Childhood dream now reality: Pizzeria coming to Gaslight District

Giuliano Motola’s love for food began on the floor of his mother’s kitchen in Italy, as he played with pots and pans while she cooked.

Fast forward 25 years and he’s putting the finishing touches on Pizzeria Motola in Galt’s Gaslight District.

But, it’s been a journey to get there.

He left his hometown of Taranto, Italy after completing culinary school, eventually landing in the GTA. After moving to Cambridge amid the pandemic, he worked in a few kitchens and even took a factory job before getting the opportunity to open his own shop.

He told The Mike Farwell Show, the whole thing feels like it was just meant to be.

“I’m really happy to be part of this community. I really love the downtown, it’s just beautiful. The brick buildings really remind me of back home.”

Giuliano said Pizzeria Motola will focus on doing the little things right. He plans to import most of his ingredients from Italy. That’s to ensure authenticity and the highest quality. A wood oven will be the centrepiece of the operation, turning out traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Motola said he believes the motto: Simple is best.

“I’m a big believer that just putting some love into it. When you do something, it just makes it better.”

It will still be a few weeks before pizzas begin flowing out of the new store. Motola said he’s still waiting for his oven to arrive.

Pizzeria Motola is expected to open later this summer, serving walk-up customers. Work on an indoor dining space is ongoing with the hopes of opening the dining room in the fall.