Matt and Shane

"Shane and I had our first date at the beginning of 2020. He drove up from Cincinnati to Toronto and stayed for the weekend before heading back home. At the time, it just felt exciting and new. We had no idea that a few weeks later the border would close, and that long distance would suddenly feel even further.

When the border finally reopened, Shane drove straight to Stratford for a weekend that felt like everything we had been waiting for. He met my parents for the first time, saw the house we had only experienced together over FaceTime, and we finally had our official first dinner date at Café Bouffon.

That night, we closed down the patio. We talked for hours about the future, about what our life in Stratford could look like, and about all the things we wanted to build together. It felt like the start of something real. Café Bouffon will always be part of our love story."

Rebecca and Lucas

"We have been to Pazzo for many celebrations - it’s our go to celebration spot!

We have celebrated our move out to Stratford, a couple of wedding anniversaries, our child being cancer free (and the anniversaries of that news!), birthdays, and more. We also bring any visitors we have to Pazzo because we love it so much & want to support this amazing local business!

We love coming to Pazzo because we always feel so welcome and walk away having an amazing meal and feeling taken care of!"

Jen & Tyler

"..My husband and I discovered Pazzo’s years ago strolling through Stratford. He was a pizza connoisseur (to put things lightly) and when we sat down to eat Pazzo’s for the first time, I knew he was in love (with the pizza). Of course he loved me too. We spent 14 wonderful years together before he passed away suddenly in June 2024.
His daughter is now turning 17, and her and I are always hunting down the best pizza around in his honour - because that man would’ve eaten pizza 365 days a year if he could have."

Shannon & Steve

"It was going to be a second marriage for each of us…and we wanted to celebrate with our family and friends in a comfortable but classy place. Low-key vows at City Hall, on March Break, so our teacher friends could attend. Where should we go for dinner afterwards? To be sure, there are lots of great choices in Stratford. Instantly, I knew—Friday nights at Pazzo’s. Half price pizzas and cheap pints! We could celebrate our wedding in the way that felt so very authentic to us as a couple: pizza, beer, friends and family (while enjoying a deal!).

Pazzo’s has been a go-to spot for date nights, reconnecting with friends, work celebrations, and taking the kids to a special place for their birthdays. But my favourite night was getting to eat pizza in my best clothes with my best people :)"

Elysse and Lucas

" Luke and I first started going to Pazzos together once we began dating, and it quickly became our place. I was from Stratford and Luke was from London, but no matter where he was, Pazzos was always his favourite spot. Even when Luke was in London, he would remind me that we needed to go back, and whenever he was in Stratford with me, Pazzos was a must for dinner. It was also the very first place we took our parents, where our families finally met. Now, as we get ready to be married this summer, Pazzos unfortunately won’t be at our wedding:( but we’ll definitely be having it the next day. Perfect place to celebrate anything! You can never have enough Pazzos. It will always be our favourite date-night place."

Jayme & Perry

"Our love story began long before we knew about Pazzo , sixteen years ago to be exact! Stratford, with its many restaurants, picturesque riverside walks and beautiful houses, has long been our favorite spot for date nights. Every visit is a new adventure, exploring interesting shops and discovering secret corners of the town.
We had walked by Pazzo Pizzeria on many occasions, and after hearing how good it was, we decided to stop in for dinner in January of 2025. After loving the food and the cozy ambiance, we quickly booked another table for our Valentines date.
We returned once more for my birthday, this time it was more like a tradition, a place where we would always come celebrate our special days, where we knew we would enjoy the drinks the food and the vibes. We have even begun to place a takeout order after we’ve finished dinner so we have something to enjoy and make the following day a little more special too.
Pazzos is now our go to spot in Stratford, I should admit we always order the same thing, but I believe that like love, once you’ve found the one why keep looking? 😉"

Janis & Tom

"We love Pazzo and we love to celebrate our love at Pazzo! What is better than enjoying each other and an excellent meal at our favourite restaurant in Stratford! ❤️🍕🍷"

Helena & Brad

"Pazzos was one of our first dates together over 12 years ago. What’s now marriage and days filled with laughter and lots of love it all began in a little pizzeria we have too fallen in love with and continue to have dates at.
It’s only seems fitting to share a picture of one of our dates here in the dining room of pazzo restaurant!"

