Born in Montreal, Pizzeria No. 900 has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with their Naples-style creations. With 28 locations across Quebec and plans for global expansion, the chain has established itself as a force to be reckoned with. From the ambiance to the flavors, every aspect of this pizzeria is crafted to transport you to pizza paradise. Authentic Neapolitan Pizza at Pizzeria No. 900. Here is my experience trying authentic Neapolitan Pizza at Pizzeria No. 900!
The Rise of Pizzeria No. 900 and Its Naples-style Pizzas
Pizzeria No. 900 is a Montreal-born pizza chain serving up Naples-style pizza across Quebec. They opened their first store in 2014 in Rue Bernard in Outremont and since then have expanded to 28 locations across Quebec. The pizzeria concept was founded by Dominic Bujold (founder of Sushi Shop) & Alexandre Brunet (Mangiafoco & Stromboli). What makes the restaurant stand out is its AVPM certification (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) – which Pizzeria No. 900 received in 2022, deeming it an authentic Neapolitan pizza by Italian standards. The International Regulation is a set of stringent rules that pizza makers must follow in order to hold the certification to recognize & differentiate the True Neapolitan pizza from any other type of pizza. The rules include specific instructions on how to prepare the pizza, the ingredients, fermentation & maturation, the condiments & the cooking – which must be done exclusively in a wood-fired oven between 430-480C° with the pizza inserted for 60-90 seconds. Pizzeria No. 900 is the only organization that holds the prestigious certification in the province, showcasing why Montreal foodies flock to their local Pizzeria No. 900 franchise for authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Ambiance
I visited the lively Quartier des Spectacles location on Canada Day (Saturday July 1, 2023) for a late lunch. No.900 QDS, located at 280 Ste-Catherine St W Montreal, QC H2X 2A1, has been enchanting visitors since its opening in November 2019. The location has a variety of seating options, including outdoor, indoor, and bar seating, with a mixture of regular tables and high-tops. The main dining room buzzes with an infectious energy, alive with lively conversations, clinking glasses and authentic Italian music. The contemporary decor includes stunning mosaic tiling, vibrant colors, lush greenery & stylish lighting, all of which transports you to the Amalfi Coast. We opted for a high-top table near the open kitchen, which allowed us to view their skilled chefs expertly manoeuvring pizzas into the wood-fired oven.
Menu & Cuisine
The menu is a one page affair with around 30 delectable options to choose from. The menu includes a couple of fan-favorite apetizers, four mozzarella choices including the renowned Italian burrata, sharable items including charcuterie & antipasti & a couple of salads to whet your appetite. However, the main attraction lies in the array of red and white pizzas, ranging from timeless classics like ‘Margherita Pizza’ (available in classic, Antica, and Bianca styles) to gourmet creations such as ‘Diaola Ventricina,’ ‘Salami & Ricotta Calzone,’ and ‘Pancetta & Fig. Many of the pizzas include ‘Viandes Bio de Charlevoix,’ which is organic meat sourced from the Charlevoix region in Quebec. Moreover, a seasonal ‘Pizza du Moment’ showcases the flavors of Quebec, featuring asparagus, Fior di latte, pecorino, and Charlevoix organic spec. The thoughtfully curated wine list features a selection of Italian Spumante e Frizzante, (Sparkling wine), Rosato (Rose), Bianco (White Wine), Rosso (Red Wines) & Macerazione. These wines are produced using sustainable agriculture and they even offer Small Glasses for $7 ‘like in Italy’. Additionally, a range of beers and non-alcoholic beverages are available, including specialty Italian drinks like Limonata & Mandarinata. To conclude your mea on a sweet note, there is a small but delicious dessert menu, featuring irresistible treats such as Cannolis & Lemon Tartes. And of course, to aid digestion, a selection of Digestivos such as Grappa is offered.
Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly
Just like many Italian eateries, this Pizzeria No.900 offers an array of fantastic options for vegetarians. In addition to the classic Margherita Pizzas, there is a great selection of gourmet, meat-free pizzas. For example, the ‘Porcini Pizza’ with mushrooms, caramelized onions, fontina, fior di latte, ricotta salata & truffle salt, or the ‘Grilled Vegetable Pizza’ topped with tomato sauce, fior di latte, kale, leccino olives, cherry tomatoes, tropea onions, and sweet peppers. To cater to specific dietary preferences, most pizzas can be customized upon request, such as substituting regular cheese for vegan cheese, if you follow a vegan lifestyle. Furthermore is the option to substitute the traditional dough with Rice Flour Dough, allowing for delicious gluten-free pizzas. For detailed information on gluten-free or vegan options, it’s best to consult your server for guidance. At this restaurant, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners are well-catered for, ensuring an inclusive dining experience for all.
