Vancouver Issue 106

Meetcha for Pizza

Vancouver Pizza Parlours

Seems like everyone wants a piece of the pie these days—pizza pie, that is. There is no shortage of pizzerias in our fair burg, and all we can say to that is ‘thank goodness’. Not only is it a food that everyone seems to like, it has saved us from cooking duties after many (many!) a long day. In celebration of this family-friendly fare, we’ve asked scouts around Metro Van to pick the best of the crop in their neighbourhood for your dining pleasure: 

Those in the real pizza “know” flock to the handmade organic crusts and original toppings featured at Steveston Pizza. Chef Nader Hatami offers up classic cheese and pepperoni pizzas for those with simple tastes, but also utilizes ingredients such as figs, mascarpone mousse, wild boar sausage and marinated bison for those looking for more exotic fare. While there is a small dining-in area, the fishing village of Steveston also boasts lots of public spaces perfect for picnicking by the water. 

Nat’s New York Pizzeria is the hands-down fave of many a SavvyMom. Customers rave about its thin, hand-thrown crust. There are two locations to serve Vancouverites; on West Broadway in Kits, and in the West End on Denman. Bella Pizza at Hemlock and Broadway is worth a mention as well for the wonderfully copious amounts of garlic in their tomato sauce! 

For a family outing and a delicious (often locally-sourced) meal, we love to go to the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company in Kits, where on Sunday and Monday nights kids can roll their own dough, add the toppings, and see their creations disappear into the brick oven, and then have fun in the Natural Pod-furnished play area while they are waiting for their meal to cook. A bargain at $6.50 per child, and there are plenty of palate-pleasing menu items for the adults, too. 

You just can’t help but love The Rebellious Tomato on Vancouver’s West 16th because of its name but the food is even better. We’ve heard from a few Italian friends that it is their top pick in the city, but they are also known for their wheat and gluten-free crusts, a godsend for allergy sufferers. 

Ever wonder what a Thai Chicken Pizza tastes like? Another health-conscious eatery on the North Shore is DJJ’s Pizza, which offers whole wheat crusts and great ingredient combinations. 

Over on the east side, vegetarians go head over heels about Uncle Fatih’s on Commercial and Broadway, especially thanks to its artichoke and potato pizzas, which are served with ranch sauce and hot sauce. And out in the valley, Jim’s Pizza in Fort Langley is the savvy pick for its value, taste, and the ambience created by the cheerful local owners. 

Pizza. It’s great for lunch, dinner, and (admit it) leftovers are great for breakfast.

P.S. Have your own family-favourite pizza joints? If we have missed one of your faves, be sure to share it with Vancouver moms on www.sharesavvy.ca. The more you share, the more chances you have to win a Whirlpool® range or a shopping spree courtesy of President’s Choice.

Steveston Pizza www.stevestonpizza.com (604) 204-0777 100 - 3400 Moncton St. RichmondNat’s New York Pizzeria www.natspizza.com various locations
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company www.rockymountainflatbread.ca (604) 730-0321 1876 West 1stRebellious Tomato 758 W. 16th Avenue (604) 707-4992
DJJ’s Pizza (604) 988-8870 2924 Lonsdale Ave. North VancouverUncle Fatih’s www.unclefatihspizza.com (604) 707-0744 1685 W. Broadway
Jim’s Pizza (604) 888-4880 9152 Glover Rd. Fort Langley
Tested by Peggy TJ and Friends
First published 2008.09.18