At Pizzaiolo, we've always believed that the best ingredients are those at the peak of their season. This summer, we're excited to introduce our limited-time summer menu, featuring pizzas that showcase the vibrant flavors of the season's finest produce.
Why Seasonal Ingredients Matter
Cooking with seasonal ingredients isn't just a culinary trend—it's a practice deeply rooted in Italian tradition. When ingredients are harvested at their peak, they offer superior flavor, nutrition, and value. By embracing seasonality, we honor the natural rhythms of agriculture while supporting local farmers and reducing environmental impact.
Our commitment to seasonal ingredients is part of what makes our artisan pizzas stand out. The difference between a tomato harvested at peak ripeness in summer versus one grown in a greenhouse during winter is immediately apparent in both taste and texture.
Summer's Bounty: Our Star Ingredients
Heirloom Tomatoes
Summer is tomato season, and we're celebrating with an array of heirloom varieties. Unlike conventional tomatoes bred for uniform appearance and shelf life, heirlooms are grown for flavor. Their vibrant colors—from deep purple to sunny yellow—and unique shapes tell the story of their diverse heritage.
On our Summer Caprese pizza, we layer thin slices of multicolored heirloom tomatoes over a light base of garlic-infused olive oil. The tomatoes are barely warmed in the oven, preserving their fresh flavor and delicate texture.
Fresh Herbs
Nothing captures summer quite like the intense aroma of fresh herbs. Our basil comes from local farms where it's harvested just hours before delivery to our kitchens. The difference between dried herbs and fresh is particularly noticeable with delicate varieties like basil, which loses much of its aromatic compounds when dried.
Our Herb Garden pizza features a medley of summer herbs—basil, oregano, thyme, and chives—over a light ricotta base. We add the herbs after baking to preserve their vibrant flavors and colors.
Zucchini and Summer Squash
These prolific summer vegetables reach their peak during the warmest months. We source small, tender zucchini and yellow summer squash that offer the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
On our Summer Harvest pizza, we shave these vegetables into thin ribbons that curl and caramelize slightly during baking. Paired with a light lemon ricotta base and topped with fresh mint, this pizza captures the essence of summer gardens.
Sweet Corn
Though not traditional in Italian cuisine, local sweet corn is too delicious to ignore. At the height of summer, corn is at its sweetest, with kernels that burst with flavor.
Our Canadian Summer pizza features fire-roasted corn kernels paired with smoked mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. The natural sugars in the corn caramelize slightly in our hot ovens, adding depth to this seasonal creation.
Stone Fruits
Summer brings an abundance of stone fruits—peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums—that can be brilliantly incorporated into both savory and sweet pizzas.
Our Prosciutto and Peach pizza combines thin slices of ripe peaches with prosciutto, creamy burrata, and a drizzle of honey. After baking, we add fresh arugula and a balsamic reduction for a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Our Sourcing Philosophy
We work directly with local farmers to source the freshest seasonal produce for our summer menu. By building relationships with growers in our community, we gain access to varieties that might never appear in conventional supply chains.
Many of our partner farms practice sustainable agriculture, using methods that protect soil health and biodiversity. This not only produces more flavorful ingredients but also supports environmentally responsible farming.
Limited Time Only
True to the spirit of seasonal eating, our summer specials are available only while the ingredients are at their peak. We encourage you to visit soon to experience these seasonal creations before fall arrives with its own distinctive flavors.
Each season brings new inspiration to our kitchen, and we look forward to guiding you through the tastes of summer with our handcrafted artisan pizzas.
Try Our Summer Menu
Visit any Pizzaiolo location to taste our summer specials, available through early September. For the full summer menu and to place an order for pickup or delivery, visit our online ordering system or use our mobile app.
