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Abruzzo Pizza
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Pizza Italian, Pizza [Edit]
9010 Yonge StRichmond Hill, ON L4C 6Z8
(905) 881-8222
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 3:30 pm - 11 pm
Tue-Wed 11 am - 11 pm
Thu 11 am - 12 am
Fri 11 am - 1 am
Sat 3:30 pm - 1 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Come enjoy authentic Italian and Continental cuisine in an elegant and relaxing atmosphere. Il Mulino Restaurant is the perfect location for your… read more »
23 reviews for Abruzzo Pizza
Review Highlights
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"...you must try when you go to Abruzzo's is their Panzerotto." In 3 reviews -
"Addition: I shamefully drank the tomato sauce last time." In 3 reviews -
"I love how they have so many choices of toppings." In 5 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Kris U.
Richmond Hill, ON
4/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Your first time going to Abruzzo Pizza you likely may drive past it several times as its location (just north of HWY 7 on Yonge Street - on the west side), is set slightly back from the road and at times blends into its plaza. However, stay the course as this juice is certainly worth the squeeze.
Upon arriving you have the option of taking out/picking up or hanging a Roger (right) at the front counter and entering into their seated dining area. While the decorum is nothing to write home to Mama about, seat yourself and strap in - you are in for a scrumptious ride.
Like the decorum the menu is nothing fancy to look at but easily packs the best of Italy (and other places) into a great 1 pager. Pasta, Pizza, Salads, Chicken Wings, Lasagna, Veal, meat etc etc etc.
Having ordered pizza from Abruzzo's since I was knee high to a grass hopper, I've always known that it was one of Richmond Hill's best kept secrets. Perhaps eating there as a child is what spoiled other future Pizza endeavours for me, as I have yet to meet (eat) a pizza with the same, tears-streaming-down-my-face joy as I have each time I've gone Ninja Turtles on a box of their 'ZA.
Any good Italian knows that the quality equation of "Pie" depends on two key elements: Crust and Tomato Sauce (here-on will be referred to as SAWSE!).
However, being the good Italian boy that I am, I can say with confidence that Abruzzo's Crust is a MUST, and their SAWSE is BAWSE (boss/top shelf/ tasty/ unreal/ fabulous/ etc).
Now, lets cut the cheese here, and get down to brass toppings (inserts clever pizza play on words). While their Pizza is truly tops, their defining characteristic is their Panzerotti's (Panzo'). At $7 each for a basic cheese and SAWSE (plus $1/topping), this CFL Football sized beast is both a challenge and a treat to eat (not to mention a great value). You have the option to order it baked or deep fried (I recommend baked for a nice crust), and a little known fact that ordering a side of either tomato SAWSE or meat SAWSE for dipping is the trademark of a true Panzo-vet (or SAWSE BAWSE).
All in all a great place, its been around for as long as I have lived North of the 401 (27 years) and possibly longer. So if your in the 905 and feel like great Pizza, Panzo and everything else Italian. Try it out. Same goes for you city dwellers, worth the trek.Listed in: Places that make me go ....…
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Review from Erwin M.
12/16/2011
Tried the abruzzo special pizza, ordered additional italian sausage... got charged for it.. when I got home it wasn't there. I guess its my fault that I didn't check... but ill let that screw up slide and give a fair review.
If people are giving 4 and 5 stars to this place it has to be for something other than the special pizza and the carbonara because, although they were good, they were definitely nothing special, especially for the prices they charge which are slightly higher than a lof of the pizza places in the GTA. The crust and sauce weren't amazing, the toppings were exactly what was on the menu,It's not like they used fresh mozzarella like the real expensive restaurants. So other than that, not sure why it would be way better than any other pizza.
People are going for a lot of hyperboles in their reviews so here's one. Its the best pizza along Yonge between steeles and major mac. -
Review from Nathan F.
12/13/2011
A taste of little Italy where you'd least expect it. I went boring and got a sausage and mushroom pizza, and it exceeded my expectations.
Sparse atmosphere and service, but still very attentive.
