Liam SmithYou know that feeling when you’re lifting a slice of pizza, eyes locked on the stretchy cheese pull, and then—snap! The cheese breaks before you even get a chance to appreciate it. It’s heartbreaking, honestly.
That exact moment is what jump-started my hunt to find Ottawa’s wood-oven pizza—ones so good, they never disappoint! From perfectly charred crusts to mouthwatering toppings, this city has some serious pizza magic happening.
So, if you’re ready to find your next favourite slice, here are the best wood-oven pizzas in Ottawa you absolutely need to try. Let’s dive in!
Tennessy Willems
– Media credit:hometownottawatour
Address: 1082 Wellington St. W.
Contact details: +1 613 722 0000
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Tennessy Willems is a casual, laid-back joint that is known for its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and handcrafted dishes. The setting here is simple yet inviting, with its wood-fired oven as the key centrepiece.
Now, onto the menu—of course, the pizzas steal the show, featuring standouts like the Wild Boar, topped with caramelized apple, sage pesto, and aged cheddar. There’s also the Jake, which is layered with roasted chicken, goat cheese, chilli flakes, and more.
If you’re looking for something extra indulgent and for sharing, their Mixed Board appetizer is the perfect choice. To complete everything, their cocktails are worth exploring—classics like the Negroni and Moscow Mule are standout options.
| Pro tip: For those with dietary preferences, they’ve got vegan cheese and gluten-free crust options—just let them know ahead of time. Also, if you’re into dip pairings, their hot honey and creamy garlic dips are hits! |
Del Piacere
– Media credit: delpiacere
Address: 416 Preston St.
Contact details: +1 613 422 4416
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Serving authentic Italian cuisine, Del Piacere is all about handcrafted dishes made by Chef Pietro himself. Their menu is loaded with everything you’d want from a true Italian experience, from antipasti and pasta to meat entrees and fresh pizza.
And yes, their wood-fired pizzas are the real MVP—crispy, bubbly edges and just that perfect balance of flavours. You can’t go wrong with their Capricciosa pizza, topped with cheese, artichokes, mushrooms, Italian ham and black olives.
If you’re someone who likes bold flavours, the Zingara pizza—topped with Italian ham, capers, bell peppers, and spiced salami—might just become your go-to. For dessert, you need to try the tiramisu—it’s homemade and everything you hoped it would be.
| Pro tip: Del Piacere makes takeout incredibly appealing. They have an app available on both the Google Play Store and the App Store where you can order online and snag 10% off your order! |
Anthony’s
– Media credit: wellington_west
Address: 1218 Wellington St. W.
Contact details: +1 613 695 8669
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Anthony’s is one of Ottawa’s top picks for wood-fired oven pizza, and a lot of their regulars rave about how they nail their pizzas. When it comes to recommendations, their Margherita La Bufala really stands out.
It’s their take on the classic Margherita (although they have those too!), but with creamy buffalo mozzarella that takes this pizza to another level. If you’re looking to shake things up a bit, you might want to consider upgrading to calzone—it’s almost the same, but with more savoury fillings!
And hey, if you’re not strictly in the mood for pizza, options like their prosciutto-topped flatbreads or fresh salads are worth trying.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye on their Instagram page for announcements about limited-edition desserts. They’ve got options that cater to anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth, so don’t sleep on it! |
Johnny Farina
– Media credit: johnnyfarinarestaurant
Address: 216 Elgin St.
Contact details: +1 613 565 5155
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
For years, Johnny Farina has been a staple in Ottawa for anyone craving wood-fired oven pizzas. Set in a former movie theatre across three rooms and two floors, it’s nestled right in the heart of the trendy Elgin Street district.
Their wood-fired pizzas are serious business. If you’re looking for recommendations, you can’t go wrong with their shrimp-scallops + bacon and diavolo pizzas.
And trust me, their pastas and mains are just as enticing. One dish to definitely put on your radar is the steak gorgonzola—it’s a crowd favourite for a reason!
| Pro tip: For wine enthusiasts out there, every Thursday, Johnny Farina offers half-priced wine. That’s right, you get to enjoy a great bottle without breaking the bank! |
Pizza All’Antica
– Media credit: pizzaallantica
Address: 5530 Manotick Main St, Manotick
Contact details: +1 613 491 1130
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 7 PM
Cost: $
Known for their time-honoured cooking style, Pizza All-Antica’s pizzas are fired to perfection in a traditional wood oven. Here, they’ve managed to blend authentic Italian craftsmanship with the cozy charm of Manotick.
A crowd favourite is the meat lovers pizza, layered with prosciutto cotto, pancetta, hot sopressata, and capicollo—it’s indulgent and satisfying. There are also some gluten–free options available, such as vegan cheese, halal combo, vegetarian pizza, and more.
