Halifax pizzeria ranked among top 100 in the world
Cédric Toullec’s Pizzeria in Halifax Receives International Recognition
When Cédric Toullec opened his pizzeria in Halifax in 2022, he never imagined that his pizza would gain recognition on an international scale. Lou Pécou, located on Cunard Street, was recently ranked No. 93 on the list of the 100 best pizza restaurants in the world by the Best Pizza Awards, an accredited awards body comprising more than 500 expert panelists from 60 countries. Toullec’s restaurant was one of only two Canadian pizzerias to make the prestigious list.
“It was a real surprise,” Toullec admitted. “We knew about this assessment and organization, but we never expected to be noticed and assessed in such a way after just three years of being new in Nova Scotia.”
Originally from Marseille, France, Toullec’s journey to becoming one of the world’s top pizza chefs began when he attended a world championship pizza competition in Rome. Witnessing the craft at the “highest level” inspired him to pursue a career in pizza making. Toullec found clarity and alignment in his career through the art of pizza.
Upon moving to Halifax and opening Lou Pécou, Toullec introduced his “classico” style of pizza making, which initially received mixed reactions from the locals. Haligonians are passionate about pizza and have specific expectations about its preparation, often conflicting with Toullec’s European sensibilities. For example, when Lou Pécou first opened, Toullec did not slice his pizzas, a common practice in European pizzerias, which led to numerous complaints in Halifax.
Despite the challenges, Toullec remains dedicated to bringing gourmet pizza to the city and exposing people to diverse tastes and cultures. Lou Pécou’s menu features Nova Scotian staples like garlic fingers, as well as gourmet options with unique toppings such as apple chips, pine oil, and truffle ricotta on organic pizza dough.
Toullec hopes that the recognition from the Best Pizza Awards will help elevate the food scene in Halifax, showcasing local agriculture and talent. He views this achievement as a moment for sharing and celebration within the culinary community.
As Lou Pécou continues to thrive and expand its offerings, Toullec’s passion for pizza and commitment to excellence shine through, solidifying his place among the top pizza chefs in the world.
