Business Details
50 Years
experience
Authentic Pizza & Steakhouse in Calgary Since 1976
Since 1976, Matador Pizza has been a cornerstone of Calgary's Varsity community, dedicated to crafting high-quality, locally sourced meals. Founded by George Tsares with a vision to bring Greek-style pizza to an underserved neighborhood, we've evolved from a small takeout window into a beloved family-style steakhouse and lounge. Our commitment to tradition is matched by our passion for innovation, as evidenced by our homemade recipes, daily fresh dough production, and partnerships with Alberta suppliers like Capital Fine Meats and Nossack Fine Meats. Under new ownership since 2011, our teamincluding majority owner Jason Seitanidis, chef Rudren (with 32 years of service), and managing partner Mark Downeywe continue to honor our heritage while embracing progress.We take pride in our community involvement, supporting local schools, sports teams, and charities like Parachutes for Pets through initiatives such as our feature wine program. Our kitchen operations exemplify dedication, with dough makers producing up to 150 pizza shells daily and chefs arriving at 6am to prepare house-made soups, sauces, and dressings like our signature Caesar and dill varieties.
Services
Pizza
Steak
Pasta
Catering
Gluten-Free Options
Wine Pairing
Daily Specials
Takeout
Delivery
Private Events
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- Serving Calgary since 1976 with consistent quality and community focus
- Daily fresh dough production and house-made sauces since day one
- Alberta-sourced ingredients from local suppliers like Capital Fine Meats
- Gluten-friendly options including dedicated crust and preparation methods
- Award-winning community involvement through charity partnerships
What people say
World famous pizza crust
Slow roasted Alberta Prime Rib
Generous portions
Community involvement
Consistent quality
Services
Pizza
Our signature pizzas feature homemade dough made daily with Alberta wheat. Choose from 25 classic and specialty options like the Bullfighter Special with seven toppings or create your own. Gluten-free crusts available in 10-inch size with dairy-free, egg-free, and soy-free ingredients. All pizzas use locally sourced mozzarella and house-made sauces.
Steakhouse
Premium Alberta beef steaks prepared to order alongside back bacon, ribs, and chicken dishes. Our Prime Rib Night features slow-roasted Alberta beef served with seasonal sides. All meats are sourced from local suppliers like Capital Fine Meats and Nossack Fine Meats for guaranteed freshness and quality.
Catering
Full-service catering for groups up to 15 people with options including lasagna pans, party-sized salads, and bulk appetizers like 5-pound chicken wing platters. Custom menus available for office functions, team events, and private celebrations with 24-hour advance ordering through our main phone line.
Gluten-Free
Comprehensive gluten-friendly options including dedicated crust made from rice flour and honey. Our kitchen maintains separate preparation areas for gluten-free items to prevent cross-contamination. Available for all pizza varieties and accompanied by gluten-free salad options and grilled proteins.
Wine Program
Curated wine list featuring international selections paired with our menu items. Daily specials include half-price bottles on Wednesdays and feature wines supporting local charities. Our sommelier team selects varietals that complement Alberta-sourced ingredients in both red and white varieties.
People
George Tsares
Founder
Founded Matador Pizza in 1976, creating Calgary's first Greek-style pizza concept. Developed the original recipes and chose the iconic 'Matador' name inspired by Spanish bullfighting architecture. Built the restaurant through three expansions before transitioning ownership in 2011.
Jason Seitanidis
Majority Owner
Third-generation pizza maker with 25+ years of experience in Calgary's food industry. Childhood regular at Matador who preserved the original Greek-style ciabatta crust recipe. Oversees menu continuity and ingredient sourcing while maintaining founder George Tsares' culinary vision.
Chef Rudren
Head Chef
32-year veteran of Matador who helped develop signature recipes still used today. Ensures consistency in food preparation across all menu items from daily soups to specialty pizzas. Maintains quality control for Alberta-sourced ingredients in both kitchen operations and recipe development.
Mark Downey
Managing Partner
30-year Northwest Calgary resident with extensive fine dining experience. Manages front-of-house operations and guest services while preserving Matador's family-friendly atmosphere. Focuses on balancing tradition with modern service standards for both new and long-time customers.
Questions
Does Matador Pizza offer gluten-free options?
Yes, we provide gluten-free crusts made from rice flour and honey, available in 10-inch size for any pizza variety. Our kitchen maintains separate preparation areas to prevent cross-contamination.
What makes Matador's pizza crust special?
Our signature Greek-style ciabatta crust uses a homemade recipe developed in 1976 with Alberta wheat, giving it a unique texture and flavor that's been perfected over nearly 50 years.
When is Prime Rib Night available?
Our popular Prime Rib Night runs every Sunday starting at 4pm with 10oz slices served with seasonal sides. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come basis.
Do you cater large events?
Yes, we offer party-sized catering for groups up to 15 people including lasagna pans, bulk appetizers, and customized menus. Please call at least 24 hours in advance to place orders.
How does Matador support local Calgary businesses?
We source all meats and cheeses from Alberta suppliers like Capital Fine Meats and Nossack Fine Meats, and partner with charities like Parachutes for Pets through our feature wine program.
What are your daily specials?
Daily specials include rotating soup selections, half-price wine bottles on Wednesdays, and feature dishes like our Pulled Pork Pizza available seasonally throughout the summer months.
Videos
