizza. Fresh basil, great cheese, and a sauce that ties it all together. Comforting and timeless.

Vodka Pizza – 9.24/10 Unique and delicious. The vodka sauce adds a rich creaminess without being too heavy — one of my personal go-tos.

Burrata Pizza – 9.69/10 The crown jewel. Creamy, fresh burrata elevates this pizza into something unforgettable. Easily one of the best pizzas I’ve had anywhere, period.

After years of weekly visits and countless slices at other pizzerias, I can honestly say Badiali isn’t just another pizzeria, it’s THE pizzeria. Whether I’m here with friends or just grabbing a slice, it’s always a highlight of my week. If you’re in Toronto and love pizza, this place is an...