Ottawa has quietly built a real pizza scene, from decades-old neighbourhood shops to newer wood-fired and Neapolitan spots. This list was put together by reading public reviews on Google, Yelp and Tripadvisor, plus restaurant sites and local food coverage, to find ten places actually operating in the city right now.
1. Cumberland Pizza
Area: Lowertown, downtown · Rating: 4.8 on Google · Since: 1973
Cumberland Pizza has been a family-owned fixture in downtown Ottawa for over five decades, originally named for its first location on Cumberland Street. Reviewers consistently point to the freshness of the ingredients and friendly, consistent service as the reasons they keep coming back. It suits people who want a reliable, old-school neighbourhood pizzeria rather than a trendy newcomer.
2. Tangerine Pizza
Area: Gloucester, east end · Rating: 4.8 on Google (434 reviews) · Since: operating 15+ years
Tangerine Pizza is a family-run neighbourhood spot on Cummings Avenue that has built a loyal following over more than fifteen years. Customers repeatedly mention the thick, fluffy crust, generous toppings and homemade garlic dip, along with owners who are visibly invested in the place. It's a solid pick for east-end residents wanting a classic, no-frills family pizzeria.
3. Bistro Ristoro
Area: ByWard Market · Specialty: Neapolitan-style pizza · Rating: 4.8 on Google
Bistro Ristoro serves hand-made thin-crust pizza using organic flour and a high-heat brick oven, alongside a broader Mediterranean menu of seafood, kebabs and rustic breads. Reviewers highlight the crispy, airy crust and attentive service. It's a better fit for a sit-down dinner in the Market than a quick slice.
4. Colonnade Pizza
Area: Downtown (Metcalfe Street), with several other locations · Since: 1967
Colonnade Pizza dates back to 1967, opened by Lebanese-Canadian immigrant Kalil Dahdouh, and is closely tied to Ottawa's distinct Lebanese-influenced pizza style. It has since grown to multiple locations around the city. Diners frequently single out the sauce and cheese as the reason it remains a hometown favourite after nearly 60 years.
5. Georgie's Pizza
Area: Carling Avenue, west end · Rating: 4.6 on Google
The Original Georgie's Pizza & Subs has built a homey reputation on Carling Avenue, with reviewers describing the atmosphere as welcoming and the sauce and crust as standout features. Feedback is largely positive though a few reviews note some inconsistency between visits. It works well for a casual, unpretentious pizza-and-subs order.
6. Heartbreakers Pizza
Area: Wellington Street West / Parkdale · Specialty: wood-fired pizza and natural wine
Heartbreakers Pizza & Wine makes its dough with organic, stone-milled flour and pairs pizza with a natural wine list, a step up from the typical delivery pizzeria. It's built a reputation among locals for fresh, well-crafted pies in a proper dine-in setting. Best suited to people looking for a night out rather than a quick takeout order.
7. Farinella
Area: Little Italy (Preston Street), with locations on Rochester Street and in Kanata · Specialty: pizza by the meter, gelato
Farinella's signature is pizza sold by the meter or half-meter, meant to be shared, alongside a full gelato and pastry counter. It functions as a one-stop pizza-and-dessert shop in Little Italy. Good for groups or families wanting to order a big shared pizza plus dessert in one stop.
8. Pizza Nerds
Area: Centretown (Bank Street) and Old Ottawa South · Specialty: wood-fired pizza
Pizza Nerds runs wood-fired pizza shops in Centretown and Old Ottawa South, with pies named after local Ottawa streets and neighbourhoods. Coverage from Ottawa Life Magazine and local directories points to its creative, locally-flavoured menu as a point of difference from standard pizzerias. Suits diners who want a more playful, locally branded take on pizza.
9. Super Duper Pizza
Area: Pleasant Park Road, near Alta Vista · Rating: 4.2 on Google
Super Duper Pizza has a long-running local reputation for loading pizzas generously with toppings and getting them out hot and fast. Reviews are mostly positive, though some mention the crust and sauce style won't suit everyone's taste. It's a good option for anyone who wants maximum toppings over a minimalist pie.
10. Barney's Pizza
Area: Bayshore, west end (Dumaurier Avenue) · Rating: 4.3 on Google
Barney's Pizza & Subs is a west-end shop known for pairing pizza with wings, subs and pasta at accessible prices. Regulars describe the staff as down to earth and the deals as good value, though reviews across platforms are more mixed than most others on this list. Best for a budget-friendly, casual order rather than a special-occasion pizza.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from public web sources, including Google, Yelp and Tripadvisor reviews, restaurant websites, and local Ottawa food coverage. It is not a paid placement and no business on it paid for inclusion or ranking. It was last reviewed in August 2026.
Sources: Google Business listings, Yelp Ottawa pizza search results, and individual restaurant websites for each business listed above.
