91 Wood Fired Oven

91 Wood Fired Oven brings the authentic flavors and traditions of Italian wood-fired cooking to Canton in a contemporary, welcoming environment. Centered around its namesake custom-built oven imported from Naples, this restaurant delivers a dining experience that balances old-world techniques with modern sensibilities, creating dishes that are both comfortingly familiar and excitingly fresh.

Why It's Special

91 Wood Fired Oven stands apart through its unwavering commitment to authenticity and craft. The heart of the restaurant is its impressive wood-burning oven, which was hand-built by third-generation Neapolitan artisans and maintains a cooking temperature of approximately 900°F. This specialized equipment allows for the creation of true Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in just 90 seconds, resulting in the distinctive, slightly charred crust with a soft interior that pizza aficionados prize.

What makes the restaurant truly extraordinary is how this ancient cooking method is applied to a broader, contemporary menu. Beyond pizza, the kitchen team harnesses the intense heat and subtle wood smoke flavor for everything from roasted vegetables to seafood, meats, and even desserts. This comprehensive approach to wood-fired cooking creates a cohesive dining experience where traditional techniques enhance modern dishes, setting 91 Wood Fired Oven apart from typical Italian restaurants or pizzerias.

The Cuisine

Signature Pizzas

• Margherita D.O.P.: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil
• Funghi: Wild mushroom blend, fontina, caramelized onions, and truffle oil
• Salsiccia: House-made fennel sausage, roasted peppers, mozzarella, and San Marzano tomato sauce
• Fig & Prosciutto: Black fig jam, prosciutto di Parma, gorgonzola, arugula, and balsamic glaze
• Diavola: Spicy soppressata, Calabrian chilies, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella

Wood-Fired Specialties

The versatile oven produces:

• Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Changing selection with the seasons
• Cedar Plank Salmon: With lemon herb butter and caramelized lemon
• Wood Roasted Chicken: Tuscan-style with herbs and garlic
• Lamb Meatballs: Slow-roasted in the oven's cooler zones
• Wood-Charred Octopus: Tender octopus finished in the wood oven

Menu Philosophy

91 Wood Fired Oven's culinary approach centers on:

• Seasonal Ingredients: Menu evolves with locally available produce
• Authentic Techniques: Traditional methods applied to contemporary dishes
• Handcrafted Elements: House-made pasta, dough, sauces, and dressings
• Italian Inspiration: Respect for Italian traditions with local adaptations
• Simple Perfection: Letting quality ingredients shine without unnecessary complexity

Beyond Pizza

The diverse menu also features:

• House-Made Pasta: Small-batch production using traditional methods
• Wood-Fired Small Plates: Shareable appetizers with distinctive char
• Seasonal Salads: Fresh combinations highlighting local produce
• Italian Entrees: Classic dishes with contemporary presentations
• Wood-Oven Desserts: Sweet finishes leveraging the distinctive cooking method

The Dining Experience

Contemporary Rustic Atmosphere

The restaurant's thoughtful design includes:

• Open Kitchen: Full view of the impressive wood-burning oven
• Communal Table: Large shared table for social dining
• Comfortable Booths: Intimate seating for small groups
• Modern Bar: Full-service cocktail and wine bar
• Seasonal Patio: Al fresco dining during warmer months
• Warm Materials: Wood, stone, and natural elements throughout

Approachable Service

91 Wood Fired Oven is known for:

• Knowledgeable Staff: Team members well-versed in menu and techniques
• Educational Approach: Explaining the traditional methods and ingredients
• Casual Professionalism: Attentive service without formality
• Accommodating Style: Flexible with special requests and dietary needs
• Family-Friendly Focus: Welcoming environment for diners of all ages

Beverage Program

The well-curated program features:

• Italian Wines: Thoughtful selection focusing on regional pairings
• Craft Cocktails: House specialties with Italian influences
• Local Beers: Rotating selection from Ohio breweries
• Italian Sodas: House-made seasonal flavors
• Specialty Coffee: Italian-style espresso drinks

Signature Events and Offerings

Seasonal Specials

• Farmer's Market Menu: Weekly dishes based on local market finds
• Guest Chef Collaborations: Occasional special menus with visiting chefs
• Harvest Dinners: Seasonal celebrations of local produce
• Wine Pairing Events: Special menus matched with featured wines
• Holiday Traditions: Festive menus for Italian holidays

Community Engagement

• Cooking Classes: Hands-on instruction for pizza and Italian specialties
• Family Nights: Special pricing and activities for families
• Charitable Events: Regular fundraisers for local causes
• School Partnerships: Educational programs for culinary students
• Sustainability Initiatives: Commitment to eco-friendly practices

When to Visit

Best Times

• Weekday Lunch: Quick-fired pizzas perfect for business lunches
• Happy Hour: Daily specials on drinks and small plates (4-6pm weekdays)
• Early Dinner: More relaxed pace with full menu availability
• Weekend Brunch: Italian-inspired breakfast dishes (Sat-Sun, 11am-2pm)
• Seasonal Menu Changes: Exciting new offerings as seasons transition

Recommendations

• Reservations recommended for dinner, especially weekends
• Try the chef's seasonal specials, which showcase the wood oven's versatility
• Consider sitting at the counter for a view of the pizza-making action
• Ask for wine pairing suggestions with your meal
• Save room for the wood-fired desserts

Good to Know

• Parking: Ample free parking in shopping center lot
• Wait Times: Busiest from 6-8pm on weekends
• Takeout: Online ordering available for pickup
• Children's Options: Kid-friendly menu available
• Large Parties: Call ahead for groups of 8 or more

Nearby Attractions

While in the area, consider visiting:

• Belden Village Mall (5-minute drive)
• The Strip (7-minute drive)
• Washington Square (10-minute drive)
• Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve (15-minute drive)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame (15-minute drive)

Getting There

91 Wood Fired Oven is conveniently located in the Belden Village shopping district of Canton, just off I-77. The restaurant is situated in a busy shopping center on Fulton Drive NW, with ample free parking available directly in front of the establishment. Its central location makes it easily accessible from most parts of Canton and North Canton, as well as for travelers using the interstate.

Restaurant History

91 Wood Fired Oven opened in 2011, founded by local restaurateur Dave Bertka who was inspired by the authentic Neapolitan pizzerias he encountered during travels throughout Italy. The restaurant's name references both its address and the optimal cooking temperature (in Celsius) for authentic wood-fired pizza.

The centerpiece of the restaurant—its handcrafted wood-burning oven—was commissioned directly from a family of oven builders in Naples who have been perfecting their craft for generations. The massive oven, weighing nearly three tons, was built in Italy, disassembled, shipped to Ohio, and then reassembled on site by Italian craftsmen who traveled to Canton specifically for the installation.

In its early years, 91 Wood Fired Oven focused primarily on authentic Neapolitan pizza, but the menu has evolved to embrace a broader range of wood-fired cooking techniques. The restaurant has cultivated relationships with local farmers and producers to emphasize seasonal, regional ingredients while maintaining its commitment to traditional Italian methods.

Today, 91 Wood Fired Oven stands as a beloved local institution, balancing respect for Italian culinary traditions with a distinctly Ohio sensibility that resonates with the Canton community.