Pizza: it's more than just a meal; it's a global passion. For foodies, the quest for the perfect slice is an endless adventure. In London, a city brimming with culinary diversity, the pizza scene is a vibrant mix of traditional and innovative. This guide is your passport to London's most mouth-watering, cheese-stretching, and flavor-packed pizzerias. So, let’s embark on this delicious journey through the city’s best!
1. Franco Manca – The Sourdough Sensation
Our first stop is Franco Manca. Known for their sourdough crust, Franco Manca has taken London by storm. Their slow-rising sourdough base is prepared fresh daily, creating a light and airy crust with a distinctive tang. Try their classic Margherita, with its simple yet perfect blend of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, or experiment with their seasonal specials.
Each bite transports you straight to the heart of Naples. Moreover, their chorizo and mozzarella option is a crowd-pleaser for those who prefer something a little different. The combination of spicy chorizo with mozzarella's smoothness creates a bold and satisfying flavor profile.
2. Santa Maria – The Neapolitan Nirvana
Next up, Santa Maria, a slice of Naples in London. This pizzeria prides itself on its adherence to traditional Neapolitan pizza-making methods. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, imported from Italy, giving them a smoky flavor and perfectly charred crust. The highlight here is the San Daniele – topped with Parma ham, rocket, and Parmesan shavings.
It's a masterpiece of flavors and textures. For vegetarians, their Ortolana, topped with a variety of fresh vegetables, is a colorful and healthy choice. The freshness of the ingredients shines through, providing a lighter but equally delicious option.
3. Homeslice – For the Adventurous Eater
For those who like to walk on the wild side of the culinary world, Homeslice is the go-to. Known for their enormous 20-inch pizzas, they offer a delightful twist with innovative toppings. Their ox cheek and gremolata pizza is a must-try.
The tender meat and zesty gremolata offer a unique combination that tantalizes the taste buds. Additionally, their mushroom and ricotta pizza, drizzled with garlic oil, is a subtle yet flavorful choice for those who prefer something less meaty but still packed with taste.
4. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele – A Slice of History
No pizza guide is complete without mentioning L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele. This historic pizzeria, dating back to 1870 in Naples, has its London outpost in Stoke Newington. The experience is all about tradition, from the hand-kneaded dough to the San Marzano tomatoes and the Fior di Latte mozzarella.
The result? A pizza that’s both beautifully simple and deeply satisfying. They also offer a delightful Marinara pizza, an authentic choice featuring tomato, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, showcasing the simplicity and excellence of traditional ingredients.
5. Pizza East – The Trendsetter
In the hip neighborhood of Shoreditch, Pizza East stands out with its contemporary approach to pizza. The industrial-chic decor sets the tone for an inventive menu. Their veal meatball pizza with prosciutto, cream, and sage is a revelation.
The blend of high-quality ingredients and imaginative recipes makes Pizza East a must-visit for any pizza aficionado. For those who love a bit of heat, their spicy sausage pizza with chili flakes adds a fiery kick to each bite, making it a popular choice among spice enthusiasts.
6. Yard Sale Pizza – The Neighborhood Gem
Favorite pizza place of our friends from London Transport Hub! Yard Sale Pizza began as a passion project and quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Their success lies in the perfect balance of a crispy base and generous toppings.
Don't miss the ‘Holy Pepperoni' – a delightful combination of Cobble Lane pepperoni, Napoli piccante, and crumbled Nduja sausage. In addition to their famous pizzas, Yard Sale Pizza also serves up delicious homemade dips and sides, like their garlic herb dip, which perfectly complements their crust.
7. Pizzeria Pellone – Authenticity Redefined
In the bustling area of Leyton, Pizzeria Pellone offers a slice of authenticity. Their pizza boasts a fluffy, chewy crust with just the right amount of char. The highlight here is the Diavola, topped with spicy salami and a generous helping of mozzarella.
It's a fiery delight that's sure to please those who enjoy a bit of heat. Their Margherita pizza is another highlight, with its classic flavor profile that pays homage to the traditional roots of Neapolitan pizza.
8. Sodo Pizza – The Sourdough Expert
Sodo Pizza, with multiple locations across London, stands out for its commitment to quality sourdough. Their Walthamstow location, in particular, is a cozy spot perfect for a casual pizza night. Try the ‘Jon Bon Chovy’ – topped with anchovies, olives, capers, and mozzarella.
It's a salty, savory treat that sourdough lovers will adore. For dessert, Sodo offers a delightful cinnamon scroll pizza, a sweet twist on the traditional pizza, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
9. Pizza Pilgrims – The Pizza Purists
Founded by two brothers on a ‘pilgrimage' across Italy, Pizza Pilgrims is a testament to their love for authentic pizza. Their Margherita is a work of art, with its puffy crust and perfectly balanced toppings.
They also offer a unique twist with their Nutella pizza ring – a dream for dessert lovers. The Calzone Napoletano is another must-try, a folded pizza filled with ricotta, salami, and tomato, providing a deliciously different pizza experience.
10. Zia Lucia – The Alternative Dough Masters
Last but certainly not least, Zia Lucia in Holloway offers a unique twist with their alternative dough options. Their wholemeal, gluten-free, and vegetable charcoal bases cater to a variety of dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
The ‘Andrea Pirlo' – topped with mozzarella, gorgonzola, apple, and truffle honey – is a must-try for those seeking a gourmet pizza experience. They also excel in their vegan offerings, like the Vegan Margherita, which uses vegan mozzarella and is just as satisfying as its traditional counterpart.
In Conclusion
London's pizza scene is a melting pot of styles and flavors, each pizzeria offering its unique charm and specialties. From the traditional to the modern, from sourdough to wood-fired, this guide showcases the best of what London has to offer in the world of pizza.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these pizzerias are sure to satisfy your pizza cravings and take you on a culinary journey you won’t soon forget.
Author bio
Lucas Green is a young digital marketing enthusiast from Phoenix, Arizona, US. Passionate about graphic design, social networking, content writing, and business in general. In his spare time, he writes extensively about graphic design, traveling, and business for Blog Post Biz.
