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Bitondo's Pizzeria
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Italian Pizza, Italian [Edit]
11 Clinton StToronto, ON M6J 2N7
Neighbourhood: Little Italy
(416) 533-4101
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Bitondo's Pizzeria
Review Highlights
"Real cheese, a nice tomato sauce and a traditional crust."
(in 9 reviews)
"It has the best veal sandwich and pizza in the city."
(in 3 reviews)
"The Panzerotti is fantastic."
(in 6 reviews)
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Jonathan K.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 1/16/2011
This is actually an update about my comments about Cora's and Papa Ceo's. I'm not sure about Papa Ceo's but I have now ordered whole pizzas from Cora's, and they're quite good.
Sorry Cora's.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/11/2010
For some context and some details, read David M.'s review before you read this one. Finished?… Read more »
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Review from Teena D.
2/3/2012
I stopped in for a slice Monday for supper. It's been a while since I'd been there. I adore pizza and this place always makes top ten lists here in Toronto for slices.
It was okay, not great. It was the last slice they had. People coming in after me were told to come back in ten minutes.
Why don't the staff smile there? -
Review from J H.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2011
until i order a personal/custom pizza, perhaps i don't have much business leaving a review, much less a mediocre one. but here i go!
i have only had walk-in slices, and tried a friend's calzone. they only have pepperoni slices available for takeout. i wasn't impressed. crust a little doughy for my taste, overall chewier than i like; not a ton of flavor or spark. very basic. the calzone (plain cheese, i think) was better, mostly thanks to the higher fat content.
eat-in seating is very basic.
i don't see what the fuss is about. -
Review from Craig B.
Pickering, ON
8/16/2011
First time visit. Had two slices and found them pretty tasteless. It was crowded and the panzerotti seemed to sell more than the slices so maybe that is the big deal about this place. But I just don't see it.
The staff was very friendly and the restaurant had a real cool Italian feel to it but man, I was truly not fond of the slices. They were greasy and the crust didn't have the texture I would expect from such a top-rated establishment. Maybe I had them on an off day....will have to try again.
But for now all I can offer is 2 for a real mediocre slice. -
Review from Shelly M.
Toronto, ON
12/17/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I heart you Bitondo's
Youve been my staple for hang over food and none hang over food for a few years..When ever I return to the city - I make a bee line to you..your lovely gooey cheese panzerotti's makes my tummy sooo happy..with extra sauce..on top-- i drool in anticipation of devouring one of your Delicious heart attacks encased in cheese...
Damn I just made my self hungry.... -
Review from Liora I.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2011
Best kept secret in Little Italy! This pizzeria is off the beaten path but makes the best panzo I've ever had / the only one I've ever craved.
Order it with a cup of extra tomato sauce and enjoy every deep fried, saucy, cheesy bite. -
Review from Sarah M.
Toronto, ON
4/18/2010
Went there for the first time today.
Food ordered: meatball sandwich, pepperoni slice, panzerroti.
The sandwich was good. Soft bread, lots of meatball (although one large meatball sliced rather than smaller meatballs all lined up), and a sauce with a kick. I wasn't expecting the jalapeno slices, but I removed them once I knew they were there.
The slice was a good slice. Not too much cheese, a good amount of pepperoni, and not too droopy. It's also huge, like a quarter of a full pie.
The panzerotti was also good. The cheese was melty and the whole thing was at a good temperature.
The downsides: the panzerotti was a bit greasy for my tastes, although it is deep fried and really, grease is to be expected in such cases. I'd appreciate some veggie options (salads, veggie sandwiches, etc.), but I won't hold that against them too much as this is a sandwich and slice place, not a full service restaurant.
The service was fast (the only thing that had to be made was the sandwich) and the dining room is serviceable. The music was a bit loud to my tastes, but considering most of the customers are taking food to go, ambiance isn't at the top of their list.
Overall it's worth going and we'll probably go again the next time we get a craving for a slice. -
Review from Jay G.
