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Vesuvio Pizzeria & Spaghetti House
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Pizza Italian, Pizza [Edit]
3010 Dundas St WToronto, ON M6P 1Z3
Neighbourhood: The Junction
(416) 763-4191
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Vesuvio Pizzeria & Spaghetti House
Review Highlights
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"Super hot and fresh with a light doughy crust." In 8 reviews -
"Veg lasagna was solid too." In 2 reviews -
"...often mispronounce it, but I order it every time I'm there." In 3 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Jason A.
Etobicoke, ON
4/6/2011
This is the BEST pizza in Toronto!
It's a little more expensive than the regular chain pizza places, but its worth it. The crust is incredible... and i highly recommend getting the spicy italian sausage on it! DELICIOUS!
Personally i prefer to go for the take-out at this place, the restaurant is okay but nothing special... just your average everyday Italian place. And I find it slightly more pricey than it should be for the value of the food... but then again I'm a dive bar loving individual. -
Review from N L.
Toronto, ON
2/4/2012
food is 4 stars but service is a 1. Once I ordered take out and waited 45 minutes, only to call back to find out we were out of their delivery area. No apologies, nothing. Dining in, they often mess up my order. Also, soda is $2.75, which is pretty expensive I think.
If you pick it up to go, the pizza is great! -
Review from Tony J.
Toronto, ON
11/9/2010
We used to go to, and order from Vesuvio a fair bit, but the quality & service began slipping a few years back. Each time we've returned its re-affimed our thought that it's not all its cracked up to be.
Given that pizza is their mainstay, it' was surprising to me that The Star rated it as one of the city's best. Not! Granted, the pizza is better than most major chains (PizzaPizza, Dominos, etc), only maginally, and its not as good as it could be. Its definitely better eaten in-house than delivered. The pizza takes on the taste of the cardboard box by the time it arrives at your house. It doesn't help having to deal with the surly delivery man, who gets even more surly if he's not handsomely tipped!
The serving staff in the restaurant varies from 'pleasant', to 'would rather be doing anything else', generally erring towards the latter.
Caesar salad is 'ok', nothing special. Pasta is not bad, but still 'family restaurant' quality.
Given that it's a neighbourhood family restaurant, I was apalled to hear that they refused to host T-Ball team's season-end party last year. We went to Boston Pizza instead for that (ughh).
All in all, I'd generally say it's "average". -
Review from Maddie R.
11/1/2011
Ordered a pizza for pick from here on Saturday night and it was phenom. Super hot and fresh with a light doughy crust. I could tell the ingredients were very fresh and the toppings were generous. A little expensive ($28 for a large) but worth it! This will be our only pizza place from now on!
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Review from Kat F.
6/7/2009 1 photo
I hesitate to give a one star review as I may have just ordered the "wrong" thing but the gnocchi that I was anticipating with great delight turned out to be the biggest takeout blunder I've ever made and makes me hesitate to give Vesuvio another chance. I know pizza is reportedly their thing but the gnocchi was absolute amateur hour and they should not be serving (let alone charging money for!) such a dish.
To make matters worse, the employee on the phone didn't even tell me my total or how long it would take. 45 minutes later, my gnocchi arrived but it was an absolute disaster.
The pasta had absolutely NO flavour, tasted overboiled and bland and had the texture of alphaghetti. The sauce was akin to Hunt's tomato paste - not even a proper, righteous tomato sauce or puree as I had expected and the container of stale Kraft style parmesan cheese that came with the pasta was the ultimate insult. I'm not being dramatic when I say I consumed two forkfuls. -
Review from U U.
Toronto, ON
4/4/2011
Pros:
-Friendly waiter
-The pizza was delicious
-Veg lasagna was solid too.
Cons:
-No big ones
This is a good family dining experience. Ample space, big portions. -
Review from N. L.
2/21/2010
This review is entirely for delivery pizza. Until last week, I didn't even know where the restaurant itself was!
