Best Pizzas in London

1 My Guide to London’s Best Pizzas

Well, I should say from the outset, by titling this article “Best Pizzas in London”, I’m opening up a jumbo-sized can of worms. Ask ten different pizza fanatics to list their favourite pizza restaurants, and you would probably get ten different answers.

One person’s good pizza is another person’s worst nightmare; it’s so subjective, it’s like asking where to go for the best pint of Guinness or where to find the best burger in town – you will end up with a list longer than your arm.

So to simplify things, and because the world of pizza has its own subcultures on style, I have split my recommendations into sections: Neapolitan, New York, and London Style. Hopefully, it should make picking your favourite easier, well that’s the idea at least.

So how did I come up with my list? Obviously, personal choice, but also asking as many of my foodie friends as possible to give me their choices, and from there it was just narrowing down the options. It sounds simple, but trust me, it was not.

So if you are visiting or new to London, or just keen to explore different pizza restaurants in London, I hope you find my guide useful. When I say this guide will always be evolving, as good pizza restaurants seem to open weekly. Also, feel free to send your suggestions over.

By the way, my choices for the best Guinness in London: The Guinea Grill Mayfair, The Devonshire Soho, and Coach & Horses on Wellington Street.

2 Neapolitan

The original and, for many, the only true pizza. Neapolitan pizza features a soft, pillowy base with charred leopard spots, cooked in a wood-fired oven at around 450-500°C for just 60-90 seconds. The result is a light, airy crust with a slightly chewy centre – often described as ‘soupy’ in the middle where the tomatoes, mozzarella and toppings melt together. These are the pizzerias bringing authentic Naples to London, many run by Italian expats who import everything from the flour to the mozzarella.

Napoli on the Road

Crowned ‘Best Pizza in Europe’ for two consecutive years by 50 Top Pizza, Michele Pascarella’s pizzeria started life as a mobile Ape Piaggio van touring London’s pub car parks. Now with permanent homes in Chiswick, Richmond and Soho, it’s become a pilgrimage site for pizza lovers. The menu changes seasonally with creative toppings, though the signature ‘Ricordi d’Infanzia’ with slow-cooked ragu and Parmigiano Reggiano fondue won Pizza of the Year 2025. Contemporary Neapolitan pizza at its absolute finest.

9a Devonshire Road, Chiswick, W4 2EU | 12 Red Lion Street, Richmond, TW9 1RW | 140 Wardour Street, Soho

50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo

A London outpost of one of Naples’ most revered pizzerias, 50 Kalò (meaning ‘good dough’ in Neapolitan dialect) opened near Trafalgar Square in 2018. Owner Ciro Salvo is considered one of the world’s great pizzaiolos, and his forensic experiments in dough hydration have earned him a place in the Michelin guide. The focus here is on dough mastery – light, airy crusts with perfect leopard-spot charring. A proper date night destination with a broader menu than traditional Naples spots.

7 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

The legendary Naples institution, running since 1870 and immortalised in ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, now has London outposts in Baker Street and Soho. Named the world’s best pizza chain in 2025 by 50 Top Pizza, da Michele is famous for its enormous ‘wagon wheel’ pizzas and traditionally minimalist approach. The original menu featured only margherita and marinara, though London locations have expanded slightly. Purists still stick to the classics – and with good reason.

44 Baker Street, London W1U 7AL | 125 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 5JT

Santa Maria

One of the pioneers that helped transform London’s pizza scene. Neapolitan owners Angelo and Pasquale opened the original Ealing location on Valentine’s Day 2010, importing everything from the wood-fired oven to the Caputo flour. Time Out named it London’s Best Pizzeria within weeks of opening. The dough gets a 24-hour rise, tomatoes are crushed by hand, and the mozzarella is cut in precise pieces. Since then, they’ve expanded to six locations while maintaining consistently excellent quality.

15 St Mary’s Road, Ealing, W5 5RA (original) | Also Paddington, Islington, Fulham, Kew, Fitzrovia

Crust Brothers

Two-time National Pizza Award winners Crust Bros have built their reputation on charred-to-perfection leopard print crusts and a refreshingly unpretentious approach to Neapolitan pizza. Their flagship Covent Garden spot on Bedford Street opened in July 2025 with 135 covers across two floors.

The concept centres on personalisation—choose between classic Neapolitan or gluten-free dough, then build your own from an array of sauces, meats, cheeses and veg (chicken yes, pineapple absolutely not). Alternatively, the Fave Pizzas menu delivers signatures like ‘Straight Outta Hell’ loaded with chicken, pepperoni, nduja and chillies, or ‘Nonna’s Yard’ with caramelised onions, goat’s cheese and pesto drizzle. Dough is made fresh daily and proofed for 48-72 hours before hitting 450-degree ovens.

