The Grand Pizzeria, famous for its wood-fired pizzas and Italian classics, is expanding with a new location at the recently completed Westboro Beach Pavilion.
Co-owners John Borsten and Dave Mangano have signed the lease and expect to open the company’s second location in late summer or early fall, following approximately four months of construction, according to the Ottawa Business Journal. The new site will feature 100 indoor seats and 100 outdoor patio seats, with plans to offer the same authentic Italian menu as the original ByWard Market location, alongside potential additions like weekend brunch and daily breakfast service.
The restaurant aims to attract year-round visitors, including after-work crowds near the Kichi Zībī Mīkan pathway. The pavilion and surrounding area are designed for year-round use, and The Grand plans to remain open through all seasons.
Borsten, who owns several other Ottawa restaurants, initially visited the pavilion as a resident before pursuing the lease with Mangano. The Grand was chosen for its wood-fired oven, which fits well with the pavilion’s zero-carbon, all-electric infrastructure, and its menu aligns with the tastes of the Westboro community.
Established in 2009, The Grand Pizzeria operates out of a historic 1882 building in Ottawa’s ByWard Market, offering authentic Neapolitan pizza crafted with traditional ingredients like type 00 Italian flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and mozzarella di Bufala. Their pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven at 900ºF for just 60 to 90 seconds, resulting in a soft, thin crust with characteristic leopard spots.
The Grand also emphasizes sustainability, having upgraded to energy-efficient kitchen equipment with support from programs like My Main Street Business Sustainability, FedDev Ontario, and the Canadian Urban Institute. Its expanded patio and eco-conscious operations reflect a blend of Italian culinary tradition and modern environmental responsibility. The new Westboro Beach location is poised to extend The Grand’s legacy, bringing Italian flavors and community spirit to a vibrant, eco-friendly setting.
