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 then, the tastiest pizza was one you could get your mitts on – today, you can hardly move in the capital for artisan bases, outrageous 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 pizzas, pillowy Neapolitan numbers or New York -style jumbo slices, here’s our pick of the best pizza spots in London. For more inspiration in the city, see our guides to the best new restaurants in London , or our ultimate guide to the best restaurants in London . Play/Pause Button 1. Crisp What to order: The tie-dye pie, with a spicy tequila sauce and pesto swirl. Crisp needs no introduction, such is the scale of its viral fame. But now, it has gone from cult favourite in Hammersmith to a full-blown Mayfair presence. The new site, at The Marlborough (a staple pub just off Bond Street), has given it a big enough space to thrive in the city’s centre without losing its charm. It’s the sort of place that works for all occasions: a quick slice after work, date night, a casual weekend catch-up, or a full-on pizza feast with friends. The pizzas are the real draw, of course. Thin, blistered bases that stay crisp while holding generous toppings, from lashings of pecorino to oozing fior di latte. The tie-dye pie is a favourite: a tequila-spiked spicy sauce hits a sharp, unexpected note, while the pesto swirl rounds it out, giving each slice a hit of both heat and freshness. Other standout flavours include the Funghi Pie, with seasoned mushrooms, mozzarella, parm and their famous San Marzano tomatoes that base every slice. Beyond the pies, the dips are surprisingly memorable. Hot honey pairs perfectly with the W6 pizza, whilst the garlic and herb goes with almost everything. The cocktails are standout, too, namely the Picante. Book ahead; reservations are hard to nab. Chloe Laws Address: Crisp, 25 Crisp Road, London W6 9RL Website: instagram.com What to order: The tie-dye pie, with a spicy tequila sauce and pesto swirl. Crisp needs no introduction, such is the scale of its viral fame. But now, it has gone from cult favourite in Hammersmith to a full-blown Mayfair presence. The new site, at The Marlborough (a staple pub just off Bond Street), has given it a big enough space to thrive in the city’s centre without losing its charm. It’s the sort of place that works for all occasions: a quick slice after work, date night, a casual weekend catch-up, or a full-on pizza feast with friends. The pizzas are the real draw, of course. Thin, blistered bases that stay crisp while holding generous toppings, from lashings of pecorino to oozing fior di latte. The tie-dye pie is a favourite: a tequila-spiked spicy sauce hits a sharp, unexpected note, while the pesto swirl rounds it out, giving each slice a hit of both heat and freshness. Other standout flavours include the Funghi Pie, with seasoned mushrooms, mozzarella, parm and their famous San Marzano tomatoes that base every slice. Beyond the pies, the dips are surprisingly memorable. Hot honey pairs perfectly with the W6 pizza, whilst the garlic and herb goes with almost everything. The cocktails are standout, too, namely the Picante. Book ahead; reservations are hard to nab. Chloe Laws Address: Crisp, 25 Crisp Road, London W6 9RL Website: instagram.com Lateef Photography 2. Elephant What to order: Diavola Headed up by Stevie Thomas of Birmingham’s iconic live music venue, The Jam House, and Francesco Sarvonio of Manteca, Oranj and Naughty Piglets, this new venture is quickly becoming one of Hackney’s most talked-about dining addresses. As you enter, the 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 heritage, the menu is Southern Italian with a few dishes paying homage to his Nonna's own recipes, and 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 Bufalina, as well as more adventurous affairs, like La Squisita, a white-based pizza topped with pancetta and salsa verde, or the Sbagliata, also known as the “mistaken Margarita”. My favourite is the Diavola. The dough oozes in a rich tomato sauce, topped with spicy salami and finger-length Friggitelli for an extra kick. Despite steadily earning a reputation as one of London's best pizza spots, be sure to sample the rest of the menu too. Zingy seabass crudo and ox-cheek croquettes were memorable options, but it's the Genovese Ragu that I'll be coming back for time and again. Lucy Bruton Address: 43 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0NS Website: elephanthackney.com What to order: Diavola Headed up by Stevie Thomas of Birmingham’s iconic live music venue, The Jam House, and Francesco Sarvonio of Manteca, Oranj and Naughty Piglets, this new venture is quickly becoming one of Hackney’s most talked-about dining addresses. As you enter, the 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 heritage, the menu is Southern Italian with a few dishes paying homage to his Nonna's own recipes, and 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 Bufalina, as well as more adventurous affairs, like La Squisita, a white-based pizza topped with pancetta and salsa verde, or the Sbagliata, also known as the “mistaken Margarita”. My favourite is the Diavola. The dough oozes in a rich tomato sauce, topped with spicy salami and finger-length Friggitelli for an extra kick. Despite steadily earning a reputation as one of London's best pizza spots, be sure to sample the rest of the menu too. Zingy seabass crudo and ox-cheek croquettes were memorable options, but it's the Genovese Ragu that I'll be coming back for time and again. Lucy Bruton Address: 43 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0NS Website: elephanthackney.com 3. Bad Boy Pizzeria What to order: Pizzas here are so enormous that Half-and-Half toppings are a clever tactic. For an acclaimed pairing, the Vodka-roni and Sausage Party both won ‘National Pizza of the Year’ in 2022 and 2024, respectively. When four university students started selling slices at house parties in 2018, it’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 fanbase, not to mention a handful of national pizza awards. Still, the 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 shopfront, but tucked discreetly behind the red-tiled counter, there are 14 snug booths and tables, too. All pizzas are New York-style and made for sharing, stretched 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 sauce, upgrading familiar tomato bases with a soft, spiced tingle that lingers on your tongue. Gluten-free and halal variations are also available, plus a selection of Italian sides – the carbonara suppli’s crunchy-creamy fusion is not one to miss. The atmosphere is chilled, intimate, and free of all pretences. Think craft beer collaborations with local breweries, waiting staff clad in Bad Boy football shirts, and framed home photographs documenting their pizza-making journey. Even as it opens its first restaurant, Bad Boy Pizza Society has not lost sight of its cheery, community-driven roots. Layla Quaedvlieg Address: 419 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AN Website: badboypizzasoc.com 3. Bad Boy Pizzeria What to order: Pizzas here are so enormous that Half-and-Half toppings are a clever tactic. For an acclaimed pairing, the Vodka-roni and Sausage Party both won ‘National Pizza of the Year’ in 2022 and 2024, respectively. When four university students started selling slices at house parties in 2018, it’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 fanbase, not to mention a handful of national pizza awards. Still, the 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 