The savoury bomba donuts are a Covent Garden exclusive. The 6-hour ragu lasagna bomba with parmesan, béchamel and deep-fried lasagna sheet is unmissable. Cocktails deserve attention too, particularly the inventive Negroni riffs: try the Coffee Negroni or finish with the Negroni Espresso Martini.

Covent Garden, Waterloo, Earls Court

Pizza Pilgrims

Brothers Thom and James Elliot travelled 4,500km across Italy in 2012 to learn the craft before launching Pizza Pilgrims. That dedication shows in every pie. Named the 6th best pizza chain in the world by 50 Top Pizza, they’ve built a loyal following with their Neapolitan-style pizzas and playful approach – including the famous Nutella pizza ring for dessert. The vibe is fun and accessible without sacrificing authenticity. Great for groups.

Multiple locations including Carnaby Street, Shoreditch, Oxford Street, King’s Cross

Berberè

Italian brothers Salvatore and Matteo Aloe brought their slow-fermented sourdough pizzas from Bologna to London, earning 7th place in the world’s best pizza chains ranking. Berberè’s pizzas are cut into eight perfect slices with dips like spicy ‘nduja and honey for the crusts. The dough ferments for at least 24 hours, creating an incredibly light and digestible base. Try the Norma with baked aubergine and pesto.

Tottenham Court Road | Marylebone | Kentish Town | Clapham

Franco Manca

The sourdough pizza chain that started it all. Franco Manca opened in Brixton Market in 2008 and proved that Londoners were ready for proper pizza at reasonable prices. Their slow-rising sourdough bases are light but satisfying, topped with carefully sourced ingredients. While they’ve grown into a nationwide chain, quality remains consistent – and the prices are still remarkably fair. The numbered menu keeps things simple.

Multiple locations across London

3 New York Style

Thin, crisp bases designed to be folded in half. New York-style pizza has been having a serious moment in London, with several excellent new openings bringing the authentic slice shop experience to the capital. These pies are bigger, firmer, and all about the toppings – pepperoni, jalapeños, and plenty of cheese. Perfect for eating on the go or sharing with friends over a few beers.

Crisp Pizza

Carl McCluskey perfected his thin, stiff New York-style slices in his family’s backstreet Hammersmith pub before moving to grander digs. Now installed at The Marlborough in Mayfair, Crisp has become the go-to for NY purists. The tie-dye pie with spicy tequila sauce and pesto swirl is a signature, and keep your eyes open for occasional collaborations with the likes of Padella.

The Marlborough, North Audley Street, Mayfair

Spring Street Pizza

Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble might seem an unlikely pizza slinger, but his Spring Street Pizza in Borough proves that fine-dining precision translates beautifully to New York-style slices. Named after the Manhattan street where America’s first pizzeria (Lombardi’s) opened in 1905, the restaurant serves 18-inch pies with two to three day fermented dough that’s light, crispy, and built to handle serious toppings.

Borough, London SE1

Homeslice

Giant 20-inch pizzas served on wooden boards – or by the slice if you’re flying solo. Homeslice started in Neal’s Yard (still their most atmospheric location) and has expanded across London with their thin, NY-influenced pies. Fresh mozzarella arrives twice weekly from Naples, sauces are made in-house, and everything is cooked in wood-fired ovens. The rotating seasonal toppings keep things interesting.

Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden | Marylebone | Shoreditch | City of London

Bad Boy Pizza Society

What started as a parody university pizza society has become a serious pizza operation. The four founders have opened their first permanent pizzeria in Bethnal Green, serving 22-inch New York-style pies with toppings like ‘nduja, honey and pepperoni. They describe it as ‘a proper pizza social club’ with their tunes, drinks, and vibe. Italian-American classics like chicken parmigiana also feature.

419 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 0AN

4 London Style

A new wave of pizzerias has emerged combining the best of Naples and New York – soft and chewy on the inside, crispy on the outside, with creative toppings that couldn’t exist anywhere else. Call it ‘London style’ if you like: it’s the chew and char of Neapolitan dough with the structure and foldability of a New York slice. Playful, creative, and undeniably delicious.

ACE Pizza

Rachel Jones built a cult following through pub pop-ups before opening her Victoria Park restaurant. ACE sits squarely between Neapolitan and New York styles – blistered crust of one, topping-sturdiness of the other. The 48-hour fermented base is crisp underneath, puffy at the edges, and built to handle stacks of toppings like spicy salami with chilli honey or the penne vodka with pesto swirl. Plus soft serve and strong drinks.