A-OK, just like yelp recommends a three-star rating should mean. Not bad, definitely not "uh...just ok," not screamingly amazing. The whole pizzas, delivered piping hot to your door, are solid, A-OK, two thumbs up.
If you're in the mood to have someone bring you a pizza, you can't go wrong with a Vesuvio delivery, unless you have sodium issues. Yes, the pizza is quite salty. You'll want to have a lot of something thirst-quenching around.
That said, it's really yummy. Addictively so. It's not gourmet, it's not thin crust, it's not the kind you'd put want to have topped with prosciutto and arugula, nor the standard toppings for a quattro staggione pizza, etc. This is straight-up North American Italian pizza, with springy dough, tomato sauce, and generous toppings. It's the kind of pizza you think of when you imagine ordering one with sausage, black olives, and mushrooms, washed down with a beer or a nice big glass of root beer or cola or whatever soda you like. Of course they also offer "gourmet" toppings like artichoke hearts and eggplant, but I stick to the classics. The Vulcano (Hot Peppers, Hot Cappicollo, Hot Italian Sausage) is great.
I'm told it's the best delivery pizza around. I've never tried anywhere else in Toronto, so I couldn't say, but given that I've ordered no less than 14 Vesuvio pizzas in the past six months (usually the Vulcano), clearly I believe it! -
Review from Joanna L.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2009
Despite having a fairly large dining room that is usually somewhat busy, I'd have to say that the take-out pizza at Vesuvio's is really their best food item.
The other fare is ok but not amazing.
The service does tend to be a little bit slow. It's a fine place for a table of two but takes forever to fill the orders of a larger group.
The dning room is quite nicely decorated.
Overall I've had an ok experience there. -
Review from Val G.
12/21/2009
I just enjoyed a nice quiet dinner at Vesuvio tonight. This was my first dine-in experience, as all the other times I've been there the restaurant has been packed and so I just resorted to ordering take-out pizza.
It was a pretty solid meal on all fronts. The service and staff were quick and friendly. The portions were sizeable and reasonably priced. It was not out of this world amazing but it hit the spot.
I ordered (what seems to be) exactly what Kat "Yelp Guru" F. had, the gnocchi with tomato sauce. I like having simple dishes at Italian restaurants because I think it is a true test of the establishment to taste their tomato/basil sauce unpolluted by other ingredients.
Before you go thinking I'm some mangiacake, I'd like you to know that I dated an italian guy and his italian family for many years. His Nonna's gnocchi and tomato sauce was to die for and might have artificially extended the relationship by years.
Before ordering I inquired as to whether the gnocchi was made in house(affirmative) and confirmed that the minestrone soup($6) is vegetarian. I didn't order the soup though because I knew I couldn't eat it all. There are plenty of vegetarian choices here because they have a 'make-your-own' pasta/pizza format.
My gnocchi was fresh and shaped into small simple rectangles. The tomato sauce was just ok, definitely not at nonna level and maybe a little heinz-ish but overall the whole thing was decent and I cleared my plate (sort of abnormal for me). I think they must have had someone else in the kitchen when Kat F. was there because I would go back and try some of their other dishes.
Special mention for my server, a young italian guy who knew the 50+ year history of the restaurant and neighbourhood. For those who don't know, the Junction used to be a dry zone, which caused a major depression in the area rendering Vesuvio into a take-out pizza joint for 16 years. Now that the liquor has been flowing for almost a decade the whole area is on the up. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2008
My first run-in with Vesuvio's was when I lived in the area. I decided to take a walk down another side street to get to work on a day that turned out to be Recycling Day. Every house on High Park Avenue had a blue box out by the curb in front of it, and every one, without exception or hyperbole, had a Vesuvio's pizza box sticking out of it. That is lid advertising at its best.
