Pizzeria Defina on Roncesvalles is one of Toronto’s greatest pizzerias. But it’s much, much more, at just the right amount.
Pizzeria Defina. The view from the back.
Another view from the back. This time looking at the kitchen.
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Pizzeria Defina by any other name
Definitive? In the world of pizza, that’s a hard one to sell. But Pizzeria Defina is one of the best places to go for Napoletana style pizza. Having 20 options for it, 4 vegetarian, and 3 award winning ones (one being a Sicilian/pan style pizza, which is a thicker crust), and your option of dough: Napoletana, Roma or Kamut, you’ll want to come back. Certainly, there’s variation, flavor combinations, and as always, you can build or add your own ingredients, so there’s no lack of excellent, fresh ingredients.
Wet and dry spice options.
But what about the sauce?
San Marzano Tomatoes, DOP. Possibly as close as it gets to Nonna’s. Perhaps, even more authentic than you might be used to. You also get two options for spice, an oil and your traditional peperoncino.
A shot of Pizzeria Defina’s menu.
Wild Mushroom Toast.
More than just pizza
Exceptional salads, appetizers, pastas, a soup or two, and vegetable dishes; Defina has just the right items in those categories. Small menus are always the product of good restaurants, and Defina is no exception. Curious about a small plate or dessert? Go for it. You’ll always have room for a nice Napoletana style pie later on.
A chalkboard listing the 3 types of charcuterie boards they have available.
3 options for charcuterie?
A Mozarella Bar, Lake Temagami, and a Roasted Quail and Duck board? I would be sufficiently happy with those options alone. For my epicurean tastes, this speaks volumes to me. That a restaurant being so sensitive to it’s local clientele, would have 3 options for meat and cheese, tells us of the quality of the chef, and the palette of the people who pack this place on a Friday evening.
A Billy Batt. Yes, that’s a Goodfella’s reference.
$10 cocktails?
I’m coming back to this place just to try all the delicious drinks. The one pictured above is a Billy Batt. This place is great.
Birra Menabrea Ambrata
Pizzeria Defina’s well stocked bar. And of course, their many beer and wine options.
No Peroni, no Moretti.
This is the first Italian place I’ve seen that doesn’t have Peroni and Moretti as birra options. Instead, they have Menabrea Ambrata, another Italian Lager. Which, I was totally happy with and surprised I liked quite a bit. After some research online, it’s one of the few Italian imports that you can buy at the Beer Store, but not the LCBO. And only in kegs. (This is similar to what happened to Delirium Tremens, until the Beer Store started getting it by the bottle.) Rotating bottles and craft options are on tap, making this a decent, well stocked bar for wine and beer lovers alike.
Pizzeria Defina has some interesting decor.
Decor
There’s something interesting about having exposed brick and almost Pop Art style billboard like projections that’s eye catching. When you’re taking a break from your gastrointestinal delights, it’s a nice touch.
Service
Speedy, just like the quick time it takes to bake a Napoletana style pizza.
Comparison
I love my Italian restaurants, and I know my pizzerias. In comparison to Pizzeria Libretto, Terroni, Piano Piano, and Panino Cappuccino, they’re all tied for first place. I’d need to have a few more visits at each to give a definitive answer on my favorite. But it is absolutely exceptional pizza on Roncesville. While Terroni might be the only place I know in Toronto that serves San Pellegrino Chinotto — my favorite drink to have with a Napoletana style pizza (a Santo Stefano) — Pizzeria Defina was my first taste of Menabrea, and it was totally fine. You can’t go wrong when everything is either DOP, VPN, fresh, and made to be simple, excellent Italian cuisine and ingredients.
If it’s busy, do take out.
They even have a menu option for that online. It’s totally worth it, as this place can get packed at certain times on certain days. Some locals do wait for an hour or so with a lineup outside.
Price
Fantastic.
The classic — or at least Defina’s versions of — Napoletana.
Truly Great Pizza.
This is why you go there. And what will make you come back.
Location
321 Roncesvalles Ave
M6R 2M6
[usrlist “Pizza:9.5” “Food:8.4” “Decor:8.8” “Noise Level:8.0” “Service: 9.0” “Drinks: 9.5” “Price: 9.5”]