30/11/13

Gelato Pizza
OT HER CIT IES: MONT REAL

Saturday, November 30, 2013 Mostly Cloudy 0C

RESTAURANTS

Gelato Pizza

Curtir

66

Tw eet

24

RATING: 1.0/5 (1 vote)

Posted by Robyn Urback / REVIEWED ON NOVEMBER 19, 2012 / rev iew policy

54 Comments

INFORMATION

Location and Contact Details

Gelato Pizza is in no way ambiguous about what it brings to the Parkdale community. "Everyone I talked to
didn't like the name," says owner Giuseppe Petrella, who obviously isn't shy about sticking to his guns. "They
thought it sounded like I was serving gelato on pizza."

Terms & Feedback

1316 Queen St West (Get Directions )

416.516.4000

Parkdale

Pizza

SEARCH

Find a restaurant
Select a restaurant
Or use the options below to assist you in locating a
restaurant in Toronto.
BY NEIGHBOURHOOD:

(All neighbourhoods)
But no, this new Parkale spot offers pizza and gelato as separate entities, developed through Giuseppe's
years in the food industry. "My father was in the pizza business," he says as we chat in the new shop's salvage
church pew seats. "And his father was in the pizza business, so for me, it came naturally."
Giuseppe tells me he's spent the last seven years running a pizza franchise, though he's always longed to
branch off and do things his own way. "This is real Italian pizza," he says. "And real Italian gelato."

BY CATEGORY:

(All categories)
Reviewed by blogTO

Search Results
Please select criteria from the dropdown menus
above to start your search.

PIZZA

More Restaurants in this Category

Milano's Pizza

www.blogto.com/restaurants/gelato-pizza-toronto

1/9

30/11/13

Gelato Pizza
Hunter's Pizza
Gelato Pizza (Queen West)
To Go Pizza
Ciao Roma
VIEW ALL

PARKDALE

More Restaurants in this

Neighbourhood
Wasabi Vegetarian Sushi
Geraldine
Food & Liquor
Amato (King and Dufferin)
Delicacy
VIEW ALL

While the pizza is made in-house, the gelato is sourced from Gelato Simply Italian which Giuseppe says he
settled on after tasting about a dozen different Toronto options. There are currently about 16 flavours available
at Gelato Pizza the more traditional options including hazelnut chocolate, blood orange, pistachio, and
lemon and room for another 16 more when the mercury rises during the summer.

REVIEWS

Recent Reviews
Refine the list using the categories below:
Restaurants

Fashion

Bars

Design

Cafes

Art Galleries

Baked Goods
Grocery

Books
(De)select All

Barrio Coreano
Stay Cafeteria
Len Toronto
Warung Kampung
Squint Eyewear
Bolt Fresh Bar
McCormick Imports
Hogtown Smoke
Sandoozles Smokehouse & Pub
Pizza production (and consumption) is already in full swing here, with 22 specialty pies on the menu (all priced
the same $12.95/$15.95/$18.95 or $4.40 per slice) and the option to create your own. They range from the
basic "Ma" pizza with tomato sauce and mozzarella ("Just like my ma' made it when I was a kid," Giuseppe
says) to the "A-Maize-Ing" pie with extra virgin olive oil, mozzarella, garlic, tomatoes, corn, parmesan, basil, and
eggplant.

Al Premium

Choose a Category

Each pie name comes with a thorough back story (just ask Giuseppe), and is made with fresh ingredients that
are all prepared onsite. Available slices include three vegan options, and Gelato Pizza is working on
developing its own gluten-free crust.

The Brad Pitt slice immediately catches my eye, and comes brimming with veal meatballs, dry-cured
pepperoni, homemade sausage, and chunks of ham and bacon on top of mozzarella and tomato sauce. The

www.blogto.com/restaurants/gelato-pizza-toronto

2/9

30/11/13

Gelato Pizza
crust is a modest thickness more chewy than crispy serving as foundation for the meat-heavy pie. In
case it wasn't clear, this pie comes with a "carne" heading. This isn't one of those slices that's dripping with
cheese (yeah, I'm looking at you, King Slice) or smothered only with pepperoni, but rather, comes with an
equal presence of all of its protein-rich toppings in tow.

While the pizza itself does win my affection, it's the homemade dipping sauce that has me swooning. Made
with fresh sour cream, yogurt, garlic, and spices, this sauce is slightly less viscous than some of the other
garlic dipping sauces around, giving it a more tempered taste rather than an overwhelming garlic "punch."