Sharon & Iain

"How have Pazzo and Cafe Bouffon been part of our love story? Well, quite simply, we love good food and we love enjoying it together - and over the years we’re happy to keep coming back. When we were dating, the occasional Friday night pizza and pint were enjoyed (because that’s always a good idea). Then in 2019 we got married, and soon after life really changed with “Covid-times”. For quite a while, our treasured dates and dinners out were on hold. However, once things started to open up, we decided to get back out there - and we planned a nice dinner date for Iain’s birthday at Cafe Bouffon. We soon got past any initial awkwardness of Covid dining when we discovered….. the duck confit. Foodie heaven. We returned a few months later, ready for more, only to hear it had sold out. Rest assured, we still ate well - and discovered another new favourite, Lambrusco sparkling red wine! Other memories include:
-a time I was feeling a bit blue and Iain took me to Cafe Bouffon for a light bite. I quickly felt better and we agreed there wasn’t much a good cheese fondue with focaccia (and wine) couldn’t fix.
-ringing in 2023 on the dance floor at Pazzo, with friends, locals, and some great staff!
-What do I want for Mother’s Day? Brunch at Cafe Bouffon 🙂
-taking in Lights On Stratford and stopping in our tracks with the boozy-hot drinks poster in the window at Cafe Bouffon (followed by a delicious stop at the bar)
Overall, your restaurants are “Stratford”, and they are part of our love story because we know we can come back any time and have a different experience - but the same cozy feeling… together. Happy Valentine’s Day!
"

Andrea & Chad

"Our Pazzo's journey began with our first date seven years ago, tucked into the corner booth where our nerves eased and the conversation flowed. Years later, that same warmth filled the room during our wedding rehearsal party, surrounded by friends, family, and the same comforting atmosphere. Now, we return each year for our 'Love Anniversary, to toast the journey that started with a single meal and became one of our beloved traditions."

Anna & Tim

"Can a place embrace us, creating a feeling of landing, familiarity and welcome - where the world can just go ahead and do what it must while we take a moment just for us? There are a few favourite places we’ve eaten around the world that do this for us, but we’ve always felt lucky to have Pazzo’s in our’ backyard.’This is our ‘go to’ place for making memories.

We know that memories are cemented when emotion is heightened, and we have such vivid recollections of our many occasions at Pazzos. Through out each of our meals here, during every experience, the moment that holds power for us is when we meet one another’s eyes- above the heads of our people, or across a table…perhaps the look is one of amazement…we did this together…connected two vastly different worlds by choosing one another all those many years ago. We are such different human beings- but we share a passion for family and for marking all of the important occasions with intention.

We can still taste the lobster risotto with preserved lemon that we shared when our teenage son requested Pazzo's for his graduation from high school 12 years ago. And we recall the delight of celebrating our granddaughter’s second birthday and my mother-in-law’s eighty-eighth- side by side. It is at Pazzos that we learned from a friend of how the peppery sharp taste of arugula is amazing on pizza, and it was here that we also learned to pour spicy olive oil on, well almost everything- for those of us who enjoy it! From 2 years old to 90 years old (and hopefully beyond) our family asks to eat here for their special occasions. It is woven into our family story.

Romance is not only about two people sharing a connection. My father taught me at a very young age that romance is ignited when we delight in our senses, breathe in fragrances, notice ambiance, laugh with abandon and relish in the moment. For me, Pazzo’s invites this…it is easy to revel in the senses: the smell of pizzas baking in the brick oven, the taste of salt and olive oil, the full-bodied richness of a glass of red wine, the deep earthy aroma of mushrooms the comfort of familiarity, the welcome in the way we are greeted. The bright greens and reds of fresh salad next to a golden crust, the hum of conversation around us, the anticipation of an evening with friends or family — it all draws us in, again and again.

We recollect one night, while sharing a meal with dear friends, when we were startled by sirens blaring outside. The energy shifted, and we were of course dislodged from our state of comfort as people came in from the street, talking about a huge blaze- full of concern, some leaving to see what was happening, others returning with stories. Yet inside where we stayed put and protected, glasses of wine in hand, knowing we were okay…we felt immensely grateful…for each other, for the sense of safety, of connection, and community. And of course for being nurtured with the best food!

