There’s no better feeling in the world than seeing your waiter carrying a hot, large cheesy pizza in the direction of your table. You then prepare yourself to devour the whole thing slice by slice (knowing that you're in for a mighty food coma afterwards). We've all been there. Whether you love pepperoni, pineapple, veggie or spice, nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked pizza base and the crunch of a crispy crust. These are London’s 7 best joints for tomatoey Italian goodness…
Look away if you're hungry. There are some drool-worthy pics in here!
PIZZA PILGRIMS
11 Dean St, Soho W1D 3RP
Pizza Pilgrims is nestled right in the heart of bustling Soho. Their Napoli inspired pizzas are gooey with chunky killer crusts and a melt-in-your-mouth rich tomato base (made from top quality Italian plum tomatoes). Using ingredients sourced all the way from Naples, these pizzas are truly authentic and traditional - which is why Pizza Pilgrims impresses people trying it for the first time.
I had my first pizza from the restaurant’s branch at Swinger’s (the crazy golf club), and I can honestly say I haven’t tried a more delicious, comforting pizza since. This March, the pizzeria is excited to open another brand new London branch in Shoreditch!
Takeaway available.
FRANCO MANCA
39 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden, WC2E 7LJ
Franco Manca’s USP? Their pizzas are all made from sourdough bread. This gives the base a moist texture and an easily digestible crust. With just a small menu of only 7 pizzas to choose from, Franco Manca is all about quality - not quantity. And you’ll see why as soon as you dig your teeth into one of them. So delicious and satisfying. We recommend the tomato, cured organic chorizo & mozzarella pizza.
Franco Manca can be found dotted all around London from Covent Garden to Battersea, and Brixton to South Kensington (plus many many more central locations). There's even a Franco Manco right near our St Christopher's hostel in Liverpool Street.
Takeaway available.
PIZZA EAST
79 Highgate Rd, London NW5 1TL
More than just your average pizza joint, Pizza East in Kentish Town serves ciabatta-style handmade pizzas. With a solid range to choose from, you’ll find you’re spoilt for choice with toppings ranging from portobello mushrooms to spicy sausage or salami, pancetta, meatballs and anchovies. They also shake up some awesome cocktails which you MUST try: whether you’re after something more traditional like a classic Old Fashioned or a Negroni, or you want to be a bit more adventurous and opt for one of their original ones like Pears & Honey, there’s something for everyone!
HOMESLICE
378, 374 Old St, London EC1V 9LT
Started up in 2011, Homeslice has since made a name for itself as a truly reputable pizza joint in London - but it had remarkable humble beginnings. They started serving slices of their delicious pizza at street food markets across East London (with the trusty aid of a hand-built oven). Now, it operates three awesome restaurants in the capital: Covent Garden, Shoreditch and Fitzrovia. What makes Homeslice different to the rest though is its truly unique pizzas. Offering interesting toppings like butternut squash, pumpkin seed, venison, cauliflower cheese and even kale, the menu really takes pizza making to a whole new level. Intrigued? Pay a visit!
Takeaway available.
PRINCI
135 Wardour St, Soho, London W1F 0UT
Princi serves yummy food all day from breakfast, lunch and dinner. But it’s their pizza that is most notable. There’s a wide selection to choose from (and there’s loads on the menu for the vegetarians amongst you, with some seriously yummy veggie pizzas). I particularly love the the tomato sauce used on the bases here! Princi also boasts a delightful patisserie with beautiful looking pastries and cakes that are also worth a try! Fancy dessert? Try some Italian specialties like tiramisu.
Takeaway available.
PIZZA UNION
246-250 Pentonville Rd, Kings Cross, London N1 9JY
If you like thin and crispy pizzas, then get yourself to Pizza Union. This pizza bar serves up fire-baked Roman style pizzas (that get cooked in just 3 minutes). Find it located in Kings Cross just a 7 minute walk from the station. Or there’s also a hip urban Pizza Union in Spitalfields with a cool, contemporary wooden interior. Our recommendation? See if you can handle the heat of the Vesuvio: tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, mixed peppers, green chillies AND cracked chillies. Not for the faint hearted.
Takeaway available.
FIGLI DEL VESUVIO
658 Garratt Ln, Wandsworth, London SW17 0NP
An authentic pizzeria right in the heart of Wimbledon. Using high quality Italian ingredients to make their pizzas, Figli Del Vesuvio is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered by people other than locals (the locals already know how special it is). The pizza here is incredible, fresh and comforting. Inside you’ll find old school Italian music playing and a very quaint, traditional Italian interior. You’ll feel like you’re in Napoli right away.
Takeaway available.
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