London's pizza scene has come a long way since the 1960s when the first Pizza Express dazzled diners with its open-kitchen dough-spinning on Wardour Street. Fast forward to today, and you'll find a plethora of options for pizza lovers in the capital. From artisan bases to creative toppings, and a growing number of beloved Italian restaurants, there is something to suit every taste. However, not all pizzerias are created equal.
Whether you're a fan of thin and crispy Roman-inspired pizzas or pillowy Neapolitan numbers, or even if you prefer the jumbo slices that are iconic of New York-style pizza, we've curated a list of 16 places in London that offer the absolute best pizza. These establishments have earned their reputation for delivering delicious and satisfying pizza experiences. So, if you're craving a slice of heaven, click on the links below to explore the diverse pizza offerings that London has to offer. After a long day exploring the vibrant streets of Soho or perhaps indulging in a shopping spree, what could be more rewarding than a sumptuous slice of pizza? Conveniently located near the ever-charming mimis hotel soho, a myriad of these pizzerias serve up an array of options, from classic Margheritas to more adventurous toppings, ensuring that no matter your pizza preference, you'll find something to delight your palate.
1. Fatto Pizza & Beer
King’s Cross
London is known for its vibrant culinary scene, and Fatto Pizza & Beer is a standout among the city's many pizzerias. Originally hailing from Brighton, Fatto a Mano has gained a loyal following for its handmade Neopolitan-style pizzas. With three locations in Brighton and Hove, Fatto a Mano has now ventured into the bustling streets of King's Cross, bringing their delightful pizzas topped with local British produce (and a touch of authentic Italian flavors) to Londoners.
While many British restaurants expand beyond their hometown's borders, Fatto a Mano pizzeria has taken a different approach. With their success in Brighton, they have decided to open a brand new location in King's Cross, offering Londoners a chance to experience their mouthwatering creations.
A winning pop-up in Boxpark Shoreditch was quickly followed by the opening of Fatto Pizza and Beer in King’s Cross. On a pedestrianised thoroughfare of St Pancras Square, the double-storey restaurant spills, Amalfi-style, onto the terrace on sunny days. Pizzas include creamy burrata and parma, fiery ‘nduja, delicious smoked ricotta with crispy fried aubergine – and all are reasonably priced, starting at £8.50 for a Margherita. The beer menu is, as you might expect from the restaurant's name, considerable. Order British-brewed serves from Brighton’s UnBarred Brewery, Hackney’s Howling Hops or Cornwall’s Harbour Brewing Co, or thoroughly Italian aperitivo such as Negroni or Aperol Spritz. Sarah James
Address: Unit 1, 3 Pancras Sq, London N1C 4AG
Website: fattoamanopizza.com
2. Flat Earth Pizzas
Bethnal Green
After over two years of pop-ups, Flat Earth has finally opened its first permanent restaurant on the fringes of Broadway Market and Hackney. This vegetarian and vegan hangout sits on the corner of Vyner Street, a discreetly creative hub in East London. The space is light-filled and inviting, delivering all-day dining from brunch through to supper. You get the impression that every detail has been considerately put together with sustainability at its core – even the lampshades are made from old orange peel. Pizzas are made with 100 per cent heritage dough – we tried the Mushroom and Egg topped with Somerset cheese, eggs with the brightest yolks, mushrooms, Bechamel and smoky tomato drizzle. Hunky garlic croutons mop up the juices in a generous bowl of Panzanella salad on the side, and for brunch, there is Climpson’s & Sons coffee and (more) kimchi in the form of shakshuka with homemade focaccia.
Immerse yourself in the rich selection of wines that adorn the tall, Marrakech-blue cabinets, reminiscent of the iconic color found in Yves Saint Laurent Jardin Majorelle. Guests have the luxury of choosing between drink-in or takeaway options, where the latter includes inventive reusable bottles. Make sure to savor the refreshing orange notes of Vinho Verde, or one of the three organic wines available on tap. Looking for a stronger potion? Try the fascinating wild infusions curated from locally foraged botanicals by the restaurateurs' associate, George Fredenham. Don't forget to sample their specially crafted Fig Leaf and Sweet Woodruff Martini.
Recommended dish: Don't miss out on the renowned kimchi and cheddar toastie, a dream-come-true for many food aficionados.