In a world of turmoil and challenges, it is important for us to find spaces and places where we can rest. For us, romance grows in the spaces between…and somehow Pazzos has come to be one of those spaces for us."

Sarah & Tom

"It was a storm-lashed winter night in 2010 when my husband and I arrived from Toronto, hearts open and full of hope, to imagine a life in Stratford. We had loved this city from afar through evenings at the theatre, first as a couple and later with my parents, but we had never truly known her. Still, we felt the pull, a longing to raise our young family somewhere defined by warmth, connection, and care.The storm had other plans.

Snow whipped sideways through the streets, fierce and blinding, and we quickly realized how unprepared we were for winter beyond the city. Restaurants were few and far between in the off-season, and just as the cold pressed in, we found ourselves descending into a glowing, basement haven, Pazzo Pizzeria.

The door opened and the world transformed. Steam-softened windows, rich and comforting aromas, laughter and conversation layered like music. The room was full and alive, and the only seats available, at the bar, felt like destiny. Over a glass or two of something fortifying and a meal that warmed us clear through, we looked at one another and smiled. In that moment, snow still clinging to our coats, we fell in love, not just with each other all over again, but with this place. We knew with quiet certainty that Stratford was calling us home.

That night became the first chapter of a love story we are still writing.

In the years since, we have returned again and again to mark life’s milestones. We were welcomed from the beginning, even before we belonged. Our daughters grew up under that same warmth, always greeted with kindness and care. It taught us something true about love, beacuse when you least expect it, the smallest signs can mean the most about the life you want to build together.

Stratford is our home now. We love her deeply, completely, and without question. Thank you for revealing her heart to us on a snowy winter night, and for helping her shine in the most unexpected and unforgettable way."

Joan & Kevin

"Pazzo has never been just a restaurant to us — it’s been the backdrop to a lifetime of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Over the years, its walls have held our stories, our surprises, and so many milestones. Friday night pizza dinners became our tradition, walking in hand in hand, always hoping this would be the night we’d get the first booth just inside the door.

Pazzo was where Kevin’s 50th birthday came to life — complete with live entertainment and a surprise motorcycle that left him speechless. It’s where we learned the joyful news that we were going to be grandparents for the very first time… and, years later, where we celebrated the surprise arrival of our soon-to-be seventh grandchild. It’s where we gathered to celebrate Kevin’s retirement with co-workers, friends, and family, and later, Joan’s retirement too — surrounded by love, stories, and raised glasses.

The staff at Pazzo always went the extra mile. Meghan, Chloe, Kerry, Steve, and Larry have been constants over the years, making every occasion feel effortless and special. They didn’t just host our celebrations—they became part of them, even catering our son and daughter-in-law’s backyard wedding and the extended family weddings, bringing the same warmth and care wherever love was celebrated.

Whether upstairs at Café Bouffon or downstairs at Pazzo, it has always been our go-to place to gather with friends and family. No matter the occasion, Pazzo has always felt like home — a place where memories are made, love is celebrated, and every visit feels a little like Valentine’s Day. ❤️🍕"

Josalyn & Matthew

"Well, where do I start?!

From the beginning, my husband (boyfriend at the time) and I really enjoyed having Friday pizza night dates at the Pizzeria! They have some of our favourite wines we discovered on our first trip together to Italy. We couldn’t sit down without reminiscing every time! When we got engaged, I didn’t even think twice about my venue choice. Café Bouffon was perfect for the aesthetic and ambiance we desired. It was cozy and elegant. Everything we could ask for to share our special day with friends and family. The staff hospitality goes above and beyond, and we feel so welcomed every time we are there. Every anniversary meal we celebrate takes us right back to our most memorable day!

We recently welcomed a precious baby girl, and you’ll often see us strolling through the downtown. We enjoy stopping in at the café to pick up one of our favourite sweet treats- the cardamom buns. Our daughter will be indulging with us soon.

Thank you for creating a place filled with such wonderful memories, and future moments to come."

Meredith & Evan

"Our love story has always been fueled by distance and determination. It began across an ocean, with Evan in Kentucky and me in Spain, and continued even after we both returned to Ontario, navigating long-distance once again from Bayfield and Toronto. Through all those miles, Pazzos became our perfect middle ground. It was the place where the drive was worth it, the wait was worth it, and a shared pizza made the distance disappear. It wasn’t just a restaurant, it was where our long-distance love felt close. 🍕❤️"

Trudy & Jason

"My finance and I don’t live together yet. I live here in Stratford and he come and stays here when he can (both have kids leading busy lives). When Jason is here on a Saturday or Sunday morning we stroll around this beautiful city. Holding hands, talking, laughing and just really enjoying each other and this beautiful, pretty romantic city. 

