Master the Art of Authentic Italian Pizza Making
Join Salvatore's expert chefs for an immersive hands-on workshop where you'll learn the secrets of traditional Neapolitan pizza craftsmanship, from dough preparation to wood-fired perfection
Experience the Magic of Traditional Pizza Craftsmanship
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 master chefs. Our exclusive pizza making workshops offer you the unique opportunity to step into our professional kitchen and learn the authentic techniques that have made Salvatore a beloved name across Canada.
Whether you're a passionate home cook, a food enthusiast, or simply someone who loves great pizza, our workshops provide an unforgettable experience that combines education, entertainment, and delicious results. Under the guidance of our experienced chefs, you'll discover the secrets behind creating the perfect pizza, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the delicate balance of flavors that defines authentic Italian cuisine.
Each workshop is designed to be interactive and engaging, ensuring that every participant gains practical skills they can immediately apply in their own kitchen. You'll work with professional-grade equipment, including our signature wood-fired ovens, and learn the same techniques our chefs use daily to create the pizzas that have earned Salvatore its reputation for excellence.
What You'll Learn in Our Comprehensive Workshop
Dough Preparation Mastery
Learn the science and art of creating the perfect pizza dough, including proper flour selection, hydration ratios, kneading techniques, and fermentation timing for optimal flavor and texture.
Authentic Sauce Recipes
Discover the secrets of traditional Italian tomato sauce preparation, including ingredient selection, seasoning balance, and cooking methods that bring out the natural sweetness of San Marzano tomatoes.
Topping Techniques
Master the art of topping distribution, cheese selection, and ingredient pairing to create perfectly balanced pizzas that showcase each component while maintaining structural integrity.
Wood-Fired Oven Cooking
Experience the traditional method of cooking pizza in a wood-fired oven, learning temperature management, pizza placement, rotation techniques, and timing for that perfect charred crust.
Dough Stretching Skills
Practice the iconic technique of hand-stretching pizza dough to achieve the ideal thickness and shape, creating that signature thin center with a puffy, airy cornicione edge.
Recipe Cards & Tips
Take home professionally designed recipe cards with detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and expert tips so you can recreate your workshop experience in your own kitchen.
The Art of Perfect Dough
The foundation of any great pizza lies in its dough, and at Salvatore, we take this element seriously. Our workshops begin with an in-depth exploration of dough preparation, where you'll learn the precise ratios and techniques that create the perfect base for your pizza.
You'll discover how different types of flour affect texture and flavor, understand the role of hydration in creating the ideal consistency, and master the kneading process that develops gluten structure. Our chefs will guide you through the fermentation process, explaining how time and temperature work together to develop complex flavors and create that characteristic airy texture.
We'll also cover troubleshooting common dough issues, ensuring you have the knowledge to achieve consistent results every time. By the end of this section, you'll understand why our dough is the secret to Salvatore's legendary pizzas and how you can replicate this quality at home.
Workshop Formats for Every Occasion
Individual Sessions
Perfect for solo food enthusiasts who want personalized attention and the opportunity to focus entirely on developing their pizza-making skills. Our individual sessions offer maximum one-on-one time with our master chefs, allowing for customized instruction based on your skill level and interests.
These intimate sessions provide the flexibility to ask detailed questions, experiment with different techniques, and receive immediate feedback on your work. You'll have access to all our professional equipment and ingredients, with the freedom to create multiple pizzas and explore various topping combinations.
Individual sessions are ideal for those who want to dive deep into specific aspects of pizza making, whether that's perfecting dough consistency, mastering sauce preparation, or learning advanced wood-fired oven techniques. Each session lasts approximately three hours and includes all materials, ingredients, and recipe cards to take home.
Couples Experiences
Transform date night into an unforgettable culinary adventure with our couples pizza-making workshops. These sessions are designed to be fun, interactive, and romantic, providing the perfect setting for partners to learn together while creating delicious memories.
Working side by side, you and your partner will collaborate on every step of the pizza-making process, from mixing and kneading dough to selecting toppings and monitoring your creations in the wood-fired oven. Our chefs create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere that encourages teamwork and creativity.
Couples workshops include a welcome beverage, all necessary ingredients and equipment, and the opportunity to create two full-sized pizzas to enjoy together or take home. The experience typically lasts three to four hours and makes an excellent gift for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply as a unique way to spend quality time together.
Group Workshops
Ideal for corporate team-building events, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, or friend groups looking for a unique shared experience. Our group workshops accommodate parties of 8 to 20 people and can be customized to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Group sessions maintain the hands-on, educational focus of our smaller workshops while adding an element of friendly competition and social interaction. Participants work at individual stations with access to shared ingredients and equipment, allowing everyone to create their own unique pizza while learning from both our chefs and each other.
These workshops are particularly popular for corporate events, as they promote teamwork, creativity, and communication in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. We can arrange for groups to enjoy their finished pizzas together in our dining area, creating a complete culinary experience from preparation to consumption.
Group workshops include all materials, ingredients, professional instruction, recipe cards for each participant, and the option to add beverages or additional menu items to create a full dining experience. Sessions typically run three to four hours, with flexible scheduling available to accommodate your group's needs.
The Wood-Fired Oven Experience
One of the highlights of our workshops is the opportunity to work with authentic wood-fired ovens, the traditional method used in Naples for centuries. These ovens reach temperatures of 800-900°F, creating the intense heat necessary for achieving that perfect combination of crispy crust and tender interior.
