The best pizza in London 2025: 27 tasty slices to try
Competition for the best pizza in London is fierce. The capital's scene has come a long way since the first Pizza Express on Wardour Street dazzled diners with its open-kitchen dough-spinning in the 1960s. Back thenthe tastiest pizza was one you could get your mitts on – todayyou can hardly move in the capital for artisan basesoutrageous toppings and a growing list of beloved Italian restaurants in London. But not all of them are created equal. Whether you prefer thin and crispy Roman-inspired pizzaspillowy Neapolitan numbers or New York- jumbo sliceshere’s our pick of the best pizza spots in London. For more inspiration in the citysee our guides to the best new restaurants in Londonor our ultimate guide to the best restaurants in London.
Lateef Photography1. Elephant
What to order: Diavola
Headed up by Stevie Thomas of Birmingham’s iconic live music venueThe Jam Houseand Francesco Sarvonio of MantecaOranj and Naughty Pigletsthis new venture is quickly becoming one of Hackney’s most talked-about dining addresses. As you enterthe first thing to grab your eye will undoubtedly be the show-stopping glass-panelled skylight stretching across the ceiling. I’m told the piece was salvaged from an East End cinema over a quarter of a century ago and has formed the basis for a number of filmic design references throughout the interior. Inspired by Francesco's Neapolitan heritagethe menu is Southern Italian with a few dishes paying homage to his Nonna's own recipesand you can taste the love. The pizza offering is concise but perfectly executed – pillow-soft sourdough bases lend themselves to classics such as the creamy Bufalinaas well as more adventurous affairslike La Squisitaa white-based pizza topped with pancetta and salsa verdeor the Sbagliataalso known as the "mistaken Margarita". My favourite is the Diavola. The dough oozes in a rich tomato saucetopped with spicy salami and finger-length Friggitelli for an extra kick. Despite steadily earning a reputation as one of London's best pizza spotsbe sure to sample the rest of the menu too. Zingy seabass crudo and ox-cheek croquettes were memorable optionsbut it's the Genovese Ragu that I'll be coming back for time and again. Lucy Bruton
Address: 43 Lower Clapton RdLower ClaptonLondon E5 0NS
Website: elephanthackney.com
2. Bad Boy Pizzeria
What to order: Pizzas here are so enormous that Half-and-Half toppings are a clever tactic. For an acclaimed pairingthe Vodka-roni and Sausage Party both won ‘National Pizza of the Year’ in 2022 and 2024respectively.
When four university students started selling slices at house parties in 2018it’s unlikely that they pictured themselves as future restaurateurs. Food stalls at Vinegar Yard and Seven Dials Market won the Bad Boy Pizza Society a loyal fanbasenot to mention a handful of national pizza awards. Stillthe missing piece of the puzzle remained a place to call home. We visit Bad Boy Pizzeria during its opening weekend in August and are greeted by a huge (and hungry) queue spilling out the front door. Grab-and-go slices and takeaway boxes fill the shopfrontbut tucked discreetly behind the red-tiled counterthere are 14 snug booths and tablestoo. All pizzas are New York- and made for sharingstretched a whopping 18 inches to fill the frame of our table for two perfectly. The toppings menu combines six classic combos with more adventurous specials. We recommend sampling any pizza glazed in their signature vodka sauceupgrading familiar tomato bases with a softspiced tingle that lingers on your tongue. Gluten-free and halal variations are also availableplus a selection of Italian sides – the carbonara suppli’s crunchy-creamy fusion is not one to miss. The atmosphere is chilledintimateand free of all pretences. Think craft beer collaborations with local brewerieswaiting staff clad in Bad Boy football shirtsand framed home photographs documenting their pizza-making journey. Even as it opens its first restaurantBad Boy Pizza Society has not lost sight of its cheerycommunity-driven roots. Layla Quaedvlieg
Address: 419 Bethnal Green RoadE2 0AN
Website: badboypizzasoc.com
Nic Crilly-Hardgrave3. ACE Pizza
What to order: Honey Pie
ACE Pizza started out in 2018 at The Pembury Tavern in Hackneywhere it remains a menu stalwart to this day. Nowtheir much-loved ‘London ’ slicewhich blends Neapolitan char with New York foldability (ideal for a one-hand sliceone-hand pint equation)has found a standalone spot in the leafy streets of Victoria Park Village. Insideit’s an ’80s disco diner remembered through bright reds and soft yellowschestnut panelling and plush booth seating alongside design nods to counterculture icons Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. We sat outsidecatching the last of the summer sun and letting the neighbourhood amble past. The menu is generous enough to keep everyone happy (including veganswith an impressive plant-based selection). We began with giardiniera pickles and fried artichokes (sharpsaltygone in minutes) and the very tasty Hot AF margaritas from their “low and no alcohol” drinks list. Then came the Honey Pie: fior di lattesalamiguindilla chilliesand a hot honey drizzle – a crowd favourite for a reason. The vegan Capers on Mare Street features Nocellara olivescapersCasadei mozzarella and chimichurri that all sing in unison. The limited-edition Clam Pie with pecorino and lemons is a brightbriny delight. Save roomif you canfor the glossy Grown Up Sundaemade up of Fior di Latte soft serveolive oilsea saltfennel pollenand honey. And then? Walk it off through Victoria Parkwander toward V&A Eastand make a day of it. Preshita Saha