Location: 288 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9DA
Website: flatearthpizzas.com
3. Happy Face Pizzas
King’s Cross area
You can spot Happy Face's delightful take on Neapolitan-style pizzas, baked to perfection in a dedicated wood-fired oven. The spotlight, though, is stolen by its dough base, patiently fermentation-processed for an impressive 72 hours, resulting in a feathery weight yet fluffy texture. Despite the thin base, the pizza's crust holds its own, round and often heaving under the weight of traditional Italian meats or vibrant vegetarian options. Consider using those vast crusts dipped into chilli oil, or as a scoop for the pizza's generous toppings. Highly recommended are the fresh and crisply crunchy Rucola, and the irresistible Fungi, accentuated by the sharp flavors of taleggio. Relish these delectable pizzas with Happy Face's trio of negronis, among which the Negroni Bianco, concocted with pink pepper gin, peach wine, and bitters, tends to steal the limelight. Structured for spontaneity, the Happy Face ambience is chummy and relaxed, ideal for a hasty lunch or an unplanned dinner rendezvous. Sophie Knight
Suggestions: The Nduja Burrata is a must-try. Its mildly spicy meat accompaniment, harmonized with creamy cheese, is a gastronomic delight to be experienced in addition to a side dish of zucchini fritti.
Find us at: 14 Handyside St, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DN
Additional outlets: Victoria
Find us online: happyface.pizza
4. Rudy's
Soho
Rudy's, a beloved pizza joint originally from Manchester, has made its way down south and taken over a spacious spot on Wardour Street in London. Known for their adherence to the Naples school of dough, Rudy's chefs create stretchy, blistered bases topped with a combination of traditional and unconventional ingredients, such as wild boar salami and buffalo mozzarella.
Since opening their first location in Ancoats in 2015, Rudy's has expanded to other cities including Birmingham, Liverpool, and Leeds. With an open kitchen concept and stylish white subway tiling, Rudy's in London offers a trendy and inviting atmosphere for pizza lovers.
For a refreshing accompaniment to your meal, be sure to try their Campari Spritz served in a charming vintage bottle. Rudy's commitment to quality and unique flavors has made it a must-visit destination for pizza enthusiasts.
Recommended Dish: Opt for the Salsiccia del Nonno, a flavorful delight with the perfect balance of heat, made possible by a light dusting of chilli flakes layered over the fior di latte, smoked mozzarella. This is then neatly topped with ground fennel sausage and sweet caramelised red onions. Known for its delightful balance of sweet and spicy notes, it is a must-try for every pizza lover out there.
Location: 80 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TF
Homepage: rudyspizza.co.uk
5. Theo's Pizzeria
Camberwell
Located in the heart of Camberwell's vibrant restaurant hub, Theo's Pizzeria is a gemstone in London’s SE5 area, illuminating the food scene with its masterly crafted Neapolitan-styled pizzas. The artisanal pizzas, lavished with inventive toppings such as the uniquely Camberwell-infused scotch bonnet nduja and a delectable blend of cavolo nero cream, mushroom, and datterini tomatoes, sit atop an exquisitely blistered base robust enough to accommodate them (a delightful contribution to your daily vegetable intake). Along with the deliciously decadent cheesy garlic bread, lively and affable staff, and remarkably reasonable pricing, the pizza dining experience at Theo's is impeccable. For fans closer to Elephant & Castle, a visit to their stellar branch in that part of town will not disappoint.
What to order: Their lunch deals offer a scrumptious delight - panuzzo, a pizza dough sandwich available for merely £5. We highly recommend trying the one stuffed with wood-oven roasted aubergine.
Address: 2 Grove Lane, Camberwell, London SE5 8SY
Website: theospizzeria.com
6. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele: A Taste of Italy in London
Located in the heart of Baker Street
Imagine a tantalising aroma stunning enough to pique the interest of even the most stoic residents like Sherlock Holmes in Baker Street. This culinary hotspot owes its claim to fame to the classic Neapolitan pizza, famously featured in the film Eat Pray Love. With a second establishment planned for Soho, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is catching the attention of diners with its distinctively shaped pizza bases, characterized by ultra-fluffy edges and oven-charred patches. Does it live up to the reputation of being the world’s finest pizzeria as per their fanbase's beliefs? The answer to that calls for a first-hand experience...
Recommended Order: Relish a double dose of cheese with the traditional Margherita.
Location: 199 Baker Street, London NW1 6UY
Expansion Locations: Soho
Official Site: anticapizzeriadamichele.co.uk
7. Yard Sale
Leytonstone
The Leytonstone branch of this rapidly expanding dough empire is bright, buzzy and pretty well guarantees a good time (as you’d expect from a business that started life as a supper club). Pies come in 12” or 18” sizes, and vegans are extremely well looked after: witness the American Not, with guindilla chillies, house-made vegan pepperoni and vegan mozzarella, and the Magic Mushroom, with roasted ’shrooms, truffle oil, vegan parmesan and black pepper.
