The Reveal – General Assembly Pizza
The Gist
Fast-casual pizza doesn’t have to be lame.
General Assembly Founder – and certified sommelier and pizzaiolo – Ali Khan Lalani brought international pizza consultant Chef Anthony Falco (formerly of Roberta’s in Brooklyn) and Chef Cale Elliott-Armstrong (Terroni, Canoe, Splendido, Village Pizza) together to create 10 signature hand-crafted 10-inch pizzas like no other.
Made with Canadian milled flours, Toronto cheeses and Falco’s sourdough starter, this “pizza with no boundaries” is neither thick nor thin, but right in between, with a deft chew and deep crispy finish.
Oomph.
Grub
Pizzas come in every colour (Green Pie $11.50 – mozzarella, gorgonzola, kale, lemon zest, black pepper), with meat lover’s options (Loving Cup $12.50 – tomato sauce, aged mozzarella, caciocavallo, pepperoni, wild oregano, basil) and vegan and vegetarian options that don’t just consist of a mound of leaves (Sergeant Pepe $12 – mozzarella, tallegio, parmesan, cream, black pepper).
Still hungry? Snacks and charcuterie ($5-$8), and four made-to-order salads ($8.50-$10, add protein: egg +$1.50, avocado +$2, roast king capon chicken +$3.50) are also available.
Libations
A focused list of beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails sounds good, but GA goes one better – it’s all on tap, including Canadian vino by the glass (5- and 9-ounce, $9-$15) and Great White North brews ($5-$8), as well as local bottles ($14) and tall boys ($6).
Choose classic cocktails – Moscow Mule, Negroni ($8 ea.) – or virgin offerings of Quick Fix ($4.50) with ginger, honey, lemon and kombucha, and Winter Solstice ($4) comprised of pomegranate, cranberry, winter spices and roiboos tea.
There’s also Espresso ($2.50), Cortado ($3.50) and other crafted coffees ($2.50-$4) to help power you through the afternoon slump.
Fixtures and Fittings
Inside a heritage building at the corner Adelaide and Peter boasts a sleek, minimal, light interior with colourful accents.
The 3,500-square-foot space designed by Commute Home, features original old brick walls and beams, juxtaposed with a futuristic corrugated aqua counter, neon yellow chairs, three-dimensional white triangular tiles and slim black lighting.
Watch the action in the open kitchen from two viewpoints:
A glass encased dough room located at the front entrance where the naturally leavened dough's worked on.
The open kitchen featuring striking white, hand-built gas ovens, sourced from a third-generation family in Naples.
Off the Menu
Mila Margherita ($10)
The classic with just the basics – tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil. Just don’t call it basic.
King ’Shroom ($14)
A earthy medley of mozzarella, gorgonzola, creminis and garlic.
Sweet Heat ($12)
Hot stuff alert – tear your way into a sweet combo of hot, but not too hot salami, honey, tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil.
Don Diego ($13)
Garnished with mozzarella, chorizo, red onion, jalapeño, drop peppers and a whack of cilantro, this Mexican ’za makes the case for non-Italian toppings.
Deets
General Assembly Pizza accommodates 75 guests for lunch and dinner. Takeout, pick-up and delivery are also available. Note: GA doesn’t do cash or reservations.
At the Stove: Cale Elliott-Armstrong
Head Honcho: Ali Khan Lalani
FOH: Thomas Gilbert
Map it: 331 Adelaide St. W. (at Peter St.)
Visiting Hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 11 am – 10 pm
Thursday to Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 8 pm
Phone it in: n/a
How Cool is This?! Pick up and delivery is handled with ease in a dedicated 400-square-foot space so those dining in can enjoy their meal without interruption.