Pala 148 brings Roman-style pizza to the heart of Yorkville. 

The bustling Italian eatery features a store-length counter piled high with large squares of pizza, generously topped with creamy Italian cheeses, premium cold cuts, and fresh, seasonal ingredients that will grab your attention from the moment you walk in. 

Heading the small storefront is Chef and Owner Simone Martinotti. The Italian native has always had a passion for pizza, making plenty of pies for family and friends over the years, eventually expanding his craft into a successful catering business.

When the opportunity to open a restaurant arose, Martinotti teamed up with partners Diego Casa and Carmine Costantino, owner of neighbouring Zaza Espresso Bar, eager for a new challenge.

The name Pala refers to the wooden paddle used for the pizza. Roman pizza alla pala is characterized by its long rectangular shape, crispy crust, and ability to hold a variety of toppings without getting soggy, making it the king of all pizzas when it comes to takeaway. 

"The great thing about this pizza is that it works well as takeout," Martinotti explained. "Even if you reheat it two or three times, it sometimes gets even better. So if you don't eat it right away, you can take it home, reheat it, and it’s still fantastic. Also, it's easier to get more creative with the toppings."

Pala 148 offers other traditional Roman cuisine as well. 

The Suppli al Pomodoro ($5.50) are a classic street food staple. This fried treat is made with risotto, a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce, and fresh fior di latte. Warm and comforting, it's no wonder this snack is a beloved Italian favourite.

In a creative twist, the Carbonara ($6.50) suppli reimagines the iconic pasta dish with long strands of spaghetti coated in a luscious egg-based sauce. The result is a Roman take on a mac-and-cheese croquette that strikes the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.

The Zucchini Suppli ($6.50) special incorporated a mix of zucchini, parmesan, and pecorino. 

Martinotti and his team roll each suppli by hand, a process that is no easy feat, and you can taste the care in every bite. 

When it comes to pizza, the options at Pala 148 are abundant. Choose from vodka with pancetta, mushroom and truffle, spicy soppressata with hot honey, or classic Margherita. If you need help deciding, the team at Pala offers expert suggestions based on your taste preferences. 

A standout on the menu is the Mortadella ($12.90), a made-to-order white pie topped with creamy mascarpone and crushed pistachios. Fresh and light with a delightful nuttiness, the pairing of mortadella and pistachio is one of my favourites.

If you visit on a Saturday, try the Burrata ($15.90). This exclusive weekend offering features tomato sauce, peppery arugula, delicate slices of prosciutto, and an entire burrata! It’s not often you get to savour a whole ball of the soft, creamy mozzarella to yourself.

Another classic choice of toppings, this pizza is a winning combination, and the size of the slice makes it well worth the cost.

My favourite pizza isn't even a pizza — it's the house-made focaccia. Great focaccia is not an easy find in the city, especially when you're spoiled enough to grow up in an Italian household with focaccia at the table of every celebration or holiday gathering. 

After what felt like an endless search for a soft yet crunchy focaccia reminiscent of my childhood, Pala 148 has finally delivered. Their focaccia truly takes the cake (or, in this case, the pie). 

The classic Pomodoro ($5.50) or Fromage ($6) focaccia are excellent choices. The bottom crust is irresistibly crispy and golden brown, thanks to a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in the bottom of the pan. The top is covered with a simple bright tomato sauce made using Bianco DiNapoli California Tomatoes. 

For the pizza and focaccia, Martinotti uses a special blend of 100% Italian grains imported directly from Italy. Combined with precise variations in hydration, this creates their signature light, pillow-like texture.

If you still have room for dessert, the Nutella Pizza ($5.50) is another must-try. The dough combines the rich, velvety hazelnut cocoa spread, giving it the texture and flavour of a decadent chocolate cake. It's finished with more Nutella on top and a dusting of powdered sugar. 

There are plenty of offerings to drink, like Brio and San Pellegrino. And if you're in the mood for snacks to take home, a shelf is stocked with taralli, San Carlo chips, and other imported treats.

At Pala 148 though, it's not just the food that transports you to Italy. Stick around, and you'll hear the team—Osmany, Jessica, Eva, Liza, Michele, Sara, Gabriella, and Imane—conversing in Italian.

While I love a good Neapolitan pizza, there's something near and dear about a Roman-style slice. Whether you enjoy it in-store, grab it to go, or save it to reheat later, Pala 148 has you covered.

Pala 148 is located at 148 Cumberland St.