Resto Reco: This hidden gem is one of the best pizza spots in Oshawa

I’m always on the lookout for the best comfort foods to enjoy while relaxing with a movie, and pizza tops my list of favourites. So, you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this pizzeria and poutine shop hailing all the way from Quebec.

I’m talking about the recently opened Pizza Salvatoré, located at 1295 Ritson Rd N, in the same plaza as the upcoming Rajdhani Sweets and across from the Metro grocery store.

This unassuming pizza joint might not catch your eye at first glance. It resembles a typical takeout place with a counter and a few seats. However, the moment you try a slice of their pizza, you’ll understand why it’s a hidden gem worth returning to time and again.

Pizza Salvatoré’s menu features a nice selection of signature pizzas (BBQ chicken, Mediterranean, Meat Lovers and Canadian, to name just a few), chicken wings, cheezy bread, fries, jalapeno poppers, calzones and even mac and cheese bites.

You can also customize a pizza by selecting various cheeses, meats, and vegetable toppings to create your perfect pie.

THE DISH:

For this reco, I tried the Spicy Thai Chicken: one of Salvatoré’s standout pizzas. It features a nice combination of marinara sauce—thinner than the traditional tomato sauce used in most pizzas—mozzarella cheese, green peppers, red onions, chicken, broccoli, and a tangy, sweet and spicy Thai sauce that sizzles on your tongue with every bite.

I know what some of you might be thinking… broccoli on a pizza? It may seem as controversial as pineapple, but it does add a delightful crunch to every bite and for those who aren’t usual fans of vegetables, this is one of the better ways to enjoy them!

I like to see large chunks of chicken and plenty of it on my pizza, and this came through with both.

Onto the dough, it has a slight chew and bounce— remaining soft— while the crispy crust takes it to a whole other level. The combination of these different textures is what gives the pizza a “well-rounded” experience—see what I did there?

Now, how could a Quebec-based eatery overlook such an iconic staple as poutine? It doesn’t. Pizza Salvatore ensures this Canadian classic is well-represented with rustic fries, gravy, and cheese curds.

As of now, the restaurant has a promotion where you can get a pizza and a small poutine bundle. I opted for a spicier sauce, and it did not disappoint. The fries were crisp on the edges and soft on the inside. The gravy was lighter, not too thick like regular poutines, allowing the flavours of the other ingredients to shine through.

The shop also offers a diverse poutine selection, including hot dogs, tao chicken, popcorn chicken, and buffalo chicken. Each can be topped with different sauces, such as bbq and hot sauce.

THE UNIQUE:

Besides the fantastic taste, this pizzeria is definitely unique. While it is part of a large chain in Quebec with nearly 75 locations, there are only three Pizza Salvatorés in Ontario, with Oshawa being among them. This rarity makes it a pretty special find.

THE VERDICT:

If you’re looking to try a pizza spot that prioritizes quality over quantity, with a perfect balance of ingredients that complement each other, Pizza Salvatoré is a good choice. For those unsure of what to order, I highly recommend the Spicy Thai Chicken pizza with a poutine on the side.