Perfection in a Pan: Esca takes Cornwall’s pizza scene to the next level

Esca Restaurant and Bar pizzas are made with top-quality ingredients - even though that may sound cliché, owner Mike Baird said it’s vital to the elevated flavour that the Cornwall restaurant has become known for.

“It was always our plan to feature classic pizzas, as well as our own creations,” he said. “The common thread being pizzas that are big on flavour and pleasing to the eye.”

Esca certainly delivers on both. Baird’s family has consistently been interested in the culinary world. Arriving on the restaurant scene by way of owning a retail clothing business, he acknowledges their past experience is not the traditional way to get into serving food. 

Even so, Baird said the pivot into the kitchen was remarkably successful, with the family applying skills from their previous careers to make Esca work. 

The Esca menu

The restaurant at 317 Pitt Street in Downtown Cornwall specializes in gourmet pizza while also offering an array of delicious starters and entrees. The menu changes up to four times a year to keep offerings fresh, with chefs communicating every step of the way. “Our aim is to be creative but also to offer something new that has potential for mass appeal,” Baird said, adding that new menu items often result from a dish that was successfully featured as a special. 

If you’re thinking this is run-of-the-mill pizza, think again. On the menu this winter are some creative names and tastes, such as the Canuck: with marinara, mozzarella, bacon, Italian sausage, roasted mushrooms, and bacon, topped with maple-chili drizzle. Or the Jedi, which includes pesto cream, mozzarella, chicken, roasted red pepper, portobellos, caramelized onion and balsamic glaze. What about the Pickle, which has an aioli base, mozzarella, house-made dill pickles and fresh dill? There are so many more that round out the pizza menu like Ranch, Chipotle, Dyna and Calabrie. It’s heaven for a pizza fanatic.

The menu is rounded out with steaks, Oso Bucco, salmon and more mouth-watering fare. “Apart from our pizzas, I wouldn’t say we have a signature dish, but our Jerk Chicken Poutine is as delicious as it is unique,” he said. “Also, our burger and our chicken marsala are crowd favourites.”

Baird said the restaurant and bar are welcoming and warm.  

Setting the scene for a great meal

People familiar with Cornwall may recognize Esca’s building as the former home to the LCBO. But with the support of Cornwall’s Heart of the City program, as well as the help of Bourgon Construction, the building itself was dramatically renovated both inside and out.

The result is an open concept space with an industrial look, complemented by exposed brick walls and solid wooden bar tops and tables. It’s a blend of modern and classic, giving a stylish vibe that makes each bite feel curated and special. 

In the summer months, Esca also features a large patio on the south side of the building. The patio is often busy, as a preferred spot in Downtown Cornwall to enjoy a cold drink and good food in the warmer weather. Find local beer on tap or indulge in a cocktail to kick off the weekend. In fact, a dozen draught beer taps pour Ontario craft brews and accent an exciting wine list, as well as whiskeys and bourbons.

“We hope guests take away a well-rounded experience from Esca,” he said. “We want our guests to genuinely enjoy their food and enjoy their interaction with our staff and other customers.”

For more information on Esca, visit them online at https://www.escapizza.com/ or drop by in person at 317 Pitt St. in Cornwall. In the meantime, follow along on Facebook @escapizzacornwall or on Instagram @escapizza.