shopfront, but tucked discreetly behind the red-tiled counter, there are 14 snug booths and tables, too. All pizzas are New York-style and made for sharing, stretched 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 sauce, upgrading familiar tomato bases with a soft, spiced tingle that lingers on your tongue. Gluten-free and halal variations are also available, plus a selection of Italian sides – the carbonara suppli’s crunchy-creamy fusion is not one to miss. The atmosphere is chilled, intimate, and free of all pretences. Think craft beer collaborations with local breweries, waiting staff clad in Bad Boy football shirts, and framed home photographs documenting their pizza-making journey. Even as it opens its first restaurant, Bad Boy Pizza Society has not lost sight of its cheery, community-driven roots. Layla Quaedvlieg Address: 419 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AN Website: badboypizzasoc.com Nic Crilly-Hardgrave 4. ACE Pizza What to order: Honey Pie ACE Pizza started out in 2018 at The Pembury Tavern in Hackney, where it remains a menu stalwart to this day. Now, their much-loved ‘London style’ slice, which blends Neapolitan char with New York foldability (ideal for a one-hand slice, one-hand pint equation), has found a standalone spot in the leafy streets of Victoria Park Village. Inside, it’s an ’80s disco diner remembered through bright reds and soft yellows, chestnut panelling and plush booth seating alongside design nods to counterculture icons Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. We sat outside, catching the last of the summer sun and letting the neighbourhood amble past. The menu is generous enough to keep everyone happy (including vegans, with an impressive plant-based selection). We began with giardiniera pickles and fried artichokes (sharp, salty, gone in minutes) and the very tasty Hot AF margaritas from their “low and no alcohol” drinks list. Then came the Honey Pie : fior di latte, salami, guindilla chillies, and a hot honey drizzle – a crowd favourite for a reason. The vegan Capers on Mare Street features Nocellara olives, capers, Casadei mozzarella and chimichurri that all sing in unison. The limited-edition Clam Pie with pecorino and lemons is a bright, briny delight. Save room, if you can, for the glossy Grown Up Sundae , made up of Fior di Latte soft serve, olive oil, sea salt, fennel pollen, and honey. And then? Walk it off through Victoria Park, wander toward V&A East, and make a day of it. Preshita Saha Address: 126-128 Lauriston Rd, London E9 7LH Website: thisisacepizza.com What to order: Honey Pie ACE Pizza started out in 2018 at The Pembury Tavern in Hackney, where it remains a menu stalwart to this day. Now, their much-loved ‘London style’ slice, which blends Neapolitan char with New York foldability (ideal for a one-hand slice, one-hand pint equation), has found a standalone spot in the leafy streets of Victoria Park Village. Inside, it’s an ’80s disco diner remembered through bright reds and soft yellows, chestnut panelling and plush booth seating alongside design nods to counterculture icons Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. We sat outside, catching the last of the summer sun and letting the neighbourhood amble past. The menu is generous enough to keep everyone happy (including vegans, with an impressive plant-based selection). We began with giardiniera pickles and fried artichokes (sharp, salty, gone in minutes) and the very tasty Hot AF margaritas from their “low and no alcohol” drinks list. Then came the Honey Pie : fior di latte, salami, guindilla chillies, and a hot honey drizzle – a crowd favourite for a reason. The vegan Capers on Mare Street features Nocellara olives, capers, Casadei mozzarella and chimichurri that all sing in unison. The limited-edition Clam Pie with pecorino and lemons is a bright, briny delight. Save room, if you can, for the glossy Grown Up Sundae , made up of Fior di Latte soft serve, olive oil, sea salt, fennel pollen, and honey. And then? Walk it off through Victoria Park, wander toward V&A East, and make a day of it. Preshita Saha Address: 126-128 Lauriston Rd, London E9 7LH Website: thisisacepizza.com Patricia Beja 5. Carmela's What to order: Pizza alla vodka A slice of pizza pie has brought serious Big Apple energy to Islington. Carmela’s, launched 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 popular, in fact, that 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 cheese, tomato and white pies. We went for the pepperoni and the pizza alla vodka, a cheeky twist on a classic pasta dish and honestly, I’m still drooling. It might just be one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. And whatever you do, don’t skip the dips. The tuna dip? I thought I might pass, but it turned out to be the standout. Missing it would’ve been a tragedy. To drink, Carmela’s offers a carefully curated selection of Italian wines and cocktails. Think crisp whites, bold 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 Islington, complete with that unmistakable New York buzz. Chelsea Hughes Address: 149A Upper St, London N1 1RA Website: carmelaspizzeria.co.uk What to order: Pizza alla vodka A slice of pizza pie has brought serious Big Apple energy to Islington. Carmela’s, launched 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 popular, in fact, that 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 cheese, tomato and white pies. We went for the pepperoni and the pizza alla vodka, a cheeky twist on a classic pasta dish and honestly, I’m still drooling. It might just be one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. And whatever you do, don’t skip the dips. The tuna dip? I thought I might pass, but it turned out to be the standout. Missing it would’ve been a tragedy. To drink, Carmela’s offers a carefully curated selection of Italian wines and cocktails. Think crisp whites, bold 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 Islington, complete with that unmistakable New York buzz. Chelsea Hughes Address: 149A Upper St, London N1 1RA Website: carmelaspizzeria.co.uk 6. Napoli on the Road What to order: Ricordi d’Infanzia; slow-cooked beef ragù, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP fondue, grated Parmigiano, basil and evo oil West Londoners were familiar with the quality of Michele Pascarella’s slices well before he gained global recognition as the Best Pizza Maker in the World at the 50 Top Pizza Awards in 2023, thanks to his touring Piaggio Ape. The first brick-and-mortar site drew Italophiles from across the capital to the leafy streets of Chiswick in 2019, with the second site sticking with the suburban vibes in Richmond. Now, as of spring 2025, the third Napoli on the Road’s location on none other than Soho’s Wardour Street is quite the statement – Michele’s more than ready to join the pizza heavyweights in the city’s buzziest neighbourhood. The two-floor space takes the brand’s sleek minimalism one step further; think clean lines, off-whites, soft lighting and a sense of spotlessness that’ll have you mouthing apologies for dropping crumbs. All the classics remain, including the Ricordi d’Infanzia (the best pizza in the world 2025), which sees a sourdough base smothered in a slow-cooked beef ragù, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP fondue, grated Parmigiano, basil and evo oil. All of the pizzas are generously topped, with the diavola warranting gulps of water (and chilled rosé) in its salty, salami glory. Stick to the comforting classics – the frittatine is well worth indulging