What's the vibe?
While the location will surely attract plenty of tourist traffic, the 5,000-square foot space – previously home to Paganelli's – can handle it. The joint has gone through a full refurb that screams classic Italian-American pizzeria: a brightly-lit interior with large, family-style tables and friendly staff. There's also an outdoor patio that you might still catch a night on before the winter sets in – if you run quickly enough, anyway. This is the third location for Angelo's, and their first in Canada. The draw? The city's first coal-fired pizza. Their 10,000 pound oven promises a cleaner, more even cook, resulting in pizza with a crunchy crust with a nice char to it – exactly what Angelo's is famous for south of the border.
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What to drink?
There's a classic cocktail list, specialty coffees and a selection of beers on tap from Burlington craft brewers Nickelbrook – but if you've come for pizza, you've come for wine. The house wines are also available on tap: a Vineland Estates chardonnay or cabernet for $1 an ounce. You can also pick from an impressive wine list of red, white and sparkling options. Oh, and your hump day just got better on Wine Wednesdays, all bottles are half-price.
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What to eat?
The menu is Italian-American through and through, with starters like meatballs, calamari, stuffed arancini balls and traditional caprese and Caesar salads. Portion sizes are on the large side, with many of their pastas designed to be shared family-style, and their pizzas baked slightly bigger than the norm. You won't be disappointed by the classic margherita or pepperoni, but for something a little more surprising, opt for The Carol. Named after the owner's wife because of its "sweetness" (cue the awws), it's an enjoyable combo of gorgonzola, pancetta, and mozzarella topped with duck confit, honey and pistachio crumble. If you've somehow saved room for dessert, they offer a pretty tasty apple pie – coal-fired (naturally).
Dinner and drinks for two: around $105
106 Front Street East; 647-347-2625; angeloscoalfiredpizza.ca
