Rating: NNNNN
Who MAGIC OVEN 788 Broadview, at Danforth, 416-466-0111 127 Jefferson, at King West, 416-539-0555
WhatVegan Magic: tomato sauce, dairy- and nut-free pesto, zucchini, artichoke, portobello mushroom, red pepper with organic spelt crust
The damage $15/15-inch medium (plus $3.50 for soy “mozzarella”)
The resultsIn a blind taste test, you’d never know this wasn’t a regular pizza: crisp crust, fresh veggies, tasty sauce, relatively gooey fake cheese.
Verdict Rating: NNNN
Who NATURALLY YOURS First Canadian Place food court, 100 King West, at Bay, 416-368-0100
WhatGluten-free vegan pizza: tomato sauce, red onion, zucchini, eggplant, red pepper and mushroom
The damage $20/12-inch special order, though slices go for $2.79 daily
The resultsAlthough the wheat-free soy flour crust has the texture of a soggy muffin, the toppings are first-rate and the spicing assertive.
Verdict Rating: NNN
Who MARGERITA’S 150 Dundas West, at Elizabeth, 416-977-7333
WhatSince it doesn’t have a vegan pie in its lineup, we customized our own: thin white flour crust, tomato sauce, roasted red pepper, basil and zucchini
The damage $16/15-inch large
The resultsIt took two attempts to get our order right: “We’re sorta outta basil.” The end product finds our favourite crust minimally spread with OK sauce and a handful of veggies, but it really needs basil.
Verdict Rating: NNN
Who BIG MAMMA’S BOY 554 Parliament, at Prospect, 416-927-7777
WhatCher’s Pizza: wild forest mushrooms, roasted red pepper, grilled zucchini, red onion and black olives on thin whole wheat crust, minus the mozzarella (not listed on menu)
The damage $18.95/16-inch large
The resultsNo doubt some will find the idea of Cher minus cheese unfathomable. This pleasantly thin cracker crust comes with good sauce, a fair amount of veggies and tons of flavourless canned black olives.
Verdict Rating: NNN
Who PIZZAIOLO 624 Queen West, at Markham, 416-507-9944, and others
WhatVittoria: herbed tomato, zucchini, roasted red pepper, “famous sauce” and whole wheat crust
The damage $19.35/18-inch
The resultsDoughy crust, scant sauce tasting of garlic salt, topped with mostly zucchini – the whole thing recalls brown bread topped with spaghetti sauce.
Verdict Rating: NN
