Our World
Located in the flourishing neighbourhood of Roncesvalles Village in Toronto Canada, Defina is a bustling wood fired pizzeria. Inspired by rustic tradition, we offer a blistering thin Napoletana-style dough, a crispier firm Roma-style crust or for an adventurous palate, the ancient grain Kamut.
At Defina we feel our warmth and communal energy is what makes us a popular host for our friends and neighbours. Local patrons and visitors alike meet for our weekly Defina Night Specials and share what they enjoy most: good value, great quality and friendly service.
Team Defina
Defina features an energetic and dynamic team with a locally handcrafted wood burning oven taking center stage. Our talented Pizzaiollos create modern spins on classic pizza. However it is their original creations, showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, where their cultural inspirations shine. Our Chef embraces each season with a rustic back of house menu featuring meats, fish, pasta and vegetables that pair wonderfully with our extensive imported and domestic wine list.
Danilo Lupo
Danilo Lupo is our Head Dough Maestro and Head Pizzaiolo at Pizzeria Defina. Danilo utilizes a recipe handed down to him from a veteran Pizzaiolo from Treviso, in his homeland of Italy. He takes great pride and skill in perfecting his dough recipes and recently introduced the very popular Kamut dough. Danilo made Team Defina proud in 2013, winning an award for The Best Traditional Pizza, International Region from the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. He returned in 2014 and then again in 2016 placing second in the Pan Division, Sicilian Style, International Region.
Domenic Cuscianna
Domenic Cuscianna is the General Manager and Bar Manager at Pizzeria Defina. His 15 years in the Film and Television industry have contributed to his outgoing and inviting personality, though it is his 5 years at the helm at Defina's dining room which have enhanced his taste for our local Craft Beer Menu and our unique seasonal Defina Cocktail Menu.
Maksym & Anton Ruzycky
Maksym (right) is a Pizzaiolo at Pizzeria Defina. Maksym Ruzycky acquired his Napoletana Style Pizza training from world renowned Pizzaiolo, Chef Roberto Caporuscio from New York City. Maksym and Anton Ruzycky both participated in The Caputo Cup 2016, in New York City, Anton Ruzycky who with Maksym make up our Pizzaiolo team.
Press & Media
PIZZA EXPO, Las Vegas: 2013
Best Traditional Pizza; International Region
PIZZA EXPO, Las Vegas: 2016
Best Non-Traditional Pizza; International Region
PIZZA EXPO, Las Vegas, 2016
Pan Division Sicilian Style, Second Place
"Canadians created a strong impression at Pizza Expo 2016, marking their mark in the International Pizza Challenge ... Pizzeria Defina's Isaac Macdougall took first place in the international division of the Non-Traditional category with a lobster bisque pie."
Canadian Pizza Magazine: Canadians in the House
April 1, 2016
PARKDALE READER'S CHOICE WINNER:
Platinum: 2012, 2013
Best Local Pizza: 2014
TRIPADVISOR 2016:
Certificate of Excellence
Toronto Life: Where to Eat Now 2012: Our five favourite Neapolitan pizzas
March 28, 2012
The Culture Trip: The 13 Best Pizza Spots In Toronto
May 26, 2016
Now Magazine: T.O.'S Top 20 Pizza Places
January 17, 2013
