In the mood for pizza? These are some of our favourite places to go for piping hot pizza covered in all our favourite toppings. Some of the best pizzas in London, some may say…
PizzaExpress, various locations
View this post on Instagram
It’s best to start where it all began. In 1965, Peter Boizot felt pizza in London could be better. So he shipped over an authentic oven from Italy, opened the first PizzaExpress and got to work serving the great pizza the UK deserved. Choose from classic pizzas; the bigger, thinner, crispier Romana; lower-calorie Leggera pizzas served with fresh salad; or go rectangular with Calabrese or folded with Calzone. The toppings are just as varied too. £. 450 Strand, WC2R 0RG. www.pizzaexpress.com. Nearest station: Charing Cross (various locations are available).
Ave Mario, Covent Garden
View this post on Instagram
Pizza, just like nonna used to make. These gourmet ‘non-pizzas’ are baked using the traditional Italian ‘Biga’ technique which involves a 24-hour leavening process to give them a unique, pillowy crust. The menu changes every month but the pizzas never disappoint. ££. 15 Henrietta St, WC2E 8QG. www.bigmammagroup.com. Nearest station: Covent Garden.
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, Soho
View this post on Instagram
Rudy’s is a relaxed, neighbourhood pizzeria in the heart of Soho. The first Rudy’s pizzeria opened in Manchester in 2015. Since then they have perfected their techniques to create a perfect, light, classic Neapolitan pizza, and opened branches in Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds and Cheshire before finally arriving in London. Rudy’s stick to the traditions and artistry of Neapolitan pizza; the texture is light and floppy. How you eat it is up to you – tuck in with a knife and fork or use your hands to tear and fold. £. 80 Wardour St, W1F 0TF. www.rudyspizza.co.uk. Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Marylebone
View this post on Instagram
Although he wasn’t big on food, even Sherlock Holmes might have had his head turned by the garlicky wafts coming from this pizzeria on Baker Street. Fans of Eat Pray Love may recognise the name of this Neapolitan pizzeria – there’s also a Soho branch in the pipeline. Expect slightly misshapen bases with signature ultra-puffy crusts and dark spots from the oven’s searing heat. Ask for double mozzarella on the classic Margherita, you won’t regret it. ££. 199 Baker Street, NW1 6UY. www.anticapizzeriadamichele.co.uk. Nearest station: Baker St.
Yard Sale, various locations
Yard Sale has been serving North, East and South London for seven years. They’ve had some incredible collaborations along the way, starting with Macaulay Culkin and his band The Pizza Underground who performed at the Clapton restaurant’s launch party. All pizzas come with the signature slow-cooked tomato sauce and Fior di Latte mozzarella (unless requested without). Plus the dough is vegan and vegan cheese and gluten-free bases are also available. £-££. Various locations. www.yardsalepizza.com.
Pizza Pilgrims, various locations
View this post on Instagram
Serving dough that’s made fresh daily and topped with the best ingredients Italy has to offer, these are some of the best possible pizza bases going. You’ll be hard pushed to find an area in London without a Pizza Pilgrims – from Camden to Westfield, they’re everywhere. Plus at the City restaurant, you can enjoy unlimited pizza, pints and Prosecco. It’s the dream. £. Tower 42, 22 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HQ. www.pizzapilgrims.co.uk. Nearest station: Liverpool St.
50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo, Trafalgar Square
View this post on Instagram
First becoming wildly popular in Naples and now expanded into London, 50 Kalò is the restaurant of acclaimed ‘doughmeister’ Ciro Salvo. You’re spoilt for choice as the pizza menu is huge. Keep it simple with a Marinara – a tomato base is topped with garlic, oregano and extra virgin olive oil – or go all-out with a Carciofi E Bresaola, featuring a white base with for di latte cheese, roasted artichoke hearts, topside beef, parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. £-££. 7 Northumberland Ave, WC2N 5BY. www.50kalò.it. Nearest station: Charing Cross.
Franco Manca, various locations
Another chain restaurant?! Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it – and you’ll rarely find a Londoner turn down the offer of one of these sourdough pizzas. The menu often features specials such as the 2022 National Pizza Day special featuring British mozzarella, Colston Bassett stilton, wilted spinach and roasted hazelnuts dressed with honey and ‘nduja (above). If you’re dead set on authenticity, head to their original Brixton Market location to see where it all began. £. Various locations are available. For Brixton: 4 Market Row, SW9 8LD. www.francomanca.co.uk. Nearest station: Brixton.
Please like, share and comment below and see if we have anything else to inspire your next visit to London.