Address: 126-128 Lauriston RdLondon E9 7LH
Website: thisisacepizza.com
Patricia Beja4. Carmela's
What to order: Pizza alla vodka
A slice of pizza pie has brought serious Big Apple energy to Islington. Carmela’slaunched in August by the team behind BiteTwice (famous for their pizza reviews and a devoted 130k-strong following)has quickly earned a cult following of its own. So popularin factthat queues often snake down the street. Their mission is to bring the New York pizza pie to London - and they’ve nailed it.
The menu is small but mighty: a handpicked selection of 13-inch foldable cheesetomato and white pies. We went for the pepperoni and the pizza alla vodkaa cheeky twist on a classic pasta dish and honestlyI’m still drooling. It might just be one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. And whatever you dodon’t skip the dips. The tuna dip? I thought I might passbut it turned out to be the standout. Missing it would’ve been a tragedy.
To drinkCarmela’s offers a carefully curated selection of Italian wines and cocktails. Think crisp whitesbold reds and a spritz list that delivers proper aperitivo energy - bellissima.
The venue matches the food’s charm. It feels as if someone plucked a slice of Little Italy and dropped it straight into Islingtoncomplete with that unmistakable New York buzz. Chelsea Hughes
Address: 149A Upper StLondon N1 1RA
Website: carmelaspizzeria.co.uk
5. Napoli on the Road
What to order: Ricordi d’Infanzia; slow-cooked Neopolitan ragu with beef24 months parmigiano reggiano fonduebasilevo oil.
Whether in ItalyNew YorkLondon or beyondthere’s a universal love language that comes in the form of pizza. But in an overly-saturated dough marketchoosing the perfect ’za can be harder than you think. I first heard of the new viral pizzeria Napoli on the Road via social media and was more than a little sceptical about people’s claims this is “the best pizza in Europe”. Londonperhapsbut surely not Europethe birthplace of Napoletana pizza? It was time to do some investigating… Situated in Richmond and ChiswickI first visited the Richmond branch to see what all the fuss was about. The menu has all the expected classics (think margaritamarinarapepperoni) and a more innovative menu of signature dishes developed by the founderMichele. I think the mark of a great pizza is how good a classic margarita is buton this occasionI decided to push the boat out with Michele’s Ricordi d’Infanziaa deliciously wet tomato-based pizza topped with slow-cooked Neapolitan beef ragu. The dough was pillowy softthe base perfectly balanced with sweet and earthy flavoursand the beef was tender yet rich and peppery. Since my first visitI’ve managed to make my way to the Chiswick branch and am slowly working through the seasonally rotated menu. The best pizza in Europe? I'm not quite brave enough to make that claimbut I definitely would encourage you to go and find out for yourself. Lucy Bruton
Address: Napoli on the Road Richmond12 Red Lion StreetRichmond TW9 1RW; Napoli on the Road Chiswick9A Devonshire RoadChiswickLondon W4 2EU
Website: napoliontheroad.co.uk
6. Collective
What to order: Buffala CherryNapolitana and a Portobello white pizza
Collective is tucked away in the heart of Kennington Parkoffering a respite from the day-to-day London grind and a real community hub. I was lucky enough to discover this gem when I first moved to Londonwhere it was recommended by a friend from Berlin who happened upon it during a visit. The space is charming and approachable – I tend to sit outside basking in the sun (when it decides to appear) and people-watching while waiting for what is most definitely my favourite pizza in London. It’s impossible to go wrong herebut my favourite rotation is Buffala CherryNapolitana and a Portobello (white pizza). The ingredients are fresh (often local)the dough (sourdough!) is perfectly cookedand the vibes are impeccable. Amber Port
Address: CollectiveKennington Park4 St Agnes PlaceLondon SE11 4BE
Website: collective-kennington.co.uk
7. The Birds Nest
What to order: Cotto ham
Behind a secret red door just off Brixton High Street lies Bird’s Nestthe kind of spot you only hear about through word of mouthand once you doyou’ll wish you’d found it sooner. There’s no need for hype; the pizza does the heavy lifting. Neapolitan- and made with slow-fermented Italian dougheach base is softchewyand beautifully blistered.
