Top 10 Canadian Owned Pizza Restaurants

Canada’s love affair with pizza has fostered some truly unique homegrown restaurants. From coast to coast, Canadian pizza spots range from massive national chains to beloved local pizzerias. Each of these ten establishments is proudly Canadian – whether through their origins, community roots, signature recipes, or the loyal following they’ve earned. Below, we explore a mix of famous chains and local favourites across multiple provinces, highlighting what makes each special to Canadians.

Boston Pizza

Boston Pizza began as a single pizza and spaghetti house in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964 and has grown to over 380 locations across Canada. Despite its American-sounding name, Boston Pizza is a Canadian success story through and through. It’s known as a go-to family restaurant and sports bar, where people gather to watch hockey games or bring the kids after weekend tournaments. With a broad menu that goes beyond pizza (pasta, wings, and more), Boston Pizza offers something for everyone in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Boston Pizza is beloved for its community-oriented approach and consistent quality. Many Canadian families have fond memories of team dinners and birthday parties here. The chain sponsors local sports teams and charitable causes, reinforcing its role in the community. Of course, the pizza itself keeps customers coming back – hearty pies loaded with toppings and Canadian classics like the “Great White North” (a ham and pineapple combo) are fan favorites. Friendly service and a fun, social environment have cemented Boston Pizza’s place as a Canadian pizza institution, known for “great food and outstanding service” nationwide.

www.bostonpizza.com

Pizza Pizza

Pizza Pizza is an iconic Canadian chain that has become virtually synonymous with pizza in Ontario. Founded in 1967 in Toronto, it has expanded to over 750 locations across Canada. Bright orange Pizza Pizza outlets can be found in countless neighborhoods, and their phone jingle “nine-six-seven, eleven-eleven” is instantly recognizable to millions of Canadians. Over decades, Pizza Pizza has built its reputation on quick delivery, late-night availability, and accessible prices – making it a staple for college students, office parties, and family movie nights alike.

Customers love Pizza Pizza for its convenience and customization. The chain offers a wide variety of crusts, toppings, and specialty pizzas, allowing everyone to “create your perfect pie every time”. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni or something more adventurous like a butter chicken pizza, Pizza Pizza has you covered. Its extensive delivery network means a hot slice is never far away. Beyond the menu, nostalgia plays a role too – generations have grown up with Pizza Pizza as a reliable comfort food. That combination of familiarity, speedy service, and ever-evolving options keeps Pizza Pizza firmly in the hearts of Canadian pizza lovers.

www.pizzapizza.ca

Panago Pizza

Panago Pizza brings a fresh West Coast spin to the Canadian pizza scene. Launched in 1986 in small-town British Columbia (originally under the name “Panagopoulos”), Panago rebranded in 2000 and now boasts nearly 200 locations nationwide. From Vancouver to Toronto, Panago has built a following thanks to its emphasis on fresh ingredients and innovative flavors. The chain prides itself on an eclectic menu – think butter chicken pizza, vegan pepperoni, or gluten-smart crusts – reflecting Canada’s diverse tastes. Panago’s modern branding and online ordering system also appeal to today’s convenience-oriented customers.

Why do Canadians adore Panago? For one, it caters to almost everyone. Panago was ahead of the curve in offering vegan cheese, plant-based proteins, and gluten-free options, making it inclusive for different dietary needs. Quality is a top focus: Panago uses dough made fresh in-house and real mozzarella, and they’re known for unique sauce bases and toppings that you won’t find at other chains. Their commitment to sustainability and community involvement further boosts their reputation. From partnering with local farms for ingredients to supporting neighbourhood programs, Panago positions itself as a pizza place with a conscience. All these factors combined have made Panago a leader in Canada’s pizza industry and a fan favourite for fresh, guilt-free indulgence.

www.panago.com

Pizza Nova

Pizza Nova is a Toronto-based chain that has been serving authentic Italian-style pizza since 1963. Founded by Sam Primucci, who immigrated from Italy, this family-run business has grown to over 140 locations while maintaining its Old World charm. Walk into a Pizza Nova and you’ll often catch the aroma of dough baking and herbs in the air – a hint of the traditional techniques and premium ingredients they’ve preserved over decades. Pizza Nova’s slogan “That’s Amore!” reflects its aim to deliver a little slice of Italy in every pizza.

