Pizzeria Magpie may have started as a chance acquisition—a salvaged pizza oven from a neighbour’s kitchen—but it quickly became a cornerstone of the Mile End’s dining scene. Opened in 2010 by the Popovic brothers, Magpie has cultivated a reputation for relaxed yet focused dining. The place exudes warmth, with honeycomb-tiled ovens and cozy wood-panelled walls that give it that neighbourhood haunt feel you want in a pizzeria.

Their pizzas feature a soft, chewy crust from Italian 00 flour, topped with rich, tangy San Marzano tomatoes and bocconcini cheese for the Margherita, or fennel sausage, red onions, and artichokes for bolder tastes. There’s a casual Caesar salad—anchovies included—and dense meatballs in a hearty tomato sauce, all designed for sharing. Magpie’s dedication to quality ingredients and a genuinely laid-back vibe have earned it a loyal following, making it an easy choice.