We went for the Cotto ham’nduja and mushroomplus a pepperoni with chilli oil (and yesevery dip goingit would’ve been rude not to). Within minutestwo steaming pizzas arrived: gooeydoughycheesy perfection. To wash it downa Negronibecause what pairs better with Italian pizza than an Italian cocktail? It didn’t disappoint.
The setting is just as good as the food. With its minimalist-industrial design and laid-back Scandi furnitureit’s an ideal after-work dinner spot or low-key quiz night. The best part is a near 360-degree wraparound terrace with skyline views that stretch right across London. Consider this your insider tip for sunset cocktails and slices above the city. Chelsea Hughes
Address: International House6 Canterbury CresLondon SW9 7QD
Website: birdsnestbrixton.com
Justin De Souza8. Yard Sale
What to order: Named after the world’s most famous skunkthe Pepe Le Pew (fresh garlicred onionjalapeño peppers and parmesan) is deliciousthough perhaps not ideal for a first date.
The Leytonstone branch of this rapidly expanding dough empire is brightbuzzy and pretty well guarantees a good time (as you’d expect from a business that started life as a supper club). Pies come in 12” or 18” sizesand vegans are extremely well looked after: witness the American Notwith guindilla chillieshouse-made vegan pepperoni and vegan mozzarellaand the Magic Mushroomwith roasted ’shroomstruffle oilvegan parmesan and black pepper. The team's domination of London's pizza scene isn't slowing downwith a new Bermondsey opening in 2024.
Address: 622 High Road LeytonstoneLondon E11 3DA; check online for the full list of locations
Other locations: ClaptonFinsbury ParkHackneyCrofton ParkCrystal PalaceBalhamEast Dulwich and Walthamstow
Website: yardsalepizza.com
9. Theo’s
What to order: At lunchtimethey serve panuozzo – pizza-dough sandwiches – for just £6.50.
One of the fixed points around which Camberwell’s buzzy restaurant scene revolvesTheo’s serves Neapolitan- pizzas that are renowned far beyond SE5. The billowingblistered bases can more than hold their own against high-concept toppingsfrom Camberwell scotch bonnet nduja to cavolo nero cream with mushroom and datterini tomatoes (that’s at least three of your five a day). Cheesy garlic breadcheerful staff and keen prices make for a faultless experience. There’s an excellent Elephant & Castle outpost too.
