Our Story

A Word from the Editor

What sets Salvatore Pizza apart isn't just the ingredients or techniques—it's the passion and heritage that infuses every pie. The Salvatore family doesn't just make pizza; they continue a culinary tradition that spans generations and continents, connecting Canadian pizza lovers with authentic Italian flavors that tell a story in every bite.

The Salvatore Pizza story begins in Naples, Italy, where Mario Salvatore learned the art of pizza-making from his grandfather. Working in the family pizzeria from the age of 12, Mario mastered the traditional techniques that had been passed down through generations.

In 1997, Mario and his wife Elena immigrated to Canada with a dream of bringing authentic Italian pizza to their new home. They opened the first Salvatore Pizza in a small space in Wisokyberg with just six tables, using a wood-fired oven built by Mario himself based on his grandfather's specifications.

Word quickly spread about the authenticity and quality of Salvatore's pizzas. What set them apart was their unwavering commitment to traditional methods and premium ingredients: importing specific flours from Italy, using San Marzano tomatoes grown in volcanic soil, and making fresh mozzarella in-house daily.

As the years passed, the Salvatore family expanded their small pizzeria but never compromised on quality. Today, the second generation of Salvatores continues the family tradition, with Mario and Elena's children playing key roles in the business while honoring the authentic recipes and techniques that made Salvatore Pizza a beloved institution in Canadian dining.

The Salvatore family in their original pizzeria

Our Values

Passion

We believe pizza-making is an art form that requires dedication, practice, and love. Each pizza we create is a labor of passion.

Authenticity

We honor traditional Italian methods and recipes, never cutting corners or compromising on the authentic experience.

Quality

We source only the finest ingredients, from our imported Italian flour to locally grown organic vegetables and premium meats.

Community

We believe food brings people together. We're proud to be part of our local community, supporting local farmers and giving back whenever possible.

Meet Our Team

The passionate individuals who bring Salvatore Pizza to life every day

Team member 1

Sofia Salvatore

Head Chef & Owner

Daughter of founders Mario and Elena, Sofia trained in Naples before taking over the family business. She oversees all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring that every pizza meets the Salvatore standard of excellence.

Team member 2

Lucia Romano

Pizza Maestro

With 15 years of experience, Lucia is our dough expert who ensures each pizza has that perfect Neapolitan crust. She trained in some of the best pizzerias in Italy before joining Salvatore Pizza.

Team member 3

Marco Salvatore

Operations Manager

Sofia's brother Marco handles the business side of Salvatore Pizza, from sourcing the best ingredients to ensuring smooth daily operations while maintaining the family's commitment to quality.

Team member 4

Isabella Rossi

Customer Experience Manager

Isabella ensures every customer has an exceptional experience, whether dining in or ordering delivery. Her warm personality and attention to detail have earned Salvatore Pizza its loyal customer base.

Team member 5

Antonio Ferrari

Head of Sourcing

Antonio's deep knowledge of ingredients and strong relationships with suppliers ensure that Salvatore Pizza uses only the highest quality components, from flour to fresh local produce.

Our Pizza-Making Process

1

Dough Preparation

Our dough process begins 48 hours before your pizza is served. We use a blend of "00" Italian flour, water, sea salt, and a small amount of yeast, allowing for a long, slow fermentation that develops complex flavors and the perfect texture.

2

Sauce Crafting

Our sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes imported from Italy, grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius. We crush them by hand and season simply with sea salt and fresh basil - allowing their natural sweetness to shine.

3

Ingredient Selection

We source the freshest local produce and premium imported Italian ingredients. Our mozzarella is made fresh daily, and we work with local farmers to get seasonal vegetables at their peak of flavor.

4

Hand Stretching

Each dough ball is hand-stretched by our skilled pizzaiolos - never rolled with a pin, which would crush the delicate air pockets that create the perfect crust. This traditional technique requires years of practice to master.

5

Wood-Fired Baking

Our pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven at 850°F for just 90 seconds. This intense heat creates the characteristic slightly charred exterior while maintaining a soft, airy interior - the hallmark of authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Our Commitments & Certifications

Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana

We are proud to be certified by the AVPN, the prestigious Italian organization that safeguards the tradition of Neapolitan pizza-making.

Food Safety Certification

Our kitchen meets and exceeds all Canadian food safety standards, with regular inspections and continuous staff training.

Local Community Support

We're committed to supporting our local community through partnerships with area farmers, food banks, and community events.

Sustainable Practices

We're dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint through composting, recycling, and using eco-friendly packaging for all deliveries.

Ready to Taste the Tradition?

Experience the authentic flavors of Italy delivered right to your door