Surroundings are a bit meager (is everything surrounding Toronto in a strip mall?), but there's plenty of parking. -
Review from Kousha R.
North York, ON
4/22/2012
Perhaps the best pizza place in north of toronto. I have been here on many occassions and every time i have gotten a super tasty pizza. Price is reasonable and lots of customization or the pizzas is available (which is great if you a picky eater). Their Panzerotti is also famous and tasty, but definitely start your experience with a pizza.
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Review from Jennifer L.
Markham, ON
10/2/2011
You're expected to pay more for a pizza that will knock you off your feet. I order whole wheat even knowing as a health gimp, whole wheat pizza really diminishes the quality of a pizza but this was my best surprise since I got back from Naples in Italy. The best pizzas have the right marriage of the crust and sauce/cheese and Abruzzo did not fail to deliver.
Don't judge a book by its cover. This establishment has been around for a long time with good reason. The 70s wall panels are covered with nostalgic picture frames and hick adorned woodshop feelings. It's not a place to stay and eat, but you're looking at a true Italian family run business. -
Review from Joe H.
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
For all who have lived in Richmond Hill for more than 5 years, you'll know what Abruzzo Pizza is. You know a place is doing well when the plaza that Abruzzo's resides in is actually named after the store (Abruzzo Pizza Plaza). I guess it's kinda hidden and you really wouldn't know it's there unless you knew it was there; or I guess if you were looking for something to eat around that specific plaza. Upon entering, you'll notice an almost nostalgic pizza parlour feel. I'm talking about red checkered tables with parmesan and pepper. It's a place where everyone does know your name and you'll notice a lot of people saying "hi" to people (man... is Richmond Hill really that small?). There isn't an evident menu, but I always order the same thing when I come here.
In my opinion, their specialty is their panzorotti; which comes in baked or fried varieties (personally I like the fried one, mmmm flavour). You're given a pretty big assortment of toppings you can fill the panzorotti with but I think you're pretty safe with whatever you want. My personal favourite topping is mushrooms and sausage.
What sets Abruzzo Pizza apart from all the rest of the herd is the local homemade taste and feel you get when you bite in. They're not a cookie cutter pizza pie slinging franchise so you can definitely tell the difference. They have everything from pizza to pasta but again, I usually just get the panzorotti when I come here.
Is it the best pizza I've ever had? Probably not... but if there was a battle between pizza parlours you better believe that Abruzzo's would be one of the ones left standing.Listed in: Happy Pi Day - The Best Pizza…
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Review from Melissa S.
Toronto, ON
8/4/2011
Been an Abruzzo's customer for 18 years! This place is fantastic. It has only gotten better over the years. In recent years, they expanded their hole-in-the-wall type location and added a dining area next door. They've also extended their hours to meet that lunch demand.
The first thing you must try when you go to Abruzzo's is their Panzerotto. Fill it with a couple of ingredients. I prefer to have it fried, but I heard baked is just as awesome. Also, add on a meat sauce....mmmmmmm.
They also have amazing pastas and veal sandwich is nice and tender served on a huge panini. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is.
Abruzzo's has a great delivery service as well, so take advantage of that if you're at work and are looking for a pizza/Italian food fix!
If you go into the restaurant, they sometimes have menus that have coupons inside them. It's a bit of a rarity to find, but hold onto that flyer when you get it. You'll be using it later ;)
What more can I say? It's a Richmond Hill gem. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
3.5 star
Come to Abruzzo Pizza for the food... Don't take your date here if so she will be disappointed..
Abruzzo is located at a strip mall... surrounded by mattress and furniture stores. Since it is in Richmond Hill, at least I don't have this seedy feel.
2 areas of the restaurant, one is for pick up and the other area for sit down lunch/dinner. The sit in area is more basic remind me of a cafeteria set up...
On a Friday afternoon... for late lunch, this place was quite busy.. There are at least 3 cars with the Abruzzo Pizza signs on their roofs going in and out of the parking lot doing delivery!