in a side – or become a pizza connoisseur with a pizza tasting experience accompanied by curated wine flights. Address: Napoli on the Road, 140 Wardour Street, London W1F 8ZT Other locations: Chiswick and Richmond Website: napoliontheroad.com 6. Napoli on the Road What to order: Ricordi d’Infanzia; slow-cooked beef ragù, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP fondue, grated Parmigiano, basil and evo oil West Londoners were familiar with the quality of Michele Pascarella’s slices well before he gained global recognition as the Best Pizza Maker in the World at the 50 Top Pizza Awards in 2023, thanks to his touring Piaggio Ape. The first brick-and-mortar site drew Italophiles from across the capital to the leafy streets of Chiswick in 2019, with the second site sticking with the suburban vibes in Richmond. Now, as of spring 2025, the third Napoli on the Road’s location on none other than Soho’s Wardour Street is quite the statement – Michele’s more than ready to join the pizza heavyweights in the city’s buzziest neighbourhood. The two-floor space takes the brand’s sleek minimalism one step further; think clean lines, off-whites, soft lighting and a sense of spotlessness that’ll have you mouthing apologies for dropping crumbs. All the classics remain, including the Ricordi d’Infanzia (the best pizza in the world 2025), which sees a sourdough base smothered in a slow-cooked beef ragù, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP fondue, grated Parmigiano, basil and evo oil. All of the pizzas are generously topped, with the diavola warranting gulps of water (and chilled rosé) in its salty, salami glory. Stick to the comforting classics – the frittatine is well worth indulging in a side – or become a pizza connoisseur with a pizza tasting experience accompanied by curated wine flights. Address: Napoli on the Road, 140 Wardour Street, London W1F 8ZT Other locations: Chiswick and Richmond Website: napoliontheroad.com 7. Collective What to order: Buffala Cherry, Napolitana and a Portobello white pizza Collective is tucked away in the heart of Kennington Park, offering 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 London, where 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 here, but my favourite rotation is Buffala Cherry, Napolitana and a Portobello (white pizza). The ingredients are fresh (often local), the dough (sourdough!) is perfectly cooked, and the vibes are impeccable. Amber Port Address: Collective, Kennington Park, 4 St Agnes Place, London SE11 4BE Website: collective-kennington.co.uk What to order: Buffala Cherry, Napolitana and a Portobello white pizza Collective is tucked away in the heart of Kennington Park, offering 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 London, where 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 here, but my favourite rotation is Buffala Cherry, Napolitana and a Portobello (white pizza). The ingredients are fresh (often local), the dough (sourdough!) is perfectly cooked, and the vibes are impeccable. Amber Port Address: Collective, Kennington Park, 4 St Agnes Place, London SE11 4BE Website: collective-kennington.co.uk 8. The Birds Nest What to order: Cotto ham Behind a secret red door just off Brixton High Street lies Bird’s Nest, the kind of spot you only hear about through word of mouth, and once you do, you’ll wish you’d found it sooner. There’s no need for hype; the pizza does the heavy lifting. Neapolitan-style and made with slow-fermented Italian dough, each base is soft, chewy, and beautifully blistered. We went for the Cotto ham, ’nduja and mushroom, plus a pepperoni with chilli oil (and yes, every dip going, it would’ve been rude not to). Within minutes, two steaming pizzas arrived: gooey, doughy, cheesy perfection. To wash it down, a Negroni, because 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 furniture, it’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 House, 6 Canterbury Cres, London SW9 7QD Website: birdsnestbrixton.com 8. The Birds Nest What to order: Cotto ham Behind a secret red door just off Brixton High Street lies Bird’s Nest, the kind of spot you only hear about through word of mouth, and once you do, you’ll wish you’d found it sooner. There’s no need for hype; the pizza does the heavy lifting. Neapolitan-style and made with slow-fermented Italian dough, each base is soft, chewy, and beautifully blistered. We went for the Cotto ham, ’nduja and mushroom, plus a pepperoni with chilli oil (and yes, every dip going, it would’ve been rude not to). Within minutes, two steaming pizzas arrived: gooey, doughy, cheesy perfection. To wash it down, a Negroni, because 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 furniture, it’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 House, 6 Canterbury Cres, London SW9 7QD Website: birdsnestbrixton.com Justin De Souza 9. Yard Sale What to order: Named after the world’s most famous skunk, the Pepe Le Pew (fresh garlic, red onion, jalapeño peppers and parmesan) is delicious, though perhaps not ideal for a first date. The Leytonstone branch of this rapidly expanding dough empire is bright, buzzy 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” sizes, and vegans are extremely well looked after: witness the American Not, with guindilla chillies, house-made vegan pepperoni and vegan mozzarella, and the Magic Mushroom, with roasted ’shrooms, truffle oil, vegan parmesan and black pepper. The team's domination of London's pizza scene isn't slowing down, with a new Bermondsey opening in 2024. Address: 622 High Road Leytonstone, London E11 3DA ; check online for the full list of locations Other locations: Clapton, Finsbury Park, Hackney, Crofton Park, Crystal Palace, Balham, East Dulwich and Walthamstow Website: yardsalepizza.com What to order: Named after the world’s most famous skunk, the Pepe Le Pew (fresh garlic, red onion, jalapeño peppers and parmesan) is delicious, though perhaps not ideal for a first date. The Leytonstone branch of this rapidly expanding dough empire is bright, buzzy 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” sizes, and vegans are extremely well looked after: witness the American Not, with guindilla chillies, house-made vegan pepperoni and vegan mozzarella, and the Magic Mushroom, with roasted ’shrooms, truffle oil, vegan parmesan and black pepper. The team's domination of London's pizza scene isn't slowing down, with a new Bermondsey opening in 2024. Address: 622 High Road Leytonstone, London E11 3DA ; check online for the full list of locations Other locations: Clapton, Finsbury Park, Hackney, Crofton Park, Crystal Palace, Balham, East Dulwich and Walthamstow Website: yardsalepizza.com 10. Theo’s What to order: At lunchtime, they serve panuozzo – pizza-dough sandwiches – for just £6.50. One of the fixed points around which Camberwell’s buzzy restaurant scene revolves, Theo’s serves Neapolitan-style pizzas that are renowned far beyond SE5. The billowing, blistered bases can more than hold their own against high-concept toppings, from 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 bread, cheerful staff and keen prices make for a faultless experience. There’s an excellent Elephant & Castle outpost too. Address: 2 Grove Lane, Camberwell, London SE5 8SY Website: theospizzeria.com What to order: At lunchtime, they serve panuozzo – pizza-dough sandwiches – for just £6.50. One of the fixed points around which Camberwell’s buzzy restaurant scene revolves, Theo’s serves Neapolitan-style pizzas that are renowned far beyond SE5. The billowing, blistered bases can more than hold