My Experience
In order to try a bit of everything, we ordered a few items to share. We started our meal by participating in everyone’s favorite Italian custom – Aperitivo! We shared a bottle of ‘Bardolino Chiaretto DOC Classico’, a lovely dry rose from Italy’s Veneto region, accompanied with their Aperitivo of Mixed olives, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Hot Peppers, Pepperoncini & fresh bread. We slowly ate & drank away at the stunning wine & snacks to unwind, soak in the atmosphere & most importantly, build up an appetite! The menu offered 2 Arancini options – Spinach & Ricotta & Ragù (beef). We opted for the former, vegetarian option, which was perfectly cooked with a crunchy exterior but moist, flavorsome filling. Our next course was the Mild Italian Sausage Pizza, which included Fermes Gaspor (Gasor Farms) sausage, tomato sauce, Fior di Latte, Green Onions, Pecorino Romano, Hot Peppers & Rapini & Almond Pesto. The pizza with its perfectly cooked, traditional Neapolitan crust & balance of flavors using the freshest ingredients was my undoubted favorite! To end the meal, we opted for the Lemon Tart, which was delightfully tangy with a flaky & light crust and capped it off with a Lemoncello. The warm and inviting ambience, combined with the mouth-watering cuisine, culminated in an unforgettable dining experience.
Service & Dining Experience
We visited during the Monteral Jazz Festival on a busy Saturday. Regardless, the service remained friendly & attentive. While the portion sizes may be on the smaller side, the plates are designed for sharing, allowing you to savor a bite of everything on offer. I highly recommend embracing the Italian practice of a long, leisurely lunch or dinner, complete with an aperitivo, wine, delectable desserts, and, of course, the joy of sharing dishes with your companions. It is an experience that embodies the essence of Italian gastronomy.
Price
Pizzeria No. 900 offers an impressively affordable dining experience, with dishes ranging between $9 – $28 CAD. Our meal for two, consisting of an appetizer, entree, pizza, desert, bottle of wine & digestivo to share, came to just under $100 (gratuity not included). This price point is exceptionally reasonable by Montreal standards, making Pizzeria No. 900 an excellent choice for those seeking quality food at an affordable price.
Quartier des Spectacles Pizzeria No. 900 Location
The Quartier Des Spectacles location of Pizzeria No. 900 can be found at 280 Ste-Catherine St W Montreal, QC H2X 2A1. This vibrant area is conveniently served by three metro stations: Berri-UQAM Metro (orange and green lines), Saint-Laurent Metro (green line), and Place-des-Arts Metro (green line). Moreover, there are 10 bus lines and 20 Bixi stations scattered throughout the Quartier. If you prefer driving, indoor and outdoor parking options, as well as on-street parking, are available. For a comprehensive list of transportation choices, please refer to this link: https://www.quartierdesspectacles.com/en/discover-the-quartier/getting-here/#. Given its prime location in the Quartier des Spectacles, you’ll find an abundance of activities and sights to explore in the vicinity, so be sure to plan your day accordingly.
Other Locations
With 23 locations in Quebec including 9 in Montreal, chances are there’s a Pizzeria No. 900 conveniently located near you! Discover the nearest slice of Montreal’s best pizza here: https://no900.com/en/our-pizzerias/
Reservations
Please note that while Pizzeria No. 900 accepts reservations at some of their locations, the Quartier des Spectacles branch does not. During our visit, there was no wait, but it is advisable to plan your trip accordingly in terms of availability during peak hours. The Quartier des Spectacles location operates seven days a week, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. For further details and updates, please refer to their official website. Additionally, for mouthwatering food inspiration, don’t forget to check out their instagram page.
Pizzeria No. 900 at Home
If you’re in the mood to unwind and prefer to enjoy your meal in the comfort of your own home, Pizzeria No. 900 has you covered with their takeout and delivery options. Their user-friendly online ordering tool makes the process a breeze, and includes images of the food, so you can get a visual representation of serving size & the food to come. Also on offer are Homemade Pizza Kits, which include four servings of dough, fior di latte cheese basil & pizza sauce, allowing you to channel your inner pizzaiolo in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect activity for your next date night! To top it off, the chain also offers an Italian Grocery selection through their online ordering platform. The options vary from store to store, but the Epicerie includes their signature spicy oil, imported olives, assortment of charcuterie & premium coffee, so you can bring the stunning flavors of Pizzeria No. 900 into your own home.
Whether you’re dining in, ordering takeout, or exploring their Italian Grocery options, Pizzeria No. 900 has something for everyone & guarantees a taste of culinary excellence. Plan your visit today and get ready to savor a slice of heaven at Pizzeria No. 900!
Buon appetito!
Pingback: 9 Exciting Things to Do in Montreal on a Rainy Day