We were going to a concert at a nearby venue which had closed its kitchen to set up for the music, nuking our pre-show dinner plans. A nearby pub was packed so not an option, but we saw the sign for O’Town Pizza and figured it was better than nothing. We followed the signs through an industrial area and arrived at O’Town’s store front. Our initial impression was not great, but we needed to eat.
The shop is best described as somewhere a literal hole in the wall and a ghost kitchen. There is a small order desk with a couch and a couple of chairs so I suppose you could eat in. The decor is industrial cinder block with a touch of Continental Indian scattered about and the whole place looks a little worn but clean.
The menu has all your basic pizzas, burgers and poutines, and a good selection of Indian specialty pizzas and appetizers. We thought it best to lean into the Indian and ordered the Shahi Paneer Pizza and a couple of mango lassis. There was going to be a bit of a wait since the pizza guy was out doing a delivery, so they comped us a couple of Rabri Kulfi ice cream sticks which were tasty.
While we waited for our pizza, another couple came in who were going to the same concert, and had the same dinner problem. They ordered some samosas and told us later that they were excellent.
The lassis came out first and they were really good, very mango and creamy, not too sweet and they went down quickly. The pizza, what can I say that won’t sound like paid review? This isn’t I promise you! The pizza was superb, thin crispy crust lots of coriander, green pepper and paneer, covered but not drowned in cheese. The sauce was flavourful without being overpowering. I’m a white guy who can handle spice but the sauce was nicely balanced, just a little bite and a ton of flavour. Over all an unusual approach to pizza but perfect in execution. One of the best I have had in a very long time. We scarfed down quite a bit before the concert and took the rest home. I just had some for lunch, and it’s almost better reheated, almost.
Don’t be deceived by outward appearances, O’Town Pizza is a real gem in Ottawa. My only regret is they are a little too far away to order regularly.