Address: 2 Grove LaneCamberwellLondon SE5 8SY
Website: theospizzeria.com
Innakostukovsky10. Berberè Pizzeria
What to order: Pepe's
Let’s be honestfind a reallyreally good sourdough pizza and you’re winningbut find a place where the drinks and desserts are just as worthy of the spotlight? Jackpot. Berberè is the type of restaurant I love to have in my back pocket for an easy-breezy post-work dinner. The menu treads the line between classic and creativeand its position on James Street in Marylebone means the atmosphere is lively. Seating spills out onto the pavementand if the sun shinesit’s easy to imagine yourself somewhere far more Mediterranean than London. Especially when you’ve ordered an Aperol or a Negroni (both deliciously strong) with some crisps and aioli to start. The kitchen prides itself on using the freshest organic ingredients to top its own perfected sourdough recipe. Obviouslyyou can’t go wrong with a margheritabut we tried Pepe’swhich is topped with minced lamb and garlicand the Normawith baked aubergines and walnut pesto. Dips are non-negotiableand so is dessert. The tiramisu tastes as creamy and chocolatey as if it had been made by a true Italian nonnaand arrives heaped in a portion big enough to share. Or not. Sarah Bannerman
Address: Marylebone50 James StW1U 1H; Tottenham Court Road2 St Giles Square; Clapham67 Venn St; Kentish Town300 Kentish Town Road
Website: www.berberepizzeria.co.uk
11. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
What to order: Stick to the classic Margheritabut double up on the mozzarella
Although he wasn’t big on foodeven Sherlock Holmes might have had his head turned by the garlicky wafts coming from this place on Baker Street. The central London offshoot of the authentic Neapolitan pizzeria from Eat Pray Love (there’s now another in Soho) is famous for its slightly misshapen baseswith their signature ultra-puffy crusts and dark spots from the oven’s searing heat. Are they really the world’s bestas their many admirers claim? There’s only one way to find outbut order one of the classics and you could well be sinking your teeth into one of the best pizzas in Rome.
Address: 199 Baker StreetLondon NW1 6UY; 44 Old Compton StreetLondon W1D 4TY
Website: anticapizzeriadamichele.co.uk
12. Florencio
What to order: Martita 2.0
As far as swish restaurants in well-to-do Marylebone goFlorencio comfortably balances that friendly hole-in-the-wall feel with something fancy enough for date night. It’s cosy inside with tufted blue sofastiled floors and red chequered tablecloths adorning just 32 tableseach offering front row views of the chefs busying themselves in the open kitchen. Head Chef Diago Jacquet has a strong pedigreewith stints at both the illustrious three-star Spanish restaurant El Bulli and the Swedish fine dining spot Aquavit in New York. All dough is fermented for 48 hours and eschews that pillowy soft Napoli- that dominates the capital in favour of thincrispy baseswith pleasingly crunchy results. These slices won’t collapse in your hand when you scoop them up from the plate. Flavours range from the classic (mozzarellaparmesanbasil and tomato) to less so (mozzarellastracciatellamortadella and caramelised pistachio pesto)so you can be as adventurous – or not – as you like. People say the mark of a good pizza restaurant is the quality of its margheritabut I’ll defend the Martita 2.0 as the restaurant’s biggest hitter – sue mebut its colourful mix of mozzarellapecorinomarinated courgetteschillimintwalnutand mascarpone is much more interesting than your average. Portion sizes are generous butmiraculouslywe still found room to demolish the milk cake for dessert – and so should you. Charley Ward
Address: 14 Seymour PlLondon W1H 7NF
Website: florenciopizza.com
13. Crisp
What to order: A thick slab of pepperoni and burrata pizza
Chronically online foodies are all too familiar with Crispthe pizza restaurant that's blown up spectacularly on Instagram and TikTok since opening among the leafy suburbs of Hammersmith. Operating out of The Chancellors pubthe pizza spot has garnered a reputation for its pie- slabs of pillowy dough doused in rich tomato sauce and topped with chunks of burrata and other toppings. Thinner-crust pizzas are availableso booking ahead and sharing a selection with the crew is best. Avoid the weekend crowds that snake down Crisp Road by booking well ahead (especially for weekend bookings).
Address: Crisp25 Crisp RoadLondon W6 9RL
Website: instagram.com
Thomas Alexander14. Alley Cats Pizza
What to order: The smoked pepperonibest served with the scotch bonnet dipping sauceand the meatballswhich are topped with an admirably fluffy blanket of parmesan.
