London’s pizza scene continues to boom, with independent pizzaioli, innovative pop‑ups and Italian‑run pizzerias competing to deliver the most authentic slice.
From tiny street‑corner operations to refined dining rooms worth adding to your culinary bucket list this year.
1. 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo – Westminster
Chef Ciro Salvo’s first London outpost consistently ranks among the world’s top pizzerias. The airy, high‑hydration dough produces a light, blistered crust, while toppings showcase simple Italian ingredients.
Expect classics like Margherita or Diavola alongside specials such as yellow‑tomato marinara or fritti starters. The spacious dining room near Trafalgar Square feels contemporary yet cosy, making this an ideal spot for a long lunch or relaxed dinner.
Signature style: Traditional Neapolitan pizza with a pillowy, charred crust and super‑fresh toppings.
Reasons to go: Award‑winning dough developed by a master pizzaiolo; central location perfect for tourists; Italian wine list and aperitivo bar.
7 Northumberland Avenue, Westminster, London WC2N 5BY
2. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele – Baker Street
Neapolitans have queued for the pizzas at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele since 1870. The London branch serves the same ultra‑thin pizzas baked in seconds at roaring temperatures.
The short menu focuses on Margherita and Marinara with a few seasonal additions; the simplicity highlights the quality of the dough and tomatoes. Its buzzing Baker Street dining room delivers Naples nostalgia without leaving the West End.
Signature style: Ultra‑thin crust cooked quickly in a wood‑fired oven – choose between classic Margherita or Marinara.
Reasons to go: Historic pizzeria lauded as one of the best in the world; quick service perfect for a pre‑theatre bite; simple menu ensures top quality.
Contact: 199 Baker Street, Marylebone, London NW1 6UY
3. Napoli on the Road – Chiswick
Michele Pascarella started out in a three‑wheeled van and now runs two sleek restaurants celebrating “contemporary high‑crust” pizza.
The Chiswick flagship offers an evolving seasonal menu: toppings might include smoked provola with ‘nduja, burrata with pistachio pesto or mortadella with pistachio cream. The airy, open kitchen and relaxed service make this an ideal neighbourhood hangout.
Signature style: Contemporary Neapolitan pizzas with a high, airy crust and creative seasonal toppings.
Reasons to go: Champion of the modern high‑crust movement; frequently ranked among Europe’s top pizzerias; vegan and vegetarian options.
9A Devonshire Road, Chiswick, London W4 2EU
4. ‘O ver Borough – Southwark
Located moments from Borough Market, ‘O ver uses purified seawater in its dough, producing a lighter, more mineral flavour. The menu blends Neapolitan tradition with modern Italian cooking – thin pizzas topped with smoked scamorza, fennel sausage and friarielli or a Burrata e Pesto with creamy basil sauce. The elegant dining room and terrace make it suitable for both date nights and casual lunches.
Signature style: Light, seawater‑infused dough and carefully sourced Italian ingredients.
Reasons to go: Unique seawater pizza base; refined Italian starters and desserts; attractive location near Borough Market and London Bridge.
44‑46 Southwark Street, London SE1 1UN
5. Pizzeria Pellone – Lavender Hill
South London’s Pizzeria Pellone brings the spirit of Naples’ Quartieri Spagnoli to Battersea. A giant wood‑fired oven anchors the cosy room, turning out soft, chewy pizzas topped with buffalo mozzarella, spicy salami or smoked ricotta. The friendly team offers a relaxed, family‑run atmosphere, and there are hearty pasta dishes for anyone not in a pizza mood.
Signature style: Traditional Neapolitan pizzas baked in a wood‑fire oven with generous toppings.
Reasons to go: Warm family service; great value; central Battersea location near Clapham Junction.
42 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5RL
6. Pizza East – Stratford
Part of the Gordon Ramsay group, Pizza East brings industrial chic and Italian comfort to Stratford’s Endeavour Square. The menu ranges from classic salami and mushroom combinations to creative specials like courgette, taleggio and truffle oil. There’s also a full antipasti and salumi selection, plus cocktails and desserts. The large windows and open kitchen create a buzzy, laid‑back vibe.
Signature style: Wood‑fired pizzas with both classic and inventive toppings, served in a stylish East London space.
Reasons to go: Spacious dining room ideal for groups; wide menu including pastas and grills; sister to the popular Shoreditch original.
Contact: 9 Endeavour Square, Stratford, London E20 1JN
7. Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana – Shoreditch
Rudy’s started in Manchester and has brought its laid‑back, community‑focused approach to Shoreditch. Dough proves for at least 24 hours before being topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte and other Italian staples. The result is soft, slightly soupy Neapolitan pizza served with a smile. The relaxed pizzeria operates on a first‑come basis, but waits are rewarded.
Signature style: Classic Neapolitan pizza with a thin, tender base and long‑fermented dough.
Reasons to go: Affordable prices; friendly, neighbourhood feel; vegan and gluten‑free options available.
Contact: 183 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6HU
8. Ace Pizza at The Pembury Tavern – Hackney
Ace Pizza operates from the Five Points Brewing Co.’s Pembury Tavern, dishing up 12‑inch New York inspired pies. The dough combines slow fermentation with a crisp, thin crust, topped with creative combinations like fermented chilli honey with pepperoni, or ricotta with courgette and lemon. Seasonal “slice night” specials see chefs pushing boundaries with wild toppings and giant 20‑inch shareable pizzas.
Signature style: New York‑style pizzas with inventive toppings served in a lively pub setting.
Reasons to go: Monthly specials keep regulars excited; extensive craft beer list from Five Points; relaxed pub atmosphere in the heart of Hackney.
The Pembury Tavern, 90 Amhurst Road, Hackney, London E8 1JH
9. Dough Hands – London Fields & Nunhead
Dough Hands is a roving pop‑up renowned for its crispy, charred crusts and playful toppings. Operating out of The Spurstowe Arms in London Fields and The Old Nun’s Head in Nunhead, the team serve pizzas topped with smoked scamorza and chillies, spicy nduja with honey, or seasonal vegetables. Walk‑ins are encouraged and portions are generous.
Signature style: Wood‑fired pizzas with a crisp, leopard‑spotted crust and generous toppings.
Reasons to go: Ever‑changing specials keep things interesting; relaxed pub venues; friendly service and community vibe.
The Spurstowe Arms, 68 Greenwood Road, London E8 1AB
10. Yard Sale Pizza – Multiple locations
Started by three friends in a back garden, Yard Sale has grown into a much‑loved mini‑chain serving giant 18‑inch pizzas for delivery or dine‑in. The pizzas combine a chewy sourdough base with toppings like house fennel sausage, mozzarella and basil or the spicy “Holy Pepperoni” with nduja and pepperoni. Slices and whole pies are available, and there are regularly changing collaborations with guest chefs.
Signature style: Big, chewy sourdough pizzas with imaginative topping combinations available by the slice or whole pie.
Reasons to go: Generous portions ideal for sharing; collaborations with local chefs and brands; multiple neighbourhood branches across London.
From traditional Neapolitan sanctuaries to modern high‑crust innovators and pop‑up pizza parties, London’s pizza landscape has never been richer. Each of these ten pizzerias offers something unique. Explore them one by one and discover your own slice of pizza paradise in the capital.
