If you’ve ever stood in line outside Pizzeria Badiali on Dovercourt wondering if there might ever come a day when you don’t have to wait quite so long for a slice, that day is nearly here. Toronto’s most celebrated pizzeria is officially opening a second location in the Annex this May, and the city’s food community is collectively losing its mind.
In just five years, Pizzeria Badiali has achieved a level of local fame that most restaurants never approach. Founded by three talented chefs who previously worked together at the legendary Bar Isabel, the unassuming Dovercourt shop earned its devoted following through sheer quality — a relentless commitment to the craft that has seen it consistently ranked among the best pizzerias not just in Toronto, but in the country.
The new Annex location will carry the full menu of pizzas, dips, and salads that made Badiali a household name, but with an exciting addition exclusive to the new address: a special square, thin-crust “Granny-style” pizza that has never been available at the original location. For longtime fans, it’s a genuine reason to make the trip even if you live closer to Dovercourt.
The timing couldn’t be better for a neighbourhood already experiencing a remarkable culinary renaissance. The Annex has become home to an increasingly impressive collection of food and drink destinations, and Badiali’s arrival is set to be the most anticipated addition yet.
If you’ve been putting off your first visit to Pizzeria Badiali because the line always looked too long, the new Annex location is your chance to finally see what all the fuss is about.