We walk up to Ontario Street, cross at the lights and peer through the Cafe Bouffon window. Sometime the pastries are waiting for us and sometime we need to wait for them. We each order our own pasty and continue our slow stroll down towards the river while we take in the crispy pastry, the cinnamon and sugar. Always sharing of course. 

These are our favourite moments and since life is busy we don’t get to do it as much as we like but we always talk about the next walk and what we hope is that window!"

Jen & Brad

"We have been married 28 years, and Pazzo has always been a place that we enjoy for its mouth watering food, friendly service and cozy atmoshere. Whether its a birthday or anniversary of celebration, or just because, Pazzo always pleases."

Darryl & Victoria

"Pazzo’s was the spot for mine and Victorias first date. The place where nerves met excitement and “just dinner” turned into something more. Between shared food, easy laughs, and lingering glances, it became clear this wasn’t just a night out.

That table at Pazzo’s marked the beginning of our love story. ❤️"

Peter & Patrick

"Pazzo, both Café Bouffon and the Pazzo Pizzeria downstairs, have been a part of our Stratford lives since before we moved to Stratford. It was always our “go-to place” to dine when we were visiting from Toronto. Since moving to Stratford in 2019, Pazzo has been more than two great restaurants to us. My Mother grew up in our small town where her parents owned the most popular restaurant in town – The Cottage Café. So, believe me when I tell you I know what it’s like to be part of a family-owned restaurant. For us, that’s what Café Bouffon and Pazzo Pizzeria feels like – our family-owned restaurant.

The Pazzo family has become our family. When one of the team member’s daughters brings home the first-place trophy for her hockey win, we proudly celebrate with them. When one of the Pazzo family members loses his parent, we mourn and grieve with them. It’s true, we celebrate every special occasion like birthdays and anniversaries at Pazzo, but more importantly to us, we celebrate all the moments in between there as well. “We’d love a booth for two if possible” or “we’d love a booth for four” or “a table for eight” are our most used phrases when making our online reservations. We’re also always at Pazzo to introduce all of our out-of-town visiting friends and family to our beloved hometown restaurants. It’s fun to see our favourite Stratford dancers celebrating their Friday pizza night at their usual table. It always feels like home!

But for us, Pazzo is more than great restaurants – it’s a vital part of our thriving community and this can be seen and felt both inside their walls and throughout the community. As Playwright Circle Members of the Stratford Festival, we have enjoyed hanging with Stratford company members at opening night dinners generously sponsored by Café Bouffon. One night when we were blocks away at Karaoke night as I belted out my “Mack The Knife”, the Pazzo table were my biggest supporters up on their feet throughout the performance… I felt the support of family! Another night when we were down the street at our favourite late-night watering hole, Peter and I felt self-conscious because we were seated at a large table that could easily seat six or seven, and we were sitting there alone – the last table available in the place. Thankfully, fifteen minutes later, shift ended for Café Bouffon and a group of Pazzo family members came in and joined us.

When Peter and I decided to support Here For Now Theatre by sponsoring a Benefit Concert featuring current and former Stratford Company members, what did we do? Like anyone else, we reached out to family for help. Larry and Isaac and the rest of the team didn’t hesitate to provide food and drink sponsorship to help us make our event a success to support HFN Theatre. Fun fact, less than an hour before the Monday night event was to take place, we got a call that a friend with a ticket couldn’t make it because she was sick. We immediately thought we should reach out to a family member to see if she could use the ticket. Less than an hour later, Lila showed up – making Sara Bareilles proud with her “little black dress on” – looking like she just stepped off the runway in Milan.
Peter and I are almost always away from Stratford in February so don’t get to celebrate Valentines Day at our home away from home. But wherever we are celebrating and reflecting on everything we have to be grateful for, we always count ourselves lucky and raise a toast to our Pazzo Family back home in Stratford!"