Gelato Pizza plans to roll out delivery in the coming weeks (delivery of pizza and gelato) and is planning on
opening its second location (yes, already!) sometime in the new year. And it's good news for you east-enders;
keep an eye on the old Ethel corner lot.

Photos b y Jesse Milns

www.blogto.com/restaurants/gelato-pizza-toronto

3/9

30/11/13

Gelato Pizza

DISCUSSION

54 Comments
SORT BY Oldest First / Newest First

Subscribe

Jarvis Emerald / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 12:31 PM

I will have to check this place out. My How Parkdale is changing. The name of
this place is confusing but appealing at the same time. i would stop in just to
see what it is.

Jer / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 12:37 PM

I don't like the name personally but I will give the place a try.
Boreal Gelato a few doors down is also very good for gelato (they make it on site
too from fresh ingredients).
justpete / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 12:38 PM
Apparently this is a chain that opens up next door to just-establishing gelato
places to compete, offering a cheaper product at a lesser price in the hopes that
the patrons in the area will prefer cheap to good. And really, who would eat either
Pizza or Gelato from a place just called "Gelato Pizza"???
?? / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 12:40 PM
Any mention of the Leslieville Gelato Pizza opening?
The "Coming Soon" sign has been up on a vacant store front since the summer.

Leslievillian / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 12:46 PM

If they are a "real" Italian gelato place why don't they have a lid on all their tubs of
gelato?

Kyle / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 12:47 PM

I don't see what's so confusing about it - when I go to Laser Hair Removal
Burgers, I know that I can get my bikini line done and enjoy one of the best
burgers in the city all in one stop.

jameson / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 12:48 PM

I only get pizza from Albany Pizza on Landsdowne, but this looks very interesting.
Will have to try!

Lola / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 12:56 PM

Pizza is good! Gelato I will continue getting from Boreal next door, who makes it
from scratch in house.

Scott / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 02:02 PM

Pizza is great, but I'm gonna keep going to Boreal right next door for my gelato fix.

sage / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 02:12 PM

the pizza does look good though old man pizza at queen/jameson is awesome
and cheap. I will definitely continue to support Boreal next door, they make their
gelato in-house and it is delicious!!

Matt / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 03:14 PM

go to Boreal instead.

www.blogto.com/restaurants/gelato-pizza-toronto

4/9

30/11/13

Gelato Pizza
Mike / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 04:45 PM
Hey! Nice to see another fan of Albany Pizza in the comments. Pepe makes
awesome pizza!

me / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 06:53 PM

does anyone know if there's anywhere else to get gelato in the neighbourhood?
i'm looking for something made in-house.

TheDuder / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 07:19 PM

Support Boreal Gelato. Their employees are smokin hot.

ChefAldea / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 08:12 PM

So glad Gord Perks put through the moratorium on Parkdale! I mean, Gelato
Pizza and other independent business' are so dangerous and corrupt for this
neighborhood, right?

Gabe / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 09:02 PM

LOOKS AWESOME DO THEY DELIVER??? OR IS IT JUST PICK UP? WHAT THE
PHONE #?

mobo / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 09:21 PM

" Real Italian Pizza and Real Italian Gelato" huh?
The only thing real Italian is Giuseppes name. Lets start with the gelato. I have
never had a more synthetic tasting pistacchio gelato ! Ever! Anywhere! There is
fresh, authentic gelato REALLY close by. Real close.
I had a pepperoni slice and my friend had the hamburger slice( or something
like that.) My pepperoni pizza reminded me of Pizza Pizza / 2-4-1 / Ginos etc.(
dough,sauce, cheese) The hamburger pizza tasted like my slice with soggy
sloppy joes on top. Not pleasant. Not very good. And not really Italian. Way better
pizza options in the westend.
However it should do good biz on weekend nights after bars let out . For late nite
munchies.
mobo / NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AT 09:23 PM
OH ya. And whats with the wierd name?

Karina replying to a comment from mobo / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 01:16 AM

HI I think that we must respect people who try to make a living and especially
know something about food.
do we want to talk about names??? how about MOBO what kind of name is
that??
and if you know a place that makes better pistacchio pleeeaseee let me know.
BYYYEE
BeerForBreakfast / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 09:26 AM
Ed's Real Scoop has thd best Pistacchio Gelato I have ever tried also in
Leslieville

mike in parkdale / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 10:12 AM

for my dollar, the best pizza in Parkdale is Amico's. I don't see this place taking
any of their customers.

bob / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 11:13 AM

I think I need to stop reading any comments on BlogTo. People can't wait to
make stupid comments. It's a new business... there will be wrinkles to iron out,
and for gods sake, try the food before making comments on where to get more
"authentic". Geez.
gmo / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 11:50 AM
umm... anyone else have a problem with them putting up an old British
Petroleum sign in their shop?! WTF!?!