It’s a colddrizzly February eveningand a Dishoom- queue is snaking halfway down Paddington Street before disappearing under the pine green awnings outside Alley Cats. By the look of the crowd willing to brave the rainit’s clear the capital’s love affair with American- pies hasn’t stopped with Crispthe much-hyped Hammersmith joint that’s been tacked onto The Chancellors pub since 2020. Unlike Crisphoweverthis shiny new New York pizzeria in swish Marylebone is walk-in only; a bold move given the need to justify a chilly 40-minute wait, but one easily pulled off. InsideI’m in a dimly lit New York hideout – red chequered clothsexposed brickworktraditional green subway tiles and a big screen playing The Sopranos on a loop. The menu is concise but indulgent. One margherita is zhuzhed-up with a slow-cooked tomato sauce finished with a slug of vodkaand there’s plenty of sugar – bowls of candied bacon; a pepperoni with less a drizzle of honey and more a ladleful; a taleggio mushroom white pizza with some healthy dollops of red onion jam – all with joyously crispy crunchy bases. All that and you’ll still want to try the tiramisuwhich somehow disappeared in seconds despite our initial protestations. Worth the hype? We’d say so. Charley Ward
Address: Alley Cats Pizza22 Paddington StreetLondon W1U 5QY
Website: alleycatspizza.co.uk
15. Rudy's
What to order: The Salsiccia del Nonno has a perfectly pitched heat from the sprinkle of chilli flakes on top of fior di lattesmoked mozzarellaground fennel sausage and caramelised red onion.
We’re used to cult-status restaurants in London eventually spreading outside the capital – we’ve come a long way since the first Franco Manca in Brixton Marketwith outposts now in BrightonBristolBirminghamLeeds and Glasgow. Less common are restaurants making the move from the North to London. But that’s the unconventional route taken by Rudy’s. The first of these much-loved Mancunian pizza joints opened in 2015 in Ancoatsfollowed by Peter StreetSaleLiverpoolBirminghamLeeds and Cheshire before finally making it to London and taking over a huge Wardour Street spacewith an open kitchen and plenty of white subway tiling. Chefs subscribe to the Naples school of dough: stretchyblistered bases smothered in toppings that are traditional (anchoviesartichokebuffalo mozzarella) and less so (wild boar salami). To drink be sure to order the refreshing Campari Spritz – the campari comes in a cute vintage bottle. Sarah James
Address: 80 Wardour StreetLondonW1F 0TF
Website: rudyspizza.co.uk
16. Zia Lucia
What to order: Push the boat out with the Arianna: mozzarellagorgonzolafresh sausagehoneyand truffle oil.
Long before Islington was hailed as a gastronomic hotspot (it’s home to the likes of cult favourite laksa bar Sambal Shiok and Xi’an Impression’s hand-pulled biang biang noodles)Zia Lucia was pulling in the crowds. Other than the fact it’s always rammedits USP is that diners can choose from four different doughsincluding charcoal and a world-class gluten-free one. The toppings are simple but superb: we love the Parmigianawhich comes covered in rich auberginetomato and mozzarella. Aldgate EastBoxpark Wembley and Hammersmith all have outpoststoo.
Address: Zia Lucia157 Holloway RoadLondon N7 8LX
Website: zialucia.com
17. Lardo
What to order: The indulgent white-base carbonara pizza.
Hackney’s original industrial-cool Italian restaurant has been going since 2012 in the Arthaus development. Stillit shows no sign of flagging: the mirror-mosaic-covered oven is a reliable source of pleasingly quirky pizzas. Ironicallygiven its nameLardo has been scaling back on its meat usageand the menu caters greatly to vegetarians. The pineapplemortadella and pickled chilli number has perennial filthy-gorgeous appeal.
Address: 197-201 Richmond RoadHackneyLondon E8 3NJ
Website: lardo.co.uk
18. Homeslice
What to order: Neal's Yard Dairy four-cheesejalapeño salsa and Rye Crumb
The reigning champion of foldable slicesthis mini-chain excels at the best pizza in London regarding leftfield toppings: anyone for chorizocorn and coriander? Its 20” pizzas come whole or by the slice (complete with paper plates)and there’s a head-spinning range of site-specific and seasonal specials. There are seven locationsand the option to go 50-50 by splitting toppingsplus plenty of choice for vegans (hellogarlicky mushroompumpkin seed and chili)make this a very safe bet for a group trip.
