Side Piece Slice Shop: A New Downtown Toronto Pizzeria Makes Waves on Day One

Since the opening of Badiali on Dovercourt, getting a slice of pizza in Toronto has been a challenge. With long lines and limited options, expats and digital nomads alike have been left longing for a better solution. Now, a new slice shop called Side Piece has opened its doors in downtown Toronto, and it's already making waves on day one.

Located at 146 Front St. W., just down the alley from The Loose Moose next to The Antler Room, Side Piece is the brainchild of longtime friends Chef Gord Mackie, pizzaiolo Johnathan Urquilla, and Martin Mazur. Inspired by their trip to New York, they wanted to bring classic New York slices to downtown Toronto, using hand-tossed dough that ferments for three days.

The menu at Side Piece is a mix of classic and adventurous options. For the basics, there's a three-cheese New Yorker, vodka sauce, Margherita, and burrata. For something more unique, try the bacon and pickle slice with green garlic ranch, the spicy soppressata with smoked caciocavallo and pineapple, or the lemon ricotta with stracciatella and black pepper. Prices start at $4.75 per slice, making it a more affordable option than Badiali's smaller pies.

Side Piece is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the promise of daily operations assuming the kitchen doesn't run out of dough before closing time. If you're in the downtown area, this new slice shop is definitely worth a visit. Don't be surprised if you have to line up for a slice, as the shop has already sold out on its very first day.