Toronto, ON
So far the best no-fuss, non-gourmet, New York style pizza I've had in Toronto. I knew there were a lot of Italians in our city but I could never find a great slice until I walked into this hole in the wall of Bitondo's.
This place is nestled nicely off of college and in a quiet residential neighborhood. Approaching the establishment you see old Italian dudes making pizza in the window, good sign. Walking inside you are greeted by what can only be described as a 60's nightmare. Ceiling tiles probably full of asbestos, 60's orange circular wall paper that is peeling, sun faded and well aged menu sign, Display case full of brio and sodas, a really old Coke cooler that is really awesome, a touch screen game you see at bar counters, bright orange plastic chairs, white 60's table (you'll know what I mean when you see it), weathered brown floor tiling, and a SIT DOWN Ms. Pac Man! That old ass sit down Ms. Pac Man alone should make you wanna walk over RIGHT NOW!
Service feels like you're in someone's, 60's decorated, Italian home. People greet you smiling, it's uncomfortably busy and crowded, the air is slightly humid from all the people, there's the weird uncle giving you the eye while making pizza like you owe him money, the cousin you never really got along with is grabbing pizza, panzos, pastas, and sandwhiches for everyone because she doesn't really socialize, the kids are sitting around Ms. Pac Man trying to win an impossible game, and Nonna is somewhere making everything that's not pizza and making it damn well. Home sweet home.
Now for the good stuff. The pizza! The pizza here is amazing! Simple and balanced. Sauce is a little sweet but still acidic from the tomatoes, the cheese is just the right amount, the crust is amazingly thin but sturdy and has a nice crispy outside but slightly chewy inside. Amazing stuff they have here. I prefer to order a pizza when I go here as SOMETIMES the slices are too chewy from sitting there, the cheese isn't as gooey, and the sauce dries out a little but I think that's only when you go in at off hours. Bring some friends and order a whole pie and get it a little well done so you get a slight char on the bottom, then you got yourself a New York style pizza.
The Panzerotti is fantastic. Deep fried goodness! Doughy but crispy, cheesy, saucy, and surprisingly not as greasy as I would expect. It's damn heavy but man is it good. if you're with a group of people definitely grab one of these, you can even share as these babies are huge. At times I've seen the panzos sitting in the display case under a heat lamp during rush hours for dinner. Best to get them fresh. Eat in or on the benches outside but be sure to get the extra sauce for the panzo as it makes the experience that much better. When you order out they come in a paper bag, but I don't know if they throw in some sauce in a container, couldn't hurt to ask if you gotta book it.
Overall, the pizza is amazing. No fuss and simple. Prices are great too at $5.75 a panzerotti and $2.75 a gigantic slice, Bitondo's knows how to give you the most bang for buck.
NOTE: No delivery, call ahead to pick up as it gets ridiculously busy.Listed in: My Pizza List
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Review from Sam G.
Toronto, ON
8/3/2009 ROTD 8/13/2009
I'm really not a big fan of pepperoni pizza, but Bitondo's slices are a winner. I quite like the tomato sauce. Nice big slices (practically 2 slices in one) and cheap at a tax-in $2.75. It's a 5 minute (or less) walk for me and I think I've been 3 times in the past 2 weeks.
Despite the other reviewers' praise, for now I'll pass on the panzerotto. Have you ever seen a MODEL of a pound of fat?... well, that's pretty much what it reminds me of, anyway ... *shudder*Listed in: College Street kinda from…, My ROTD's
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Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
3/3/2010
As I've written before, I feel that to truly judge a pizza, it should be at it's simplest; plain cheese (See Ray's, NYC), and straight from the oven. I'll definitely have a slice when on the run, but I won't judge a pizza place by a slice that's been sitting a while.
Jonathan K and I called in our order, and headed over. We went for 1/2 plain cheese, and 1/2 mushrooms and (not very) hot peppers. It was promised for 25 minutes, but was ready in about 15. We got there right at noon, moments before the student rush.
I liked this pie a lot. It was VERY similar to Danforth Pizza House. Real cheese, a nice tomato sauce and a traditional crust. I also like the authenticity of this little hole in the wall.
I'll be back.