126-128 Lauriston Road, Victoria Park, E9 7LH | Also at Pembury Tavern, Hackney Downs

Yard Sale Pizza

The original Clapton location’s opening party featured a secret gig by Macaulay Culkin’s band – and Yard Sale has maintained that irreverent energy ever since. Known for interesting collaborations and creative toppings (the TSB with tender stem broccoli, parmesan and pine nuts is very East London), they’ve become a neighbourhood staple across multiple locations. Handmade pizzas with vibrant toppings and a real community feel.

Clapton | Finsbury Park | Walthamstow | Hackney | Leytonstone

Alley Cats

American-inspired but executed without feeling like pastiche. Alley Cats brings NYC pizzeria vibes to Marylebone, Chelsea and Notting Hill with 14-inch pies, gingham tablecloths, and a casual cool atmosphere. The vodka sauce pizza with aged mozzarella and creamy tomato sauce has become a signature. Cat-themed artwork and retro décor create the perfect spot for a laid-back meal with friends.

Marylebone | Chelsea | Notting Hill

5 Pub Residencies

Some of London’s best pizza is being served from pub kitchens. These residencies combine excellent dough with a pint and proper pub atmosphere. No bookings, no fuss – just great pizza in your local boozer. This is where many of the city’s most exciting pizza makers cut their teeth before opening their own places.

Dough Hands

Chef Hannah Drye’s pizza operation has found permanent homes at the Spurstowe Arms in London Fields and the Old Nun’s Head in Nunhead. Her mega New York-style pies are big, heartily topped behemoths with brittle (in a good way) crispy crusts. If you don’t like getting your fingers dirty, this isn’t for you – red oil runs down your elbows. The Jode (tomato, mozzarella, ‘nduja, hot honey and stracciatella) is a masterpiece. Named one of the best pizzas in the world by Time Out in 2025.

Spurstowe Arms, 68 Greenwood Road, Hackney, E8 1AB | Old Nun’s Head, 15 Nunhead Green, SE15 3QQ

Little Earthquakes

Chef Neil Rankin’s deep-pan pizza pies are a true original. Served from the Railway Tavern in Dalston, these 6-inch super cheesy numbers come over like sexy mega-crumpets. Topped with seriously hearty stuff – mortadella, punchy jalapeño pesto, salami ragu, taleggio and honey. Not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely delicious.

Railway Tavern, St Jude Street, Dalston

6 South London

South of the river has its own thriving pizza scene, with neighbourhood spots that have become destinations in their own right. These are the places locals guard jealously – unpretentious, excellent value, and serving some of the best pizza in the city.

Theo’s

The south London favourite that’s become a destination in its own right. Theo’s Camberwell location serves Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas from a wood-fired oven alongside their famous homemade chilli sauce – the kind you’ll empty completely by the end of your meal. Chewy crusts, generous toppings, and excellent value with most pizzas under a tenner. The £5 lunchtime panuozzo pizza sandwiches are one of London’s best value lunches.

2 Grove Lane, Camberwell, SE5 8SZ | Draper House, 17-19 Elephant and Castle, SE1 6TH

7 Worth the Journey

Some of London’s finest pizza requires venturing beyond Zone 1. These spots are worth the trip – neighbourhood gems that have earned devoted followings and prove that great pizza can be found in every corner of the capital.

L’Oro di Napoli

‘The Gold of Naples’ – and the metaphor actually delivers. This family-run Neapolitan pizzeria near Gunnersbury Park has been a local secret since 2014, run by actual Neapolitan expats doing everything exactly as they did back home. The wood-fired oven cooks pizza in 90 seconds, producing thin, supple bases with gentle charring. One of the few London spots serving authentic fried pizza calzone. Excellent value with most pizzas around £12.

Unit 6, The Quadrant, Little Ealing Lane, W5 4EE

Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana

A vibrant homage to Neapolitan tradition with soft, chewy bases and perfectly blistered edges. Originally from Manchester, Rudy’s has brought its no-booking, high-energy approach to London. Simple, quality ingredients on pillowy bases in a buzzy, modern setting. Great for groups willing to queue.

Multiple London locations

Sodo Pizza

It may look rough around the edges, but Sodo is all about the pizza. Thin, crisp, and delicious – their margherita is superb, with nothing to hide behind. Look out for ‘The Wicker Man’ with ‘nduja, mascarpone and pepperoni. Gluten-free options come on a clever butterbean base.

Hoxton | Bethnal Green | Deptford | Walthamstow

This guide will be updated as new pizzerias open and old favourites evolve. If you have suggestions or think I’ve missed somewhere essential, do get in touch.