Pizza Nova has earned a loyal following by never compromising on quality or authenticity. They make their dough from scratch daily and use vine-ripened tomato sauce and 100% real mozzarella, just as they always have. This dedication to excellent ingredients shows in every bite, and customers taste the difference. Classic offerings like the Margherita or Quattro Stagioni are made true to Italian tradition, while specialty pizzas (e.g. porchetta and arugula) showcase culinary creativity. Beyond taste, Pizza Nova is admired for its family values and consistent service – many locations are still family-operated, and regulars appreciate the personal touch. After nearly 60 years, Pizza Nova remains one of Ontario’s most beloved pizza chains, proving that authenticity and warmth never go out of style.

www.pizzanova.com

Gabriel Pizza

Gabriel Pizza is a proudly Canadian pizzeria chain that has become an institution in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Founded in 1977 by Michael Hanna in the Ottawa suburb of Orleans, it started as a single family-run restaurant named after the owner’s son, Gabriel. Today there are over 40 Gabriel Pizza locations spread across Ontario and into western Quebec. Gabriel Pizza is closely tied to the local identity – it’s one of the key purveyors of “Ottawa-style” pizza, known for its thick crust, rich sauce and cheesiness. Over the decades, as Ottawa grew, so did Gabriel, evolving from a humble pizzeria into a regional franchise while maintaining its family-owned feel.

What makes Gabriel Pizza a local favourite is its steadfast commitment to quality and community. They prepare their dough fresh and use locally sourced toppings whenever possible, ensuring a hearty, home-style pizza that keeps customers coming back. Many Ottawans have a go-to order at Gabriel – whether it’s the Gabriel Deluxe loaded with classic toppings or a creative pesto chicken pie – and they swear by the taste and generous portions. The company has also woven itself into the community by supporting local events and charities, reinforcing the sense that it’s Ottawa’s own pizza place. For residents and even visiting hockey teams, a slice of Gabriel Pizza after the game is almost a tradition. Its combination of friendly service, community spirit, and delicious comfort food has earned Gabriel Pizza an enduring spot in Canadians’ hearts.

www.gabrielpizza.com

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Pizza Delight

Pizza Delight is the pride of Atlantic Canada’s pizza scene. Founded in 1968 in the small town of Shediac, New Brunswick, Pizza Delight has grown to over 70 locations across the Maritimes (and a few beyond). For many East Coasters, Pizza Delight is a nostalgic taste of home – it’s the local family restaurant where parents remember dining as kids and now take their own children. The chain is famous for introducing garlic fingers to the world: a cheesy, garlicky flatbread sliced into strips, typically served with sweet donair sauce for dipping. In Atlantic Canada, no pizza order is complete without an order of garlic fingers, thanks in large part to Pizza Delight’s legacy.

Customers cherish Pizza Delight for its cozy, down-to-earth appeal and uniquely Maritime flavors. The menu features classics like “Works” pizzas, but also regional specialties such as Donair Pizza topped with spiced donair meat and that signature donair sauce. These local touches give Pizza Delight a distinctly Canadian East Coast identity. Families appreciate the warm atmosphere and all-you-can-eat salad and pizza options that many locations offer – a hallmark of small-town hospitality. Over decades, Pizza Delight has kept its focus on fresh ingredients and customer satisfaction, earning loyal fans across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. Whether it’s after a hockey game or at a community celebration, Pizza Delight often plays host, reinforcing its reputation as the place for comfort food with a Maritime twist.

www.pizzadelight.com

Red Swan Pizza

Red Swan Pizza is a rising star among Canadian pizza chains, proving that innovation and quality can propel a local brand onto the national stage. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 2014, Red Swan has already expanded to 125 locations across Canada – an impressive feat in such a short time. The chain made a name for itself with unique touches like sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on every pizza crust, adding a nutty crunch that sets their pies apart. Red Swan’s menu is vast and globally inspired, offering everything from traditional pepperoni to butter chicken pizza and vegetarian korma pizza. Yet, at its core, Red Swan emphasizes Canadian-sourced ingredients and prides itself on great value.

Many Canadians have embraced Red Swan for its blend of quality, health-conscious options and community values. The company is committed to using fresh, locally sourced produce whenever possible, supporting Canadian farmers along the way. They’ve also catered to modern dietary trends by providing plenty of vegan, gluten-free, and even organic choices. This dedication to inclusivity and sustainability resonates with today’s consumers, who notice Red Swan’s efforts to be eco-friendly and involved in local communities. Of course, taste is paramount: customers rave about Red Swan’s flavourful sauces and generous toppings (all those specialty pizzas come loaded!). In just a few years, Red Swan’s formula of quality + creativity + community has earned it a loyal following, making it one of Canada’s most talked-about new pizza brands.

www.redswanpizza.ca

Santa Lucia Pizza

Santa Lucia Pizza is a beloved family-owned pizza restaurant that has become a Manitoba institution. The Simeonidis family opened the first Santa Lucia Pizza in 1971 as a little take-out pizzeria in Thompson, MB. From those humble beginnings, their dedication to great taste and value quickly made the business a success, allowing them to expand throughout the province. Today, Santa Lucia operates multiple locations in Winnipeg and surrounding areas, and even a few out-of-province franchises – all while keeping the feel of a local, mom-and-pop pizza joint. Their menu marries the family’s Greek and Italian heritage, featuring everything from classic Canadian pepperoni pizzas to Greek salads and souvlaki, with doughs and sauces made from scratch daily.