SAM / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 12:15 PM

Anyone have any info on what the 3 different vegan slice options are?

Sasha replying to a comment from gmo / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 02:15 PM

www.blogto.com/restaurants/gelato-pizza-toronto

5/9

30/11/13

Gelato Pizza
No problem with the BP sign here. Petroleum is fine - I use petroleum jelly
everyday

ParkdaleGirl / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 02:41 PM

Not sure what this guy was thinking, moving in right next door to the most
amazing gelato ever?!? Borel Gelato Company (http://borealgelato.ca/ ) makes
everything in house, from scratch using the best quality ingredients and is run by
amazing people who care about the environment and the neighbourhood.
If this place was just about high-quality pizza, that would be awesome, but it's
not. I won't be giving my money to someone who tries to 'compete' with local
small businesses with lesser products, and I'm sure many people in the area
feel the same way.
Maybe Boreal should start making pizza and just send this guy back from
wherever he came from.
Giuseppe / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 03:57 PM
A lot of great feedback and its nice to know some people appreciate the quality of
our menu. I probably can't please all the people of parkdale but I will try my best.
Someone said about going back to wherever I came from, but considering I was
born a few minutes from here ( St. Joseph Hospital ), I think some people don't
know me or what the company is about. It's not a chain, this is the first store
open barely two weeks so please get the facts right. I would love to sit down with
each customer and tell them what we are all about over a complementary slice
of pizza, and hope they can see what it is we do. We gave away free whole pizzas
for two days to anyone who walked in and about 800 people did just that. Finally I
respect all businesses and hope people to do the same. More of a good thing in
a general area equals a greater variety of choices and will inevitably attract more
customers to the area.
L. / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 05:43 PM
Really??? interesting.. cause I heard that Boreal doesn't pay their 'smokin hott'
staff.

me / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 08:38 PM

for the people complaining about the location being too near to boreal gelato
(and not about the quality of the product), i recommend reading up on (hotelling's
model of) spatial competition, game theory, and/or nash equilibrium.
there are numerous examples of small businesses around toronto opening
near each other (e.g., papa ceo's & cora's only have 1 or 2 storefronts in between
them, both selling pizza).
something to watch for starters: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-do-competitorsopen-their-stores-next-to-one-another-jac-de-haan
MC / NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 08:56 PM
We live in the Parkdale area and have anxiously awaiting the opening of Gelato
Pizza. We walked in a few weeks ago and they were giving away free pizzas AND
gelato to anyone who walked in. I think that was a great gesture to show their
delicious food to the area. We had a chance to talk with the owner who's
passionate about his food. With regards to the gelato, just because it isn't made
in house doesn't detract from the quality or variety of flavours. This is the real
deal, authentic gelato made with premium ingredients the old Italian way - I can't
wait until the summer when they'll have 32 fantastic flavours! Haters gonna hate.
For the rest of you, try Gelato Pizza and come to your own conclusions.
Chris / NOVEMBER 21, 2012 AT 10:24 AM
Went here last night as I thought the pizza looked amazing in the pictures. It sadly
didn't taste as good as it looked. The pizza is comparable to pizza pizza or a
thicker pizzaiolo. It was decent but by no means worth my hour trek to check out
the place. On the other hand, I went next door to Borel Gelato Company to see
what all the buzz was about and wow. I had the apple sorbet and it tasted like an
apple pie my ma used to make. My friend had the Tiramisu Gelato and said it
was the best he'd ever had. I think Gelato Pizza is going to have a lot of trouble on
the Gelato front, but they'll do fine with the pizza.
Jane Manning / NOVEMBER 21, 2012 AT 06:29 PM
Robyn please correct your typo above: the gelato is sourced from .Gelato Simply
Italian NOT G for Gelato!

mr. brown / NOVEMBER 22, 2012 AT 12:32 AM

There is no way 800 people got free pizza there last week.
I live right across the street and can see the place from my window. It was empty
most of the time. Even with free pizza.

