A popular Italian eatery, try one of their 20 kinds of pizza available with toppings including pesto, goat cheese, grilled chicken and eggplant. sa Marcello's is located about half a block East of Dufferin St. with a small patio out front.
Considering Marcello’s Pizzeria is often packed with happy customers enjoying delicious meals, it’s hard to believe owner Maurizio Galifi had only a short-lived career as a college student. “I wasn't too successful back then. It wasn’t really for me,” he explains. Since he didn't know what to try instead, his older brothers, Tony and Frank, suggested that Maurizio come work for them at their fledgling restaurant. He agreed to give it a go “just while he figured himself out.”
That was in 1998. Today, Maurizio is still at the popular St. Clair West restaurant, running it solo as his brothers have moved on to open a second Marcello’s Pizzeria. “I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy the restaurant business,” says Maurizio. It’s clear that he hasn’t stayed on by default, but rather thanks to an authentic passion for serving up great food and creating a welcoming, neighbourhood gathering place.
One of the secrets of Maurizio's success is having worked at every job there is in a restaurant: “I’ve done maintenance, dishwashing, salads, pizza making, worked on the grill and the pasta line, you name it.” These days he spends most of his time on front-of-house and the business end of things. “Having it all evolve this way was a benefit for me," says Maurizio. "Really, every restaurant owner should know every aspect of the business, from the kitchen right on through, and not many of them do. I consider myself lucky.”
My experience at this restaurant was terrible customer service. The food was great but the service was not. I think customer service is the first attraction for customers to keep coming back. Customers are always right in any situation and should be treated with full respect. I was happy with the food but for the reason that the customer service did not satisfy me I would not return or even recommend this restaurant.
We had heard great things about this place and decided to give it a try. The one we went to is located on Rutherford Road in Vaughan, down the street from Vaughan Mills. When we walked in there, it was litterally a zoo; we couldn't walk without worrying about bumping into someone. When we were seated, we were given menus and our server came to us within about 5 minutes with complimentary bread and to take our orders. The margarita pizza came quickly however, the server messed up on the other order, and brought pasta instead of pizza. He then had to have it reordered and brought it to us when it was ready. To be honest, the pizza wasn't that great, it was good, but not as great as I have heard. I have had pizza elsewhere and this place is on the same scale as the other places I've been to. If I do return, I would try the pasta.
Our absolute favourite for authentic italian. You know the restaurant is a gem when the local Italians eat there with their whole families (babies too!). As Marcello's is always packed, go early to get a seat (especially if your party is larger than 4) or expect to wait in line at least 30 minutes or longer. Service is prompt when seated and the lively atmosphere makes it very homey. The waiters are efficient, no-nonsense and definitely not snobby(as in other places), and they know the menus. On regular nights we share an appetizer, and dessert with our meals and we are stuffed!! The tirimisu is home made and heavenly; you could easily have seconds. I have been to other restaurants on College street, and quite honestly, at Marcello's the dishes are on par and above on quality. Combine the quality of food, with good portion sizes, very reasonable pricing, and you will see why Marcello's is always packed!!
With 20 unique varieties on the menu, you’ll have no problem picking a wood fired, thin crust pizza to suit your taste at this local pizzeria. The neighbourhood hotspot is packed on weeknights, and it’s not uncommon to spot one or two folks walking down St. Clair Avenue with a Marcello’s take out box in hand.