In Winnipeg, Santa Lucia Pizza has an almost legendary status for quality. It has repeatedly won “best pizza in Winnipeg” honors and Consumer Choice Awards, including its 14th such award in 2020 proving how much locals adore it. What’s the secret? Many point to the hearty, cheesy Santa Lucia Special (a fully loaded deluxe pizza) or the rich homemade tomato sauce that’s “all about the sauce!” as their slogan says. Portions are generous and meant for sharing with family and friends. Santa Lucia’s longevity has also fostered multi-generational love – grandparents recall early days at the original shop, while young people today order it for game nights. With over 50 years in business, Santa Lucia Pizza represents the Canadian prairie spirit: family-run entrepreneurship, welcoming service, and an unpretentious commitment to delicious food that brings the community together.

www.santaluciapizza.com

King of Donair

King of Donair isn’t just a pizza place – it’s a Halifax, Nova Scotia legend. Established in 1973 on Halifax’s iconic “Pizza Corner,” King of Donair (often called KOD) is credited with popularizing the donair, a spin on the döner kebab that has become Atlantic Canada’s signature late-night snack. Greek immigrant Peter Gamoulakos founded KOD and created the modern Halifax donair by swapping lamb for spiced beef and topping it with a sweet garlic sauce – a creation so beloved that donair was named Halifax’s official food in 2015. While the name highlights the famous donair wraps, KOD also makes a mean pizza. In fact, they offer a donair pizza that marries the best of both worlds: pizza crust loaded with donair meat, tomatoes, onions, mozzarella, and drizzled with that one-of-a-kind sauce.

Why does King of Donair have a cult-like following? Partly due to its unapologetically local flavor and partly thanks to pop culture. KOD’s original Quinpool Road shop has been featured on TV shows (like Trailer Park Boys) and visited by celebrity chefs such as Anthony Bourdain, all keen to try the authentic Halifax experience. For Haligonians, KOD is a source of pride – the walls are adorned with photos and memorabilia, and it’s not uncommon to see a line of hungry patrons (from college students to taxi drivers) late at night. Customers love the indulgent, messy goodness of KOD’s offerings: the sweetness of the donair sauce, the garlicky crunch of their famous garlic fingers, and the sheer novelty of a pizza joint that’s different from any other in Canada. King of Donair’s longevity and fame speak to its quality; it’s a true original that has earned its status as a Canadian culinary icon in the Maritimes.

www.kingofdonair.ca

Pizzeria Napoletana

Pizzeria Napoletana in Montreal, Quebec, is a piece of Canadian pizza history. Opened in 1948 by the Girolamo family, it proudly claims the title of Montreal’s first ever. Tucked in the heart of Little Italy on Dante Street, this unassuming spot started as a gathering place for Italian immigrants – a social club where people could enjoy familiar flavors. Over 75 years and several generations later, Pizzeria Napoletana remains family-run and continues to serve pizza and pasta made from the same classic recipes. The restaurant has barely changed its formula, which is part of its charm: simple, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, homemade sauces, and a cozy, bring-your-own-wine atmosphere.

For Montrealers (and food-savvy tourists), Pizzeria Napoletana is a must-visit because of its authentic taste and storied legacy. It’s a local favourite not only for the thin-crust pizzas – such as the Margherita or the all-dressed, which Montrealers traditionally load with pepperoni, green peppers, and mushrooms – but also for its extensive pasta menu and affordable prices. The fact that you can bring your own bottle of wine adds to the fun, unpretentious dining experience. Over the years, its reputation has spread far beyond the neighborhood; the owners recount how visitors from as far as Russia have come just to eat there.

www.napoletana.com

Conclusion

From the West Coast to the Maritimes, these ten proudly Canadian pizza restaurants showcase the delicious diversity of Canada’s pizza culture. Each one – whether a sprawling franchise or a single neighborhood haunt – has earned its place through quality, innovation, and a deep connection to its community. Together, they prove that when it comes to pizza, Canada can more than hold its own, serving up slices of local pride along with everyone’s favorite pie.