NB. This was noon, remember, and they ONLY had pepperoni slices. Maybe that's all they do.Listed in: Pizza
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Review from susan c.
1/4/2010
I went to Bitondo's Pizzeria on a fluke and had my first panzarotti[1]. I'd seen signs for panzarotti at various pizza places in town but I wasn't sure what they were. (Pizza joints in NYC don't have them.) But, dang, it's pretty delish at Bitondo's.
THE FOOD
Their panzarotti ($5.99 including tax) kind of look like deflated calzones with softer crusts, rich with olive oil. My first couple of bites were all fried dough but when I got to the filling, it was like striking gold; a stream of molten mozzarella mingling with tomato sauce was unearthed. My one complaint: While it was still warm from the heat box, I wish it were made fresh so that the crust would be crisper and less greasy and the cheese more fluid.
Their pizza ($2.75 a slice), however, was a let down---yet still leagues above the nastiness of Pizza Pizza/Domino's/[insert pizza chain here]. I asked for "a slice" and got one loaded with pepperoni[2]. It had been sitting under a heating lamp and the counter guy didn't crisp it up in the oven so the crust was a soggy bleh. But the pepperoni was the real deal; intensely porky, spicy and flavorful.
If you're a bitter-flavors junkie like me, get a can of Brio ($1.25). It's an Italian soda that tastes like Coke flavored with Campari. For the rest of you, they have a vintage Coca-Cola cooler filled with cans of the usual stuff.
They also have sandwiches and pizza by the pie available.
THE VIBE
It feels like the quintessential neighborhood take-out spot in Little Italy. The space is small with a few tables and chairs. Eat in and you can check out the Italian soccer photos and posters on the walls, or play a few games of Ms. Pacman (Yes, I said Ms. Pacman!) on the table arcade for 25 cents a pop.
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[1] Is it overly correct to use "panzarotto" for the singular?
[2] Isn't the standard slice just cheese?Listed in: Food You Can Eat Without…
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Review from Mavis M.
Toronto, ON
10/17/2009
I feel so alone. My husband loves this pizza. Coworkers have recommended it. Friends rave. It has an average of four stars. My opinion is...WTF?
I hate it.
Sloppy, greasy, soggy pizza just does not appeal to me. The sauce is good, but that doesn't make up for the slop, grease, and sog. And the bland crust. That's right, I said it.
To be fair, (1) I am a crisp, thin-crust kind of gal; (2) every single person in the place (besides my husband and small children) is always eating the panzarotti, so maybe that's the true specialty here. Maybe the panzarotti is awesome. And if they served this mound of cheese inside a fried (baked?) pastry in portions smaller than a mailbox, I'd try it. -
Review from Andrea W.
Toronto, ON
8/15/2008 1 photo
I can see Bitondo's from my window as I type this. I'd say half the traffic on my street is due to Bitondo's. This is the spot for a good ol' greasy slice of pizza or a meatball sub. The shop furnishings have gone unchanged for 30 years: there's a Ms. Pac Man sit-down game in there. The hand-painted menu on the window reads as follows:
*SPAGHETTI
*LASAGNA
*RAVIOLI
*SPEZZATINO
*PANZAROTTI
*PIZZA
The panzarotti is pretty much just a massive lump of deep fried cheese ($5). Oh dear god, it's the size of a human stomach and it's awesome. I need to order a side of tomato sauce for dipping ($1), because the cheese is too dense otherwise. Despite my proximity, I allow myself a Bitondo's panzo about twice a year. This only happens when I'm drunk and unconcerned about the 4000 calories per serving. -
Review from Kent P.
6/22/2010
Probably can attribute about 8lbs of stomach mass to this place.
I get the veal sandwich ($6! with tax!) - usually cut in half and spicy.
Sweet: just tomato sauce
Medium: 2 jalapeños
Spicy: 4 jalapeños
The sauce is not as good as the stuff across the street @ San Francesco's- but I go here because there's a bench outside to sit and eat, several (grimy) tables on the inside, and some sort of PONG game that costs a quarter to play.
