Vancouver Pizza Roundup

I feel like one of the most common food questions in local forums about Vancouver is, where's the good pizza? Part of me hates this question because it's so subjective, do you like parlor pizza that reminds you of your grimey childhood or do you like boujie toppings like squash blossoms on a Neapolitan crust? That being said, my partner prides himself on his pizza expertise and we've tried A LOT, so I'm going to give you the rundown of the most commonly recommended options you may have heard of and what we, personally, love or hate about them. 

Rally's (Now Inside Victor 23) 

Ratings out of 5
Thicc Crust Rating: 2
Classic to Boujie Rating: 3

Our hearts broke when Rally's closed their brick-and-mortar location that had a huge variety of pizzas and apps, and even boozie frozen custard drinks. It was our favorite pizza in the city. But we always appreciate business owners following their hearts–they opened a new spot down in Portland and then dropped a fraction of their pizza menu into Victor 23 (brewery) here in Vancouver, so we can still get our fix. What really bums me out is the former menu was way more diverse and experimental, and now they really stick to the classics. Secret bonus... dine in with the fam any Tuesday and get a free cheese pizza for kids 12 & under with the purchase of any regular menu pizza. 

Hungry Sasquatch

Thicc Crust Rating: 2
Classic to Boujie Rating: 3

I'll cut to the chase, this is probably our favorite pizza and value as far as pies go in Vancouver. Yes, a full pizza is about $30, but they're massive, and if you don't want all that, they have options by the slice as well PLUS vegan and gluten-free pizza because, don't forget, we live in the Portland Metro. Their salads are solid too, and it's inside Thirsty Sasquatch which also happens to be our favorite local cocktail (and mocktail) bar. They use quality ingredients, have delicious crunchy crust, and you don't feel all greasy after you're finished. 

Blind Onion

Thicc Crust Rating: 4
Classic to Boujie Rating: 1

Seems to come recommended a lot, and this being the WORST pizza in Vancouver is a food-review hill I'm willing to die on. The crust is thick in not a cute Chicago-way, flavorless and gooey doughey, (yes, I know it's from Sunrise Bagels Bakery, I don't care, it's not good,) plus they're stingy with low-quality toppings, sauce isn't good, cheese seems cheap, everything about it is bad, and it's not even cheap which adds to my frustration. I'm sorry if you like it. Even my partner who has few pizzas throughout his life that he would literally not consume, threw nearly a whole pizza away when he demanded to try it in spite of my warnings. I would have to be intensely inebriated to want to eat this pizza. Maybe less-discerning kids would like it? I don't know.

Pizzeria La Sorrentina

Thicc Crust Rating: 1
Classic to Boujie Rating: 4

Okay, I know I said Hungry Sasquatch was our favorite pizza (it is my partner's favorite pizza,) but La Sorrentina is mine. It DOES have the boujie topping options, my favorite is the Terra Mia that comes with eggplant, sausage and smoked mozz. The whole menu and restaurant is overseen by chef and owner, Pizzaiolo Daisuke Matsumoto who trained in–and frequents–Sorrento, Italy. Also love their calamari fritti, seasonal seafood salads, and burnt basque cheesecake. You feel like family there, (in not an Olive Garden way), and the attention to detail and service is exceptional. Great happy hour deals too. I recommend eating in, here, instead of takeout, personally.

Ruse Crust Collective

Thicc Crust Rating: 5
Classic to Boujie Rating: 4

I'm not normally a thick-crust gal but Ruse is my exception. The crunchy edges are delicious and they load plenty of toppings on to balance the pizza all out. It's not cheap, but comes with the scenery of Vancouver's "new" waterfront, a great selection of beer, and my favorite caesar salad in the city. They have both classic and fancy toppings, like kalua pulled pork, squash blossoms, and garlic confit, and even offer Impossible beef. If you're seeking Detroit-inspired pizza, this is the only spot I would recommend in Vancouver. 

Champs

Thicc Crust Rating: 3
Classic to Boujie Rating: 2

IMO this is probably the most classic, family-friendly spot for takeout or eat-in 'zas in Vancouver. A little pricey but VERY generous with toppings  which I really appreciate (albeit no super creative add-ons), and nothing super boujie about it. A simple review, for a solid, reliable pizza joint with owners that seem like good peeps. 

Juliano's

Thicc Crust Rating: 3
Classic to Boujie Rating: 2

Juliano's also feels classic, family-friendly and generous with toppings, but I'm rating them lower than Champ's because they're expensive and the last time I went there they took FOR-EV-ER... like over an hour to make a couple pizzas. I don't know if that's the norm, but between price and cost, the experience made me not need to go back, since. 

NYC Pizzeria

Thicc Crust Rating: 2.5
Classic to Boujie Rating: 2

I'll outright say it's not the best pizza... BUT... as someone who likes a good mashup even when it's a little cringe, I'm kind of into the Indian pizza concept like Masala, Paneer and Tandoori topped pizzas. It's a fun change when I'm not really in the mood for pizza but it seems convenient. They also have traditional pizza options for those who are feeling less experimental, and even salads and sandwiches but I'll admit I wasn't impressed by my experiences with those. So my final take is... try it because it's different, but it's not likely to be your go-to pizza joint. 

Honorable mentions we haven't tried yet, but intend to in the coming months: Nonavo, Leonardo's, Felony

Options I just don't care to elaborate on or have any strongly held opinions on: Any form of chain (Papa Murphy's, Mod Pizza, Round Table), Heavy Metal, The Rock, Ghost Runners (I consider more flatbread than pizza.)