Address: 13 Neal's YardCovent GardenLondon WC2H 9DP
Other locations: MaryleboneOld StreetWhite CityCity Of London
Website: homeslicepizza.co.uk
19. Voodoo Ray’s
What to order: The so-wrong-it’s-right Full Moon Slice: bacon dustJapanese mayomozzarellavine tomatoes
It isn’t just the pizzas that are New York- here: the neon signagesubway tiles and late-night vibe all scream retro Manhattan. The giant 22” pizzaswhich come by the sliceread like they’ve been dreamed up by someone with a terrible hangoverand there are pots of dip for your crustssides such as jalapeno mac ’n’ cheese. Psst – the daily happy hour means £4 pints and two-for-one cocktails between 5pm and 6pm
Address: 95 Kingsland High StreetDalstonLondon E8 2PB
Website: voodoorays.com
20. Happy Face
What to order: Look for the Nduja Burrata. The subtle spice from the meats is nicely balanced by the creamy cheese. Be sure to add a side of zucchini fritti
Happy Face's Neapolitan-wood-fired pizzas may be piled high with classic Italian meats and veg comboshowever it’s really all about the dough herewhich is fermented for a lengthy 72 hours to create a light and fluffy consistency. While the pizza bases are typically thincrusts can be overwhelmingly bigso you’ll want to have the chilli oil ready for dipping or use them to mop up the generous amount of toppings. Try the Rucolafresh and crunchy or and the vegetarian Fungi with punchy taleggio. To drinkgo for one (or all) of the three negronis: the negroni bianco made with pink pepper ginpeach wineand bitters is a winner. The vibe is relaxed and casualperfect for a quick lunch or an impromptu dinner date. Sophie Knight
Address: 14 Handyside StKing’s CrossLondon N1C 4DN
Other locations: Victoria
Website: happyface.pizza
21. Pizza Union
What to order: The Tropicali – ham and pineapplethe ultimate guilty pizza pleasure
Thin-and-crispy fan? Pizza Union has you covered. Or toppedto be more precisewith childhood favourite combinations such as chickenbeef and pepperonior four cheeses. This mini-chain of ‘pizza bars’ serves up piping-hot12" Roman- pies in SpitalfieldsKing’s CrossAldgateDalston and Hoxton – so wherever you are in East Londonyou’re never too far from a fix. Every single one costs £6.50 or lessand because the slimline bases cook so fastyour order gets to your table in double-quick time. Bonus!
Address: 25 Sandy's RowSpitalfieldsLondon E1 7HW
Other locations: DalstonKing's CrossAldgateHolborn And Hoxton)
Website: pizzaunion.com22. Pizzeria Pellone
What to order: Look for La Tartufata on the specials board. It offers yellow tomatoesfior di lattepancettarocket and truffle burrata
Hidden in plain sight on Lavender Hill in Batterseathis place serves up some of London’s most intriguing Neapolitan pizza. Owner Antonio’s grandfather opened his first restaurant in 1972 in Naplesand he gets almost all of his ingredients from Italyincluding caputo flourdivella tomato sauce and Ciro amodio fior di latte mozzarella. The hand-painted plates are sweetly reminiscent of traditional trattorias. Stillthere’s nothing old-timey about combinations such as gorgonzolaspeckwalnuts and torn basil drizzled with the best extra virgin olive oil. The punchy calzone fritto with ricottamozzarellaNeapolitan salami and black pepper is a crisp-shelled delight.
Address: 42 Lavender HillBatterseaLondon SW11 5RL
Website: pizzeriapellonelondon.co.uk
23. Sodo Pizza
What to order: It’s got to be the John Bon Chovy (tomatomozzarellaanchoviesolivescaperschilli and fresh parsley)for the name if nothing else
Walthamstow’s premier pizzeria majors in long-fermented sourdough basescraft beers and natural wineserved in an airy warehouse space – very E17. If you’re visiting at the weekendyou can order one of the special brunch pizzas: The Casperwith smoked mozzarellacreamchardwhite onioneggsLincolnshire Poacher and Parma hamis the one to beat. There are Bethnal GreenHoxton and Clapton branches tooand if you fancy learning the tricks of the tradethey run pizza-making classes.
Address: 21-23 Hatherley MewsWalthamstowLondon E17 4QP
Other locations: ClaptonHammersmithHoxton and Bethnal Green
Website: sodopizza.co.uk24. Santa Maria
What to order: The mortadella and pistachio pesto – orif you’re meat-freethe vegan Sant' Andreawith cream of potato and onions in soy milkred and yellow peppersportobello mushrooms and olives
They’re big on provenance at this funky Ealing mainstay: Neapolitan owners Angelo and Pasquale are veterans of London’s pizza sceneand they only use San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte from Campaniaalong with delicacies from closer to homesuch as rare-breed Yorkshire pork sausage. Santa Maria has one of London’s best vegan pizza selectionstopped with walnut- or pumpkin-cream bases. In addition to the originalthere are branches in Chelsea and Fitzrovia.
