With the new Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit, we took a trip to Motown without leaving Toronto. Chef Anthony Rose and Pizzeria Libretto’s Rocco Agostino blind tasted five of the city’s top Detroit-style pizzas, putting each thick, chewy, rectangular pie to the test and ranking them from sixth to first.
6. Afro’s Pizza
The pepperoni on this pizza was a bright spot here, with both judges enjoying its flavour. The toppings worked well, but the dough had a distinctive, slightly yeasty quality that stole some of the spotlight 107 Mutual St., $18
5. Detroit Pizzeria
Rocco liked the chew, but both judges thought the sauce was playing it a little too safe. “The sauce is really flat,” Antony said, wishing for more garlic and flavour. Still, there was something undeniably satisfying about its heft. 1093 Bathurst St., $19
4. McMan Pizza
The thick layer of mozzarella and brick cheese initially had Anthony wondering if the crust was underbaked, before realizing just how much cheese was packed into the slice. Neither judge found enough balance to push it into the top place. 2116 Danforth Ave. $19
3. Descendant Detroit Style Pizza
This pie made a strong impression with its golden, beautifully baked bottom and slightly taller crust. Rocco also liked the height, noting that a longer proof (extended rising time) may have helped give it some lightness. 1168 Queen St. E. $22
2. 8Mile Detroit Style Pizza
Both judges were impressed with the nicely browned bottom and those “nice little pockets” in the crust. The only sticking point was the dried oregano, which Anthony found a touch heavy-handed. 9 Charles St. W., $22
1. Renaissance Pizza
Anthony loved the crushed tomato and Parmesan, while Rocco was sold on the dough, calling it “really light and crispy.” The sauce had plenty of flavour without taking over, and the crust had exactly the crispness they were looking for. 802 Dundas St. W. $22