There’s nothing like a good pizza night and that’s why I wanted to share some of my current favourite Simcoe County spots where you can pick up a tasty pie. Unlike my hometown of Windsor, which is known for a very specific style of pizza (which FYI involves shredded pepperoni and canned mushrooms), Simcoe County pizza is not confined to a signature style. Whether you're looking for a classic pizza, thin crust, gourmet toppings, gluten-free or vegan, any way you slice it, this list, which is in no particular order, has something for everyone.
Jimmy Chews
Jimmy Chews Primo Pizza says on their website that they make, “freaking great pizza” and I have to agree. This downtown Barrie spot makes dough that is raised for 3 days and topped with only the best premium and often house-made toppings. They also offer options like half-baked and uncut which is the perfect option that allows you to have a fresh and hot pizza at home with just a few minutes of prep. My go-to’s here are usually the Hawaiian and the Rocket Ham with lots of stinger dip but all of their pizzas are delicious and their caesar salad is also a must-try. Barrie pizza lovers can also find Jimmy Chews on Instagram and Facebook. If you appreciate premium ingredients and don’t mind the price tag that comes with quality, this is the place for you!
Northwinds/Moto Pizza
If you're looking for an amazing pizza in the Collingwood area, be sure to check out Moto Pizza located at Northwinds Brewery. This is not your every day pizza, its a delicious Detroit style pizza with cheese loaded right to the edges, caramelizing the outside of the thick crust. It is then topped with lightly seasoned tomato sauce, toppings of your choice and cheese and served piping hot. You can also find Moto Pizza and Northwinds Brewery on on Instagram.
Off Eleven Pizza
Off Eleven is a hidden gem operating out of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport in Oro. Brought to you by the folks at Liberty North, Off Eleven serves delicious handcrafted pizzas. You can take out or eat in and I've heard the sunset view on the patio is beautiful. They offer a regular menu as well as weekly specials and other favourite items like chicken parmesan sandwiches and Liberty North's famous meat pies. Be sure to give them a try, it's definitely worth the drive to Oro. You can also find them on Instagram.
Later Pizza
Later Pizza in Collingwood is a unique takeout spot offering Brooklyn-style thin crust pizza. They are housed in a small batch brewery called "Endswell Beer". Like Jimmy Chews, they offer unique and premium topping options as well as a killer honey hot sauce which is a must try. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook. If you're doing takeout, you won't want to miss their iconic phone booth pick up experience. If you’re looking for a unique pizza with a cool vibe, Later Pizza is the spot for you!
Bayview Beach Pizza
Bayview Beach Pizza is a hidden gem in the Gilford area. Located near the water in a small unassuming building, this location is perfect for boaters, cottagers, snowmobilers and those out on the water ice fishing. Their pizzas are classic, stone baked with simple, fresh ingredients. Their dough has the perfect consistency of a crispy exterior and doughy interior and includes a generous serving of real mozzarella cheese. You can also find Bayview Beach Pizza on Instagram and Facebook. If you’re in the Bradford or Innisfil area and love a fresh classic pizza, Bayview Beach Pizza is a spot you will want to try.
Rustica Pizza Vino
Headed north, Rustica Pizza Vino in Orillia is next on the list of my favourite Simcoe County Pizza spots. Located in downtown Orillia, Rustica serves a delicious menu of wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza as well as other Italian inspired menu items. They source many of their ingredients as locally as possible, but also import specialty meats, cheeses, olive oil, San Marzano tomatoes and wine for the perfect blend of local meets authentic Italian. In the warmer months, Rustica offers the option to eat in their outdoor courtyard which is a beautiful spot to dine on a nice day. Orillia pizza lovers can also find Rustica on Instagram and Facebook.
Pie Wood Fired Pizza
No list of Simcoe County pizzas would be complete without a shout out to the OG of wood-fired pizza in the area, Pie Wood Fired Pizza. With locations in Barrie, Midland and Port Carling, my favourite way to enjoy their pies are by visiting with a group of 8 or more and having a “Pie Party” where, for a per-person price you can try unlimited pizzas with options to add fries, salads and “salty balls” (hilarious but delicious). I also love that they provide school supplies to local children in need through their “Pie Education” program, which has donated over 15,000 filled backpacks to children in our community in the past 10 years. You can also find Pie Wood Fired Pizza on Facebook and Instagram where they post regular updates featuring their menu items and specials.
Bedrock Cafe
Bedrock Cafe (Facebook/Instagram) is a bit of a hidden gem located on highway 11 in Severn Ontario. It’s the perfect stop on the way to the cottage to pick up some piping hot pizza, loaded with toppings. This family owned and operated spot is a must try in Simcoe County! I recommend the pictured here, which is loaded with pepperoni, ground beef, bacon, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and green olives...delish!
Bello Pizza Collingwood
Bello Pizza is a small Collingwood restaurant that serves amazing high-end pizza. Their menu evolves with the seasons and they are always experimenting with new combinations of flavours to complement their selection of signature favourites. Their apps (including the Caesar salad) are also menu must try’s. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Creemore Pizza Co.
Creemore Pizza Co. (Facebook / Instagram), as its namesake suggests, is located in the quaint village of Creemore. Their “skullzones” are a unique menu offering that I discovered while on a Creemore Food Tour are the perfect snack. This one woman business is worth a visit for folks in the Creemore area.
Dillon's Wood Fired Pizza
Dillon’s Wood Fired Pizza (Facebook / Instagram) is a cosy dine-in restaurant in Midland serving delicious wood fired pizza. The space in this location is limited so be sure to make a reservation as it’s a popular spot. Hot tip, use the olive oil and salt on the table as a dipper for the crust.
147 Ristorante
147 Ristorante (Facebook / Instagram) is a downtown Barrie restaurant serving a full menu of Italian food, including a selection of pizzas. From traditional Margherita to “Pizza de Patate” they serve both classic and creative options for every palate. Be sure to try my personal favourite, the proscutto e ruccola (prosciutto and arugula).
Without Reservations
Another pizza purveyor that is perhaps one of Simcoe County’s best kept pizza secrets is Without Reservations, a small business that provides online ordering and local delivery and also has a booth at the Barrie Farmers’ Market on Saturdays where they sell high-end prepared meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Their wood-fired artisan pizzas are made with a hybrid sourdough crust and unique gourmet flavour combinations like the “Duck, Fig and Apple”. These pizzas are purchased frozen for you to bake at home for crispy on the outside and tender on the inside pizza perfection.
With that, the “My Food Adventures Favourite Simcoe County Pizza” post has come to its conclusion. I’d love to hear your local favourites as well, feel free to share in the comment section below.
Thanks for following along and wishing you many pizza-filled food adventures!
Definitely gotta try Bedrock Cafe! They have amazing pizzas and panzos!!
Creemore Pizza is one of the best. And surprisingly Pizzaiola in Alliston (delish for a chain)
My 2 favs in Barrie are Pizzeria Italia & the pizzas at Barnstormer, with their spent grain crusts, yummy
Our famillies favourite pizzeria in Simcoe county is Creemore Pizza Co.! In house made dough with Creemore Springs beer, vegan and gluten-free options.
I am a huge fan of Jimmy Chews! Been supporting them all through the pandemic. Also love the idea of picking up a frozen zza at the Barrie Farmers Market from a local independent business, Without Reservations!
Supporting local and loving it!!