Ordering pizza might seem straightforward, but there's an art to getting exactly what you want, when you want it, especially in a country as vast and diverse as Canada. As delivery experts who've seen it all, we're sharing our insider knowledge to help you elevate your pizza ordering game.
Timing Is Everything
Planning your order timing can make all the difference
The first rule of ordering pizza like a pro is understanding when to place your order. Here's what you need to know:
- Avoid peak hours if possible: Across Canada, the busiest times for pizza delivery are Friday and Saturday between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM. During these peak hours, delivery times can be up to twice as long as normal. If you're flexible, consider ordering earlier (4:00-5:00 PM) or later (after 8:30 PM).
- Weather considerations: In Canadian winters, delivery times can increase significantly during snowstorms. Plan ahead if bad weather is in the forecast – order earlier than you normally would.
- Special events: Hockey playoff games, especially when Canadian teams are playing, create massive spikes in pizza orders. The same goes for major events like the Super Bowl or Grey Cup. On these days, place your order well in advance or be prepared for longer wait times.
- Pre-ordering: Many pizza delivery services now allow you to schedule orders in advance. This is perfect for planning office lunches or dinner parties.
Choosing the Right Size and Quantity
One of the most common ordering mistakes is miscalculating how much pizza you need. Here's a handy guide:
- For adults with average appetites: Plan for 2-3 slices per person from a large pizza
- For hungry adults or teenagers: Plan for 3-4 slices per person
- For children: Plan for 1-2 slices per child
Pro tip: When in doubt, size up rather than order multiple smaller pizzas. A 14-inch large pizza has almost twice the area of a 10-inch medium, making it a better value. Plus, leftover pizza for breakfast is never a bad thing!
Crafting the Perfect Order
Customizing your pizza order ensures you get exactly what you want
Whether you're ordering online, through an app, or by phone, these tips will help you get exactly what you want:
Crust Considerations
Different pizza places have different default crusts. Don't assume "regular" means the same thing everywhere. Be specific about what you want:
- Thin crust: Perfect for those who want more toppings-to-crust ratio
- Hand-tossed/Regular: The standard at most Canadian pizza places
- Thick/Pan crust: Offers a more substantial, bread-like base
- Specialty options: Many places now offer cauliflower, gluten-free, or whole wheat crusts
Pro tip: If you like your pizza crispy, ask for it to be "well done" or "extra crispy." Most places are happy to leave it in the oven a bit longer.
Sauce Strategy
The sauce is the foundation of your pizza's flavor profile. Consider these options:
- Regular tomato sauce: The classic choice
- Light sauce: If you find most pizzas too soggy
- Extra sauce: For those who love that tangy tomato flavor
- Alternative sauces: Many places offer BBQ, garlic white sauce, or even pesto bases
Pro tip: If you're ordering a pizza with lots of toppings, consider asking for "light sauce" to prevent the middle from getting soggy.
Cheese Choices
Don't overlook this crucial element:
- Regular cheese: Usually a mozzarella blend
- Extra cheese: For the cheese lovers
- Light cheese: A good option for those watching calories
- Specialty cheeses: Many places offer feta, goat cheese, or aged cheddar as add-ons
Pro tip: If ordering multiple pizzas, consider getting "half-baked" or "take and bake" options for the pizzas you'll eat later. This ensures they're at their freshest when you're ready for them.
Topping Distribution
If you're sharing with people who have different preferences, don't just go with half-and-half. Consider these options:
- Quarters: Most places can divide a pizza into four sections with different toppings
- Toppings on the side: For items like hot peppers or arugula that some may want to add themselves
- Strategic ordering: Order a basic pizza that everyone likes, plus a more specialized one
Payment and Tipping Etiquette
Proper tipping is appreciated by delivery drivers across Canada
In Canada, proper tipping etiquette for pizza delivery is:
- Standard tip: 15% of the total bill before tax, with a minimum of $3-5
- For difficult deliveries: Consider 20% or more for deliveries during bad weather, to difficult-to-access locations, or for large orders
- Payment methods: Most delivery apps allow you to tip electronically, which drivers generally prefer for safety and convenience
Pro tip: If you're a regular customer, being known as a good tipper can result in better service over time. Delivery drivers remember their generous customers!
Special Instructions That Make a Difference
The "special instructions" field is your secret weapon for customizing your experience:
- Preparation requests: "Please cut into squares instead of triangles" or "Extra oregano on top"
- Delivery guidance: "The doorbell doesn't work, please knock" or "The building entrance is on the east side"
- Timing requests: "Please deliver as close to 6:30 PM as possible, we have a meeting"
Pro tip: If you have a difficult-to-find address or specific delivery instructions, save them in your account profile so you don't have to enter them each time.
The Final Word on Pizza Ordering Mastery
Ordering pizza delivery in Canada doesn't have to be a game of chance. With these pro tips, you'll be able to get exactly what you want, when you want it, regardless of whether you're in downtown Toronto or rural Newfoundland.
Remember that pizza delivery is all about convenience and enjoyment. By following these guidelines, you'll maximize both – getting hot, delicious pizza that meets your exact specifications, delivered right to your door at the time you want it.
Now that you're armed with expert knowledge, it's time to put it into practice. Your next pizza delivery experience is bound to be your best one yet!