Kel & Allan

"In 2010, I was living in Ottawa and approached a former fellow grad school colleague who was by then a professor at Western in London, to ask whether he would review a scholarly manuscript I needed to place with a reviewer as part of my then-job. We got chatting a bit, and when I revealed that I would be visiting Stratford to give a Table Talk and see some friends that summer, he suggested he drive over from London so we could have lunch and reminisce. I suggested Pazzo for our luncheon.

On the agreed day in August, it was hot as Hades. Not being made for direct sunlight, I was hiding around the corner of the building in some shade when I saw him across Ontario, walking toward Pazzo. I’d forgot how tall and striking he was! I also worried he’d think I was some sort of weirdo skulking in the shadows. But he greeted me warmly, and we proceeded to have a lovely lunch, complete with a glass of prosecco and a cooling green pea soup. We remember the details! Afterward, he gave me a lift to the matinee I was seeing, and we had a long talk. Each of us felt the other was worth keeping in contact with.

Well, to cut a long story short, we ended up moving to Stratford to be together at the very end of 2011--he from London and I from Ottawa--after we'd finished doing a show together in Ottawa (I directed; he was one of my cast), and were married here in October of 2012. We had our wedding luncheon at Pazzo—and every 5 August we return for lunch to mark that fateful first date that we didn’t know was a first date!

We’ve now been married 14 years, are both involved with Festival things, love the city—and view Pazzo as being at the very heart of our love story. The attached photo was taken at our wedding luncheon in the Pizzeria."

Lisa & Curtis 

"My husband and I first met when we were 8 years old - 40+ years ago - we played on the same baseball team where his mom was our coach. Over the years we remained friends, but lost contact after high school. Fast forward to 2010 - we ran into each other and it was like no time had passed! 

The attraction and chemistry was instant. He asked me out to dinner, 3 months later he asked me to marry him - that was 15+ years ago - we have been married almost 14 years. There have been some challenging times— he was in a devastating car crash, he stood firmly beside me through cancer, a brain tumour and various other significant medical issues. 

Our love has grown stronger and deeper than we ever dreamt of, we are truly best friends! Pazzo is a favourite spot for us - to relax, celebrate and enjoy delicious food. Over the years we have brought friends, family and our children- who are now young adults and now bring their friends to enjoy eveything Pazzos has to offer. Pazzos has many great memories in our story. - we look forward to making more in the future. Cheers!"

Leanne & Alex

Over the years, Pazzo has quietly become part of our love story — the place we return to when we want to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate us. From spontaneous date nights to meaningful anniversaries, Pazzo has become one of our favourite traditions.

Alex and I often choose Pazzo to mark special moments in our lives, and our most recent anniversary was no exception. We spent the evening enjoying a beautiful dinner, lingering over our favourites, and soaking in the warm, intimate atmosphere that always makes the night feel just a little more special. As we talked and laughed, a live artist filled the room with the most beautiful music — one of those moments where everything feels perfectly aligned and time seems to pause.

What we love most about Pazzo is how it feels familiar yet special every single time. It’s where memories are made without trying — where great food, thoughtful service, and an inviting atmosphere turn an ordinary evening into something unforgettable. Each visit becomes part of our story, woven into the moments we’ll always look back on with a smile.

A getaway like The Morhaven feels like a natural extension of what we love about Pazzo — a chance to slow down, be present, and simply enjoy being together. After a demanding year, this kind of quiet, thoughtful retreat is something we would truly cherish right now. It would give us the space to rest, reconnect, and continue creating the kind of meaningful memories that have always brought us back to Pazzo in the first place.
Pazzo isn’t just a place we dine — it’s a place we celebrate love, connection, and the simple joy of being together."

David and Lisa

“Our Pazzo love story comes from the deepest place in our hearts.

We fell in love with Pazzo’s when we first moved to Stratford in 2001. It was love at first bite!

Our son, Ben Elliott, begged to be hired at Pazzo Restaurante from the time he knew it existed. He settled into Family and Co. until he came of age (LOL). He was finally hired at Pazzo where he not only loved his job as a server but he also appreciated all the staff. He especially admired and respected its two owners, Larry and Jeff.

