When we first visited Masseria at 577 King Street West, it quickly became one of those places we kept going back to. Not just because of its location in the heart of Toronto’s King West but also because it offered something different, something that stuck. That difference was mostly in the dough. Masseria’s signature carbone pizza, made with activated charcoal, wasn’t just for show. It felt lighter, airier, and looked striking on the plate with its blackened crust.
Sadly, Masseria has closed its doors. For a while, we weren’t sure. The lights were off, and the dining room stayed empty for weeks. Then, the listings started marking it as permanently closed. It’s always a loss when a place you’ve recommended to friends or visited after a long day just vanishes.
Still, the good news is that Toronto is never short on good pizza. And if you’re looking for a new go-to spot to fill the Masseria-shaped gap, we’ve got a few places you’ll want to try.
What Happened to Masseria?
Masseria quietly shut down sometime after 2022. There wasn’t much public explanation, no post, no closing note on the door, but regulars noticed. Some of us even showed up, thinking it was just closed for a day or two. Turns out it wasn’t coming back. It was one of the few pizza bars in Toronto blending Southern Italian simplicity with modern flavours, and it stood out especially for its charcoal-infused dough. Masseria wasn’t flashy, but it had personality, and it made pizza that felt like a balance between comfort food and something a little elevated.
Why Pizza Bars Like Masseria Make Great Gaming Spaces
One thing we always liked about Masseria was the setting, it had that relaxed, stay-a-while feel. With late hours, free Wi-Fi, and a cozy layout, it wasn’t just a place to eat. It was the kind of spot where you could unwind, take your time, and maybe even check your phone for more than just the time.
That’s something we’ve noticed with other pizza bars in Toronto too. More and more, these restaurants offer the perfect backdrop for enjoying online casino games. Whether you’re spinning a few slots or checking out blackjack apps, pairing a slice with a bit of play has become part of the casual dining experience for some.
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That balance of comfort, food, and downtime was exactly what made Masseria special in the first place, something worth revisiting in more detail.
About Masseria Pizza Bar
The name “masseria” refers to a type of farmhouse found in Southern Italy. That theme ran through everything at the restaurant, from the simple yet refined menu to the rustic touches in the interior. Opened in 2016, it quickly became a favourite in the Italian King West dining market.
The vibe was casual but thoughtful. You could grab a bite with friends late at night or enjoy a quiet lunch with a glass of red. The focus was always on quality ingredients, many of which were locally sourced, and dough that had clearly been treated with care, thanks in part to Chef Robert LeClair, whose passion for pizza was noticeable in both the food and the way the staff talked about it.
What Was on the Menu
We tried most of the menu over the years, but certain dishes stood out:
- San Giovanni – tomato, fior di latte, spicy ‘nduja, and rapini
- Boscaiolo – mushrooms, caramelized onions, truffle oil
- Diavola – for those who like heat: soppressata and chili
- Avocado – roasted corn, pesto, and of course, avocado
- Lucano – sausage, red onion, and garlic
All pizzas were priced around $13, making it affordable without feeling cheap.
There were small plates, too: meatballs in tomato sauce, spicy olives, and crispy garlic bread with or without cheese. We always liked grabbing a panzerotti or the Chicken Pollini for something different. The wines leaned Italian (Barbaresco was a standout), and Peroni was often our beer of choice.
The menu was more curated than what you’d find on a typical Pizza Nova menu in Toronto, but it still felt familiar. Many dishes reminded us of upgraded versions of Pizza Nova downtown Toronto classics, though the vibe and execution were very different.
Location and Hours
Masseria was located at 577 King Street West, right in the middle of downtown action. It was open seven days a week, often until 3 a.m. on weekends, which made it a go-to for late-night meals after events or long work shifts.
The location was ideal, walking distance from clubs, galleries, offices, and condos. You could stop in before heading out or wind down with a pizza after the city quieted down. It had the casual ease of places like Pizza Pizza King West but with more focus on food quality and atmosphere.
What Customers Said
We weren’t the only ones who appreciated Masseria. It held a 4.1-star rating on Google, with over 250 reviews. Most people talked about the quality of the pizza and the unique crust. A few of our favourite quotes from reviewers:
“The best pizza downtown Toronto. Sad to hear they closed.”
Arina U.
“Delicious fresh pizza! Love the Honey Stinger 😋”
T B
“Feels like an upscale Pizza Nova, which is literally what it is.”
Christian De Angelis
“The crust is just right – crispy but still chewy.”
Rebecca Felgate
“I ordered… and just vomited as it was so stale.”
Muskan Chauhan
In the last few months before closing, we noticed some decline too, less consistency in flavour, rushed prep, slower service. It’s unfortunate, but not uncommon, when a place is nearing the end.
Pizza Bars to Try Instead of Masseria
Once Masseria closed, we started looking for new spots that could scratch the same itch. Whether it was the fresh dough, creative toppings, or just a good slice in a relaxed space. Here are four places we recommend, each with its own strengths.
Pizzeria Badiali
📌 Location: 181 Dovercourt Rd.
This small spot delivers a true New York-style slice – thin, crisp, and perfectly foldable. The Pepperoni Slice is a classic, but the Honey Stinger adds a sweet kick we didn’t expect to love as much as we did. There isn’t much seating, so it’s ideal for takeout or a quick bite on the go.
Conspiracy Pizza
📌 Location: 858 Eglinton Ave E.
If you like your pizza with a bit of personality, Conspiracy is a fun choice. Their Birds Aren’t Real pizza (smoked chicken, garlic oil, olives) is a flavour bomb, and the staff keeps things moving even when it’s busy. It’s a solid pick for creative toppings and reliable takeout.
Pizzaiolo
📌 Locations: All over Toronto
You’ll find a wide variety of toppings and crusts at Pizzaiolo, making it a great option for groups or anyone with dietary needs. We liked the Honey Heat and Joey Zaza, but you can also build your own with vegan, gluten-free, or cauliflower crust. Bonus: their site includes full nutrition info, which helps if you’re tracking Pizzaiolo calories.
Classico Louie’s Pizzeria
📌 Location: 2547 Yonge St.
This family-run spot serves big portions and doesn’t skimp on toppings. The crust, made with semolina and cornmeal, has a nice crunch, and the No. 19 is loaded for meat lovers. It’s cozy inside, and there are gluten-free and whole-wheat options if you want something lighter.
Few Last Words
Masseria didn’t feel like a trend – it felt like a local staple, even if it only lasted a few years. The black carbone crust, the affordable prices, the Southern Italian influence – it all came together in a way that worked. It wasn’t perfect, but it had personality, and we miss that.
Still, Toronto’s pizza scene is strong, and there’s always something new to try. Whether you’re after late-night slices, delivery near your condo, or a sit-down dinner that reminds you of old-school Italian, the city delivers. And if you’re still craving that essence of Italian restaurant on King West, it’s out there – you just have to explore a little.
So no, there’s no more Masseria. But there’s no shortage of good pizza, either.