London is not only well known for its tourist attractions, beautiful buildings and famous sights but also has a reputation for being the home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Many renowned chefs and cooks have opened eateries there, and some of the best pizza restaurants in the world reside in London. In this article we look at some of the most famous.
Manifesto Pizza
Manifesto Pizza is a pizzeria that is famous for its brilliant use of seasonal toppings. Chef Vittorio Maschio opened the restaurant a few years ago with the intention of highlighting the traditional tastes of Italy.
There are six different pizzas available for people to order; The Shrek. Daisy, Apollo 13, Homey, Pig&Field, Sunny Bacon and Spinach Dream.
The ingredients mostly all come direct from Italy. The flour is ground in a family run mill at Molino Pasini in Italy; the Fior di latte comes from Puglia; and the vegetables are imported from the south of Italy. The pizza base is formed differently from most pizzerias. It is seasoned for almost two days which gives it a ciabatta-like a feel and then covered with semolina crust which results in a thin and light base that stays in shape on baking. The pizzas are topped with the Manifesto signature sweet tomato sauce.
The place itself is worth visiting with its antique vibe and wooden tables. Most people prefer to sit in and eat, but you can also use their pizza delivery service.
Address: 148 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6RD
Pizza Pilgrims
Two brothers James and Eliot opened this restaurant after spending years working as street food sellers, and the place was an instant success. They currently have nine different restaurants in London and have come a long way since buying their first food truck.
The pizzas are all Neapolitan style, and the dough is soft with a base of juicy tomatoes which gives it a distinctive taste.
There are several different pizzas on the recently launched menu. Marinara is a pizza without any cheese but lots of tomato sauce and a combination of olive oil, oregano and basil. Margherita is their most famous pizza with perfect portions of dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. Nduja has become their signature pizza because of its distinctive taste and includes a combination of 50% pork belly and cheek along with Calabrian chilli. Some of their other famous pizzas include Napoli Salami and Sweet Pepper along with Aubergine Parmigiana, Smoked Napoli and Double Pepperoni with Spice Honey. Nutella Pizza Rings and Oven Roasted Mushroom and Truffle also make this a pizza restaurant with a difference and a real destination for foodies.
The restaurant itself is beautiful with distinctive green and white decor. It is usually crowded though so if you haven’t made a reservation and you can’t find a place to sit or wait, then go for pizza delivery.
Address: 11 Dean Street, London, W1D 3RP
Cecconi’s Pizza Bar
This Old Compton Street restaurant is the newest addition to the Cecconi’s Italiana restaurants chain and the first of its kind that focuses on pizzas, pasta and Aperol Spritz.
There are a wide range of options available when it comes to pizza and pasta. Some of the most famous pizzas here include the Buffalo Mozzarella, Napoli, Spicy Salami, Lamb sausage, Nduja, Pork Sausage, Capricciosa, Parma Ham and Black Truffle. The sizes are standard with the base topped with tomato, chilli, cheese and extra toppings of jalapeno, mushroom, olives, salami, ham, anchovies also available.
There are some beautiful pasta dishes on the menu; Spaghetti Aglio & Olio, Rigatoni arrabbiata, Spaghetti carbonara, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Tortelloni, and Linguini are all delicious, while the dips and sides come in a wide variety of options such as Basil Pesto & Avocado dip, Cecconi’s Cured Meat, and Whipped Ricotta among others.
The bar is state of the art with Old Italian paintings, black and white tiles, and mahogany tables giving a unique feel to the restaurant. It is an especially pleasant place to be in summer when you can find a seat. Otherwise, sit on the street and enjoy their delicious food with a glass of wine.
Address: 19-21 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5JJ
Farina Pizza
One of the most famous pizza houses located in Notting Hill, the menu has a traditional look to it with no newer, US-style options such as pineapple and pepperoni available. The focus stays on the Neapolitan pizza style which has gained popularity with its thin crust and delicious taste.
Some of the great starters on the menu include Bruschetta with Burrata or Ricotta, Focaccia All’aglio, Ricottina Al Forno, Parmigiana Napoletana and Bread Basket. The pizza range is vast that includes Marinara, Margherita, Napoletana, Bufalina, Burratina, Cucuzza, Norma, Farina, Salsiccia e Friarielli, San Daniele and Prosciutto e Funghi Among Others.
The dough is made fresh and fermented for two days and all pizzas are made by hand.
There is a walk-in policy for people visiting but for groups of six or more, booking is required. The best place to sit is near the windows to get a view of London life going by while you indulge and enjoy.
Address: 115 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB
Voodoo Ray’s
Voodoo Ray’s is famous for its New York-style pizza slices that come from a 22-inch pizza and have a rich taste and mix of traditional ingredients.
They have four different locations in London itself which gives an idea of how popular they have become and with that comes a broad range of pizza options.
Each restaurant has a slightly different menu, but the main pizzas remain the same and include Ray’s Margherita, Buffalo Margherita, Green Velvet which has a mixture of tomatoes, green sauce, artichoke and olives. The Meat is On is another popular option with minced steak, pepperoni, ham, smoked bacon and cheese. Giorgio Moroder is made from goat cheese; Hot Mix 5 has pepperoni, jalapenos, peppers and the famous tomato sauce. There are also options for vegans and people who need gluten-free pizzas.
Add the sides, drinks and desserts, and you have got an excellent restaurant to enjoy quality food at a nominal price.
Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London, E8 2PB
