In Montreal, pizza is much more than just a quick meal; it's a true tradition. When baked in a wood-fired oven, it reaches a level of perfection that captivates the city's foodies. This ancient cooking method, which infuses the dough with a unique smoky flavor and an unmatched texture, is cherished by the city's pizzaiolos.
What makes a wood-fired oven stand out?
The pizza oven is designed in a dome shape to promote optimal circulation of hot air. This shape creates a thermal pocket where the heat generated by the flame circulates around the pizza, transferring heat through radiation. The heat rises and then descends to cook the pizza evenly in just a few minutes.
In this article, we highlight the pizzerias in Montreal that have mastered this ancient art, offering pizzas that skillfully blend tradition with creativity. Whether you choose the simplicity of a Margherita or the boldness of an original creation, these places will delight even the most discerning pizza lovers.
Through a careful selection, we guide you to the best spots to enjoy a wood-fired pizza. Grab your forks and embark on a journey to discover the pizza treasures that Montreal has to offer.
410 Rue Saint-Vincent, Montréal, H2Y 3A5
Read also:
The Best Pizza in Montreal
Head over to BEVO Bar + Pizzeria in Old Montreal to savor a variety of Italian pizzas, including the Cotto e bocconcini and the house specialty, the burrata e truffle noire. Each pizza is meticulously prepared in a traditional wood-fired oven. For a full immersion into Italian culture, take part in the on-site pizza-making workshops, where the techniques of master pizzaiolos are revealed. The atmosphere at BEVO is always festive, with DJs every night, making it the perfect spot for an evening out.
Avant-Garde Artisans Brasseurs
5500 Rue Hochelaga, Montréal, H1N 3T7
Explore Avant-Garde Artisans Brasseurs, located in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, where each pizza is a true culinary masterpiece, baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. Discover creations like "N'oublie Jamais," a rich blend of mozzarella di bufala and pancetta, or "Le Tango des Fauvettes," made with tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, Foin-de-Grèves cheese, pancetta, locally sourced mushrooms from Full pin, and a touch of roasted lemon oil. These delights are best enjoyed alongside our refined selection of craft beers. Avant-Garde Artisans uniquely blend culinary innovation with the art of brewing.
1223 Rue du Square-Phillips, Montréal, H3B 3E9
Since 1984, Il Focolaio, located across from Phillips Square in downtown Montreal, has been a must-visit for lovers of wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. With more than 77 varieties of pizzas, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options, the menu is one of the most diverse in the city. Known for its maple wood-fired pizzas, the pizzeria offers a wide range of choices, such as the "Carré Phillips," topped with capiccollo and spicy Italian sausages, or the "Gambaretti," with shrimp and fresh garlic. Patrons can enjoy these artisanal pizzas in a warm ambiance whether on the summer terrace or in the cozy dining room.
Photo credits: kiana_kiaiee
Multiple locations
At Bottega, located in both Little Italy and Laval, Neapolitan pizzas take on an artistic dimension thanks to their baking in a traditional wood-fired oven. Enjoy specialties like the "Ortolana," topped with grilled vegetables, or the "Diavola," spicy and flavorful. Each pizza, with its light and airy dough, is quickly baked at high temperatures and garnished with natural, high-quality ingredients, highlighting Bottega's commitment to authenticity. Bottega's Vesuvian stone oven ensures cooking in under 90 seconds, producing a crisp and delicious crust while respecting traditional methods. A carefully curated selection of Italian wines is available to complement your meal.
5090 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H4C 1T1
Located in Saint-Henri, Elena stands out with its naturally leavened pizzas, perfectly baked in a wood-fired oven. Enjoy creations like "Kevin McCallister" and "Diavolo 2.0," which pair a light and crispy crust with high-quality toppings. Beyond pizzas, Elena offers a meticulous selection of natural wines, ideally paired with each dish. Founded by the team behind Nora Gray, this restaurant is known for its laid-back ambiance and diverse wine list, making it a popular destination in Montreal for a relaxed and modern dining experience.
Multiple locations
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Pizzeria NO.900 has become a Quebec institution for Neapolitan pizza lovers. Each pizza, prepared with naturally leavened dough and baked in 90 seconds, is AVPN-certified, guaranteeing authenticity. Their Pizza World Championship-winning "Aux Artichauts" pizza is just one of the many creations that testify to the talent of their pizzaiolos. In 2023, Fiodar Huminski and Mirko D'agata shone at the International Pizza Challenge Northeast, taking the top two places in the Neapolitan category. This success has not pushed up prices, which remain affordable, making NO.900 a place where excellence is within everyone's reach.
