Michelin Chef Opens Pizza Spot in Ontario

Ontario’s culinary landscape just got a delicious upgrade, thanks to the arrival of an internationally acclaimed Michelin chef pizza restaurant in Ajax’s Pickering Village. Chef Ressul Rassalat, a seasoned expert in haute cuisine and pizza craftsmanship, has officially made his mark on Canada’s food scene with the opening of Pizzeria Isabella — an endearing homage to his daughter and a passion project years in the making.

Renowned Chef Brings Global Flair to Ajax’s Michelin chef pizza restaurant

Meet Chef Ressul Rassalat

From the glitz of West Hollywood to the tranquil streets of Ajax, Ressul Rassalat’s journey is as flavorful as his pizza. Having served as sous chef at the elite L’Orangerie in California and trained under esteemed Michelin-starred French chef Édouard Loubet, Rassalat built an impressive résumé before landing in Canada. Furthermore, his experience with the Four Seasons in locations like Kuala Lumpur and Los Angeles refined his global kitchen expertise. Ultimately, this experience influenced his approach to casual dining at his new spot.

Opening Pizzeria Isabella

In March 2025, Pizzeria Isabella opened its doors in Ajax with a soft launch aimed at forging meaningful connections with the local community. The restaurant is a collaborative venture between Chef Rassalat and his wife, Asal. Already embedded in the local business scene, Asal believed it was time to bring quality cuisine to the suburbs. “People here deserve food that rivals the city’s best,” she said. As a result, Ajax now boasts a Michelin chef pizza restaurant serving up gourmet Roman-style pies with international flair.

Location: 34 Church St. S., Ajax, Ontario
Soft Launch: March 2025
Menu Features: Nine signature pizzas, house-made dough, and specialty toppings
Official Website: https://www.pizzeriaisabella.ca

The Pizza Experience

Pizzeria Isabella focuses on Roman-style pizza al taglio (in teglia), a method where pizzas are baked in rectangular trays and cut into individual square slices. Accordingly, the standout crust is naturally leavened and fermented for at least 72 hours, resulting in a light but satisfyingly crunchy texture. Toppings range from the familiar to the adventurous — think classic Pepperoni, indulgent Meat Lover, and creative specialties like Dolce Inferno with Salamina pepperoni, fresh burrata, and hot honey.

Dough Fermentation Time: Minimum 72 hours
Texture: Airy, crunchy, and thick yet light
Unique Offerings: BBQ Chicken, Dolce Inferno, and in-house desserts

More Than Just Pizza

The menu doesn’t stop at pizza. In addition, Pizzeria Isabella also features a curated selection of handcrafted pastas, fresh salads, savory dips, and artisanal desserts. It’s a full culinary experience backed by a chef who’s judged international competitions like the World Pizza Expo in Las Vegas for five consecutive years.

Additional Menu Items: Pasta, salads, dips, desserts
Industry Credentials: Judge at World Pizza Expo, Las Vegas

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A post shared by Ressul Rassallat (@rassallat)

While Pizzeria Isabella is a new name in Ontario’s restaurant circles, its roots run deep with experience, craftsmanship, and an undying love for quality food. Backed by a seasoned Michelin chef, this local eatery is quickly becoming a community favorite in Durham Region. Consequently, it promises to raise the bar for suburban dining.

Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or a casual diner, one visit to this unique Michelin chef pizza restaurant will undoubtedly leave you craving more.

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Michelin Chef Brings Pizza Expertise to New Ontario Restaurant