Known for its delivered pizza, Vesuvio's has flirted with the in-restaurant dining for a while. It began as a pizzeria, then expanded into a full restaurant, then it went back to just take-out pizza again, and now it appears to have come back in full force to offer both. It does huge business in thick crust pizza with fresh and great tasting toppings and if you feel like sitting in, you're more than welcome to. The dining area is fairly simple and the foods coming out are equally simple but tasty. I don't live in the area anymore but every time I visit and go to Vesuvio's, I end up wishing I had the option to recycle their boxes again.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Victoria S.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2011
if it wasn't so expensive i would go a lot more. i'm not saying it isn't worth it, i just don't have the money. you can definitely tell they put a lot of love in their food. the pizza is delicious. if you like plain pepperoni pizza, this might not be the place for you - but if you like something a little extra it's worth a try.
i've ordered pizza a few times. despite being shocked when paying my bill, the pizza was delicious. everyone i have introduced it to has loved it as well.
in terms of dining in the restaurant, i love the atmosphere. it's very cozy and romantic, but not in the romantic, i want to date you kind of way, because i enjoy going there with my parents. the service has been pretty professional and fast in my experience. twice i've sat at the bar and waited for a table (with a drink that was carried onto my dinner bill) which i think is a valuable service more restaurants should provide. the pasta is good, but also a bit on the pricey side. the calamari, as tempting as it might be, has been a disappointment every time. (chewy). but it's family run and it's the oldest pizza place in toronto and you have to love it for that. -
Review from Luke A.
Toronto, ON
9/7/2008
Vesuvio's has long been a presence in the Junction, and it seems like the restaurant's fortunes mirror that of its up-and-coming neighbourhood. When I was growing up, Vesuvio's was getting run down; now the huge, renovated dining room strikes just the right balance between chic and casual. Even the separate pizza take-out area next door is cheerful and inviting.
Vesuvio's was never my favourite pizza (just a personal choice: I prefer a doughier, chewier crust), so when come to the restaurant I usually opt for one of their excellent pasta dishes or entrées. But no matter what you go for, it's made from fresh and interesting ingredients without being overly fancy. -
Review from Shelby G.
Toronto, ON
2/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
As a newcomer to Toronto, I aim to try as many different establishments in a variety of neighborhoods to get to know the culinary measure of this fine city. I find no benefit in getting comfrotable with the same 4-5 restaurants all within 4 blocks of one another. What kind of adventure would moving to a new country and city be if you don't live in ALL of it?
All that said, I have twice entered into the oregano aromas offered by the Vesuvio dining room. True - the inside feels like the owners can't decide whether to dress it up and go full service Italian date-night motif or to focus on pizza, delivery and the local crowd that comes in to dine some nights. But there's just something nice about walking into a locally owned pizza shop with the smell of a pizza oven in the background inviting diners to give the pie a shot.
Vesuvio's menu is not extraordinarily robust, neither the dinner nor the wine portion. There is antipasti, pasta dishes, pizza, secondo and dessert. I'm not sure what 'secondo' means - 'second?' If so this is appropriate, as those dishes received no more than a second's thought from me. Vesuvio is light on service (my glass has emptied a few times, and there is a wait to place an order I have decided on 10 minutes in advance), the rolls are bland and, sometimes, cold. The wine is bargain basement with markeup.
Luckily, Vesuvio does one thing well. Very well. They cook a pizza that makes me forget all shortcomings. All pizzas are served the same in the same size - 11". There is one crust option, somewhere between thin and traditional. It has an excellent firm, olive oil flavour. I like a crust that is more than a vehicle on which to deliver toppings - bring something to the party! The pasta sauce is not overpowering but provides a nice tomato zing, and the ingredients list gives a nice selection of traditional toppings (though at a premium). While none of these are individually special, the sum of whole works perfectly.
Based on some service and pricing issues, I can't in good faith give more than 3 stars (though I want to!). Vesuvio is definitely a one trick pony, and the price of their pizza signals that they are very aware. But if you're going to hang your hat on something, make sure you do it right - and at least here, they found that special talent. -
Review from Dan W.