Consistently consistent.
patpatpatpat
four out of five pats!
note: have not tried the pizza here. wtf? -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
11/21/2008
When I mentioned to a friend that I had never been to Bitondos about a year ago, it was like a cartoon look of shock on everyone's face. Bitondos is the classic hole in the wall pizza joint, tucked away on a residential side street off of Little Italy.
When you walk in, it looks the way pizza places did in 1986. There's a classic Player's cigarettes clock on the wall, as well as a few other vintage signs. There's even a tabletop arcade version of Pac Man! I half expect someone to turn on Michael Jackson on the radio and light up a cigarette at their table.
The food, though, is amazing. Minimalist but amazing. The panzerotti is as good as you're going to find in town, as far as I'm concerned, and I will stick by that as a panzerotti enthusiast. The side order of sauce you can get with the panzerotti tastes homemade and comes in a little styrofoam cup like you'd get a cup of coffee in at a hockey arena. The individual slices of pizza are nothing to shake a stick at either. Ordering and paying is a casual affair, with the molded plastic seats and 70s color scheme enough to satisfy whatever kitsch cravings you might be suffering from.
The staff at Bitondo's are brusque but pleasant. They might bark a "whattayawant" at you, but they will usually follow it up with a smile or a little joke. If you're looking for a good slice or some authentic sauce, go check out Bitondos. The price is certainly right.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
10/28/2008
Bitondo's was the first pizzeria in Toronto where someone actually greeted me in Italian. Everyone who works here is so nice -- they make the experience just as good as the food.
And the food is good. Better than my Nonna makes (don't tell her). Delicious, cheap pizza, and panzarottis from heaven. I couldn't have that much cheese everyday...but God, I could really go for one right now.
Definitely worth a visit -- stay inside in the winter, sit on the benches in the summer. And don't just have the pizza -- everything is good old-fashioned Italian cooking. -
Review from Matthew S.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2009
The pizza here is good, but this place is really all about the panzarotti ($5): a giant pocket of perfect dough, with amazing tomato sauce, and tons of mozzarella. It's almost ridiculous how much cheese is in a Bitondo's panzarotti, it just oozes out when you bite in. I've taken some people here that complain the panzas are too greasy and heavy. So, if that's not your thing, you might want to steer clear.
I'm pretty sure nothing about this place has changed since it opened several decades ago. And, that's exactly how I like it. When you have something that works don't mess with it. If you're looking for something quick, cheap, and amazing avoid the overpriced, trendy places on College and walk a block south to Bitondo's.Listed in: Top Spots Under $10, Matt's Top Five
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Review from Dardana M.
ON
1/28/2009
Bitondo's rocks my world. I have made mention a number of times, of the difficulty in finding a new spot for reasonably priced, delicious, basic pizza. Bitondo's was (and still is) like a godsend.
The no-delivery thing is a little problematic (and probably a good thing, cuz it would be tempting to order all the damn time), because usually when I need a whole pizza, laziness is involved in some way. It is doubtful that I will spend the half-hour walking there and back, and I usually don't.
Thus, slices picked up while walking by it shall be. But hold up! Because it is impossible for me to choose pizza over the panzerottis which are literally one of my favourite food items on planet earth. They are indeed huge, so I will usually only eat about half at once (and with some salad to reverse/enhance the effects). And there was that time last summer where 3 of our broke asses shared one and a coke and managed to be quite satisfied. Ah, the little pleasures in life. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
11/29/2008
An authentic North American/Italian pizzeria, this joint serves up some deliciously droopy pizza. Unlike the chains, a Bitondo's Large is, in fact, large. You can feed 2-3 (maybe 4 if you stretch it) people with one of these pizzas. The Pizzas are very reasonably priced, and it's always worth the walk to this off-college spot. However, make sure you phone ahead, because you'll often have to wait for the pizza. They do a good job of telling you how long it'll be (and their ETAs are accurate.) One thing to be aware of is that this place does not deliver, which really amplifies the local-ness of the spot.
