There’s nothing like a good pizza night and that’s why I wanted to share some of my current favourite Simcoe County spots where you can pick up a tasty pie. Unlike my hometown of Windsor, which is known for a very specific style of pizza (which FYI involves shredded pepperoni and canned mushrooms), Simcoe County pizza is not confined to a signature style. Whether you're looking for a classic pizza, thin crust, gourmet toppings, gluten-free or vegan, any way you slice it, this list, which is in no particular order, has something for everyone.
Jimmy Chews
Jimmy Chews Primo Pizza says on their website that they make, “freaking great pizza” and I have to agree. This downtown Barrie spot makes dough that is raised for 3 days and topped with only the best premium and often house-made toppings. They also offer options like half-baked and uncut which is the perfect option that allows you to have a fresh and hot pizza at home with just a few minutes of prep. My go-to’s here are usually the Hawaiian and the Rocket Ham with lots of stinger dip but all of their pizzas are delicious and their caesar salad is also a must-try. Barrie pizza lovers can also find Jimmy Chews on Instagram and Facebook. If you appreciate premium ingredients and don’t mind the price tag that comes with quality, this is the place for you!
Northwinds/Moto Pizza
If you're looking for an amazing pizza in the Collingwood area, be sure to check out Moto Pizza located at Northwinds Brewery. This is not your every day pizza, its a delicious Detroit style pizza with cheese loaded right to the edges, caramelizing the outside of the thick crust. It is then topped with lightly seasoned tomato sauce, toppings of your choice and cheese and served piping hot. You can also find Moto Pizza and Northwinds Brewery on on Instagram.
Off Eleven Pizza
Off Eleven is a hidden gem operating out of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport in Oro. Brought to you by the folks at Liberty North, Off Eleven serves delicious handcrafted pizzas. You can take out or eat in and I've heard the sunset view on the patio is beautiful. They offer a regular menu as well as weekly specials and other favourite items like chicken parmesan sandwiches and Liberty North's famous meat pies. Be sure to give them a try, it's definitely worth the drive to Oro. You can also find them on Instagram.
Later Pizza
Later Pizza in Collingwood is a unique takeout spot offering Brooklyn-style thin crust pizza. They have been closed for the last little while looking for a new home but have plans to re-open this summer in their new home, a small batch brewery called "Endswell Beer". Like Jimmy Chews, they offer unique and premium topping options as well as a killer honey hot sauce which is a must try. They also have a second location in Waterloo so both Collingwood and Waterloo area pizza lovers can find Later Pizza on Instagram and Facebook. If you’re looking for a unique pizza with complex flavours, Later Pizza is the spot for you!
Bayview Beach Pizza
Bayview Beach Pizza is a hidden gem in the Gilford/Innisfil area. Located right near the water in a small unassuming building, this location is perfect for boaters, cottagers, snowmobilers and those out on the water ice fishing. Their pizzas are classic, stone baked with simple, fresh ingredients. Their dough has the perfect consistency of a crispy exterior and doughy interior and includes a generous serving of real mozzarella cheese. You can also find Bayview Beach Pizza on Instagram and Facebook. If you’re in the Bradford or Innisfil area and love a fresh classic pizza, Bayview Beach Pizza is a spot you will want to try.
Rustica Pizza Vino
Headed north, Rustica Pizza Vino in Orillia is next on the list of my favourite Simcoe County Pizza spots. Located in downtown Orillia, Rustica serves a delicious menu of wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza as well as other Italian inspired menu items. They source many of their ingredients as locally as possible, but also import specialty meats, cheeses, olive oil, San Marzano tomatoes and wine for the perfect blend of local meets authentic Italian. In the warmer months, Rustica offers the option to eat in their outdoor courtyard which is a beautiful spot to dine on a nice day. Orillia pizza lovers can also find Rustica on Instagram and Facebook.