Vince Special Pasta Fusilier ($12.50)
- includes Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Zucchini, Fresh Hot Peppers, Garlic and Light Tomato Sauce
- Filling and hearty
- the Italian Sausage is really lean remains me of Chinese preserved sausage... and it is not salty to my surprise
Abruzzo Special Pizza Small ($13.50)
- Consists of Tomato Sauce, Cheese, Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Bacon & Onions
- The crust is thin but not dried... still have this oh so good I am eating carb feel
- The ingredients are generous and yes and filling!
I cannot say Abruzzo Pizza is authentic Italian pizza... but is a good option compare to other chain pizza joint!
Services here is efficient and friendly... a good family vibe! I do have a feeling I am eating at one of the pizzeria down at Little Italy instead all the way up at the Burbs!!
Open for lunch only from Tue - Fri. They accepts all credit cards! -
Review from Duong N.
2/5/2011
After one of the scariest rides of my life, slipping and sliding on a snowy Toronto evening, I finally made it to Abruzzo Pizza. What surprised me was how packed the place was even though it was snowing outside and close to 10 pm at night.
The decor is very simple, so nothing to show off to for a date. The food, however, was quite delicious. Service was prompt and friendly, by mostly tough looking men you would find on the Sopranos.
We ordered the Special Pizza, the Greek Salad, and the Special Pasta with Sausage. All the dishes were quite good, and my date, who usually would not like pizza, actually complimented the place.
It was definitely better than the chain pizza joints around here, but not quite as good as New York or European pizza (especially Italy). I would say, it is on par with some of the better pizza places in California.
Everything tasted really fresh, and the pizza has a nice crisp to the crust. The pasta, a little on the spicy side, was also well prepared and had authentic Italian sausage in them (what a nice surprise!). I would definitely come back to this place if I ever had a craving for pizza again. -
Review from Amie T.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2011
By far, the best pizza in richmond hill/markham area. In a largely asian area, filled with Boston Pizza's and Pizza Huts, you might not think this is saying much, but as my friend said after taking her first bite:
"This pizza is so good, I could cry."
The restaurant itself is set up more like a fast food or cafeteria joint -although a server does come to serve you!. There's vinegar and olive oil for your bread, and you can see all the herbs inside the olive oil. Yum! We ordered thin crust, but I felt the crust was still rather thick... not sure if we were given the wrong crust or if their thin crust is just not that thin. No matter, the pizza was still amazing. As soon as you bite in, you KNOW that pizza was made minutes ago, with super fresh ingredients. It's got that homemade feel that makes everyone so happy.
All in all, it gets a big four stars from me, because now I know I can satisfy my pizza craving without going all the way downtown (as a point of reference, my fave pizza downtown is john's italian cafe on baldwin & papa ceos :) ). -
Review from Ariel G.
11/8/2010
This is what pizza is all about. Since I moved to Toronto about 4 years ago, I have regularly bemoaned the absence of Independent Pizza joints, particularly in the 905. What brought me here was the urge to have get away from the Pizza Pizza and their ilk, and to try to get that 'old pizza feeling' I used to get.
My wife and I set out to go to Abruzzo as we had driven by it many times. The place is in a small strip mall in Richmond Hill and it was packed, always a good portent. There were delivery drivers picking up their orders, people getting their take-out and dinners busy enjoying the kitchen's output.
We waited a few minutes and found a table and our orders were promptly taken. I was attracted by their house salad which featured Italian Cold Cuts. I thought this would be the litmus test...the quality of the cold cuts that were going to be served. It has been my experience that the large majority of casual food joints will serve a highly commercial grade of salamis which do not resemble what you can purchase at your local deli.
I was delighted when the salad arrived and I was able to taste "real" salami, and real shredded grated cheese, and real panchetta....'real' good in brief!
We ordered their large Abruzzo pizza, with thin crust and additional garlic. I does take about 20 minutes to get the pie maybe a little more, but I was enjoying the salad and feasting my eyes on what the other diners were ordering. Everything looked so good.
