Upscale Pizzeria and bar opening soon in St. Catharines

A sit-down pizzeria that offers far more than just pizza is coming to the Pen Centre in St. Catharines and could be opening as soon as next weekend.

Industria Pizzeria + Bar is presently setting up shop in the Pen Centre (221 Glendale Avenue) after hugely successful ventures in Mississauga, Burlington and Hamilton.

This will make the fourth Industria Pizzeria + Bar in Ontario to balance the four already open in Quebec.

Members of the Facebook group, “When in Niagara,” got an inside look at the restaurant’s set-up earlier this week and absolutely raved about it.

Industria Pizzeria + Bar staff going though training at the Pen Centre location. (Photo: When In Niagara Facebook)

“We got a sneak peek of the new Industria Pizzeria + Bar opening up at the Pen Centre in St Catharines very shortly. It looks amazing!!” said the page.

According to their website, the franchise is a combination between a corporate chain and an owner-operated restaurant and offers pizzas and “sfizi,” which is an Italian sharing concept.

Popular menu items include arancini, bruschetta, meatballs, pasta, pizza and more.

Aside from the classics, the restaurant also features some twists on Italian dishes such as gnocchi poutine, fried mozzarella and the pizza “tropicale” with soppressata, grilled pineapple, smoked alfredo, cheddar, mozzarella, cilantro and a honey drizzle.

And, for those with a sweet tooth, their dessert menu features items such as cheesecake, gelato and Nutella creme brûlée.

Left: Margarita pizza. Right: Chicken Parmesan. (All food photos: Rachel Young, “Restaurants of Niagara” Facebook)

Additionally, the menu features a variety of cocktails, including the Mojito Italiano, which features raspberry liqueur and the Margarita Italiano with limoncello.

When one of the bartenders for the Pen Centre location got a taste samplings of their food along with other staffers this week, she made it clear it was about to become a popular must-see in the Garden City.

“We had the opportunity to sample our menu. It is absolutely delicious. Can’t wait until we open!” raved Rachel Young on the “Restaurants of Niagara” Facebook page.

Her numerous food pictures had people who had eaten at the others joining in with praise.

Left: Bruschetta. Right: Fried Calamari.

“Industria is my favourite,” said one. “We go to the one in Burlington!”

Added another, “This has to be our favourite Italian restaurant we’ve found in Hamilton! Definitely more than just their yummy pizza! Amazing pastas and appetizers!”

When asked when they were opening, Young said next weekend but possibly as early as Thursday (May 25).

Since it’s not yet open, the location has not yet posted its hours. However, the hours for the other three in Ontario are Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. It will likely be the same.

Left: Sriracha-honey chicken wings. Right: Nutella Crème Brûlée