Address: 11 Bond StreetLondon W5 5AP
Website: santamariapizzeria.com
Laurie Fletcher25. Fatto a Mano
What to order: Burrata & Parma
The usual narrative of fabulous British restaurants which expand beyond their hometown’s borders follows London openings which gain a cult following and make the move out of the capital to other cities – think Franco MancaDishoomWahaca. But this is a success story that flips the narrative. Pizza joint Fatto a Mano Pizza & Beer (literally translating to “handmade”) began in Brighton in 2015. The team soon expanded from London Road to two more locations in Brighton and Hoveall slinging fluffy Neopolitan- pizzas topped with local British produce (plus the odd authentic Italian ingredient). A winning pop-up in Boxpark Shoreditch was quickly followed by the opening of Fatto a Mano Pizza & Beer in King’s Cross andmore recentlyrestaurants in Covent Garden and Bethnal Green. On a pedestrianised thoroughfare of St Pancras Squarethe double-storey restaurant spillsAmalfi-onto the terrace on sunny days. Pizzas include creamy burrata and parmafiery ‘ndujadelicious smoked ricotta with crispy fried aubergine – they also make for some of the best cheap eats in Londonstarting at £11.50 for a margherita. Order British-brewed serves from Brighton’s UnBarred BreweryHackney’s Howling HopsCornwall’s Harbour Brewing Coor thoroughly Italian aperitivo such as Negroni or Aperol Spritz. Sarah James
Address: Unit 13 Pancras SquareLondon N1C 4AG
Website: fattoamanopizza.com
26. Flat Earth Pizzas
What to order: The signature kimchi and cheddar toastiewhich is a thing of dreams
After over two years of pop-upsFlat Earth has finally opened its first permanent restaurant on the fringes of Broadway Market and Hackney. This vegetarian and vegan hangout sits on the corner of Vyner Streeta discreetly creative hub in East London. The space is light-filled and invitingdelivering all-day dining from brunch through to supper. You get the impression that every detail has been considerately put together with sustainability at its core – even the lampshades are made from old orange peel. Pizzas are made with 100 per cent heritage dough – we tried the Mushroom and Egg topped with Somerset cheeseeggs with the brightest yolksmushroomsBechamel and smoky tomato drizzle. Hunky garlic croutons mop up the juices in a generous bowl of Panzanella salad on the sideand for brunchthere is Climpson’s & Sons coffee and (more) kimchi in the form of shakshuka with homemade focaccia.
There's a great selection of wines stacked high on cabinets painted that mesmerising Marrakech blue of the Yves Saint Laurent Jardin Majorelle. Take away or drink-in – many come in reusable bottles as part of a return and re-fill scheme. I opted for a very decent orange Vinho Verde (there’s a choice of three organic wines on taptoo). If you’re after something strongerthe owners’ friend George Fredenham forages botanicals locally which are then brewed and distilled into wild boozy concoctions. Order the fig leaf and sweet woodruff Martini.
Address: 288 Cambridge Heath RoadLondon E2 9DA
Website: flatearthpizzas.com27. Pizzeria Pappagone
What to order: Pizza parmigiana
I want to start by saying that I’m obsessed with Pizzeria Pappagone. It’s affordableit’s casualit’s freneticbut most importantlyit’s delicious. This much-loved pizzeria slings out crisp Roman- pizzas at its two locationsthe original being in Finsbury Park. The menu can feel overwhelmingbut let me do you a favour by telling you to stick with the classics. The Pizza Margherita and Pizza Parmigiana are favourites and must-order dishes to share with friends. Top tip: Add a side of Insalata Mista for a bit of freshness. This spot is my go-to dinner for catching up with friends; it’s cheap and cheerful and feels like a big Italian family has adopted youall while still being in the heart of London. Amber Port
Address: 131 Stroud Green RoadFinsbury ParkLondon N4 3PX
Website: instagram.com