What to order: Named after the world’s most famous skunk, the Pepe Le Pew (fresh garlic, red onion, jalapeño peppers and parmesan) is delicious, though perhaps not ideal for a first date.
Address: 622 High Road Leytonstone, London E11 3DA
Other locations: Clapton, Finsbury Park, Hackney, Crofton Park, Crystal Palace, Balham, East Dulwich and Walthamstow
Website: yardsalepizza.com
8. Zia Lucia: More Than Just A Pizza Place
Located In Holloway
Prior to Holloway becoming a renowned culinary destination, home to popular eateries like the renowned laksa spot, Sambal Shiok, and specialists of hand-pulled biang biang noodles, Xi’an Impression; there was Zia Lucia. This beloved pizza hub has been popular among foodies for its unique selling point – a choice of four distinct, curated dough options. Unusual options like charcoal and a world-class gluten-free variant set this pizza place apart in the gastronomic scene of London. The simplicity yet high-quality ingredients used in their toppings are also a key highlight. Look no further than their Parmigiana pizza, drizzled with lush aubergine, tomato and mozzarella. Zia Lucia isn't restricted to Holloway, with branches at Aldgate East, Boxpark Wembley and Hammersmith.
What to indulge in: Treat yourself with the delectable Arianna, boasting mozzarella, fresh sausage, taleggio goat cheese, pecorino cheese and finished with truffle honey.
Contact Details: Zia Lucia, 157 Holloway Road, London N7 8LX
Online Presence: zialucia.com
9. Homeslice Pizzeria
Located in Covent Garden
An undisputed master in the world of slice-and-fold pizza, this London-based compact chain excels in unconventional toppings that surprise. Ever tried a combination of chorizo, corn, and coriander on your pizza? This is your chance. Serving epic 20" pizzas either as a whole or by a slice, accompanied by paper plates for that authentic pizzeria feel, they offer a dizzying array of location-specific and seasonal specials. However, the pizza-centric haven doesn't restrict itself to traditional toppings - there's a generous selection for vegans too, with standout creations like the savoury garlicky mushroom, pumpkin seed and chili pizza. Boasting seven spots around the city and the possibility to opt for dual toppings on a pizza make it a reliable choice for group outings.
Suggested Order: If you're feeling indulgent, the Wagyu beef and truffle pizza is a luxurious choice.
Location: 13 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DP
Additional Branches: Enjoy their gourmet pizzas at Marylebone, Old Street, White City, City Of London
Explore More: homeslicepizza.co.uk
Voodoo Ray’s: More Than Just a Pizza Joint
Located in Dalston
Voodoo Ray’s offers more than just pizza; it creates an immersive atmosphere, reminiscent of yesteryear Manhattan, complete with vintage neon signage, subway tiles, and a pulsating late-night ambiance. Their whopping 22” pizzas, sold by the slice, seem to be the creation of an imaginative culinarian nursing a severe hangover. They also serve up delectable side dishes such as spicy jalapeno mac 'n' cheese and offer delicious £5 Negronis. A cherry on top is their Monday special where each slice goes for a mere £2.50, and an entire pizza costs £20 only. Besides Dalston, you can also find them in Shoreditch and Peckham.
Recommended Dish: The deliciously unconventional Full Moon Slice it comes with a topping of bacon dust, Japanese mayo, mozzarella, and vine tomatoes.
Location: 95 Kingsland High Street, Dalston, London E8 2PB
They Also Serve At: Peckham
Website: voodoorays.com
11. Mamma Dough
Brixton
A blend of rye, wholemeal and white flours gives this Brixton favourite’s bases a distinctive bite, while tongue-in-cheek specials such as the Peter Piper, with padron and poponcini peppers (see what they did there?) keep things interesting. Almost all of the vegetables and herbs are locally grown, the beers are brewed mere miles away and they make their own ginger ale. Venturing further into south-east London? Peckham, Sydenham, South Norwood, Ladywell and Honor Oak Park have Mamma Doughs too.
What to order: Turn up the heat with The Devil: tomato, mozzarella, salami calabrese, onions, nduja, dry chilli and olives.