It was while doing a serving shift on August 12, 2008 that he collapsed carrying a bucket of ice across the floor. His coworker, Megan, kindly encouraged him to sit down and called my husband to come and get him. The next day he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

I will NEVER forget the first mission Ben sent us on from the hospital in London where he was being treated. It was to go to Pazzo and get his lockbox to make sure all his coworkers got their fair share of his tip-out from, what ended up being, his final shift.

The support that Pazzo offered our family during the year Ben battled his leukemia touched us deeply. Including providing pizza for all who attended the BenFest Fundraiser event that Fall, 2008.

In Ben’s final days (August 2009) he was released from hospital to “get things in order.” He made sure Pazzo was on his hit list of places he wanted to visit.

My husband David and I moved from Stratford in 2012. However, over the past 16 years, we have made it a priority to frequent Pazzo anytime we’ve returned. Especially on the anniversary of Ben’s death, August 19. Staff who knew Ben always make a point to come over and say “hi” which always puts a smile on our hearts and brings tears to our eyes.

Our love story may not be a traditional love story. But it runs deep nonetheless. Pazzo will forever hold a very special place in our hearts.

So, what keeps us coming back to Pazzo? The obvious answer is the delicious food and excellent service. However, what ultimately keeps us coming back is our forever gratitude for the way Pazzo cared for our son and our family during the darkest days of our life.

We retired back in Stratford in August 2024 and look forward to many more visits for years to come!

With thanks from the bottom of our hearts, David and Lisa (Ben’s parents)”

Ben

See David & Lisa’s story (left)

Christina & Jamie

“Being Italian, Pazzo has always been one of my favourite restaurants to go to in Stratford! The pizza is always on point with pizza in Italy when I've gone to visit my extended family as well as the tiramisu that melts in your mouth! (So Good!) My love story started in a cafe in town where I asked my now husband out. 

I was 42 at the time and knew there was something special abut our connection. Our first date out ended up spontaneously at Pazzo for lunch where I discovered was his parents special "date night" place of choice. Jamie's recommendation of the funghi crostini which was his mom's favourite was a hit on our first lunch together. The atmosphere was cozy and I still remember the day so clearly. 

As we walked out it had started to rain. We took cover under the trees by the picnic tables....then it started to pour. Jamie looked at me, leaned in and kissed me in the rain. It felt like a movie! It was so romantic. We got married two years ago. Pazzo will always be part of our love story and his parents. We're both about to turn 50 this year and I love that Pazzo is always there to rekindle that first spark that we felt for each other. It's where I fell in love with the love of my life. Thanks Pazzo! Happy Valentine's Day!”

Kristina & Joel

“Joel and I met in 1999, and our very first date was at Pazzo Pizzeria on January 5, 2000. From that night on, Pazzo became our place. When Joel was away working as a long-haul truck driver, it was where we’d go on date night whenever he came to visit me.

We were married the following year, and every anniversary since, my parents gifted us a Pazzo gift certificate so we could celebrate where it all began—sometimes they even joined us.

Now, 26 years later, Pazzo has been part of countless family celebrations. It’s still one of our favourite places to visit, this time with our kids around the table. And one day, we can’t wait to make new memories there with our grandkids too.”

Brandon & Kandace

“You know in a relationship when you discover something you both love and enjoy so much you decide to make it part of your relationship. This has been cafe bouffon and pazzo pizza for us. Unfortunately it’s a hour and a half drive for us but when we have something special to celebrate we don’t consider eating anywhere else. We have never been anything short of amazed by the food and friendly service so the drive is a small price to pay. We have so many good memories here from our first Valentine’s Day to telling our parents they are now grand parents and everything in between. Thank you for always being there to help make our special occasions that much more special.”

Jennifer & Dylan

“I was from London and only intended on staying in Stratford for a very short period of time (a couple of months) due to work commitments. While I was here I fell in Love with not only the City of Stratford, but also my partner Dylan. We had one of our first dates at Pazzo’s, and it happened to be Valentine’s Day. We shared a bottle of wine, I ordered the pizza and he ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. 

I decided that night that I was going to make a permanent move to Stratford and gave my notice for work. One, for the pizza and two, for Dylan. We still talk about our first date at Pazzo’s to this day. It’s been over 3 years now and we are as happy as can be. Pazzo’s will always be a part of Our Story.”

