Wanted to catch something quick after work so I decided to stop by the Pizzaiolo location around the Yonge and Wellesley area. Now Pizzaiolo is a newer pizza franchise that's pushing hard to gain the pizza lovers of Toronto. I found this to be especially true with a number of locations stretching up Yonge from Dundas to Bloor.
Pizzaiolo marks itself as a gourmet pizza choice with healthier and more distinct ingredients. They do have a relatively diverse set of pizzas so it's not a bad idea if you want more than just the casual. I stepped in and got the pizza combo which is going for just under $6 after tax at this location. So it's definitely not the cheap pizza choice like Pizza Pizza or 2-4-1. I got the meat lovers with a fresca. Pizzaiolo typically makes its pizza with a thinner crust and "gournmet" ingredients. And to be honest, this is evident in the presentation and even taste. The meat lovers pizza was nice and it's definitely larger than the Pizza Pizza slices. So size wise, it does offer you more with the price tag. I found the pizza to be good and no complaints in general. A nice slight crunch with each bite and definitely filling enough that you won't be crying for more food within an hour. And the amount of toppings with each slice was refreshing.
It gives you what Pizza Pizza use to in terms of amount of toppings. Is it me or does Pizza Pizza really stiff you on the amount of toppings nowadays. The same can be said about Pizza Hut too and I'm not ordering the discounted special. I'm talking 3 toppings large with stuffed crust or something. Friggg.
Overall, I liked Pizzaiolo. It is more expensive and sometimes when you're just craving pizza, this can be too much of an extra buck when a McCain frozen pizza would do just fine. I would say they have a lot of similarities to Mama's Pizza. In fact I have always had positive experiences with them. So if asked, Mama's or Pizzaiolo, who would you choose?