Karina / NOVEMBER 30, 2012 AT 12:59 AM

Hei mr Brown
Don't you have tv???

www.blogto.com/restaurants/gelato-pizza-toronto

6/9

30/11/13

Gelato Pizza
Mr. Brown replying to a comment from Karina / NOVEMBER 30, 2012 AT 10:44 AM
Karina, I would never watch tv.
It's petty stupid and full of ads.
I have a social life, a girlfriend and a band.
No need to be dumbed down by societys main stream.
Ralph from Maple / NOVEMBER 30, 2012 AT 09:22 PM
So not sure what's wrong with opening a
Business close to others that may serve
the foods or services
It's not if it is a big player they are both a
mom and pop shop
One should not attack someone else only
because the other establishment may have a
better product and service
Pizza is out of this world (Rocco) is my favorite
the gelato ( not ice cream ) is also great
Keep up the good work
I will for sure come in at least once a week
for dinner and gelato
So that everybody in the family will have something to enjoy
Linda S. / DECEMBER 1, 2012 AT 12:04 AM
Had the best experience when visiting this great new establishment. The staff
and the owner Giuseppe were friendly, fast and very efficient. The menu offers a
full variety of flavours that will please everyone's taste buds. The pizza was very
tasteful and the crust was perfect!! The toppings was abundance and of course I
always have move for dessert. I enjoyed pistachio and bacio ice cream!! The ice
cream is very good!! Definitely will be returning with my family to enjoy our
dinners.
Just wanted to also add that I find the comments about this restaurant opening
next door to an ice shop quite disturbing because they are not the same concept
and Toronto is such a big city that everybody should have a fair opportunity.
Some people should really keep their comments to themselves !!
Karina / DECEMBER 1, 2012 AT 01:55 AM
Hi Mr. Brown
Happy to hear about your social life but you probably didn't have any during that
week cause you said that "the place was empty most of the time"
So that means you had nothing better to do then watch the opposite side of the
street.
Anyway I have been in Gelato Pizza only once and I loved it!!!
So please Not more replay about me and Let's all say FORZA GIUSEPPE
you are doing a great job.
Ciao
Ralph / DECEMBER 3, 2012 AT 12:24 PM
FORZA GIUSEPPE

Linda S / DECEMBER 4, 2012 AT 12:22 PM

Forza Giuseppe

Mart replying to a comment from jameson / DECEMBER 5, 2012 AT 08:54 AM

Albany pizza rocks

Mart replying to a comment from Mr. Brown / DECEMBER 5, 2012 AT 09:05 AM

Ya mr. Brown keep on keepin' that intellect up on the edgy blogto comment
boards!

R. replying to a comment from SAM / DECEMBER 15, 2012 AT 01:34 PM

Hey @Sam,
Here are the vegan pizzas:
ISOLA - olive oil, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts
BIANCA - extra virgin olive oil, rosemary, sea salt
LYNN Z LOW N - fresh tomato sauce, fresh garlic, fresh basil, dried black olives,
eggplant molise
Enjoy!
Vy / JANUARY 5, 2013 AT 12:16 PM
My mom ordered a large pizza last night from Gelato... it was way too salty!! To
think people actually enjoy salty pizza boggles my mind! Would never go back!

www.blogto.com/restaurants/gelato-pizza-toronto

7/9

30/11/13

Gelato Pizza

DB / JANUARY 29, 2013 AT 10:51 PM

I love this place! Their pizza is very tasty. I wouldn't really say it's "authentic Italian
pizza," (it's no Libretto) but they use fresh ingredients, homemade sauce &
dough, and you can tell. They've got great veggie pizzas. Best dipping sauce. And
a ton of drink options (san pal, glass bottle pops, plus the regulars).
And, come on, gotta give them credit for the guts to name this place "Gelato
Pizza" in one of the most scrutinized neighbourhoods in Toronto. Lighten up
about it. At least they stand out. Just try it!!
Justin / FEBRUARY 3, 2013 AT 04:27 PM
I wanted to get a slice of pizza last friday after work and gelato pizza was on my
way plus it looked kind of cool on the outside. I walked in and ordered a slice of
the brad pitt and a slice of the deluxe and I have to say it was the worst pizza I
have ever tasted. They have like 2 employees there, one older guy that makes
pizza and this hot girl at the front that served me. When I tasted the deluxe first, it
was stil cold. The dough was like a board and the cheese was hard, not stringy
and melted. Their cheese pizza only has monzerella on it which is really bland
too. My girlfriend also went and ordered the hamburger and said it was a waste
of money and that the crust was thick and chewy and that it didn't have enough
sauce. To get real authentic pizza, I guess you have to go to to a nice restaurant.
Even pizza nova works. I think they use frozen ingredients on their pizzas cause
everything is pretty saugy and tastes a day old, especially on the deluxe. As far as
the Gelato goes, I haven't tried it, but I probably won't be back.
Katherine / FEBRUARY 6, 2013 AT 05:19 PM
This pizza is so thick and doughy. After I ate it, I wished I had of just had pizza
nova or something else. Its kind of cold and the slices are expensive. What a
waste of money. Critics always hype about restaurants, probably because
owners of restaurants pay them to get good critique and then pretend like they
had nothing to do with it. ug I wish I could have my money back. I bought two
slices and a sauce to go. The cheeseburger and the Brad pitt.
Darlene R / FEBRUARY 11, 2013 AT 05:27 PM
Not great, not worth a trip out of your way