John & Allie

“I was working upstairs at Cafe Bouffon but at the time it was known as Taverna. Towards the end of the 2017 season a mother and daughter came in for dinner. The daughter was just finishing up at Brock University and was moving back to Stratford and she was once again going to work within the Pazzo Company despite having a few strikes against her. She had Hair extensions and fake eyelashes. I think also a fake tan. I’d like to say it was love at first sight, however when we started working together I found one of her extensions (damn those were ratty-ass) on the floor behind the bar when I had to open and I thought to myself take goodness I’m Gay cause Yipes, this is a hell no. 

Luckily we bonded instantly and she is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and she became one of my greatest friends (even if it takes about 2-3 weeks for her to return a text) I’ve watched her become an amazing human to meeting her husband Tyson and then becoming an amazing mother to now two adorable children. It’s probably not the traditional love story but it’s all good.

We ended up working again together again while I was back during at Cafe Bouffon during the pandemic and it was nothing but great memories. Love you Alicia :-)”

Patricia & Kevin

“Pazzo has been woven into my love story from the very beginning.

When my then-boyfriend (now husband) and I first started dating, we came to Stratford for our “one month anniversary” and had our first romantic date at Pazzo! We had such a wonderful evening connecting and getting to know each other over a very memorable meal.

We didn’t just fall in love with each other on that trip - we fell in love with Stratford and its community. What started as a getaway made us want to eventually move to Stratford, where we’ve lived for the past 5 years.

As our relationship grew, Pazzo remained a constant. We celebrated anniversaries there, with lunch on the back-alley patio in the heart of the summer, and special birthday dinners in the wine cellar.

Now we’re in a new chapter. We have a child, and nights out aren’t as simple as they once were. But every Friday, we keep our love for Pazzo alive by bringing home our favourite pizza. It’s our way of slowing down, reconnecting, and remembering where we started. And our toddler can enjoy the food just as much as we have!

From a budding romance, to marriage, to family life, Pazzo has been part of our everyday moments and our most meaningful memories.”

Christine & her boys, Logan and Brody

“When we moved to Stratford 15 years ago I was unsure about the path I was taking as a single mom with my oldest heading to St Catharines to complete a 5 the year of high school with his sites set on Brock University and my youngest with special needs and the navigation of that commy. 

Pazzo became our spot, our favorite pizza, a place to support community, to treat family and friends that were visiting, first dates, birthdays, new relationships and before theatre dinners. My love story is my family, my boys, who have supported me through the years, lifted me up and put things into perspective. Pazzo has been a part of many celebrations for us and will continue to be.”

Jeff and Janet

“November 14th 2020.

My partner and I met at Pazzo for our first date.
It was covid, the visit was restricted to minimal seating and the staff continued to push on with amazing service and of course the food. Food and wine came to the table. Everything that afternoon was perfect.

With our server reading our situation, they kept visiting our table with our requests of small offerings.
5 hours later, without any uncomfortable conversation, we were informed Pazzo was closing.

Needless to say, Pazzo had a huge roll with me and my partner to begin our now going on 6 year relationship.

We love telling our story to our friends and clients. Whenever we visit Pazzo to enjoy, it's always brought up, may it be with friends or even just the two of us. A very special place for us. The execution of service, professionalism, food representation are always top shelf and we will always be visiting Pazzo. Our comfortable and enjoyable visits are always appreciated.”

Christy & Lucas

“Pazzos has always been a yearly staple for us as a couple. We’ve always loved the atmosphere the beautiful building and of course the great food! We got married at the Shakespearean garden with our families and walked over to Pazzos to enjoy a delicious meal to celebrate our wedding. I’ll always remember walking in and the entire restaurant clapping for us. Pazzos will always hold a special place in our hearts and it’s come full circle now that we’ve brought our baby daughter for a meal.”

Anastasia & Cameron

“Over the years, Pazzo has become our favourite place to celebrate life together. From dating anniversaries and birthdays to graduation celebrations, it has always been our go to spot for marking the moments that matter most.

The romantic lighting and warm atmosphere make every visit feel special. It is the perfect setting to slow down, reflect on how far we have come, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Each time we walk in, it feels familiar and meaningful, like we are adding another chapter to our story.

The pizza and pasta dishes are exceptional and always bring us back for more. Sharing a meal there has become one of our favorite traditions. Pazzo holds so many of our happiest memories, and we are looking forward to being there again (this weekend) and continuing the celebration of us.”