I won’t profess to label this post as a “guide to the best pizza in London”, as everyone is likely to have their own views on this one. Instead, here goes with a few of my go-to’s whenever I find myself craving this comfort food classic.
Because sometimes, nothing beats a good pizza…
Del Fino’s
I’m lucky to count this charming family-run Italian restaurant as my local, with dinners here somewhat of a family tradition. We love the cheerfully-lively yet laid-back vibes, not to mention the warm welcome always enthused by the attentive staff.
The wood-fired pizzas are just divine – perfectly crisp edges, a thin base and the softest cheese, alongside an extensive selection of mouth-watering toppings to choose from. Fresh in from Italy, the burratina is also a must – far lighter than your average mozzarella and more buttery too, sitting pertly on a bed of grilled aubergine, marinated red onions dressed with a sharp balsamic reduction.
As for dessert, the densely-layered tiramisu is one of the best I’ve had in London. Wash it down with a digestivo, limoncello – if you have a taste for an intense lemony flavour – or the delightfully sweet fragolino, an Italian strawberry liqueur.
Del Fino’s 121 Mount Street, W1K 3NW
Jean-Georges at The Connaught
Across the street from Del Fino’s, you’ll find globe-trotting chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’ eponymous restaurant at The Connaught- an all-day, (relatively) laid-back affair majoring in the likes of black truffle pizzas and melting candy floss.
Made with a two-day fermented dough, the pizza’s base is generously layered with a black truffle paste and fontina cheese, before baking in a state-of-the-art Pavesi wood-fired oven. The result is wildly hedonistic, with the rich earthiness of the truffles decadently complimented by the melted butteriness of the cheese. Full review, here
Homeslice
Boasting a bespoke hand-built wood-fired oven, the rustic restaurant in Neal’s Yard has developed quite the cult following for its thin-dough pizzas, served up by the slice (albeit pretty large ones) or in a mammoth 20″ form, with a “half and half” option if you can’t decide between the enticing flavours on offer. My favourite has to the tomato-less artichoke & courgette. The delicate ribbons of the said veggies lend a subtle but sharp foil to the garlicky white-sauce base, making for a lusty lunch, devoured all too quickly!
Homeslice Pizza, 13 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP; also at: 52 Wells St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3PR
Franco Manca
Of course, if it’s true Neapolitan* pizzas you’re hankering for, look no further than Franco Manca. The cornicone (edges) are especially fluffy here, not a soggy bottom in sight, a feature of the sourdough being left to slow-rise (for a minimum 20 hours) combined with the blast-cooking process.
And while Neapolitan traditionalists* would only recognise two pizzas as truly authentic – Marinara and Margherita – the tomato-less number three on Franco Manca’s menu is a force to be reckoned with, loaded with a triple cheese whammy. The creaminess of the buffalo ricotta and mozzarella here is offset by the sharp and salty flavours of the pecorino shavings, while fried courgettes and basil add yet another texture. It may have 16 branches across London, but it’s safe to say that Franco Manca is definitely far removed from your average high street pizza chain.
I know, I know. This list is still missing a few classics, notably Santa Maria and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which I have yet to go to… Do drop your recommendations in the comments below. It’s just the excuse/ incentive needed for another pizza crawl really!
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