Pie Wood Fired Pizza
No list of Simcoe County pizzas would be complete without a shout out to the OG of wood-fired pizza in the area, Pie Wood Fired Pizza. With locations in Barrie, Midland and Port Carling, my favourite way to enjoy their pies are by visiting with a group of 8 or more and having a “Pie Party” where, for a per-person price you can try unlimited pizzas with options to add fries, salads and “salty balls” (hilarious but delicious). I also love that they provide school supplies to local children in need through their “Pie Education” program, which has donated over 15,000 filled backpacks to children in our community in the past 10 years. You can also find Pie Wood Fired Pizza on Facebook and Instagram where they post regular updates featuring their menu items and specials.
Haisai
Haisai in Singhampton is a bit of a hidden gem that offers the most delicious wood-fired thin crust pizzas with locally sourced toppings as well as other delicious items like baked goods, local meat and a bottle shop. Open from Thursday to Sunday, they offer takeout in the winter months while in the warmer weather you can eat in their outdoor courtyard which transports you into a tranquil oasis best described as earthy and eclectic. Furnished with wood chairs topped with fur lining and stone tables and surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a lovely spot to sit and forget about the outside world. You can also find Haisai on Instagram where they post updates on their hours and items available in their stories.
Without Reservations
Another pizza purveyor that is perhaps one of Simcoe County’s best kept pizza secrets is Without Reservations, a small business that provides online ordering and local delivery and also has a booth at the Barrie Farmers’ Market on Saturdays where they sell high-end prepared meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Their wood-fired artisan pizzas are made with a hybrid sourdough crust and includes fun options like stuffed crust, as well as unique gourmet flavour combinations like the “Duck, Fig and Apple” which is topped with duck confit, roasted apples, black mission figs, toasted walnuts, grainy mustard, duck lardon and honey. These pizzas are purchased frozen for you to bake at home for crispy on the outside and tender on the inside pizza perfection. You can also find Without Reservations on Facebook and Instagram where they post mouthwatering photos of their many amazing menu offerings.
Cuoro di Pomodoro
Cuoro di Pomodoro is another lesser known gem. Available at your favourite local markets in the summer (The 400 Market on weekends and the Innisfil and Wasaga beach Farmers Markets), they use fresh organic flour, tomatoes, fior di latte and fresh premium ingredients to make their flavourful thin pizzas. The owner is originally from Italy where he worked as a chef before bringing his pizza making skills to Simcoe County. They also offer event catering for parties and celebrations. You can also follow along with them on Instagram.
Pizzas for different dietary needs...
Last but definitely not least, if you are a pizza lover with dietary restrictions, there are still plenty of options in Simcoe County for you to get your pie on. Read more abo9ut some of my favourites below.
Valliant's
Valliant’s (Facebook/Instagram) in downtown Barrie is a Vegan eatery that offers plant-based pizzas as well as gluten-free options. They also offer a special every Thursday where, for in-store and pick-up orders, you can buy a pizza and a drink and get a second pizza for free.
P_zza
P_zza is another downtown Barrie spot that uses an easier to digest combination of amaranth, rice, spelt, semolina and wheat flour in their dough recipe, which creates a tasty vessel that boasts more protein, iron and fiber than a crust made only with wheat flour. They offer both frozen pizzas as well as options to create your own from a selection of over 30 toppings, cooked in just 90 seconds while you wait. You can also find their plant-based pizzas (like the one pictured here) locally at both locations of Ripe Juicery. You can find P_zza on Facebook and Instagram where they regularly post specials and partnerships with other local businesses.
Shine Plant-Based Kitchen
Shine Plant-Based Kitchen is an Orillia restaurant that offers a selection of frozen plant-based pizzas to heat and eat at home. They offer some unique topping options such as their portobello mushroom pizza with smoked “gouda”, truffle oil, and a cashew-based cream sauce. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram where they share photos of their regular menu items and specials.
With that, the “My Food Adventures Favourite Simcoe County Pizza” post has come to its conclusion. I’d love to hear your local favourites as well, feel free to share in the comment section below.
Thanks for following along and wishing you many pizza-filled food adventures!