Truth be told. I was completely unaware about the fame that this pizzeria had from winning the prestigious pizza 🍕 award 🥇.

I was in the area to watch the Bryan Adams concert and the Iron Cow 🐄 Public House 🏡 had a long wait list.

We were seated at the bar to avoid a longer wait. The menu is short and focused on their main attractions which are the pizzas.

I chose the classic non spicy pepperoni pizza + their 1UP fries. The fries are waffle fries coated with shredded mozzarella. It was good 👍.

The pizza 🍕 was really good. The sauce was the right portion in relation to the toppings. It was very good 😊.

The thin crust is good but I can see that it is not for everyone. I am a classic “NYC” slice-pizza person. So the thin crust is okay for me. But the flavour and toppings were perfect for me.

The service was busy and frenetic on a busy Friday night because the wait staff forgot our cutlery and pizza tongs .. it happens and I still tipped well. No harm done ✅.

If you enjoy 😉 a good thin crust à la California style type pizza 🍕. Then this is for you.

Happy eats everyone 😎

Overall - This is a solid pizza establishment that delivers high-quality food. The crust is ultra-thin and baked well-done, providing the perfect crunch that many pizza enthusiasts appreciate. The tomato sauce is a standout feature—remarkably fresh, oregano-forward, and beautifully balanced with a pleasant tang. Every topping we tried was incredibly fresh and without fault.
Food - We ordered the standard cheese pizza to see how their baseline slice measures up, and it did not disappoint. We also sampled a variety of other slices along with the waffle fries, which were fantastic. While it would be great if more of their specialty variations were available by the slice, the operational reasoning is completely understandable. We will definitely return on our next trip to Hamilton to try the Cowabunga pizza.
Service - The service was good, and the staff managed the crowd efficiently. Despite how busy the restaurant was, we were able to get a table relatively quickly.
Atmosphere - The space features an inviting open-kitchen concept. Seating is limited due to the small size of the restaurant, which is highly popular. There is a steady lineup of patrons grabbing quick slices or full takeout pies, so guests should anticipate a short wait since they do not take reservations.

The variety of pizza was great we tried 4 different ones the award winning cheese slice was delicious all had flavour and done properly. The chicken bites did not disappoint Services’s welcoming and would highly recommend. Thank me later ❤️ enjoy.

Second visit to Cowabunga+, and it only confirmed what we already suspected — this place is a gem. If you haven't been yet, you are genuinely missing out.

The pizza is the real star. We went for two standouts: the 1UP and the Pepperoni+ — both are exceptional. Perfectly balanced toppings, great crust, and exactly the kind of slice that makes you plan your next visit before you've finished the current one. The truffle dip that comes alongside is a brilliant touch — rich, fragrant, and dangerously addictive.

The beer selection is solid too. Not on tap, but the can and bottle options are well-chosen and hit the spot nicely with the food.

We visited on a quiet weekday evening, and the relaxed atmosphere made it all the more enjoyable. Our server went out of their way to pull two tables together for just the two of us — a small gesture that made a big difference. That kind of attentive, thoughtful service is what turns a good meal into a great evening.

Cowabunga+ earns every star. Fantastic pizza, great drinks, warm hospitality — highly recommended, without reservation.

We ordered a Canadian pizza, bunga bites, and the World Champion Signature Cheese Slice. Everything was freshly made, and the crust was nice and crunchy. The taste was pretty similar to other pizza restaurants overall, but the quality was still good. The staff were friendly and helpful as well. We went there around 3:45 PM on a Saturday, but it was already almost a full house, so be prepared to wait for a seat.