There is no shortage of pizza shops in Halifax, from gourmet to old school, specializing in everything from garlic fingers and donairs to poutine! It can be pretty overwhelming, so let’s just focus on pizza for a second. Quality, variety, price and delivery hours can all be important factors when we have to make that oh-so-crucial decision: “Where should I order from tonight?”
Salvatore’s might just have the best pizza in Halifax and, unlike most other gourmet pizzerias, they actually deliver! But, don’t yammer on about what toppings you’d like because they quite literally won’t let you put more than three toppings on your pizza. Don’t mess with perfection! Just order one of their original pizzas, and relax – because this kind of quality takes time. Admittedly, this pizza is best enjoyed in the dining room but Salvatore’s is so good that sometimes you just need your fix brought to your door.
Tomavino’s bridges the gap between gourmet and conventional pizza, with both classic and gourmet varieties that hold up well to the trials of delivery. The Tomavino’s Combo is a standard works-style pizza elevated by its home-made meatballs. Or, you could be more adventurous and try the Rotterdam, a smoked salmon pizza. Gourmet toppings are showcased on the likes of the award-winning Montrealer and the Bel Cibo with its prosciutto ham, artichoke hearts, fresh arugula and fontina cheese.
Mumford is the choice pizza for west end residents in the know. It could even be argued that they make some of the best no frills pizza in the city! This is a cheesy pie with a hand-tossed crust and a nice, spicy sauce. Toppings are fresh and generous. Options are basic and prices are reasonable. Since they are a family run business in the sleepy west end, they close a little earlier than the downtown shops (10 p.m./11 p.m.).
Fun fact: The original Velo’s Pizza was technically where the donair was invented more than 40 years ago! Velo’s makes some of the better pizzas in the north end. They use Brothers’ pepperoni and cook the pizzas in a stone oven, which sets them above the competition. They also have a gluten-free crust option. The menu is a moderate size, with oven toasted subs, signature wraps, burger and sandwich platters, seafood, pasta and, of course, donairs. They are open ‘til 1 a.m. (3 a.m. on weekends).
Bramoso Pizza is dedicated to taste, health and sustainability. An emphasis on local ingredients is at the heart of these “artisanal” pizzas, which are cooked in a brick oven. There are 40 different pizza toppings, including 10 cheeses, a roster of local meats and an army of veggies! White, whole wheat and gluten-free crusts are available. Bramoso even makes its own vegan cheese from local organic tofu and herbs. You can order a take ‘n’ bake pizza, or get one piping hot. The only downside is that they close early (10 p.m. most nights).
Freeman’s has been around since 1956 – that’s a long time in pizza years! They have several locations across the city now but the original Quinpool location has the most charm. Their garlic fingers are known as being some of the best in Halifax (ask for bacon!) If you’re looking for anchovies, Freeman’s has ‘em. You want your pepperoni on top of your pizza? This is your place. Gluten-free crust? It’s here. They offer delivery until 5 a.m. – the latest in the city!
Forget that slice you had at Pizza Corner, the iconic corner popular with the post-bar crowd for its late night grub. Have you ever actually ordered a pizza from Sicilian’s Quinpool location? It’s not the cheapest, but they have some interesting specialty pizzas like Tuscan chicken and bacon double cheeseburger in regular or thin crust. The pepperoni is on top of the cheese and the overall pie is fairly well executed. They are open until 2 a.m. (4 a.m. Thursday to Saturday).
Xtreme Pizza may not make the best pizza but they dazzle with their crazy combinations. The Thanksgiving Pizza, for example, comes topped with chicken, gravy, stuffing and onions with a side of cranberry sauce. Real bacon, Brothers’ pepperoni (and, get this: hot dogs!) are available as premium toppings. They have six types of garlic fingers, 12 varieties of poutine and 14 different burgers! The menu is huge! They also have some of the best hours, as delivery starts at 11 a.m. daily until 3 a.m. (4 a.m. Friday and Saturday).
This is a pretty standard Halifax pizza shop with its expansive menu, which includes family packs of chicken or fish ‘n’ chips. There is nothing particularly exotic here but the pizza is solid. If you just want some good ol’ comfort pizza for a low price, this is a great option! Extra-large pizzas are in the ballpark of $20 and there are lots of specials. Shadia’s is located right across from Stadacona and they offer a 15 per cent military and student discount. Open ‘til 11 p.m. (3 a.m. on weekends).
According to some people, Korca Pizza is a well-kept secret – a hidden gem tucked away unassumingly in the north end. The Korca Special, with its feta cheese, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, red onions, bacon, garlic and red peppers is a flavour explosion and a definite crowd pleaser! Whether you’ll like it or love it, Korca is worth checking out. Open ‘til midnight, or 2 a.m. on weekends.