Toronto, ON
9/27/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I came across Vesuvio quite randomly while exploring my new High Park neighbourhood. For its eloquent and unpretentious ambiance (specifically I'll point out my appreciation for the interesting art on the walls), excellent food and reasonable prices, Vesuvio has become one of my dining favorites.
As far as the food goes, I've had only parts of the vegetarian selection. The vegetarian lasagna is excellent, and I've had it a couple times. My only critique of it being that the noodles are a bit softer than I would normally prefer. I'm certain many would applaud the smooth, creamy texture. Everything I've had at Vesuvio has tasted of discernibly better ingredients than you'll often find. The joy of biting into food with fresh ingredients is a far too rare experience when dining. I recommend the bruschetta. I may often mispronounce it, but I order it every time I'm there.
A whole other side of my love for Vesuvio is ordering pizza from them. Their pizza has great, flavourful toppings with thin ungreasy crust. They are a bit more expensive. For a large pizza with several toppings and taxes, it'll be just under $25. My take: I'd rather have less pizza, and love it when I do, than eat pizza from the vast majority of Toronto's offerings. I moved to Toronto 8 years ago, and have struggled with the pizza places here. There are many, and they are lacking (reviews to come..). Vesuvio finally satiates my need for an occasional order-in pizza place!
Update: I had a bad experience with their pizza delivery... our apartment buzzer was not working, but they said this wouldn't be a problem - the delivery person would simply call when he was nearby, and I offered to meet him in the lobby. Sounded good. An hour later, I get a call from the restaurant - they claimed he had been calling me and couldn't get through. Absolutely false. I pointed out that the restaurant got a hold of me easily - he must've had the wrong number. When I went down to meet him, he was angry with ME. "Why weren't you picking up my calls??!!" I tried calmly explaining he hadn't called me, but he was having none of it. I paid, and should not have, but did tip him. I regret that, and not calling immediately to complain about being verbally assaulted by their delivery person, who provided me with cold pizza. That simply doesn't meet my standards when I pay for slightly upscale pizza. I'm not saying I won't go back, because really good pizza is a rare find, but it did undermine my confidence in this aspect of their business. -
Review from Helen L.
York, ON
3/31/2011
This review is for the party size take-out pizzas. They are da bomb! For some reason the crust on the party size far exceeds the other sizes. I have no idea why and don't care - because the quality of this pizza is consistent and it's damn tastee. Ordering a pizza - upsize - you will noy be sorry.
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Review from Anna-Claude B.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2011
I moved to Toronto about 4 months ago now, and I love exploring new places in the city. Yesterday my friend broungh me to the Junction. I had heard about the place but had no idea what to expect. So I was pleasently suprised to find a really pleasant neighbourhood, a good mixture of buisnesses that look like they've been there for ever and fun quirky trend shops. The place is not overly trendy yet ( although as these things go I only give it a couple of years before this place is crawling with too many trendy shops). So Vesuvio, I have no idea when this place opened up but it at least had the feel of a familly restaurant that has been in the same spot gor a very long time. As I walked in I had a flood of memories from my childhood of familly style restaurants, this place felt just the same as those ones. The decor is noce but clearly this restaurant spends more money in the kitchen then it does on the appearance ( which is as it should be). Me and my friend went to this place for the pizza so I cant tell you what the rest of the food tastes like. There was a good selection of vegetarian and meat pizzas, plus you can make your own pizza. Thats what I chose to do, whereas my friend got the Bella pizza. The service was pretty quick ( although there were only three tables that afternoon so have no idea how long it takes when the place is full. The pizza arrived all gooey full of cheese and smelling delicious. And it was. THis pizza is maybe not as refined as some other pizzas I have tried but its definitely very good. I tend to prefer a thinner crust though, and I think thats where this pizza let me down. Mind you the crust was good, but i like my pizza thin and crispy. My friends pizza was very good too. In fact it was better than mine ( which just goes to show you should probably go for the pizza a chef has created and not one you've made spur of the moment). All in all this place is worth going to. I found it a bit expensive but the pizzas are good and I had enough left over to make a pretty go supper that evening. So go explore the Junction and stop by this place for a tasty meal
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Review from Pepe P.