Address: 354 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8QH
Website: mammadough.co.uk
12. Pizza Union
Spitalfields
Thin-and-crispy fan? Pizza Union has you covered. Or topped, to be more precise, with childhood favourite combinations such as chicken, beef and pepperoni, or four cheeses. This mini-chain of ‘pizza bars’ serves up piping-hot, 12" Roman-style pies in Spitalfields, King’s Cross, Aldgate, Dalston and Hoxton – so wherever you are in East London, you’re never too far from a fix. Every single one costs £6.50 or less, and because the slimline bases cook so fast, your order gets to your table in double-quick time. Bonus!
What to order: The Tropicali – ham and pineapple, the ultimate guilty pizza pleasure.
Address: 25 Sandy's Row, Spitalfields, London E1 7HW
Other locations: Dalston, King's Cross, Aldgate, Holborn And Hoxton)
Website: pizzaunion.com
13. Pizzeria Pellone
Battersea
Hidden in plain sight on Lavender Hill in Battersea, this place serves up some of London’s most intriguing Neapolitan pizza. Owner Antonio’s grandfather opened his first restaurant in 1972 in Naples, and he gets almost all of his ingredients from Italy, including caputo flour, divella tomato sauce and Ciro amodio fior di latte mozzarella. The hand-painted plates are sweetly reminiscent of trad trattorias, but there’s nothing old-timey about combinations such as gorgonzola, speck, walnuts and torn basil, drizzled with the best extra virgin olive oil. The punchy calzone fritto with ricotta, mozzarella, Neapolitan salami and black pepper is a crisp-shelled delight.
What to order: Keep an eye out for La Tartufata on the specials board: yellow tomatoes, fior di latte, pancetta, rocket and truffle burrata.
Address: 42 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5RL
Website: pizzeriapellonelondon.co.uk
14. Sodo Pizza
Walthamstow
Walthamstow’s premier pizzeria majors in long-fermented sourdough bases, craft beers and natural wine, served in an airy warehouse space – very E17. If you’re visiting at the weekend you can order one of the special brunch pizzas: The Casper, with smoked mozzarella, cream, chard, white onion, eggs, Lincolnshire Poacher and Parma ham, is the one to beat. There are Bethnal Green, Hoxton and Clapton branches too, and if you fancy learning the tricks of the trade, they run pizza-making classes.
What to order: It’s got to be the John Bon Chovy (tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, olives, capers, chilli and fresh parsley), for the name if nothing else.
Address: 21-23 Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, London E17 4QP
Other locations: Clapton, Hammersmith, Hoxton and Bethnal Green
Website: sodopizza.co.uk
15. Santa Maria
Ealing
They’re big on provenance at this funky Ealing mainstay: Neapolitan owners Angelo and Pasquale are veterans of London’s pizza scene, and they only use San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte from Campania, along with delicacies from closer to home such as rare-breed Yorkshire pork sausage. Santa Maria has one of London’s best vegan pizza selections, topped with walnut- or pumpkin-cream bases. As well as the original, there are branches in Chelsea and Fitzrovia.
What to order: The mortadella and pistachio pesto – or, if you’re meat-free, the vegan Sant' Andrea, with cream of potato and onions in soy milk, red and yellow peppers, portobello mushrooms and olives.
Address: 11 Bond St, London W5 5AP
Website: santamariapizzeria.com
16. Lardo
Hackney
In the heart of Hackney, housed within the noteworthy Arthaus complex since 2012, exists a timeless Italian culinary gem, Lardo. Defying the boundaries of time, it serves remarkably inventive pizzas from a striking, mirror-mosaic-encrusted oven. Contrary to what its name might suggest, Lardo has recently opted for a greener menu, reducing its meat offerings to one-quarter. Its diverse menu features predominantly vegetarian pizzas, with an unforgettable combo of pumpkin, smoked tomato, pesto, crispy kale, and walnut taking the spotlight. Yet, not to be missed is the distinctive pineapple, mortadella, and pickled chilli pizza, which consistently captures taste buds with its daring yet appealing mix.
What to order: Brace for an intense flavour experience as you bite into the ultra-savoury crispy potato, smoked anchovy, mozzarella and rosemary pizza, an absolute must-try.
Location: 197-201 Richmond Road, Hackney, London E8 3NJ
Website: Visit Lardo
A culinary fact worth noting is that the concept of 'umami,' often mentioned amongst food enthusiasts, is regarded as the 'fifth taste' following sweet, sour, salty and bitter. It's often described as the savoury taste present in foods like meat, vegetables and cheese. Interestingly, the name Lardo in Italian refers to a type of salumi made by curing strips of fatback with rosemary and other herbs and spices. An insight into the restaurant's non-vegetarian past perhaps?