Springtime is a busy one for most of us. If you’ve got kids, it’s exams and sports and end of school, and if you don’t (or if, like me, your kids are grownish) it’s still pretty busy, between taxes and yard work, and just getting out and doing things that we couldn’t or didn’t want to do in the cold of winter.
One thing is for sure, and that’s if I am busy, I don’t have time to cook, and pizza is often the most welcome takeout option. This particular one was sent to me from my son, currently in Japan, but on a busy day he decided pizza was the way to go, so Domino’s got the call. Yes, in Japan. He said it was night and day different (in a good way) from any other chain pizza spot in the US, so maybe I’ll have to try it while I’m there?
Anyway, spring seems like a great time to share some of my favorites, so in no particular order and without further ado…
Zorch Pizza: Just may be our new favorite for a true NY style crust. They have a spot in Carytown where you can do whole pies or by the slice in true NY fashion, and a newer pizza parlor where you can eat in and get a whole pie for the table. Really delicious in every way- crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings. They know what they’re doing. (Our favorite- The Upside Down- sliced mozzarella first, parmesan, Romano, then vodka sauce, with basil on top.) They don’t deliver, so get over it and get over there and pick up or eat in! It’s worth it. Check them out HERE
Galley Go To: An OG in our house, Galley, in Stratford Hills Shopping Center, is fantastic whether you’re eating in or taking out. They have some top notch crispy chewy thin crust which is exactly what I love, and they’re pizzas are a bit on the smaller size, so it’s not at all unreasonable to order 2 to try something different. (Except I order the same thing every time, because these are both equally amazing. The Sweet Hot, tomato sauce, house mozzarella, fresh basil, pepperoni, parmesan, calabrian peppers, honey and the Grape and Gorgonzola, with rosemary, parmesan, roasted grapes, and honey) Check them out HERE
The amazing Grape and Gorgonzola at Galley. Sweet and savory, this is hands down one of my favorites!
Azzurro: Azzurro at River Road Shopping Center is a great restaurant, with fantastic salads, pastas, and mains (and their zucchini fritte is amazing), but their pizza is also a true standout, thanks to their authentic brick oven. My favorite is the Napoletana Salcice- spicy Italian sausage, marinated sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and red sauce, but I’ve had most of them, and they’re all good (of course, for the simpler, pickier, or more complicated palates, they’ve got a build your own option as well.) Check them out HERE
8 1/2: Really more of a true Italian feel, the carryout only (or mostly- they do have a couple of small tables) 8 1/2 has some really fabulous thin crust pizza as well. Start out with their basic red pie and add your toppings from there. Limited variety and toppings, and you won’t find anything like a “meat lovers” situation here, but for that simple, real Italian feeling thin crust, this is the vibe.
Check them out HERE