their own against high-concept toppings, from 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 bread, cheerful staff and keen prices make for a faultless experience. There’s an excellent Elephant & Castle outpost too. Address: 2 Grove Lane, Camberwell, London SE5 8SY Website: theospizzeria.com Innakostukovsky 11. Berberè Pizzeria What to order: Pepe's Let’s be honest, find a really, really good sourdough pizza and you’re winning, but 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 creative, and its position on James Street in Marylebone means the atmosphere is lively. Seating spills out onto the pavement, and if the sun shines, it’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. Obviously, you can’t go wrong with a margherita, but we tried Pepe’s, which is topped with minced lamb and garlic, and the Norma, with baked aubergines and walnut pesto. Dips are non-negotiable, and so is dessert. The tiramisu tastes as creamy and chocolatey as if it had been made by a true Italian nonna, and arrives heaped in a portion big enough to share. Or not. Sarah Bannerman Address: Marylebone, 50 James St, W1U 1H; Tottenham Court Road, 2 St Giles Square; Clapham, 67 Venn St; Kentish Town, 300 Kentish Town Road Website: www.berberepizzeria.co.uk 11. Berberè Pizzeria What to order: Pepe's Let’s be honest, find a really, really good sourdough pizza and you’re winning, but 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 creative, and its position on James Street in Marylebone means the atmosphere is lively. Seating spills out onto the pavement, and if the sun shines, it’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. Obviously, you can’t go wrong with a margherita, but we tried Pepe’s, which is topped with minced lamb and garlic, and the Norma, with baked aubergines and walnut pesto. Dips are non-negotiable, and so is dessert. The tiramisu tastes as creamy and chocolatey as if it had been made by a true Italian nonna, and arrives heaped in a portion big enough to share. Or not. Sarah Bannerman Address: Marylebone, 50 James St, W1U 1H; Tottenham Court Road, 2 St Giles Square; Clapham, 67 Venn St; Kentish Town, 300 Kentish Town Road Website: www.berberepizzeria.co.uk 12. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele What to order: Stick to the classic Margherita, but double up on the mozzarella Although he wasn’t big on food, even 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 bases, with their signature ultra-puffy crusts and dark spots from the oven’s searing heat. Are they really the world’s best, as their many admirers claim? There’s only one way to find out, but order one of the classics and you could well be sinking your teeth into one of the best pizzas in Rome . Address: 199 Baker Street, London NW1 6UY ; 44 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TY Website: anticapizzeriadamichele.co.uk 12. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele What to order: Stick to the classic Margherita, but double up on the mozzarella Although he wasn’t big on food, even 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 bases, with their signature ultra-puffy crusts and dark spots from the oven’s searing heat. Are they really the world’s best, as their many admirers claim? There’s only one way to find out, but order one of the classics and you could well be sinking your teeth into one of the best pizzas in Rome . Address: 199 Baker Street, London NW1 6UY ; 44 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TY Website: anticapizzeriadamichele.co.uk 13. Florencio What to order: Martita 2.0 As far as swish restaurants in well-to-do Marylebone go, Florencio comfortably balances that friendly hole-in-the-wall feel with something fancy enough for date night. It’s cosy inside with tufted blue sofas, tiled floors and red chequered tablecloths adorning just 32 tables, each offering front row views of the chefs busying themselves in the open kitchen. Head Chef Diago Jacquet has a strong pedigree, with 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-style that dominates the capital in favour of thin, crispy bases, with pleasingly crunchy results. These slices won’t collapse in your hand when you scoop them up from the plate. Flavours range from the classic (mozzarella, parmesan, basil and tomato) to less so (mozzarella, stracciatella, mortadella 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 margherita, but I’ll defend the Martita 2.0 as the restaurant’s biggest hitter – sue me, but its colourful mix of mozzarella, pecorino, marinated courgettes, chilli, mint, walnut, and mascarpone is much more interesting than your average. Portion sizes are generous but, miraculously, we still found room to demolish the milk cake for dessert – and so should you. Charley Ward Address: 14 Seymour Pl, London W1H 7NF Website: florenciopizza.com What to order: Martita 2.0 As far as swish restaurants in well-to-do Marylebone go, Florencio comfortably balances that friendly hole-in-the-wall feel with something fancy enough for date night. It’s cosy inside with tufted blue sofas, tiled floors and red chequered tablecloths adorning just 32 tables, each offering front row views of the chefs busying themselves in the open kitchen. Head Chef Diago Jacquet has a strong pedigree, with 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-style that dominates the capital in favour of thin, crispy bases, with pleasingly crunchy results. These slices won’t collapse in your hand when you scoop them up from the plate. Flavours range from the classic (mozzarella, parmesan, basil and tomato) to less so (mozzarella, stracciatella, mortadella 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 margherita, but I’ll defend the Martita 2.0 as the restaurant’s biggest hitter – sue me, but its colourful mix of mozzarella, pecorino, marinated courgettes, chilli, mint, walnut, and mascarpone is much more interesting than your average. Portion sizes are generous but, miraculously, we still found room to demolish the milk cake for dessert – and so should you. Charley Ward Address: 14 Seymour Pl, London W1H 7NF Website: florenciopizza.com Thomas Alexander 14. Alley Cats Pizza What to order: The smoked pepperoni, best served with the scotch bonnet dipping sauce, and the meatballs, which are topped with an admirably fluffy blanket of parmesan. It’s a cold, drizzly February evening, and a Dishoom-style 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 rain, it’s clear the capital’s love affair with American-style pies hasn’t stopped with Crisp, the much-hyped Hammersmith joint that’s been tacked onto The Chancellors pub since 2020. Unlike Crisp, however, this 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. Inside, I’m in a dimly lit New York hideout – red chequered cloths, exposed brickwork, traditional 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 vodka, and 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 tiramisu, which somehow disappeared in seconds despite our initial protestations. Worth the hype? We’d say so. Charley Ward Address: Alley Cats Pizza, 22 Paddington Street, London W1U 5QY Website: alleycatspizza.co.uk 14. Alley Cats Pizza What to order: The smoked pepperoni, best served with the scotch bonnet dipping sauce, and the meatballs, which are topped with an admirably fluffy blanket of parmesan. It’s a cold, drizzly February evening, and a Dishoom-style 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 rain, it’s clear the capital’s love affair with American-style pies hasn’t stopped with Crisp, the much-hyped Hammersmith joint