Pizza Plus

We're a bit behind in updating - unfortunately, I've forgotten what some of these pizzas were like! If it weren't for the photos, I think I might have forgotten them entirely.

On this night, we ordered from Pizza Plus, a little place in a strip mall off Conroy. We were tired after a long week at work, and they delivered, so it seemed like a good plan. Unfortunately, the pizza took almost an hour, so we were STARVING by the time it arrived.

The pizza was actually very tasty - really nice toppings, and I probably would have rated it an 8.5. But I'll subtract 50% for lateness!

I'd be willing to give this place a second chance - but maybe pick up next time instead.

Uncle Joe's Pizza

For years, there have been various pizza places in the strip mall at the bottom of Kilborn in Alta Vista. Now "under new management", Uncle Joe's Pizza is the current occupant.

This was a "nothing special" delivery pizza. The crust was thin-ish, and had a nice texture, and the cheese was stretchy and gooey. And not real bacon, which for me, is a major strike against! It wasn't bad, but it was fairly unmemorable.

Cost $21.41 for delivery (free delivery, but they have walk-in specials as well)

Crust - 7.5/10
Cheese - 7.5/10
Sauce - 6/10
Toppings - 4/10

Overall Impression - 6.5/10

Colonnade Pizza

Colonnade Pizza is a long-standing Ottawa tradition and have been around since 1967. Even the current Prime Minister is a fan of their pizza! On one Saturday evening trip to the Metcalfe location a couple of years ago, we were pleased to note that half the restaurant was empty, save for two tables in the centre - one with 2 men and 2 teenaged boys, and one with four burly looking guys. It was only when we looked more closely, that we realized those empty tables were surrounding the PM and his son, along with some friends, and the burly guys were security, rather than other diners! We never did find out what kind of pizza the Harpers enjoy.

In addition to their original downtown location, Colonnade Pizza has four other restaurants around the city, including one in the old Burger King at the Blue Heron mall on Bank Street. We usually visit to dine in (their zucchini sticks make a great appetizer!) but decided to pick-up a pizza for our test. They do not deliver.

Another restaurant style pizza - pretty thick, lots of cheese covering the toppings.

Cost - $24.74 for a large two topping (pick-up)

Crust - 8/10
Cheese - 9/10
Sauce - 8/10
Toppings - 8/10

Overall Impression - 8/10

There's a reason this is such a popular restaurant! My overall feeling was that it was a decent take-out pizza, but perhaps a bit more enjoyable in the restaurant. Unlike some of the less savoury establishments we've gotten take out from lately, this is a great place to take the family. 

Lorenzo's Pizza

Lorenzos is a local Ottawa chain, with a restaurant location near our house. As a restaurant, it's a bit of a dive, but the few times I've had the pizza, I remember that it's been pretty good, so we decided to we needed to add it to the rotation. You can order online for pick-up or delivery in addition to dining in.

This is serious pizza - thick and heavy, with lots of cheese and toppings. Real bacon. Nicely crisped cheese. Chewy crust.

Cost - $22.30 (save 10% on pick-up!)

Crust - 8/10
Cheese - 9/10
Sauce - 8/10
Toppings - 9/10

Overall Impression - 8.5/10

This pizza isn't for everyone - but if you like a hearty pizza, it's a gem. My advice would be to skip the restaurant and go for pick-up or delivery. I think this one will work its way into our regular rotation.

Bella Vista Restaurant

This weekend's selection came at the recommendation of several blog readers - Bella Vista Restaurant near Bank and Alta Vista. We'd been in the plaza several times, but had never stepped inside the restaurant. This is a sit-down restaurant, but they also do take-out and delivery at selected times. We picked up our pizza and brought it home.

As soon as we opened the box, I knew we were in for a good pizza. The cheese and toppings were spread almost right to the edge of the thin-ish, but chewy crust. Lots of real bacon and mushrooms, and the sauce had a rich flavour to it. I think this pizza might come closest to approximately my beloved Fida's.

Cost: $25 for a large with mushrooms and bacon (pick-up)


Crust - 8.5/10
Cheese - 8.5/10
Sauce - 8/10
Toppings - 8/10

Overall Impression - 8.5/10

This place is worth a repeat visit for sure. Several of our readers also mentioned that they offer a Gluten Free crust which comes highly reviewed. 

House of Pizza

Today's pizza was unplanned - our day ran later than expected and we had nothing set up for dinner, so I decided to pick up a few slices on my way home. I pulled into "House of Pizza"  which was on the way home and ordered 4 slices - 2 pepperoni and 2 cheese. Not our usual special, and to be fair - these were pre-made slices. The combo price was $5 for 2 slices and a drink. The 2 pieces totaled a quarter of a pizza - but a small pizza.

As you can see...not very appealing. D described this as "cafeteria pizza". Maybe this pizza wasn't given its full opportunity to shine, because it was a slice that had been reheated, but either way, it was a disappointment. The cheese was congealed and barely stayed on, the crust was like cardboard and the rest was unmemorable.

Cost: $10 for four small slices and 2 pops (not very filling) - our usual seems to run about $20 plus tax

Crust - 3/10
Cheese - 3/10
Sauce - 4/10
Toppings - 4/10

Overall Impression - 3/10

We won't be returning to try a full pizza!

Louis' Restaurant and Pizzeria

Tonight we decided to try a pizza that D remembered from his childhood - Louis' Restaurant and Pizzeria in Vanier. Their website claims "Best Pizza in Town", so we hoped it would live up to the hype and the memories.

Parking was a bit sketchy since it is shared with the bowling alley. The inside of the restaurant looked like it hadn't been updated since the 70s - which was part of its charm The box was heavy with pizza goodness, complete with a greasy hand print on the cardboard.

Once we opened it up, the pizza did not disappoint. Thick crust with a yellow, egg-bread like flavour (though there was a bit too much around the edges) and a nice layer of golden cheese. There was a good amount of sauce, though the flavouring was somewhat bland. Big pieces of real bacon and mushrooms topped things off. A big dough ball held things in place (just like my beloved Fida's!).

Cost: $24 for large, 2 toppings (pick-up)

Crust - 7/10
Cheese - 8/10
Sauce - 6/10
Toppings - 8/10

Overall Impression - 8/10

A front-runner so far, and worth a repeat visit.