Multiple locations
At Brigade Pizzeria Napolitano, with locations in downtown Montreal and Boucherville, every pizza is a true work of art, prepared before your eyes and baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. This restaurant allows you to customize Neapolitan and Detroit-style pizzas. Among the Neapolitan options, the "Mortadelle Pistache" stands out with its rich topping of mortadella and pistachios, while the "Prosciutto Pêches" skillfully blends the sweetness of fresh peaches with the saltiness of prosciutto. For Detroit-style pizza enthusiasts, the "Cadillac" impresses with its thick, crispy edges, while the "Viperi" offers a bold mix of spicy flavors. Certified pizzaiolos Grace Yeh and Jean-Daniel Nadeau ensure top-notch quality in a setting that combines tradition and modernity for an unforgettable dining experience.
16 Rue Maguire, Montréal, H2T 1B8
The famous Pizzeria Magpie, located in the heart of Mile-End, is renowned for its wood-fired pizzas, made with naturally leavened dough. Among the favorites, the "Boulette de Viande" stands out with its savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and meatballs from Chez Vito, while the "Spanakopizza" delights with spinach and feta, bringing a Mediterranean touch. With a simple yet creative menu, Magpie also offers homemade pasta and refined cocktails. The quality of the ingredients and the warm welcome make this restaurant a popular spot in the neighborhood.
Multiple locations
The concept of Fiorellino restaurants embodies the dream of four longtime friends who opened the establishments downtown, Outremont, and Little Burgundy. Pizza lovers will find joy in options like the "Margherita Classica," the "Diavola," and the "Tartufa," all baked in a wood-fired oven. Founded on a shared passion for authenticity, Fiorellino offers a warm atmosphere where the quality of ingredients and respect for Italian traditions are essential.
Multiple locations
With multiple locations in Montreal, Geppetto Pizzeria combines simplicity and quality in each of its wood-fired Italian pizzas. Classics like the "Mazzarina" and "Quattro Formaggi" are paired with fresh salads and various antipasti. The restaurant's retro atmosphere, along with attentive service, creates a setting where dining is a pleasure. Homemade desserts, especially the chocolate tart, perfectly complement this savory menu, offering a friendly experience for all ages.
5152 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, H1R 1Y4
In Saint-Léonard, Pizzeria Gusto offers a true immersion into Italian flavors with its artisanal wood-fired pizzas. Among the popular choices, the "Macellaio" stands out with an explosion of carnivorous flavors, thanks to prosciutto cotto, Italian sausages, and pancetta, all on a rich tomato sauce base and melting fior di latte. For vegetable lovers, the "Ortolana" harmoniously combines grilled zucchini and peppers, offering a perfect balance of texture and taste. The menu also includes homemade pasta, traditional veal dishes, as well as antipasti, and homemade desserts. With its warm atmosphere and attentive service, Pizzeria Gusto is an ideal spot for a meal with loved ones, whether for lunch or dinner.
Multiple locations
Located in Hochelaga and the Quartier des Spectacles, Pizzeria Heirloom is renowned for its artisanal pizzas baked in an Italian wood-fired oven. The "Raclette" is a gourmet option with its caramelized onion cream and melted raclette cheese, while the "Fig" pairs fresh figs, speck, and balsamic reduction. The menu also offers fresh pasta and traditional Italian dishes, all in a bright and warm setting. Takeout orders are available to extend the experience at home.
4657 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, H2J 2L5
Artigiani Pizzeria Cucina, located on Plateau-Mont-Royal, blends the art of Neapolitan pizza with a well-stocked fine grocery store. Pizzas like the "Pancetta," topped with pancetta and red onions, or the "Focaccia Prosciutto e Caprino," with prosciutto and goat cheese, are perfectly baked in a wood-fired oven. In addition to pizzas, the restaurant offers homemade pasta and a refined selection of grocery products. With its warm decor and well-stocked wine cellar, Artigiani is a must-visit for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine.
7681 Boulevard Taschereau, Brossard, J4Y 1A2