that’s been tacked onto The Chancellors pub since 2020. Unlike Crisp, however, this 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. Inside, I’m in a dimly lit New York hideout – red chequered cloths, exposed brickwork, traditional 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 vodka, and 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 tiramisu, which somehow disappeared in seconds despite our initial protestations. Worth the hype? We’d say so. Charley Ward Address: Alley Cats Pizza, 22 Paddington Street, London 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 latte , smoked mozzarella, ground 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 Market, with outposts now in Brighton , Bristol, Birmingham , Leeds 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 Ancoats, followed by Peter Street, Sale, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds and Cheshire before finally making it to London and taking over a huge Wardour Street space, with an open kitchen and plenty of white subway tiling. Chefs subscribe to the Naples school of dough: stretchy, blistered bases smothered in toppings that are traditional (anchovies, artichoke, buffalo 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 Street, London, W1F 0TF Website: rudyspizza.co.uk What to order: The Salsiccia del Nonno has a perfectly pitched heat from the sprinkle of chilli flakes on top of fior di latte , smoked mozzarella, ground 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 Market, with outposts now in Brighton , Bristol, Birmingham , Leeds 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 Ancoats, followed by Peter Street, Sale, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds and Cheshire before finally making it to London and taking over a huge Wardour Street space, with an open kitchen and plenty of white subway tiling. Chefs subscribe to the Naples school of dough: stretchy, blistered bases smothered in toppings that are traditional (anchovies, artichoke, buffalo 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 Street, London, W1F 0TF Website: rudyspizza.co.uk 16. Zia Lucia What to order: Push the boat out with the Arianna: mozzarella, gorgonzola, fresh sausage, honey, and 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 rammed, its USP is that diners can choose from four different doughs, including charcoal and a world-class gluten-free one. The toppings are simple but superb: we love the Parmigiana, which comes covered in rich aubergine, tomato and mozzarella. Aldgate East, Boxpark Wembley and Hammersmith all have outposts, too. Address: Zia Lucia, 157 Holloway Road, London N7 8LX Website: zialucia.com What to order: Push the boat out with the Arianna: mozzarella, gorgonzola, fresh sausage, honey, and 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 rammed, its USP is that diners can choose from four different doughs, including charcoal and a world-class gluten-free one. The toppings are simple but superb: we love the Parmigiana, which comes covered in rich aubergine, tomato and mozzarella. Aldgate East, Boxpark Wembley and Hammersmith all have outposts, too. Address: Zia Lucia, 157 Holloway Road, London 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. Still, it shows no sign of flagging: the mirror-mosaic-covered oven is a reliable source of pleasingly quirky pizzas. Ironically, given its name, Lardo has been scaling back on its meat usage, and the menu caters greatly to vegetarians. The pineapple, mortadella and pickled chilli number has perennial filthy-gorgeous appeal. Address: 197-201 Richmond Road, Hackney, London E8 3NJ Website: lardo.co.uk 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. Still, it shows no sign of flagging: the mirror-mosaic-covered oven is a reliable source of pleasingly quirky pizzas. Ironically, given its name, Lardo has been scaling back on its meat usage, and the menu caters greatly to vegetarians. The pineapple, mortadella and pickled chilli number has perennial filthy-gorgeous appeal. Address: 197-201 Richmond Road, Hackney, London E8 3NJ Website: lardo.co.uk 18. Homeslice What to order: Neal's Yard Dairy four-cheese, jalapeño salsa and Rye Crumb The reigning champion of foldable slices, this mini-chain excels at the best pizza in London regarding leftfield toppings: anyone for chorizo, corn 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 locations, and the option to go 50-50 by splitting toppings, plus plenty of choice for vegans (hello, garlicky mushroom, pumpkin seed and chili), make this a very safe bet for a group trip. Address: 13 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DP Other locations: Marylebone, Old Street, White City, City Of London Website: homeslicepizza.co.uk What to order: Neal's Yard Dairy four-cheese, jalapeño salsa and Rye Crumb The reigning champion of foldable slices, this mini-chain excels at the best pizza in London regarding leftfield toppings: anyone for chorizo, corn 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 locations, and the option to go 50-50 by splitting toppings, plus plenty of choice for vegans (hello, garlicky mushroom, pumpkin seed and chili), make this a very safe bet for a group trip. Address: 13 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DP Other locations: Marylebone, Old Street, White City, City Of London Website: homeslicepizza.co.uk 19. Voodoo Ray’s What to order: The so-wrong-it’s-right Full Moon Slice: bacon dust, Japanese mayo, mozzarella, vine tomatoes It isn’t just the pizzas that are New York-style here: the neon signage, subway tiles and late-night vibe all scream retro Manhattan. The giant 22” pizzas, which come by the slice, read like they’ve been dreamed up by someone with a terrible hangover, and there are pots of dip for your crusts, sides 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 Street, Dalston, London E8 2PB Website: voodoorays.com 19. Voodoo Ray’s What to order: The so-wrong-it’s-right Full Moon Slice: bacon dust, Japanese mayo, mozzarella, vine tomatoes It isn’t just the pizzas that are New York-style here: the neon signage, subway tiles and late-night vibe all scream retro Manhattan. The giant 22” pizzas, which come by the slice, read like they’ve been dreamed up by someone with a terrible hangover, and there are pots of dip for your crusts, sides 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 Street, Dalston, London 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-style, wood-fired pizzas may be piled high with classic Italian meats and veg combos, however it’s really all about the dough here, which is fermented for a lengthy 72 hours to create a light and fluffy consistency. While the pizza bases are typically thin, crusts can be overwhelmingly big, so you’ll want to have the chilli oil ready for dipping or use them to mop up the generous amount of toppings. Try the Rucola, fresh and crunchy or and the vegetarian Fungi with punchy taleggio. To drink, go for one (or all) of the three negronis: the negroni bianco made with pink pepper gin, peach wine, and bitters is a winner. The vibe is relaxed and casual, perfect for a quick lunch or an impromptu dinner date. Sophie Knight Address: 14 Handyside St, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DN Other locations: Victoria Website: happyface.pizza 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-style, wood-fired pizzas may be piled high with classic Italian meats and veg combos, however it’s really all about the dough here, which is fermented for a lengthy 72 hours to create a light and fluffy