Montreal's pizza scene is experiencing a delicious transformation. Once dominated by late-night slice shops and classic Montreal-style pies, the city is now embracing a wood-fired revolution that's redefining what great pizza means. From Old Montreal to emerging neighbourhoods, artisanal pizzerias are firing up ovens and creating experiences that go far beyond just dinner—they're culinary performances.
Why Everyone's Obsessed with Wood-Fired Pizza
Wood-fired pizza isn't just a cooking method—it's an art form. Traditional wood-fired ovens reach temperatures of 800°F and above, baking pizzas in 90 seconds or less. This intense heat creates the signature blistered, charred crust with a chewy interior that's impossible to replicate in conventional ovens.
What sets wood-fired pizza apart is the smoky depth it brings to every bite. Fresh mozzarella melts perfectly, hand-crushed tomatoes caramelize at the edges, and seasonal vegetables express their full flavour under the intense flame. There's also an emotional draw—watching flames dance in the oven, breathing in the wood smoke aroma, experiencing dinner as theatre.
Wood-Fired vs. New York-Style vs. Montreal-Style: The Showdown
Montreal now offers three distinct pizza experiences, each with its own appeal:
Wood-Fired: Thin, chewy crust with artisanal char. Fresh, quality ingredients shine. Perfect for savouring and sharing in a social setting. Find it at high-end pizzerias and modern Italian restaurants.
New York-Style: Large, foldable slices with tangy sauce and gooey cheese. Ideal for on-the-go eating and late-night cravings. Available at casual slice shops across the city.
Montreal-Style: Thicker, golden, oily crust loaded with generous toppings—mushrooms, peppers, pepperoni. The nostalgic choice for takeout and crowd-pleasing parties, found at historic local shops.
How Tomahawk Group Powers Montreal's Pizza Scene
Balboa Pizza represents Tomahawk Group's entry into Montreal's wood-fired revolution. Located in Old Montreal, this modern pizzeria combines dough obsession with high-design ambiance. Every pizza showcases locally-sourced ingredients, seasonal menus, and artisan craft—all fired to perfection in a visible wood-burning oven.
Beyond exceptional pizza, Balboa offers the full Tomahawk experience: curated wine pairings, craft cocktails, and Instagram-worthy interiors designed for buzz and social energy.
Experiencing the Best of Montreal's Wood-Fired Pizza
For food lovers: Follow new openings on social media for limited specials. Order multiple styles for sharing and photo opportunities. Wood-fired pizza is best enjoyed fresh from the oven—eat in for maximum flavour and texture.
For young professionals and teams: Host pizza-forward dinners or happy hours. Wood-fired venues offer a memorable, elevated alternative to typical team outings.
For event planners and influencers: Book private tasting events at venues like Balboa Pizza. Coordinate pizza-and-wine nights for fresh social content. Tomahawk Group offers full event and catering support with customizable packages.
With a portfolio spanning pizzerias, wine bars, and cocktail lounges, Tomahawk Group venues are built for memorable moments and unforgettable pizza nights. Whether you're a local, tourist, influencer, or pizza obsessive—discover your new favourite slice and make every meal an event.