The pizza came and it was absolutely delicious. The crust was thin, evenly cooked and nicely crispy. The cheese is quite something and was extremely tasty and is simply much better than your run of the mill pizza cheese. The other ingredients were plentiful, as they do not obviously subscribed to strict pizza chains cost control measures. There was enough cheese, mushrooms, sausages and just the right amount of delicious sauce. It was a great pie!
The service is brisk and prompt and extremely efficient and pleasant. With regards to the cost it is about 35% more than the chains and is worth every penny. This is now the place I will come for Pizza....its further but worth it.Listed in: My 5-Star Places
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Review from Mozart A.
Whitby, ON
Thank God for Yelp. If it wasn't this website I wouldn't had the best pizza of my two first months in Toronto. The sad thing is that this place is very far from home, actually I was looking for somewhere not close because I have a car for the weekend - so, I will not be able to visit Abruzzo in a regular basis. Too bad, because their food is awesome and the price is great.
We went there today, a Friday, at 9 pm. They have something like 10 tables for dining in. The place was full and there was 2 other couples in front of us, I believe. We had to wait half an hour to get a table. However, their staff seemed to be very concerned about us waiting, the guy from the cashier was checking on the availability all the time. I was starting to get frustrated when they called my name, thinking that maybe the place wasn't a good idea...
We ordered the garlic bread with cheese. Wonderful. Soft bun, delicious cheese, and of course, as an authentic Paulista (native from the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo), I had to try everything with olive oil, and theirs was terrific, seasoned with herbs. My wife says that it's the best garlic bread she ever had, and I don't disagree. That alone made us forget completely about the wait.
Then, the pizza. We ordered the "Abruzzo Special" pizza (it's one of the few for which they have pre-defined toppings). It's a little bit different than the other pizzas that I had here; it reminded me the pizzas that I used to have in Brazil, with small crust and toppings very well diced. But what amazed me was the overall quality of the outcome. As soon as I put the first piece in my mouth, it sent shivers down my spine of how good it was. Truly amazing.
The place itself, as the others noted, has no frills. I like frills, most of the time; however, I don't know why, I was feeling very comfortable there. The servers, while not very warm (probably because of how many people they were serving), were very diligent.
If you like pizza, don't miss this place. You've got to taste that and see for yourself. -
Review from Devan R.
6/13/2009
Established in 1981 by two brothers from Italy, Abruzzo's has been a Richmond Hill staple for as long as I can remember. In addition to delicious Pizza and Panzerotti's, they also offer pastas and Italian sandwiches, but I can only vouch for the pizza and panzos. The pizza is solid and the party size pizzas are great for groups or events. They boast a wide range of fresh toppings inclduing some you would not find at any ordinary pizzeria. The panzos are delish squared, for the record I have never ordered a baked one from them because the fried ones are too good to be true. I also recommend getting a side of meat or plain tomato sauce to accompany your panzo's crispy edges.
See below the selection of toppings available to you should you decide to order from Abruzzos.
Anchovies, Artichokes, Bacon, Black Forest Ham, Black Olives, Broccoli, Capers, Capicollo, Diced Tomato, *Double Cheese, Italian Sausage, Extra Cheese, *Feta Cheese, Fresh Hot Peppers, Fresh Mushrooms, Grilled Egg Plant, *Goat Cheese, Green Olives, Green Pepper, *Grilled Chicken, Grilled Zucchini, Ground Beef, Hot Peppers, Onions, Pepperoni, Pineapple, *Potatoes, Plum Tomato, Red Onions, Roasted Red Pepper, Salami, *Shrimps, Spinach, Sun Dried Tomato.
4/5Listed in: Italiano
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Review from Belinda I.
North York, ON
8/9/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Best pizza in richmond hill!!! I used to order pizza from them at least once or twice a week when I work 9-5 next door. Everything is perfect about their pizza. You'll have to try it to believe it.
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Review from CalamityJane T.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2011
I hear Abruzzo has been around since the beginning of time, yet I only got to try it for a late lunch last Friday afternoon. I went with a former Torontonian now living in LA who once vowed that Dante's was the best. I actually don't agree with that and it seems neither does the majority of Yelpers.
