Named after Vesuvio’s late head pizza maker of over 40 years, Juniors Pizzeria is run by the junior staff of the now-closed Dundas West favourite that was best known for its pepperoni pizzas and authentic Italian fare.
The website states that Juniors is an homage to a time when pizza was an art form. The team is using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients and maintaining the values and traditions of Vesuvio’s.
Juniors Pizzeria is now open on Roncesvalles Avenue, not too far from the old Junction spot that was home to Vesuvio’s. Many of the staff members have decades of the experience from their careers at Vesuvio’s and are confident they can restore the style of pizza that local fans had come to love.
Most of the pizzas at Juniors — just like Vesuvio’s — come with mozzarella toppings of three types. They are blended to perfection with distinct levels of fat and moisture to create that exact browning and softness, which their predecessor was famed for.
One of the most popular pizzas is the Boomshakalaka, priced at $18 for a medium. It comes topped with calabrese salami, hot capicollo, and crunchy hot peppers and lots of spicy chili oil. Another house favourite is the Mr. White, $23, and like the name suggests, it is an avalanche of potatoes topped with asiago, red onions and garlic built on an olive oil base.
Square slices are available too for $3 each, with pepperoni, cheese and a variation of veggies – just like it was at Vesuvio’s. For those looking to add some greens to their meal, the menu also offers house, caesar, caprese and arugula salads.
Though the spot is still fairly new, Juniors has been overwhelmed by the response of patrons.
“The last week has been simply amazing. The support from our community, and customers old and new has been incredible. We are so excited for the future and look forward to hearing from you,” said the team in an Instagram post.