Sarah / FEBRUARY 17, 2013 AT 08:52 PM

I just ordered a large personalized pizza from them and it was abso-frickinglutely DELICIOUS. The best pizza from a delivery place that I have had in Toronto.
Pizzaiolo comes a distant second. I ordered a thin crust pizza with roasted red
peppers, pepperoni, feta cheese, green olives and fresh garlic and it was really,
really great. I was in the mood for something salty and flavourful, and this totally
fit the bill. I've now found my new pizza delivery place!
st louis pizza and wings fenton / FEBRUARY 23, 2013 AT 06:11 AM
Pizza is the main focus, with long-established, specialty and custom pizzas
presented in an assortment of crust styles and toppings.
Thoughtful, practical, sustainable presents may require a little more creativity on
your part, but they may also be thoroughly
enjoyed for their uniqueness and earth-friendly origins.
If you have pizza in India at a reputed brand outlet and have it
in another country in the same brand, you will positively
find a difference in the toppings.
Laura / MARCH 2, 2013 AT 07:54 AM
The gluten free crust being developed the owner himself intrigued me. I would
LOVE it if he could come up with an authentic Italian chewy gluten free crust.
Please please please!!!

Danny / MARCH 11, 2013 AT 08:27 PM

Stopped in at Gelato Pizza let me tell you it's amazing and to have gelato after my
slice just made it perfect. I have read some comments on here and haters will
be haters... Can't please everyone especially the people who have no clue what
quality food tastes like....great name for the place it stands out and great
homemade dip!!! Can't go wrong there... Keep it up Gelato Pizza we shall see u
soon...
Chris / APRIL 27, 2013 AT 01:01 PM
Just noticed that he is opening a 2nd location on Atlas Ave, a few blocks north of
St. Clair West! Renovation of an old corner store is underway and there is a sign
in the window advertising it as coming soon. I can't wait!

mike in parkdale replying to a comment from Vy / JUNE 16, 2013 AT 06:03 PM

"...ordered a large pizza last night from Gelato... it was way too salty!! To think
people actually enjoy salty pizza boggles my mind!"
prepare to have your mind boggled - I'm about to order the Sapore Di Sale (aka
Taste of Salt) pizza from Gelato because they make one of the best salty pizzas
out there. I actually LOVE anchovies on my pizza, along with black olives, feta,
capers, onions.... and Gelato makes a really good salty pizza. In fact, I could call

www.blogto.com/restaurants/gelato-pizza-toronto

8/9

30/11/13

Gelato Pizza
any pizza shop in the area right now, but I'm calling Gelato just because the
sapore di mare was so damn good.
And I still order from Amico's when the girl is home and we're ordering
something more traditional.

Add a Comment
NAME:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

WEBSITE:

COMMENTS:

Remember me

Email me when someone replies to this comment

CONTRIBUTE

Get published / Submit a news tip / Write a post / Write a review / Suggest an event / Suggest a listing / Report an error

QUICK LINKS

GET CONNECTED

LINKS & RESOURCES

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

SUBSCRIBE

Site Archives

Follow Us on Tw itter

Our directory of useful links and

Get daily alerts delivered to

RSS Feed

About blogTO

Join the blogTO Flickr pool

resources

your inbox.

Review s Feed

Advertise on blogTO

Become a fan on Facebook

Dow nload our Media Kit

Join blogTO on Google+

Events Feed

Choose ...

Enter your email

Contact Us
Comment Policy
Privacy Policy

Freshdaily is Canada's source for hyper-local arts, music, film, fashion, food and news coverage.
We currently publish web sites in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Check out what's fresh.

Copyright 2004-2013. Published under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 (Canada) license
Disclaimer: Comments and entries represent the viewpoints of the individual and no one else.

www.blogto.com/restaurants/gelato-pizza-toronto

9/9