Whether you’re a fan of the classic Margherita or after a slightly more adventurous slice, dotted with truffles and speck, there are plenty of pizza places to choose from in London.
From stone-baked bases to locally sourced ingredients, we pick the top five places to get a slice of the action.
Buona Sera, Clapham Junction
Where: 22-26 Northcote Road, Clapham Junction, SW11 1NX
Why: Buona Sera is a very casual, family-run Italian restaurant situated on the busy Northcote Road. The menu is unapologetically basic and is best skimmed over until you reach the pizza section, for this is Buona Sera’s crowning glory.
The pizzas are large and well balanced with flavour, from the sweet homemade tomato sauce through to the generous toppings and springy, crispy dough base.
What to order: Meat eaters should head straight for the Prosciutto Crudo, a sumptuous duo of mozzarella and wide, salty strips of Parma Ham.
Vegetarians will be equally impressed with the Bianca, a tomato-free base topped with peppery rocket, mozzarella and thick parmesan shavings.
If you have room, the tiramisu is a simple but delicious dessert – two spoons recommended.
For more information, visit: www.zomato.com
21, Covent Garden (picture above)
Where: 21 The Market, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RD
Why: Sat right in the bullseye of Covent Garden amongst the crowds of tourists and bronze-coated, battered-suitcase-wielding street performers, we know this sounds like a bit of an odd choice. But despite the location, 21 is still top of our pizza pile, serving one of the tastiest stone-baked pizzas we’ve had in Central London.
What to order: Order nothing but the Alla Roma, a sumptuous stone-baked pizza base, topped with a generous portion of fresh mozzarella, Parma ham, mascarpone, rocket and sweet roasted red onions.
For more information, visit: www.21-coventgarden.co.uk
Franco Manca, Brixton
Where: Unit 4, Market Row, Brixton, W4 1PU
Why: Starting out as a small pizzeria in Brixton’s busy market arcade, Franco Manca has branched out with four new restaurants across London.
Using locally sourced ingredients, combined with a slow-rising sourdough base, Franco Manca offers rustic, flavoursome pizzas cooked in a traditional Napalese wood-burning stove.
What to order: Pizza with Gloucester old spot ham (home cured), mozzarella, buffalo ricotta and wild mushrooms
For more information, visit: www.francomanca.co.uk
Pizza East, Shoreditch
Where: 310 Portobello Road, London, W10 5TA
Why: Situated on the ground floor of the industrial Tea Building, this trendy pizzeria is one of the most popular pizza places in London, serving delectable toppings on ten-inch bases.
Larger groups can book the semi-private dining room for a pizza party, which seats up to 18 guests. For something a bit more intimate, Pizza East also has a secret underground event space, Concrete, which combines industrial fittings, long wooden benches and private bar to create a laid-back dinner venue.
What to order: Pizza with Mortadella (large Italian sausage), truffle caprino, fontina cheese and sage
For more information, visit: www.pizzaeast.com
Osteria Basilico, Notting Hill
Where: 29 Kensington Park Road, W11 2EU
Why: Osteria Basilico prides itself on being a traditional Italian eatery, focusing on sourcing fresh local ingredients and providing customers with real ‘home cooking’ in their rustic Notting Hill trattoria.
The pizza menu is simple, but if it’s authentic Italian you’re looking for – Osteria Basilico is the place to go, offering the usual favourites from the classic Margherita to a strong and flavoursome Quattro Formaggi.
What to order: Keep it simple with a Pizza Bufala e Basilico, a deep, crisp base with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil leaves.
Make sure to leave room for the Cannoli Siciliani Ripieni Alla Ricotta, a typical Sicilian crispy pastry filled with ricotta and served with vanilla sauce and flakes of rich chocolate.
For more information, visit: www.osteriabasilico.co.uk