I expected an old-school pizzeria with no frills, and that's pretty much what Abruzzo's is. It's a low-key kinda place with excellent pizzeria/trattoria fare at semi-decent prices. It's not that the food is expensive but for an $11 lasagne, a small salad or some bread (I'm not talking about a bread basket--it's just not that kind of place) would have been nice.
We were there around 5-ish, which made for a very late lunch, but nevertheless, it was almost a full house in both dining areas. As I had a dinner to attend later that evening, I tried to resist pigging out and we ordered the baked panzerotto with mushrooms, sausage, and black olives (which were missing), along with a meat lasagne, washing it all down with our aranciata sodas. Both items were really good and filling. If the baked panzerotto was that tasty, I can only imagine what the deep fried one would have been like! The lasagne was of the typical, homemade variety--no complaints there.
I ordered a mushroom & pepperoni panerotto (again, baked) to go just because it was so tasty and noticed that the one consistency is that they are quite scantily clad. There is not a lot of filling in them so it's mostly bread (but damn good bread!). When I was ordering the take-out panzo, I mentioned that they forgot our black olives and they offered not to charge us for any toppings which was not necessary, but sweet. Thing is, they did charge us for them! I didn't see a reason to complain about it since I did order the stuff, so why not pay for it, right??
The only reason this place doesn't get the full five is that they're too skimpy with the panzo fillings. I don't know if it's the same with their pizzas, but judging from the photos and real-life pizzas that other diners were having that day, it didn't look like it. The place is kind of out of the way (for me), though it's not their fault and no, that is not a reason to deduct points. (I figured I'd just throw that in there while the momentum of whining was still going.)
If you're looking for Terroni, Libretto, or any of these Neapolitan pizzerias, this isn't it. But if you enjoy a homey, filling, and simply tasty meal, check out Abruzzo as I am sure you will like it. They also deliver (to where, I'm not sure), and this is obviously a popular service as they have quite a few delivery cars that were constantly coming and going the whole time!Listed in: Pizza
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Review from Jenn G.
Scarborough, ON
2/11/2010
LOVE LOVE LOVE their panzo's, it's soo good.
I love how they have so many choices of toppings.
*having grilled shrimp was a huge plus*
and their service is very good as well.
i would have gave this place 5 stars, but the only down part was that their tiramisu, is not fresh. In fact, the bottom of it was still frozen, which was a disappointment. -
Review from Falcon L.
Mississauga, ON
12/28/2009
If you are in the mood for an old italian style pizza joint. This is it. Abruzzo's pizza is fresh and delicious with an excellent selection of fresh toppings. For example they have atleast 4 kinds of peppers and none of them are soaked in vinegar. The fried panzos are also mouth watering and delicious.
The place is always full and attracts a very diverse crowd. Great spot. -
Review from Joanne W.
3/3/2011
I'll let everybody else's reviews speak for mine. The pizza was absolutely delicious, and I really can't complain! Definitely worth the trip up into Richmond Hill!
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Review from Monica K.
North York, ON
2/11/2011
The only place that will satisfy my Panzerotto craving, and the portions are huge! The meat sauce is a must! Great service, great food. The décor is not that pleasing to the eye but as long as it's clean who cares when you've got a Giant Panzerotto staring at you, waiting for you to dig into its deliciousness!
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Review from Mark S.
Vaughan, ON
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Review from Maria A.
Richmond Hill, ON
10/23/2010
Great Italian and good price
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Review from C S.
Scarborough, ON
3/17/2010
I used to live in Thornhill and once a month I'd order a Pizza or a Panzerotto (spelling) and just be in Pizza heaven. Really this is some of the best Pizza you could get in the GTA. I highly recommand ordering from them or dropping in.
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Review from Igor F.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 11/28/2009
Addition: I shamefully drank the tomato sauce last time. It was that good. I stopped dipping in it and just drank it like a beverage. The shame burns oh it burns!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/17/2009
This is the greatest place in the world. If I lived closer to it, I would have cholesterol on my… Read more »
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