ON
11/6/2008
I went to this place 4 times this year.
the Lasagna is excellent, the sauce couldn't be better. You have to be patient though, they don't precook the food - which is great. But if you are used to superfast-superbad food, don't order Lasagna.
Pizza is ok, nothing super spectacular.
Prices are a bit steep, but definitely compensate the quality of the food.
The place is a bit eclectic, but the atmosphere is ok. -
Review from Michael S.
Toronto, ON
10/6/2009
To me Vesuvio is the only decent Italian restaurant in the junction area. if you're in the Junction area and you feel like having Italian food Vesuvio is your best bet. if you're downtown or at bloor west village no need to come up here just for Vesuvio ... there are better choices to be found in those areas (see my other reviews)
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Review from Chris G.
Oakville, ON
3/1/2010
Hands down best pizza in the city whether delivery, takeout or eat in. Actual food when you eat in besides pizza was ok.
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Review from TOFoodReviews n.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2010 4 Check-ins Here
It's just overpriced, ill-prepared pizza, but because this place holds nostalgic value for a lot of Junction locals, it's often busy. You're better off grabbing a slice on the takeout side of Vesuvio's. A slice is cheaper, and for some reason tastes far superior.
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Review from Amanda M.
Toronto, ON
7/16/2010
They have the best spagetti and meatballs that I have ever had! The meatballs are melt in your mouth good! Friendly service and child friendly as well.
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Review from d r.
Toronto, ON
1/27/2011
I have never dined in at Vesuvio. This review only regards the delivery service. NB: despite some negative criticism it should be noted that I still order from Vesuvio on occasion.
As a Roncie resident, I've ordered from Vesuvio on a number of occasions and found the result to be quite inconsistent. The pizza ranges from well topped and pretty well prepared all the way to scantily topped cardboard. All in all, I don't much care for the pizza. (The secret to any place is CONSISTENCY! Which this place lacks.)
However, I am somewhat impressed by their delivery pasta. Even after travelling, it generally arrives al-dente-ish and the sauces are pretty good.
Definitely overpriced.
The delivery is usually fair-paced and courteous. However, I have had ONE pretty bad experience (I see from other reviews that I am not alone). The driver arrived 90 minutes after the order was made with no apology. He grabbed the money I offered and did not offer change (I was planning on letting him keep it anyway, a generous tip, but was miffed at the assumption) then took off speedily. I had to call after him to remind him that he had forgotten half my order. He huffed his breath in annoyance at me (a projection, I'm sure, of his frustration with a hard night's work but still: not my baggage to heft) and returned at a jog with a bag that he deposited on the porch at my feet before turning abruptly and taking off. In the end, we were STILL two drinks and a salad short, I paid full price plus a 12% tip, and the food that did make it to our table, incidentally, was the worst I've ever gotten from them; pizza with hardly any sauce or toppings and an order of spaghetti about half the size of their usual portion. Clearly, not good at dealing with heavy business.
Vesuvio. Get. It. Together! Work on consistency. You could be a great place instead of resting on your historic laurels. -
Review from Melanie H.
Toronto, ON
2/3/2010
"It was just OK" (tone of voice that suggests it was leaning more towards the not OK). "It didn't kill me". I was in the mood to eat lunch, and eat it fast but still have a nice quick meal. Ordered some bruschetta, and chicken Caesar salad. It was what it was. My friend had some calamari. Neither one of us said anything, but it was under-deep fried, and there was a LOT of it. I wouldn't say it was bad, I would just say: "It's a restaurant where you can eat" and "yeah you could go there".
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Review from Juergen S.
Toronto, ON
2/19/2011
i went there as i saw recos online for it, but i was not impressed. service was nothing to write home about and the pizza tasted bland. i did not understand what's so great about it. just a regular pizza joint. there are better places in the city..
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