Pizza Making Workshops

Master the Art of Authentic Italian Pizza

Published: July 30, 2025
Salvatore's master chef demonstrating authentic Italian pizza dough stretching technique in a professional kitchen with a traditional wood-fired brick oven in the background, warm lighting, flour dust in air, hands-on cooking class atmosphere

At Salvatore, we believe that pizza making is more than just a culinary skill—it's an art form passed down through generations of Italian tradition. Our exclusive pizza making workshops offer you the unique opportunity to learn directly from our master chefs, who bring decades of experience and authentic techniques from the heart of Italy to Canada.

Whether you're a passionate home cook, a food enthusiast, or simply someone who loves pizza, our hands-on workshops provide an immersive experience that will transform the way you think about this beloved dish. From the moment you step into our kitchen, you'll be surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of fresh ingredients and the warmth of our wood-fired ovens.

What You'll Learn

Dough Preparation Mastery

Discover the secrets of creating the perfect pizza dough from scratch. Our chefs will guide you through selecting the right flour, understanding hydration ratios, proper kneading techniques, and the crucial fermentation process that gives authentic Italian pizza its distinctive flavor and texture.

Authentic Sauce Recipes

Learn to craft traditional Italian pizza sauces using time-honored recipes. From classic marinara to rich tomato bases, you'll understand how to balance acidity, sweetness, and herbs to create sauces that complement your toppings perfectly. We'll share our secret ingredient combinations that have made Salvatore pizzas legendary.

Professional Topping Techniques

Master the art of topping distribution and layering. Learn which ingredients work best together, proper cheese selection and application, how to prevent soggy crusts, and the optimal order for adding toppings. You'll understand why less is often more when it comes to creating perfectly balanced pizzas.

Wood-Fired Oven Cooking

Experience the magic of cooking in a traditional wood-fired oven. Learn temperature management, proper pizza placement, rotation techniques, and how to achieve that perfect char and crispy crust. Our chefs will teach you how to read the oven and adjust cooking times for different pizza styles.

Group of enthusiastic students in aprons learning to stretch and toss pizza dough during a hands-on workshop at Salvatore pizzeria, instructor demonstrating technique, bright kitchen environment with ingredients on wooden counters

The Hands-On Experience

Our workshops are designed to be fully interactive and engaging. This isn't a demonstration where you simply watch—you'll be rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands into the dough from the very beginning. Each participant receives their own workstation complete with all necessary ingredients and tools.

The session begins with an introduction to the history and tradition of Italian pizza making, followed by a detailed explanation of the ingredients we'll be using. You'll learn why we source specific types of flour, the importance of San Marzano tomatoes, and how to select the best mozzarella for authentic results.

Under the watchful guidance of our master chefs, you'll mix, knead, and shape your own dough. You'll feel the texture transform under your hands as you work the ingredients together, learning to recognize when the dough has reached the perfect consistency. Our instructors will share tips and tricks they've learned over years of experience, helping you avoid common mistakes and achieve professional results.

Once your dough has been prepared and allowed to rest, you'll move on to sauce preparation. Using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and our secret blend of seasonings, you'll create a sauce that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. You'll learn how to taste and adjust flavors, understanding the delicate balance that makes a great pizza sauce.

The highlight of the workshop comes when you stretch your dough, apply your sauce and toppings, and slide your creation into our authentic wood-fired oven. You'll watch as your pizza transforms in the intense heat, the crust bubbling and charring to perfection, the cheese melting into golden pools of deliciousness. The satisfaction of pulling your own handmade pizza from the oven is an experience you'll never forget.

Workshop Options

Individual Sessions

Perfect for solo learners who want personalized attention and instruction. Enjoy one-on-one time with our master chefs and learn at your own pace. These intimate sessions allow for deep dives into specific techniques and plenty of questions.

Duration: 3 hours

Class Size: 1 person

Couples Classes

A romantic and fun date night experience. Work together to create delicious pizzas while learning new skills. These sessions are designed to be interactive and entertaining, perfect for couples looking for a unique activity to enjoy together.

Duration: 2.5 hours

Class Size: 2 people

Group Workshops

Ideal for friends, families, or team-building events. Learn together in a fun, social atmosphere. These larger sessions encourage collaboration and friendly competition as participants create their own unique pizza masterpieces.

Duration: 3 hours

Class Size: 4-12 people

Beautiful display of freshly baked artisan pizzas with perfectly charred crusts, melted cheese, and colorful toppings arranged on a rustic wooden board, steam rising, professional food photography lighting

Take Home Your Creations

At the end of each workshop, you'll take home more than just memories. Every participant leaves with their own handmade pizzas, carefully boxed and ready to share with family and friends. But that's not all—we provide comprehensive recipe cards featuring all the techniques and recipes covered during the session.