consistency. While the pizza bases are typically thin, crusts can be overwhelmingly big, so you’ll want to have the chilli oil ready for dipping or use them to mop up the generous amount of toppings. Try the Rucola, fresh and crunchy or and the vegetarian Fungi with punchy taleggio. To drink, go for one (or all) of the three negronis: the negroni bianco made with pink pepper gin, peach wine, and bitters is a winner. The vibe is relaxed and casual, perfect for a quick lunch or an impromptu dinner date. Sophie Knight Address: 14 Handyside St, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DN Other locations: Victoria Website: happyface.pizza 21. Pizza Union What to order: The Tropicali – ham and pineapple, the ultimate guilty pizza pleasure Thin-and-crispy fan? Pizza Union has you covered. Or topped, to be more precise, with childhood favourite combinations such as chicken, beef and pepperoni, or four cheeses. This mini-chain of ‘pizza bars’ serves up piping-hot, 12" Roman-style pies in Spitalfields, King’s Cross, Aldgate, Dalston and Hoxton – so wherever you are in East London , you’re never too far from a fix. Every single one costs £6.50 or less, and because the slimline bases cook so fast, your order gets to your table in double-quick time. Bonus! Address: 25 Sandy's Row, Spitalfields, London E1 7HW Other locations: Dalston, King's Cross, Aldgate, Holborn And Hoxton) Website: pizzaunion.com 22. Pizzeria Pellone What to order: Look for La Tartufata on the specials board. It offers yellow tomatoes, fior di latte, pancetta, rocket and truffle burrata Hidden in plain sight on Lavender Hill in Battersea, this place serves up some of London’s most intriguing Neapolitan pizza. Owner Antonio’s grandfather opened his first restaurant in 1972 in Naples, and he gets almost all of his ingredients from Italy , including caputo flour, divella tomato sauce and Ciro amodio fior di latte mozzarella. The hand-painted plates are sweetly reminiscent of traditional trattorias. Still, there’s nothing old-timey about combinations such as gorgonzola, speck, walnuts and torn basil drizzled with the best extra virgin olive oil. The punchy calzone fritto with ricotta, mozzarella, Neapolitan salami and black pepper is a crisp-shelled delight. Address: 42 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5RL Website: pizzeriapellonelondon.co.uk 21. Pizza Union What to order: The Tropicali – ham and pineapple, the ultimate guilty pizza pleasure Thin-and-crispy fan? Pizza Union has you covered. Or topped, to be more precise, with childhood favourite combinations such as chicken, beef and pepperoni, or four cheeses. This mini-chain of ‘pizza bars’ serves up piping-hot, 12" Roman-style pies in Spitalfields, King’s Cross, Aldgate, Dalston and Hoxton – so wherever you are in East London , you’re never too far from a fix. Every single one costs £6.50 or less, and because the slimline bases cook so fast, your order gets to your table in double-quick time. Bonus! Address: 25 Sandy's Row, Spitalfields, London E1 7HW Other locations: Dalston, King's Cross, Aldgate, Holborn And Hoxton) Website: pizzaunion.com 22. Pizzeria Pellone What to order: Look for La Tartufata on the specials board. It offers yellow tomatoes, fior di latte, pancetta, rocket and truffle burrata Hidden in plain sight on Lavender Hill in Battersea, this place serves up some of London’s most intriguing Neapolitan pizza. Owner Antonio’s grandfather opened his first restaurant in 1972 in Naples, and he gets almost all of his ingredients from Italy , including caputo flour, divella tomato sauce and Ciro amodio fior di latte mozzarella. The hand-painted plates are sweetly reminiscent of traditional trattorias. Still, there’s nothing old-timey about combinations such as gorgonzola, speck, walnuts and torn basil drizzled with the best extra virgin olive oil. The punchy calzone fritto with ricotta, mozzarella, Neapolitan salami and black pepper is a crisp-shelled delight. Address: 42 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5RL Website: pizzeriapellonelondon.co.uk 23. Sodo Pizza What to order: It’s got to be the John Bon Chovy (tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, olives, capers, chilli and fresh parsley), for the name if nothing else Walthamstow’s premier pizzeria majors in long-fermented sourdough bases, craft beers and natural wine, served in an airy warehouse space – very E17. If you’re visiting at the weekend, you can order one of the special brunch pizzas: The Casper, with smoked mozzarella, cream, chard, white onion, eggs, Lincolnshire Poacher and Parma ham, is the one to beat. There are Bethnal Green , Hoxton and Clapton branches too, and if you fancy learning the tricks of the trade, they run pizza-making classes. Address: 21-23 Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, London E17 4QP Other locations: Clapton, Hammersmith, Hoxton and Bethnal Green Website: sodopizza.co.uk 24. Santa Maria What to order: The mortadella and pistachio pesto – or, if you’re meat-free, the vegan Sant' Andrea, with cream of potato and onions in soy milk, red and yellow peppers, portobello mushrooms and olives They’re big on provenance at this funky Ealing mainstay: Neapolitan owners Angelo and Pasquale are veterans of London’s pizza scene, and they only use San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte from Campania, along with delicacies from closer to home, such as rare-breed Yorkshire pork sausage. Santa Maria has one of London’s best vegan pizza selections, topped with walnut- or pumpkin-cream bases. In addition to the original, there are branches in Chelsea and Fitzrovia. Address: 11 Bond Street, London W5 5AP Website: santamariapizzeria.com What to order: It’s got to be the John Bon Chovy (tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, olives, capers, chilli and fresh parsley), for the name if nothing else Walthamstow’s premier pizzeria majors in long-fermented sourdough bases, craft beers and natural wine, served in an airy warehouse space – very E17. If you’re visiting at the weekend, you can order one of the special brunch pizzas: The Casper, with smoked mozzarella, cream, chard, white onion, eggs, Lincolnshire Poacher and Parma ham, is the one to beat. There are Bethnal Green , Hoxton and Clapton branches too, and if you fancy learning the tricks of the trade, they run pizza-making classes. Address: 21-23 Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, London E17 4QP Other locations: Clapton, Hammersmith, Hoxton and Bethnal Green Website: sodopizza.co.uk 24. Santa Maria What to order: The mortadella and pistachio pesto – or, if you’re meat-free, the vegan Sant' Andrea, with cream of potato and onions in soy milk, red and yellow peppers, portobello mushrooms and olives They’re big on provenance at this funky Ealing mainstay: Neapolitan owners Angelo and Pasquale are veterans of London’s pizza scene, and they only use San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte from Campania, along with delicacies from closer to home, such as rare-breed Yorkshire pork sausage. Santa Maria has one of London’s best vegan pizza selections, topped with walnut- or pumpkin-cream bases. In addition to the original, there are branches in Chelsea and Fitzrovia. Address: 11 Bond Street, London W5 5AP Website: santamariapizzeria.com Laurie Fletcher 25. 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 Manca, Dishoom, Wahaca. 