Beyond pizza, they also offer must-try specials like wood-fired garlic knots and desserts like the Nutella pizza, which comes topped with strawberry compote and cookie crumble.
| Pro tip: Make sure you try their homemade sauces like lemon garlic or hot honey—perfect add-ons to elevate your meal! |
Farinella Rochester
– Media credit: farinella.ottawa
Address: 492 Rochester St.
Contact details: +1 613 422 6462
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Farinella Rochester is a standout for their authentic Italian-inspired pizzas, baked to perfection in their traditional wood-fired oven. One thing to know is that they primarily offer pizza by the ½ or full metre, making it perfect for sharing.
Now, onto the pizzas—you’ll want to make sure you get a slice (or whole) of their popular Tarin-Tino layered with Australian mozzarella, Italian pancetta, dollops of whipped ricotta, and more. No pluff here, it’s straight up delicious!
They’ve got something for everyone, too, with their variety of vegetarian pizza—the Frank Pinello (white pizza) is waving! It’s also worth keeping an eye on their rotating specials—they like to shake things up from time to time.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss ordering their takeout gelato. It’s available for purchase in-store only, and they pack it in 500 ml pint containers so you can bring home this creamy goodness. |
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar
– Media credit: grand_pizzeria
Address: 74 George St.
Contact details: +1 613 244 9995
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $$$
Set in the heart of ByWard Market, The Grand Pizzeria and Bar combines a vibrant urban setting with old-world techniques to deliver some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza you’ll find.
Their signature Margherita is always a crowd-pleaser, topped with bufala mozzarella and fresh basil, and it’s half price during market hours! Another standout option is the Il Miele—it’s layered with hot salami, bufala mozzarella, red onions, basil and chilli honey.
If you’re with someone who doesn’t like pizza (hard to imagine why), their menu extends to pasta dishes, salads, and appetizers that are sure to satisfy them. It’s all about that casual, yet top-tier dining vibe here, where you just know the food’s going to deliver.
| Pro tip: If you’re here during market hours, make sure to grab a discounted sangria pitcher—it’s one of the best deals in town. Also, keep an eye out for their kids’ menu too if you’ve got little ones in tow—it’s thoughtful and totally affordable. |
House Of Pizza
– Media credit: houseofpizzawestboro
Address: 160 Richmond Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 728 2422
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 2 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $
House of Pizza serves up handmade pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts, a hallmark of their wood-fired technique. The menu has a little something for everyone, offering both classic combinations and creative options like chipotle chicken pizza.
If you’re ordering for the first time, of course, go for their special HP pizza, loaded with pepperoni, bacon, green peppers, olives and more. You’ll also find options for vegetarians and gluten-sensitive diners, including the specialty Vienna pizza.
If you’re into Lebanese food, they’ve got those, too! By the way, their dough is made fresh daily, and their tomato sauce is packed with rich, natural flavours—it’s everything you’d hope for in a properly crafted pie.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their daily specials—they offer some great deals that let you enjoy more for less, especially if you’re dining with a group. And if you’re in a takeout mood, their pizzas hold up really well! |
Fratelli Westboro
– Media credit: fratelliwestboro
Address: 275 Richmond Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 722 6772
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$$
Fratelli Westboro is all about bringing those bold Italian flavours to life with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Walk in, and you’re immediately hit with the mouthwatering smell of pizza—the kind that makes you order some!
Their pizzas are made with hand-stretched dough, topped with San Marzano tomato sauce that’s perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too tangy. Now, for a standout option, try their Carne pizza, which comes loaded with grilled steak, spinach, roasted red peppers, and more.
Another solid choice is their Mangia Cake, a classic mix of pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, and mozzarella. Their options go beyond basic toppings, so you’ll want to explore the menu to find what catches your eye.
| Pro tip: Don’t sleep on their dinner specials—they’ll sometimes whip up dishes that aren’t on the regular menu, packed with fresh seasonal ingredients. It’s worth keeping an eye out for those gems! |
Heartbreakers Pizza
– Media credit: heartbreakerspizza
Address: 465 Parkdale Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 724 1144
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 4 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Heartbreaker’s Pizza’s vibe is understated but welcoming—you’ll spot a cool yet cozy setting that makes it perfect whether you’re grabbing a quick bite with friends or on a casual dinner.
Their menu showcases creative toppings and thoughtful combinations—I mean, there’s something for everyone. A must-try? Their signature The Sweetheart pizza, which balances rich tomato sauce, aged mozzarella, ricotta, honey and chillis.
Or, if you’re in the mood for something more savoury, their Fun Guy pizza is ridiculously satisfying, especially with its roasted mushroom cream. And for those with dietary needs, you’ve got the option to make the pizzas vegan or halal, so no one has to miss out.
| Pro tip: Heartbreakers Pizza gets busy, especially on weekends, so making a reservation is definitely recommended by them if you want to snag a table without the wait. |