Unfortunately, I cannot attest to the quality of the Panzerotti or the Veal Sandwich, but everything I've ever heard about them tells me that it's magical. I just really love their pizza. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
1/5/2009
I like how Bitondo's still keeps its charming family-owned character. It helps that it sits on a residential corner, away from the bustle of Little Italy.
The slices here are pretty good, with nice, chewy dough and what I'd have to say is the best tomato sauce I've had in a long time. There could've been way more cheese on top, but for $2.75, it's not like I should expect a whole brick of cheese to be shredded for my benefit. Despite being relatively fresh, the slice also needed a bit of tender lovin' oven treatment, which wasn't offered until I bit into it and had to ask for the service.
Jeez, and the lack of variety, too. I went a titch before dinner hour and there were only pepperoni slices available, which is okay with me, but my veg friends would cry foul.
Okay, I suppose that's a lot of negativity there for one review, and you're wondering why I gave this four stars. Thing is, I actually liked the pizza a lot, and would definitely come back... but next time for a large made-to-order pizza or panzerotti. Mmm. Can't wait. -
Review from Suneel B.
Etobicoke, ON
4/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have been going to this place literally since my mom was pregnant with me. It has the best veal sandwich and pizza in the city. The veal is tender does not have too much breading and the sauce is pure nonna style. The pizza is thin crust and has great sauce and cheese. The ponzo is also off the hook. To truly enjoy it ask for a plate and sauce on top. Served this way it is a perfect balance of flavour. I have not had a single friend go there that was no not floored by the food. The place is old but as the saying goes don't judge a book by the cover. For those who foneat veal the chicken cutlet sandwich is a great alternate. Warning this place is cash only.
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Review from Monica F.
8/6/2010
Best Pizza in Toronto! Their panzerotti's (also known as "heart attack on a plate") are also reallllly good. But they're probably 10,000 calories each.... Still- so worth it.
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Review from Deanna W.
7/1/2009
What a great place! As if the steady stream of customer's on Canada Day or any other given night wasn't enough of indication, Bitondo's has a noted following among Toronto pizza afficinado's. Good herby tomato sauce, chewy wide slices and plus that arterie clogging deep fried 'panzo are all key reasons why this joint deserves a look see. It's best to get the panzo when it's fresh and hot, so you can enjoy the hot thick fried cheese with some of that sweet tomato sauce on top. Sandwiches aren't so key here best to head over to San Fran's or California's down the street but if you're in the area and need some 'za this is the place to go.
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Review from Brenn S.
Toronto, ON
7/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I have not had pizza as good as Bitondo's anywhere in Toronto. Like David M. suggested, a good pizza should be able to stand alone without any toppings. Bitondo's does this. For me, it's all about the cheese and the cheese here is gooey and very flavourful. The panzoes are amazing, especially when fresh. I don't get here often enough but when I do, I order at least 4 slices and a couple panzoes and keep them in the fridge for a day or two (if I'm lucky). Dang. I want some now...
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Review from Fast Eddy F.
East York, ON
2/16/2009
I used to live in Etobicoke around the Queensway/Parklawn area and I would travel to Bitondo's just to get d "panz." I got my wife hooked to the food and when she was pregnant (twice) she would send me to Bitondo's because she was craving. Fast forward to today, I now live in the Don Mills/Overlea area and someday's when the craving is bad for me for a "panz" I'll drive to to freakin' Bitondo's that how good this place is.
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Review from mondayjane s.
Toronto, ON
4/4/2010
Have been going there for years. The panzarotto is out of this world, and I love the pizza. In my opinion, the best place to get pizza in Toronto.
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Review from Blue B.
Toronto, ON
2/3/2010
For take out pizza Bitondo's is the best, forget Pizza Pizza, Domino's, Pizza Hut...for value and quality you can get a great large Mama Brava Pizza for like 12-13 bucks. The sauce makes it great and authentic. You can taste the garlic and basil, such a great sauce. The crust and sauce, to me, make the pizza. The crust can be a little tasteless at times, but definitely NOT a deterrent. Their pepperoni pizza is the bomb (i had to go old skool for them...the bomb...lol).