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 Hove , all slinging fluffy Neopolitan-style 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 and, more recently, restaurants in Covent Garden and Bethnal Green. On a pedestrianised thoroughfare of St Pancras Square, the double-storey restaurant spills, Amalfi-style, onto the terrace on sunny days. Pizzas include creamy burrata and parma, fiery ‘nduja, delicious smoked ricotta with crispy fried aubergine – they also make for some of the best cheap eats in London , starting at £11.50 for a margherita. Order British-brewed serves from Brighton’s UnBarred Brewery, Hackney’s Howling Hops, Cornwall’s Harbour Brewing Co, or thoroughly Italian aperitivo such as Negroni or Aperol Spritz. Sarah James Address: Unit 1, 3 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG Website: fattoamanopizza.com 25. 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 Manca, Dishoom, Wahaca. 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 Hove , all slinging fluffy Neopolitan-style 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 and, more recently, restaurants in Covent Garden and Bethnal Green. On a pedestrianised thoroughfare of St Pancras Square, the double-storey restaurant spills, Amalfi-style, onto the terrace on sunny days. Pizzas include creamy burrata and parma, fiery ‘nduja, delicious smoked ricotta with crispy fried aubergine – they also make for some of the best cheap eats in London , starting at £11.50 for a margherita. Order British-brewed serves from Brighton’s UnBarred Brewery, Hackney’s Howling Hops, Cornwall’s Harbour Brewing Co, or thoroughly Italian aperitivo such as Negroni or Aperol Spritz. Sarah James Address: Unit 1, 3 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG Website: fattoamanopizza.com 26. Flat Earth Pizzas What to order: The signature kimchi and cheddar toastie, which is a thing of dreams After over two years of pop-ups, Flat 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 Street, a discreetly creative hub in East London . The space is light-filled and inviting, delivering 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 cheese, eggs with the brightest yolks, mushrooms, Bechamel and smoky tomato drizzle. Hunky garlic croutons mop up the juices in a generous bowl of Panzanella salad on the side, and for brunch, there 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 tap, too). If you’re after something stronger, the 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 Road, London E2 9DA Website: flatearthpizzas.com 27. Pizzeria Pappagone What to order: Pizza parmigiana I want to start by saying that I’m obsessed with Pizzeria Pappagone. It’s affordable, it’s casual, it’s frenetic, but most importantly, it’s delicious. This much-loved pizzeria slings out crisp Roman-style pizzas at its two locations, the original being in Finsbury Park. The menu can feel overwhelming, but 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 you, all while still being in the heart of London. Amber Port Address: 131 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3PX Website: instagram.com 26. Flat Earth Pizzas What to order: The signature kimchi and cheddar toastie, which is a thing of dreams After over two years of pop-ups, Flat 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 Street, a discreetly creative hub in East London . The space is light-filled and inviting, delivering 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 cheese, eggs with the brightest yolks, mushrooms, Bechamel and smoky tomato drizzle. Hunky garlic croutons mop up the juices in a generous bowl of Panzanella salad on the side, and for brunch, there 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 tap, too). If you’re after something stronger, the 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 Road, London E2 9DA Website: flatearthpizzas.com 27. Pizzeria Pappagone What to order: Pizza parmigiana I want to start by saying that I’m obsessed with Pizzeria Pappagone. It’s affordable, it’s casual, it’s frenetic, but most importantly, it’s delicious. This much-loved pizzeria slings out crisp Roman-style pizzas at its two locations, the original being in Finsbury Park. The menu can feel overwhelming, but 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 you, all while still being in the heart of London. Amber Port Address: 131 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3PX Website: instagram.com 28. Ria’s soho What to order: The house pie with ricotta drizzle and a lemony finish, or go all in and order one slice of each. Ria’s first made waves in Notting Hill with its thick-cut Detroit-style pizzas, natural wine list and laid-back interiors. The 2025 opening of Ria’s Soho feels like a confident second chapter, set across two lively floors in one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods. It’s the ideal spot for a girls’ dinner, with deeply knowledgeable staff who can recommend the perfect wine or cocktail to match your order. The pizza remains the headline act: fluffy, deep-dish slabs made with 72-hour fermented dough using Shipton Mill and Bruen Farm flour, delivering that signature crisp-chewy bite. The cheese-lined edge is among the chewiest, crispiest around. Toppings range from comforting classics to Soho-only Chilli Crisp special; the garlic wild mushroom pie is particularly memorable, layered with burnt onion jam and an oozing béchamel. Away from the pizza, the fried potatoes with whipped feta are a must, deeply moreish and somehow even better than a classic fry. For pudding, the vanilla soft serve with olive oil and sea salt is a palate-cleansing finish, paired perfectly with the most indulgent bite of battered, deep-fried Mars bar. Chloe Laws Address: Fouberts Mansions, 29 Foubert's Pl, Carnaby, London W1F 7QF Other locations: Notting Hill Website: rias.world/soho 29. Doughnation at 3Henrietta Street What to order: Truffled Mushroom Ragout pizza The piazza at Covent Garden can be an odd place – home to street performers, glamorous fashionistas, tourists and opera devotees alike. It’s not the sort of environment in which you’d expect to find 3Henrietta Street, an 1780-built five-storey townhouse with three restaurants inside – a sort of democratic but luxe food court. Doughnation is in the back on the ground floor in a space topped by a glass roof that lets the sun shine on the pizzas that tumble out of the oven in the corner. We tried the Covent Garden Vegan (creamed spinach sauce, vegan mozzarella) and the Truffled Mushroom Ragout (with added hazelnuts). Both have pleasingly puffy crusts and are truly tasty: the truffle option, in particular, is surprisingly well balanced, and the vegan variety doesn’t overdo it on the cheese (a oft-made mistake when it comes to plant-based pies). Sides of Tenderstem broccoli and a radicchio and chicory salad cut through the oilyness of our pizzas well, with the crispy onion addition on the latter keeping things squarely in comfort food territory. These extras are supplied from 3Henrietta Street’s main kitchen – a setup which sounds like a headache but in reality makes for a modular dining experience: the half-term crowds around us are mixing and matching their pizzas with burgers and more. This is the kind of joint that Londoners love to have in their back pocket: a quick-service, tasty lunch or dinner that suits a variety of diets, smack bang in the centre of town, in beautiful surroundings that provide a restful sanctuary from the madness outside the door. Suzie McCracken Address: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS Website: instagram.com/doughnation_pizza/ What to order: The house pie with ricotta drizzle and a lemony finish, or go all in and order one slice of