These detailed recipe cards include step-by-step instructions, ingredient measurements, timing guidelines, and helpful tips to ensure you can recreate the magic at home. We also provide recommendations for equipment and ingredient sources, so you can continue your pizza-making journey long after the workshop ends.

Additionally, you'll receive a certificate of completion from Salvatore's Pizza Academy, commemorating your achievement and newfound skills. Many of our workshop graduates proudly display these certificates in their kitchens as a reminder of their culinary adventure.

Available Locations & Schedule

Our pizza making workshops are held monthly at Salvatore locations across Canada. Each location features a fully equipped professional kitchen with authentic wood-fired ovens, providing the perfect environment for learning traditional Italian pizza making techniques.

Sessions are scheduled throughout the month to accommodate various schedules, with both weekend and weekday options available. We recommend booking in advance as our workshops are extremely popular and spaces fill up quickly.

Toronto

Downtown Location

456 King Street West

Toronto, ON M5V 1L7

Monthly Sessions: First & Third Saturdays

Vancouver

Gastown Location

789 Water Street

Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1

Monthly Sessions: Second & Fourth Sundays

Montreal

Old Montreal Location

321 Rue Saint-Paul Est

Montreal, QC H2Y 1H3

Monthly Sessions: First & Third Fridays

Diverse group of smiling workshop participants wearing aprons and chef hats, proudly holding their freshly made pizzas in front of a wood-fired oven, celebratory atmosphere, warm kitchen lighting, sense of accomplishment

Meet Your Master Chefs

Our workshops are led by Salvatore's team of master chefs, each bringing decades of experience and authentic Italian heritage to every session. These passionate culinary experts have trained in Italy's finest pizzerias and have dedicated their careers to perfecting the art of pizza making.

Chef Marco Rossi, our head instructor in Toronto, learned his craft in Naples, the birthplace of pizza. His family has been making pizza for four generations, and he brings that rich tradition to every workshop. Chef Isabella Conti, leading our Vancouver sessions, specializes in regional Italian pizza styles and has won numerous awards for her innovative yet traditional approach.

In Montreal, Chef Giovanni Ferrara combines his classical training with modern techniques, creating a unique learning experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation. All our instructors are not just skilled chefs but also natural teachers who love sharing their knowledge and passion with students.

What sets our instructors apart is their genuine enthusiasm for pizza making and their ability to make complex techniques accessible to beginners. They create a warm, encouraging environment where mistakes are learning opportunities and questions are always welcome. Their goal is not just to teach you how to make pizza, but to inspire a lifelong love of Italian cuisine and cooking.

What's Included

All ingredients and materials provided

Professional apron and chef's hat to wear

Individual workstation with all necessary tools

Hands-on instruction from master chefs

Access to authentic wood-fired ovens

Your handmade pizzas to take home

Comprehensive recipe cards and guides

Certificate of completion

Complimentary beverages during class

10% discount on future Salvatore orders

Perfect for Special Occasions

Our pizza making workshops make unforgettable gifts and unique celebration experiences. Whether you're planning a birthday party, anniversary celebration, corporate team-building event, or bachelor/bachelorette party, our workshops provide a fun, interactive activity that everyone will remember.

We offer customizable group packages that can accommodate special dietary requirements, themed decorations, and even personalized recipe cards. Our team can work with you to create a tailored experience that perfectly fits your occasion and group size.

Many companies choose our workshops for team-building activities, as they promote collaboration, creativity, and communication in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. The shared experience of creating something delicious together helps strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Gift certificates are available for all workshop types and make excellent presents for food lovers, aspiring chefs, or anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine. They're valid for one year and can be used at any of our three locations.

Festive group pizza making workshop with decorated tables, colorful balloons, participants laughing and working together, celebration atmosphere, professional kitchen setting with wood-fired oven visible

Begin Your Pizza Making Journey

Join us at Salvatore for an unforgettable culinary adventure that will transform the way you think about pizza. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced home cook, our workshops offer valuable skills, insider knowledge, and the joy of creating authentic Italian pizza with your own hands.

Our monthly sessions fill up quickly, so we encourage you to reserve your spot early. Each workshop is limited to ensure personalized attention and the best possible learning experience. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from master chefs and become part of the Salvatore pizza-making tradition.

The skills you learn in our workshops will last a lifetime, and the memories you create will be cherished forever. From the first moment you plunge your hands into fresh dough to the incredible satisfaction of pulling your own perfect pizza from a wood-fired oven, this is an experience you'll want to repeat again and again.

Salvatore Pizza Academy official logo with Italian flag colors, decorative pizza-themed border, text reading 'Master the Art of Authentic Italian Pizza', elegant vintage-style design with wood-fired oven illustration