Taking their cues from the Sicilian and Neapolitan traditions of Italy, or the cheese-overload, deep-dish iterations born in the US, London’s pizzerias are the real deal. Inside these kitchens you’ll find chefs who have honed their craft (and crusts) across the world, before setting up shop in the capital to offer not only classics, such as margherita and pepperoni, but also more unique combinations featuring vodka, vegetables and homemade oils galore. From pie-like slices at Ria’s and Chicago’s best deep-dish crusts, to the crispiest dough to be found in West London, here’s where to order the best pizza in London. Have a pizza this. 

Ria’s, Notting Hill

Images: Amy Louise Ruse

Those who are a fan of Detroit-style deep dish pizza should head to Notting Hill to sample the slices at Ria’s: the brainchild of husband-and-wife team David and Ria Morgan-Ratcliffe, who are joined in the kitchen by head chef James Fox, previously of Crisp (see below). Inside, the pared-back space has been designed by Fred Rigby to feature Scandi accents, wooden features and plenty of greenery, ensuring that not only will the food flood your Instagram feed, but the interiors too. 

So, what’s the secret? The dough here is made using Cotswold-based Shipton Mill flour, which is slowly fermented for 72 hours and then baked to create a light pizza with crisp, chewy crusts. Toppings include meats cured in London as well as a few nods to the Scottish founder‘s roots (sides include Ria’s haggis pops and fried potatoes with whipped feta), and vary from the must-try House Pie – slow-cooked marinara sauce, ricotta drizzle with basil and lemon sauce – Pepperoni, Sopressata, featuring hot honey and aged parmesan, and the unique Roasted King Prawn with salsa macha-marinated king prawns and parsley. Vegans needn’t miss out with Grandma’s Vegan Pie: slow-roasted tomatoes, plant-based nduja, stracciatella, and agave syrup. This is the ultimate destination for a glass ‘n’ a slice.

29 All Saints Road, W11 1HE, visit rias.world

Alley Cats, Marylebone and Chelsea

Bringing a taste of New York to Marylebone and Chelsea, this authentic pizzeria has taken London by storm with its flavoursome 14-inch pizzas and vibrant atmosphere curated by head chef Francesco Macri. Using traditional Italian ingredients – sweet San Marzano tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella from Campania, and aged mozzarella from Molise – Macri celebrates the recipes passed down from his grandmother, and techniques honed throughout his career working in restaurants in both Rome and London.

Menu highlights include the Vodka Sauce, crafted with slow-cooked vodka in tomatoes topped with mozzarella, and the Pepperoni dressed with jalapenos and honey, or opt for one of the white bases such as the Wild Mushroom featuring taleggio cheese, red onion jam and fried sage. Enjoy your chosen dough on gingham tablecloths and upcycled church pew-style seating, while episodes of The Sopranos silently projected onto the exposed brick wall play on an endless loop. New York, eat your heart out. 

Visit alleycatspizza.co.uk

Pizza on Fifth by Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge

A new restaurant located on the foodie floor of Harvey Nichols, Pizza on Fifth is serving up a slice of Italy this summer and beyond with its perfectly-baked pizzas – ideal for a mid-shop pit stop, date with mates or family feast. There are nine combinations to choose from, including the fan-favourite Caprino, with goats cheese, red onions, cherry tomatoes and hot honey, or the Tartufina Bianca, with mozzarella, summer truffle and crispy artichokes. Add your own personal touch by customising your favourite base with parma ham, nduja, and grilled mixed vegetables to create the dough of your dreams. 

109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, visit harveynichols.com

Yard Sale Pizza, across London

A firm favourite across London – its outposts span Crystal Palace to Clapton – you simply cannot go wrong with Yard Sale Pizza. It all began when founders Johnnie Tate and Nick Buckland played around with a little oven in their garden and, nine years later, has grown into a booming business which counts Macaulay Culkin, New York pizza legend Frank Pinello, award-winning musician Loyle Carner and Dalston kebab legends Mangal 2 among its loyal fanbase. 

All pizzas feature homemade tomato sauce, Fior di Latte mozzarella, and a vegan base that can be seamlessly swapped for gluten free. Opt for the 12” when you’re on a solo date, or an 18” to share with friends, and pick from the TSB – tenderstem broccoli, parmesan and garlic oil – the Sloppy G with spicy ground beef, red onions and guindilla chillies, or the classic New Porker: Sicilian sausage, oregano and fresh basil. While you’ll never have to venture too far to enjoy a Yard Sale (it delivers too), the brand has also partnered with a number of pubs and bars across London to cure the munchies, from the Hackney Tap to Peckham Bowls. 

Visit yardsalepizza.com

Japes, Soho

Japes takes its cues from Chicago rather than New York, specialising in the deep dish format which was invented in the Windy City back in 1943. The restaurant came from unlikely beginnings, founded in 2018 by then 26-year-olds Jovana, an economics graduate, and Alex, an ex-professional kayaker who competed in the 2012 Olympic Games and won the World Cup in 2013. What brought them together? Pizza (and Red Bull, where Jovana was working in the marketing department and Alex was a sponsored athlete) – and Japes was born on Dean Street. 

Enough of the love story, the real star of the show here is the pizza. The menu features all the classics – think margherita, Hawaiian, veggie and Chicago – alongside more unique combinations such as Wicked Chickens, featuring chicken tenders, mozzarella buttermilk ranch, mushrooms, spring onion, and sweet corn, and Picante, with pepperoni, peppers, nduja, and fresh basil. Add a truffle mayo dip or the ‘special sauce’ – made with mayo, mustard, chopped gherkins, and smoked paprika – and you’ve got a winner of a dinner. 

22-25 Dean Street, W1D 3RY, visit japes.uk

Crisp Pizza, Hammersmith

It’s rare that a pop-up eatery at a pub becomes a mainstay, but Crisp W6 has people travelling from across the capital to sample its thin, delectable delights. The foodie honeypot is tucked away in The Chancellors Pub, aptly situated on Hammersmith’s Crisp Road, and was created by Carl McCuskey, who refuses to call himself a chef but is the innovator of the crisp combination, having experimented with flour and water ratios for years. 

Despite opening in 2020, it was only last year that Crisp gained the huge traction that cemented its position as one of the best pizza joints in London. There are specific times for ordering if you’re a walk-in (stay up to date via Crisp’s Instagram) or you’ll have to order in advance to sample the likes of the Vecna Pie, with pepperoni, burrata, and hot honey, or the Tie-Dye Pie, featuring spicy tequila sauce, fior di latte, and pesto. Whatever you choose, the five-star reviews prove you’re in for a good time. 

25 Crisp Road, W6 9RL, visit @crisppizzaw6 on Instagram

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