each. Ria’s first made waves in Notting Hill with its thick-cut Detroit-style pizzas, natural wine list and laid-back interiors. The 2025 opening of Ria’s Soho feels like a confident second chapter, set across two lively floors in one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods. It’s the ideal spot for a girls’ dinner, with deeply knowledgeable staff who can recommend the perfect wine or cocktail to match your order. The pizza remains the headline act: fluffy, deep-dish slabs made with 72-hour fermented dough using Shipton Mill and Bruen Farm flour, delivering that signature crisp-chewy bite. The cheese-lined edge is among the chewiest, crispiest around. Toppings range from comforting classics to Soho-only Chilli Crisp special; the garlic wild mushroom pie is particularly memorable, layered with burnt onion jam and an oozing béchamel. Away from the pizza, the fried potatoes with whipped feta are a must, deeply moreish and somehow even better than a classic fry. For pudding, the vanilla soft serve with olive oil and sea salt is a palate-cleansing finish, paired perfectly with the most indulgent bite of battered, deep-fried Mars bar. Chloe Laws Address: Fouberts Mansions, 29 Foubert's Pl, Carnaby, London W1F 7QF Other locations: Notting Hill Website: rias.world/soho 29. Doughnation at 3Henrietta Street What to order: Truffled Mushroom Ragout pizza The piazza at Covent Garden can be an odd place – home to street performers, glamorous fashionistas, tourists and opera devotees alike. It’s not the sort of environment in which you’d expect to find 3Henrietta Street, an 1780-built five-storey townhouse with three restaurants inside – a sort of democratic but luxe food court. Doughnation is in the back on the ground floor in a space topped by a glass roof that lets the sun shine on the pizzas that tumble out of the oven in the corner. We tried the Covent Garden Vegan (creamed spinach sauce, vegan mozzarella) and the Truffled Mushroom Ragout (with added hazelnuts). Both have pleasingly puffy crusts and are truly tasty: the truffle option, in particular, is surprisingly well balanced, and the vegan variety doesn’t overdo it on the cheese (a oft-made mistake when it comes to plant-based pies). Sides of Tenderstem broccoli and a radicchio and chicory salad cut through the oilyness of our pizzas well, with the crispy onion addition on the latter keeping things squarely in comfort food territory. These extras are supplied from 3Henrietta Street’s main kitchen – a setup which sounds like a headache but in reality makes for a modular dining experience: the half-term crowds around us are mixing and matching their pizzas with burgers and more. This is the kind of joint that Londoners love to have in their back pocket: a quick-service, tasty lunch or dinner that suits a variety of diets, smack bang in the centre of town, in beautiful surroundings that provide a restful sanctuary from the madness outside the door. Suzie McCracken Address: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS Website: instagram.com/doughnation_pizza/ 30. Spring Street Pizza What to order: Go half-and-half so you can try two: either their take on a margherita or the moreish ’nduja and stracciatella pizza. Under the arches in Borough, this New York–style pizzeria has quickly become a firm favourite. Founded by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble, it serves whole pies, slices, cocktails, and soft-serve ice cream. Kemble has an impressive résumé – having worked at The Pass, Bonhams, Fäviken, and Hedone – and it shows in the pizza. The dough is fermented for 48–72 hours, giving it exceptional crust and bite. The homemade dips are worth ordering, including Green Goddess, jalapeño and sour cream, and confit garlic aioli. If you’re craving even more cheese, the breadcrumbed mozzarella sticks with hot honey are irresistibly oozy. Aside from the pizza, the real star is the soft-serve gelato made with Estate Dairy milk and cream, flavoured with Madagascan vanilla. Go for the sour cherry and pistachio topping—sweet, sharp, sticky, and delicious. Chloe Laws Address: Arch 32, Southwark Quarter, Southwark St, London SE1 1TE Website: springstpizza 31. Crust Bros. What to order: Lasagne bomba and personalised pizza The best part about the newest Crust Bros in Covent Garden (apart from its location, of course) is its signature personalised pizza option. Forget feeling awkward about asking for extra cheese or switching mushrooms for peppers, at this cool and casual joint, the choice – from the flavour of the sauce on the base to cheese variety and mix of toppings – is all yours. If you want it to be, that is; there’s a list of tried and tested classics on offer, too. To start, ‘bomba donuts’ are a must-try. They’re bite-sized portions of brioche dough, deep fried and filled with savoury goodness. Alternatively, save your bomba order for dessert and go for the insta-famous dulce de lece version. The vibe here is relaxed and easy enough to drop in after a day in the city, but bookings are pretty essential if you don’t want to queue. We pulled up a seat at the bar and sipped Negroni Spritzes to get in the Italian spirit before sitting right next to the open kitche and its buzz of activity. Sarah Leigh Bannerman Address: 29 Bedford St, London WC2E 8JF Website: crustbros.co.uk 30. Spring Street Pizza What to order: Go half-and-half so you can try two: either their take on a margherita or the moreish ’nduja and stracciatella pizza. Under the arches in Borough, this New York–style pizzeria has quickly become a firm favourite. Founded by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble, it serves whole pies, slices, cocktails, and soft-serve ice cream. Kemble has an impressive résumé – having worked at The Pass, Bonhams, Fäviken, and Hedone – and it shows in the pizza. The dough is fermented for 48–72 hours, giving it exceptional crust and bite. The homemade dips are worth ordering, including Green Goddess, jalapeño and sour cream, and confit garlic aioli. If you’re craving even more cheese, the breadcrumbed mozzarella sticks with hot honey are irresistibly oozy. Aside from the pizza, the real star is the soft-serve gelato made with Estate Dairy milk and cream, flavoured with Madagascan vanilla. Go for the sour cherry and pistachio topping—sweet, sharp, sticky, and delicious. Chloe Laws Address: Arch 32, Southwark Quarter, Southwark St, London SE1 1TE Website: springstpizza 31. Crust Bros. What to order: Lasagne bomba and personalised pizza The best part about the newest Crust Bros in Covent Garden (apart from its location, of course) is its signature personalised pizza option. Forget feeling awkward about asking for extra cheese or switching mushrooms for peppers, at this cool and casual joint, the choice – from the flavour of the sauce on the base to cheese variety and mix of toppings – is all yours. If you want it to be, that is; there’s a list of tried and tested classics on offer, too. To start, ‘bomba donuts’ are a must-try. They’re bite-sized portions of brioche dough, deep fried and filled with savoury goodness. Alternatively, save your bomba order for dessert and go for the insta-famous dulce de lece version. The vibe here is relaxed and easy enough to drop in after a day in the city, but bookings are pretty essential if you don’t want to queue. We pulled up a seat at the bar and sipped Negroni Spritzes to get in the Italian spirit before sitting right next to the open kitche and its buzz of activity. Sarah Leigh Bannerman Address: 29 Bedford St, London WC2E 8JF Website: crustbros.co.uk