Anthony's Pizza
Every time there's a post about pizza on Reddit's Ottawa subreddit, I read every last comment to get the people's opinion on this city's pizza joints. And one that I see consistently recommended and is Anthony's Pizza. The great Neopolitan pizza debate in Ottawa is usually reserved for Anthony's vs. Tennessy Willems, though newer players like Roberto Pizza are gaining interest in the pizza community. I've had Tennessy Willems already, so Anthony's was high on my list, and this summer I decided to make a stop at their Glebe location. It should be noted that the Glebe location has a significantly smaller menu than the original Wellington location. No matter though, the best way to judge a Neopolitan pizza is to order the Margherita: a simple pie with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
I started with a salad, and to be honest, it was really bad. But this is not a salad review blog, so I won't bore you with the details. It did start my dinner on a bad note but I was so excited for a good Neopolitan pizza, I easily brushed it off. I was like a kid watching the pizzaiolo prepare my pizza and put it in the oven right in front of my eyes for a quick blitz.
First, let's establish the essentials of a good, wood-fired Neopolitan pizza. This authentic Italian style pizza should have a thin base in the centre which makes way for a soft, pillowy crust. Despite the price tag and the fork and knife needed to eat it, this truly is a no frills pizza. A simple tomato sauce (never sweet or heavily spiced) adds flavour and tang, while spots of creamy mozzarella (buffalo if you're lucky) add a touch of saltiness. After baking, it is finished with basil leaves and often drizzled with olive oil.
And there is Anthony's Margherita, moments after it was delivered. I had to snap a pic, it really is a beautiful sight. My first few bites were satisfying, as I started with the centre which had decent cheese coverage and a good sauce. But as I made my way to the crust, I was met with disappointment. The crust was both crunchy (big no-no) and tasteless. A little salt goes a long way, my friends. I did enjoy the toppings of the pizza, since they provided the saltiness I'm looking for, but the crust was so bland I didn't even want to eat it. And I'm no dirty crust-avoider. Anthony's crimes against flavour could not be forgiven. I'd be happy to give Anthony's another shot, but will definitely go to their original Wellington Street location. Lastly, at $14 pre-tax and tip, this pizza is about equivalent to most pizzeria's small size, and can easily be polished off by one person as one meal.
I give Anthony's Pizza five out of eight slices.
Do you disagree? Who do you think is the king of Neopolitan in Ottawa? Let me know in the comments.
Ciao,
- Pizza Lover
I started with a salad, and to be honest, it was really bad. But this is not a salad review blog, so I won't bore you with the details. It did start my dinner on a bad note but I was so excited for a good Neopolitan pizza, I easily brushed it off. I was like a kid watching the pizzaiolo prepare my pizza and put it in the oven right in front of my eyes for a quick blitz.
First, let's establish the essentials of a good, wood-fired Neopolitan pizza. This authentic Italian style pizza should have a thin base in the centre which makes way for a soft, pillowy crust. Despite the price tag and the fork and knife needed to eat it, this truly is a no frills pizza. A simple tomato sauce (never sweet or heavily spiced) adds flavour and tang, while spots of creamy mozzarella (buffalo if you're lucky) add a touch of saltiness. After baking, it is finished with basil leaves and often drizzled with olive oil.
And there is Anthony's Margherita, moments after it was delivered. I had to snap a pic, it really is a beautiful sight. My first few bites were satisfying, as I started with the centre which had decent cheese coverage and a good sauce. But as I made my way to the crust, I was met with disappointment. The crust was both crunchy (big no-no) and tasteless. A little salt goes a long way, my friends. I did enjoy the toppings of the pizza, since they provided the saltiness I'm looking for, but the crust was so bland I didn't even want to eat it. And I'm no dirty crust-avoider. Anthony's crimes against flavour could not be forgiven. I'd be happy to give Anthony's another shot, but will definitely go to their original Wellington Street location. Lastly, at $14 pre-tax and tip, this pizza is about equivalent to most pizzeria's small size, and can easily be polished off by one person as one meal.
I give Anthony's Pizza five out of eight slices.
Do you disagree? Who do you think is the king of Neopolitan in Ottawa? Let me know in the comments.
Ciao,
- Pizza Lover
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