The top 10 old school pizza in Toronto

Pizza in Toronto has evolved throughout the years, excelling as a greasy street food staple, economical family meal and date-worthy destination. While the market for a hot pie has multiplied at a frenetic pace, there's a handful of pizzerias that have endured and thrived for decades.

Here's a round-up of old school pizzerias in Toronto.

See also: The Best Pizza in Toronto.

Vesuvio Pizzeria & Spaghetti House
The restaurant in The Junction claims the title of Toronto's first and oldest pizza parlour. Originally opened in 1957, the restaurant relocated in 1962 to its existing location on Dundas West, just seven doors down from the original. The founding Pugliese family can also be credited with an instrumental role in lifting the dry destination in The Junction.

Camarra Pizza
Camarra Pizza was established on Dufferin Street in 1958 after bringing over the family business from Italy. Initially opened as a market and commissary, their claim to fame is introducing the party-size pizza to Toronto. They even had to sit down with a paper company to design the boxes. To this day it's still a family business and the current operators are the fourth generation of pizza makers.

Il Paesano
This pizzeria on Browns Line in Etobicoke has won over generations of pizza lovers with its classic pies since it first opened in 1957. Some of the regulars are now sporting grey hair others have long since moved away and return now on nostalgic whims. The recipes are all original and the Deluxe featuring pepperoni, mushrooms and peppers is as popular as ever.

Milano's Pizza
Slinging pizza since 1963, this old school Etobicoke joint is a neighbourhood institution reputed for its delicious pies generously layered with toppings and bubbling cheese.

Frank's Pizza House
Since 1965, this pizzeria on St. Clair has been serving up familiar Italian fare. The current operators, the Taverniti family took over the business in 1992 and have upheld its reputation as a top source for dine-in and delivery in the neighbourhood. The menu bills a line-up of pizzas, pastas, soups, salads, sandwiches and one killer calzone.

Gerrard Spaghetti & Pizza House
This family business has been a Danforth mainstay since 1966. The ovens have been upgraded over the years and the menu has evolved into a full sit-down Italian experience, but the recipes for the dough and sauce are the same as ever. Customize pies to order or select from almost 65 pre-designed pies like ever popular Calabrese.

Bitondo Pizzeria & Sandwiches
The Little Italy institution has been dishing out piping hot pizzas since the late '60s. The original owner won the lottery twice before passing the business down to family who have garnered a loyal following nostalgic for simpler times, when pepperoni was supposed to be greasy A.F. and toppings only got as exotic as pineapple.

Regina Pizzeria & Trattoria
The Italian trattoria in the heart of Little Italy has been a neighbour staple since 1967 and is still as charming as ever. The staff are handsome older men with thick Italian accents, and the menu boasts a classic assortment of pies, one famously garlicky Caesar salad, and some of the best pasta dishes you didn't know you could get delivered.

The Real McCoy
Burgers and pizza are the specialty at this Scarborough institution that's been in business for over 45 years and it still operated by the original owners. The pizza's here aren't fancy; just good old fashioned junk food featuring the a classic selection of toppings.

Diamond Pizza & Grill
The original location on Main Street is an East York gem that's been serving its community since 1978. When it first launch, the menu focused exclusively on pizza and pasta but was expanded in the early '80s to also include charbroiled burgers, souvlaki and more.

What did I miss? Add your favourite old school pizza joint to the comments.

Photo of Bitondo's by Jesse Milns.

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO