The best pizza in London 2025: 22 tasty slices to try
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Competition for the best pizza in London is fierce. The capital's scene has come a long way since the first Pizza Express on Wardour Street dazzled diners with its open-kitchen dough-spinning in the 1960s. Back then, the tastiest pizza was one you could get your mitts on – today, you can hardly move in the capital for artisan bases, outrageous toppings and a growing list of beloved Italian restaurants in London. But not all of them are created equal. Whether you prefer thin and crispy Roman-inspired pizzas, pillowy Neapolitan numbers or New York-style jumbo slices, here’s our pick of 18 places doing it best in the city right now. For more inspiration in the city, see our guides to the best new restaurants in London, or our ultimate guide to the best restaurants in London.
1. Napoli on the Road
Neighbourhood: Richmond and Chiswick
Whether in Italy, New York, London or beyond, there’s a universal love language that comes in the form of pizza. But in an overly-saturated dough market, choosing the perfect ’za can be harder than you think. I first heard of the new viral pizzeria Napoli on the Road via social media and was more than a little sceptical about people’s claims this is “the best pizza in Europe”. London, perhaps, but surely not Europe, the birthplace of Napoletana pizza? It was time to do some investigating… Situated in Richmond and Chiswick, I first visited the Richmond branch to see what all the fuss was about. The menu has all the expected classics (think margarita, marinara, pepperoni) and a more innovative menu of signature dishes developed by the founder, Michele. I think the mark of a great pizza is how good a classic margarita is but, on this occasion, I decided to push the boat out with Michele’s Ricordi d’Infanzia, a deliciously wet tomato-based pizza topped with slow-cooked Neapolitan beef ragu. The dough was pillowy soft, the base perfectly balanced with sweet and earthy flavours, and the beef was tender yet rich and peppery. Since my first visit, I’ve managed to make my way to the Chiswick branch and am slowly working through the seasonally rotated menu. The best pizza in Europe? I'm not quite brave enough to make that claim, but I definitely would encourage you to go and find out for yourself. Lucy Bruton
What to order: Ricordi d’Infanzia; slow-cooked Neopolitan ragu with beef, 24 months parmigiano reggiano fondue, basil, evo oil.
Address: Napoli on the Road Richmond, 12 Red Lion Street, Richmond TW9 1RW; Napoli on the Road Chiswick, 9A Devonshire Road, Chiswick, London W4 2EU
Website: napoliontheroad.co.uk
2. Collective - Kennington Park Café
Neighbourhood: Kennington
Collective is tucked away in the heart of Kennington Park, offering a respite from the day-to-day London grind and a real community hub. I was lucky enough to discover this gem when I first moved to London, where it was recommended by a friend from Berlin who happened upon it during a visit. The space is charming and approachable – I tend to sit outside basking in the sun (when it decides to appear) and people-watching while waiting for what is most definitely my favourite pizza in London. It’s impossible to go wrong here, but my favourite rotation is Buffala Cherry, Napolitana and a Portobello (white pizza). The ingredients are fresh (often local), the dough (sourdough!) is perfectly cooked, and the vibes are impeccable. Amber Port
What to order: Buffala Cherry, Napolitana and a Portobello white pizza
Address: Collective, Kennington Park, 4 St Agnes Place, London SE11 4BE
Website: collective-kennington.co.uk
3. Crisp
Neighbourhood: Hammersmith
Chronically online foodies are all too familiar with Crisp, the pizza restaurant that's blown up spectacularly on Instagram and TikTok since opening among the leafy suburbs of Hammersmith. Operating out of The Chancellors pub, the pizza spot has garnered a reputation for its pie-style slabs of pillowy dough doused in rich tomato sauce and topped with chunks of burrata and other toppings. Thinner-crust pizzas are available, so booking ahead and sharing a selection with the crew is best. Avoid the weekend crowds that snake down Crisp Road by booking well ahead (especially for weekend bookings).
What to order: A thick slab of pepperoni and burrata pizza
Address: Crisp, 25 Crisp Road, London W6 9RL
Website: instagram.com
Thomas Alexander4. Alley Cats Pizza
Neighbourhood: Marylebone
It’s a cold, drizzly February evening, and a Dishoom-style queue is snaking halfway down Paddington Street before disappearing under the pine green awnings outside Alley Cats. By the look of the crowd willing to brave the rain, it’s clear the capital’s love affair with American-style pies hasn’t stopped with Crisp, the much-hyped Hammersmith joint that’s been tacked onto The Chancellors pub since 2020. Unlike Crisp, however, this shiny new New York pizzeria in swish Marylebone is walk-in only; a bold move given the need to justify a chilly 40-minute wait, but one easily pulled off. Inside, I’m in a dimly lit New York hideout – red chequered cloths, exposed brickwork, traditional green subway tiles and a big screen playing The Sopranos on a loop. The menu is concise but indulgent. One margherita is zhuzhed-up with a slow-cooked tomato sauce finished with a slug of vodka, and there’s plenty of sugar – bowls of candied bacon; a pepperoni with less a drizzle of honey and more a ladleful; a taleggio mushroom white pizza with some healthy dollops of red onion jam – all with joyously crispy crunchy bases. All that and you’ll still want to try the tiramisu, which somehow disappeared in seconds despite our initial protestations. Worth the hype? We’d say so. Charley Ward
What to order: The smoked pepperoni, best served with the scotch bonnet dipping sauce, and the meatballs, which are topped with an admirably fluffy blanket of parmesan.
Address: Alley Cats Pizza, 22 Paddington Street, London W1U 5QY
Website: alleycatspizza.co.uk
Xavier Buendia5. Pizza Pilgrims
Neighbourhood: Various locations
Choosing which Pizza Pilgrims is all part of the fun. The brand has infiltrated some of London’s buzziest areas since first opening in the summer of 2013 thanks to its affordable prices, family-friendly ethos and faultless Neapolitan pizzas. Peckish creatives tuck in at cosy Carnaby, city slickers catch up in Shoreditch, while our Saturday visit to the London Bridge restaurant was soundtracked by glam girl groups and families sheltering from the elements after ticking off a local attraction. The classic Margherita is, of course, a winner and can be levelled up to a ‘Margherita extra’ (fresh buffalo mozzarella) or a ‘Margherita extra extra’ (datterini tomatoes, creamy burrata and our fresh basil pesto, doused in extra virgin olive oil). My double pepperoni and double honey pizza is the perfect winter warmer, topped with two types of cured meat and drizzled in hot honey, while my dining companion’s Fiorentina pizza was an indulgent delight – a white base topped with creamed spinach, fior di latte mozzarella, parmesan, egg yolk and crispy onions. Sides aren’t necessary, but the cacio e pepe balls caught our attention, crunchy fried balls of spaghetti in the popular sauce melting in our mouths. Pizza Pilgrims may be on the ‘chainier’ side of London’s pizzerias, but there’s lots to be said for these colourful dining spots, and the continued expansion and return customers inside is understandable after the first bite. Connor Sturges
What to order: The double pepperoni and double honey pizza – coat crusts in generous dollops of tangy garlic and herb sauce or nduja mayonnaise.
Address: Pizza Pilgrims, SU48, London Bridge Station, 2 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 2TF; check online for the full list of restaurants
Website: pizzapilgrims.co.uk
6. Happy Face
Neighbourhood: King's Cross
Happy Face's Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas may be piled high with classic Italian meats and veg combos, however it’s really all about the dough here, which is fermented for a lengthy 72 hours to create a light and fluffy consistency. While the pizza bases are typically thin, crusts can be overwhelmingly big, so you’ll want to have the chilli oil ready for dipping or use them to mop up the generous amount of toppings. Try the Rucola, fresh and crunchy or and the vegetarian Fungi with punchy taleggio. To drink, go for one (or all) of the three negronis: the negroni bianco made with pink pepper gin, peach wine, and bitters is a winner. The vibe is relaxed and casual, perfect for a quick lunch or an impromptu dinner date. Sophie Knight
What to order: Look for the Nduja Burrata. The subtle spice from the meats is nicely balanced by the creamy cheese. Be sure to add a side of zucchini fritti.
Address: 14 Handyside St, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DN
Other locations: Victoria
Website: happyface.pizza
7. Rudy's
Neighbourhood: Soho
We’re used to cult-status restaurants in London eventually spreading outside the capital – we’ve come a long way since the first Franco Manca in Brixton Market, with outposts now in Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow. Less common are restaurants making the move from the North to London. But that’s the unconventional route taken by Rudy’s. The first of these much-loved Mancunian pizza joints opened in 2015 in Ancoats, followed by Peter Street, Sale, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds and Cheshire before finally making it to London and taking over a huge Wardour Street space, with an open kitchen and plenty of white subway tiling. Chefs subscribe to the Naples school of dough: stretchy, blistered bases smothered in toppings that are traditional (anchovies, artichoke, buffalo mozzarella) and less so (wild boar salami). To drink be sure to order the refreshing Campari Spritz – the campari comes in a cute vintage bottle. Sarah James
What to order: The Salsiccia del Nonno has a perfectly pitched heat from the sprinkle of chilli flakes on top of fior di latte, smoked mozzarella, ground fennel sausage and caramelised red onion.
Address: 80 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TF
Website: rudyspizza.co.uk
8. Theo’s
Neighbourhood: Camberwell
One of the fixed points around which Camberwell’s buzzy restaurant scene revolves, Theo’s serves Neapolitan-style pizzas that are renowned far beyond SE5. The billowing, blistered bases can more than hold their own against high-concept toppings, from Camberwell scotch bonnet nduja to cavolo nero cream with mushroom and datterini tomatoes (that’s at least three of your five a day). Cheesy garlic bread, cheerful staff and keen prices make for a faultless experience. There’s an excellent Elephant & Castle outpost too.
What to order: At lunchtime, they serve panuozzo – pizza-dough sandwiches – for just £6.50.
Address: 2 Grove Lane, Camberwell, London SE5 8SY
Website: theospizzeria.com
9. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Neighbourhood: Baker Street
Although he wasn’t big on food, even Sherlock Holmes might have had his head turned by the garlicky wafts coming from this place on Baker Street. The central London offshoot of the authentic Neapolitan pizzeria from Eat Pray Love (there’s now another in Soho) is famous for its slightly misshapen bases, with their signature ultra-puffy crusts and dark spots from the oven’s searing heat. Are they really the world’s best, as their many admirers claim? There’s only one way to find out, but order one of the classics and you could well be sinking your teeth into one of the best pizzas in Rome.
What to order: Stick to the classic Margherita, but double up on the mozzarella.
Address: 199 Baker Street, London NW1 6UY; 44 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TY
Website: anticapizzeriadamichele.co.uk
Justin De Souza10. Yard Sale
Neighbourhood: Leytonstone, Clapton, Hackney and more
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. The team's domination of London's pizza scene isn't slowing down, with a new Bermondsey opening in 2024.
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; check online for the full list of locations
Other locations: Clapton, Finsbury Park, Hackney, Crofton Park, Crystal Palace, Balham, East Dulwich and Walthamstow
Website: yardsalepizza.com
11. Zia Lucia
Neighbourhood: Islington, Wandsworth, Chelsea and.more
Long before Islington was hailed as a gastronomic hotspot (it’s home to the likes of cult favourite laksa bar Sambal Shiok and Xi’an Impression’s hand-pulled biang biang noodles), Zia Lucia was pulling in the crowds. Other than the fact it’s always rammed, its USP is that diners can choose from four different doughs, including charcoal and a world-class gluten-free one. The toppings are simple but superb: we love the Parmigiana, which comes covered in rich aubergine, tomato and mozzarella. Aldgate East, Boxpark Wembley and Hammersmith all have outposts, too.
What to order: Push the boat out with the Arianna: mozzarella, gorgonzola, fresh sausage, honey, and truffle oil.
Address: Zia Lucia, 157 Holloway Road, London N7 8LX
Website: zialucia.com
12. Homeslice
Neighbourhood: Covent Garden and other locations
The reigning champion of foldable slices, this mini-chain excels at the best pizza in London regarding leftfield toppings: anyone for chorizo, corn and coriander? Its 20” pizzas come whole or by the slice (complete with paper plates), and there’s a head-spinning range of site-specific and seasonal specials. There are seven locations, and the option to go 50-50 by splitting toppings, plus plenty of choice for vegans (hello, garlicky mushroom, pumpkin seed and chili), make this a very safe bet for a group trip.
What to order: Neal's Yard Dairy four-cheese, jalapeño salsa and Rye Crumb
Address: 13 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DP
Other locations: Marylebone, Old Street, White City, City Of London
Website: homeslicepizza.co.uk
13. Voodoo Ray’s
Neighbourhood: Dalston and Peckham
It isn’t just the pizzas that are New York-style here: the neon signage, subway tiles and late-night vibe all scream retro Manhattan. The giant 22” pizzas, which come by the slice, read like they’ve been dreamed up by someone with a terrible hangover, and there are pots of dip for your crusts, sides such as jalapeno mac ’n’ cheese. Psst – the daily happy hour means £4 pints and two-for-one cocktails between 5pm and 6pm
What to order: The so-wrong-it’s-right Full Moon Slice: bacon dust, Japanese mayo, mozzarella, vine tomatoes.
Address: 95 Kingsland High Street, Dalston, London E8 2PB
Website: voodoorays.com14. Mamma Dough
Neighbourhood: Brixton, Peckham and more
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 peperoncini peppers (see what they did there?) keep things interesting. Almost all the vegetables and herbs are locally grown, the beers are brewed mere miles away, and they make 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
15. Pizza Union
Neighbourhood: 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.com16. Pizzeria Pellone
Neighbourhood: 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 traditional trattorias. Still, 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: Look for La Tartufata on the specials board. It offers yellow tomatoes, fior di latte, pancetta, rocket and truffle burrata.
Address: 42 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5RL
Website: pizzeriapellonelondon.co.uk
17. Sodo Pizza
Neighbourhood: 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.uk18. Santa Maria
Neighbourhood: 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. In addition to 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 Street, London W5 5AP
Website: santamariapizzeria.com
19. Lardo
Neighbourhood: Hackney
Hackney’s original industrial-cool Italian restaurant has been going since 2012 in the Arthaus development. Still, it shows no sign of flagging: the mirror-mosaic-covered oven is a reliable source of pleasingly quirky pizzas. Ironically, given its name, Lardo has been scaling back on its meat usage, and the menu caters greatly to vegetarians. The pineapple, mortadella and pickled chilli number has perennial filthy-gorgeous appeal.
What to order: The indulgent white-base carbonara pizza.
Address: 197-201 Richmond Road, Hackney, London E8 3NJ
Website: lardo.co.uk
Laurie Fletcher20. Fatto a Mano
Neighbourhood: King’s Cross, Covent Garden, Bethnal Green
The usual narrative of fabulous British restaurants which expand beyond their hometown’s borders follows London openings which gain a cult following and make the move out of the capital to other cities – think Franco Manca, Dishoom, Wahaca. But this is a success story that flips the narrative. Pizza joint Fatto a Mano Pizza & Beer (literally translating to “handmade”) began in Brighton in 2015. The team soon expanded from London Road to two more locations in Brighton and Hove, all slinging fluffy Neopolitan-style pizzas topped with local British produce (plus the odd authentic Italian ingredient). A winning pop-up in Boxpark Shoreditch was quickly followed by the opening of Fatto a Mano Pizza & Beer in King’s Cross and, more recently, restaurants in Covent Garden and Bethnal Green. 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 – they also make for some of the best cheap eats in London, starting at £11.50 for a margherita. Order British-brewed serves from Brighton’s UnBarred Brewery, Hackney’s Howling Hops, Cornwall’s Harbour Brewing Co, or thoroughly Italian aperitivo such as Negroni or Aperol Spritz. Sarah James
What to order: Burrata & Parma
Address: Unit 1, 3 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG
Website: fattoamanopizza.com
21. Flat Earth Pizzas
Neighbourhood: 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.
There's a great selection of wines stacked high on cabinets painted that mesmerising Marrakech blue of the Yves Saint Laurent Jardin Majorelle. Take away or drink-in – many come in reusable bottles as part of a return and re-fill scheme. I opted for a very decent orange Vinho Verde (there’s a choice of three organic wines on tap, too). If you’re after something stronger, the owners’ friend George Fredenham forages botanicals locally which are then brewed and distilled into wild boozy concoctions. Order the fig leaf and sweet woodruff Martini.
What to order: The signature kimchi and cheddar toastie, which is a thing of dreams.
Address: 288 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9DA
Website: flatearthpizzas.com22. Pizzeria Pappagone
Neighbourhood: Finsbury Park
I want to start by saying that I’m obsessed with Pizzeria Pappagone. It’s affordable, it’s casual, it’s frenetic, but most importantly, it’s delicious. This much-loved pizzeria slings out crisp Roman-style pizzas at its two locations, the original being in Finsbury Park. The menu can feel overwhelming, but let me do you a favour by telling you to stick with the classics. The Pizza Margherita and Pizza Parmigianas are a favourite and the must-order dishes to share with friends. Top tip: Add a side of Insalata Mista for a bit of freshness. This spot is my go-to dinner for catching up with friends; it’s cheap and cheerful and feels like a big Italian family has adopted you, all while still being in the heart of London. Amber Port
What to order: Pizza parmigiana
Address: 131 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3PX
Website: instagram.com