You'll learn how to read the oven's temperature, understand heat distribution, and master the timing required for optimal cooking. Our chefs will demonstrate proper pizza placement, rotation techniques, and the visual cues that indicate when your pizza has reached perfection.
The wood-fired method imparts a subtle smoky flavor and creates the characteristic leopard-spotted char on the crust that's impossible to replicate in conventional ovens. While most home cooks won't have access to a wood-fired oven, the principles you learn about high-heat cooking and timing will help you achieve better results with whatever equipment you have available.
We'll also discuss alternative cooking methods for home use, including how to maximize the performance of standard kitchen ovens, pizza stones, and outdoor grills to approximate the wood-fired experience.
What's Included in Every Workshop
- Professional chef instruction from Salvatore's experienced culinary team
- All ingredients needed to create your pizzas, including premium flour, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a variety of toppings
- Use of professional-grade equipment including mixers, work surfaces, and wood-fired ovens
- Hands-on practice with every step of the pizza-making process
- Detailed recipe cards with measurements, techniques, and tips for home preparation
- Your finished pizzas to take home (or enjoy on-site)
- Salvatore-branded apron to keep as a souvenir
- Digital photos of your workshop experience
- Certificate of completion from Salvatore's Pizza Academy
- 10% discount on your next Salvatore order
Available Locations Across Canada
Toronto Monthly Sessions
Our flagship Toronto location offers the most frequent workshop schedule, with sessions available every weekend throughout the month. Located in the heart of the city's culinary district, this spacious facility features multiple wood-fired ovens and can accommodate groups of all sizes.
The Toronto workshop space includes a demonstration kitchen, individual work stations, and a comfortable dining area where participants can enjoy their creations. With easy access via public transportation and ample parking nearby, this location is convenient for participants from across the Greater Toronto Area.
Vancouver Monthly Sessions
Set against the stunning backdrop of British Columbia's natural beauty, our Vancouver location combines traditional Italian pizza-making with West Coast charm. This location features panoramic windows offering mountain views while you work.
Vancouver workshops emphasize locally-sourced ingredients when possible, incorporating the region's exceptional produce into traditional Italian techniques. The facility includes state-of-the-art equipment and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects Vancouver's diverse culinary culture.
Montreal Monthly Sessions
Our Montreal location celebrates the city's rich culinary heritage and European influences. Housed in a beautifully restored building in the Plateau neighborhood, this workshop space combines old-world charm with modern functionality.
Montreal sessions are offered in both English and French, reflecting the city's bilingual character. The location's proximity to Jean-Talon Market means we often incorporate the freshest seasonal ingredients available, adding a local touch to traditional Italian recipes.
Skill Levels Welcome
Our workshops are designed to accommodate participants of all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced home cooks looking to refine their techniques. No prior pizza-making experience is necessary—our chefs will guide you through every step with patience and expertise.
For beginners, we start with the fundamentals, explaining each technique in detail and providing plenty of hands-on practice. You'll learn at your own pace, with instructors available to answer questions and provide individual assistance as needed.
More experienced participants will appreciate the opportunity to learn professional techniques, work with commercial-grade equipment, and gain insights from chefs who make hundreds of pizzas daily. We encourage questions about advanced topics and are happy to discuss the finer points of pizza craftsmanship.
Booking Your Workshop Experience
Workshops are scheduled monthly at each of our three locations, with sessions typically held on weekends to accommodate various schedules. We recommend booking at least three weeks in advance, as our workshops are popular and spaces fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Individual and couples sessions are available throughout the month, while group workshops require advance coordination to ensure we can accommodate your party size and any special requirements. We're happy to work with you to schedule sessions outside our regular hours for large groups or corporate events.
Each workshop session is limited to ensure every participant receives adequate attention and has access to equipment and workspace. This intimate setting creates a better learning environment and allows for more interaction with our chefs.
Pricing varies based on workshop format and location, with special rates available for groups of 10 or more. Gift certificates are available and make excellent presents for food lovers, aspiring chefs, or anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine.
Ready to Master the Art of Pizza Making?
Join us for an unforgettable hands-on experience where you'll learn authentic Italian techniques, create delicious pizzas, and take home skills that will impress family and friends for years to come. Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does each workshop last?
Individual and couples workshops typically run 3-4 hours, while group sessions may extend to 4-5 hours depending on party size. This includes instruction time, hands-on preparation, cooking, and the opportunity to enjoy your finished pizzas.
What should I wear?
We recommend comfortable, casual clothing that you don't mind getting a bit messy. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety. We provide aprons, but flour and sauce may still find their way onto your clothes—it's all part of the fun!
Can I bring children?
Children aged 10 and older are welcome to participate in workshops with adult supervision. We find that pizza making is an excellent activity for families, and kids love the hands-on nature of the experience. Younger children may attend as observers but cannot participate in the cooking process for safety reasons.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking. We can provide gluten-free flour, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and vegetarian or vegan topping options. Our chefs are experienced in working with various dietary needs.
Can I take my pizzas home?
Absolutely! We provide boxes for you to transport your finished pizzas. Many participants choose to enjoy one pizza during the workshop and take others home to share with family or enjoy later. We'll also provide reheating instructions to ensure your pizza tastes great even after traveling.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Participants must be at least 10 years old to actively participate in the workshop. Adults must accompany children under 16. We also offer occasional family-focused workshops specifically designed for younger children.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We understand that plans change. Cancellations made at least 72 hours before your scheduled workshop receive a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. We're happy to help you reschedule to another available date when possible.