Is there anyone who doesn’t love pizza? This quintessentially simple and wholesome dish is adored across the world. Yet finding genuinely excellent pizza outside its homeland can be challenging. London, however, boasts some outstanding pizzerias – from those honouring the finest Italian traditions to those offering more contemporary and inventive flavours.
Here’s our selection of the best pizzerias in London where you can enjoy authentic pizza.
An institution in London serving authentic Roman-style pizza across two locations, with the original in Finsbury Park. The menu may seem overwhelming, but the recommendation is to stick with the classics. The Pizza Margherita and Pizza Parmigiana are the crowd favourites and dishes absolutely worth sharing with friends. It’s the ideal spot for a casual dinner – affordable, cheerful and convivial, like being adopted by a large Italian family in the heart of London.
The atmosphere is warm and festive – although impeccably maintained and pleasantly busy – the staff are always cheerful and friendly, and the food is excellent. The prices are good too, sitting somewhat below average.
The London branch of the celebrated and authentic Neapolitan pizzeria made famous by Julia Roberts’ film “Eat Pray Love” is equally renowned here for its characterfully irregular pizzas, with distinctive ultra-puffy crusts and the typical “leopard-spotted” finish created by the intense heat of the wood-fired oven. Are they truly the best in the world, as their countless admirers claim? There’s only one way to find out.
Long before Islington became a culinary destination, Zia Lucia was drawing crowds. Its defining feature is the choice of four different doughs, including charcoal and a high-quality gluten-free option. The toppings are simple yet superb: try the Parmigiana, topped with aubergine, tomato and mozzarella.
In the heart of Earls Court, Cacciari’s brings an authentic slice of Bologna to London. This pizzeria distinguishes itself with long-fermented dough that creates a light and easily digestible base, featuring the characteristic high, crispy crust of the Neapolitan tradition. The welcoming, family-like atmosphere perfectly recreates an Italian trattoria, whilst the menu offers both classic traditional pizzas and creative modern interpretations. Don’t miss their signature pizza with PGI Bologna mortadella and pistachios, a tribute to the owners’ city of origin.
Bravi Ragazzi is renowned for authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. This small, informal restaurant is run by Neapolitan pizza makers who use ingredients imported from Italy. It’s particularly praised for its soft dough and tall crust typical of Neapolitan tradition. The pizzeria has received numerous accolades and is frequently listed among London’s finest pizzerias.
In a crowded market of dough varieties, choosing the perfect pizza can be trickier than you’d think. This pizzeria has earned an incredible reputation, with some calling it “Europe’s best pizza“. The menu includes all the classics (margherita, marinara, pepperoni) alongside a more innovative selection of signature dishes developed by founder Michele. Do try the Ricordi d’Infanzia, a tomato base pizza topped with slow-cooked Neapolitan beef ragù and generous helpings of 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
An unusual case of expansion moving south: Rudy’s started in Manchester in 2015 before conquering London. Now it occupies a spacious location on Wardour Street, complete with an open kitchen and abundant white metro-style tiles. The chefs follow the Neapolitan school of dough-making: elastic, slightly charred bases topped with traditional toppings (anchovies, artichokes, buffalo mozzarella) and more unconventional ones (wild boar salami).
You’ll find Homeslice at number 13 Neal’s Yard, in the Covent Garden area. This somewhat hidden gem tucked away in an alley serves exceptional, beautifully prepared pizza crafted with care, always using fresh and flavourful ingredients.
The place is consistently busy, and especially on Saturday evenings, booking is advisable. The atmosphere is lively and the service is both friendly and knowledgeable. Here you’ll find generously sized pizzas meant to be sliced and shared amongst friends.
Hidden in the heart of Kennington Park, Collective offers a true escape from London’s hustle and bustle. The space is welcoming and informal, with outdoor seating where you can enjoy the sunshine (when available) whilst waiting for what many consider London’s finest pizza. Must-try pizzas include the Buffala Cherry, the Napolitana and the Portobello (white pizza). Ingredients are fresh, often sourced locally, and the naturally leavened dough is perfectly baked.
One of the cornerstones of Camberwell’s vibrant food scene, Theo’s serves Neapolitan-style pizzas renowned well beyond the SE5 postcode. Well-risen crusts carry elaborate toppings beautifully, from nduja with Scotch bonnet to creamy cavolo nero with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.
It’s not just the pizzas that are New York-style: neon signs, metro tiles and a late-night atmosphere scream retro Manhattan. The giant 22″ pizzas, available by the slice, seem designed by someone nursing a terrible hangover. There are dipping sauces and sides like jalapeño mac ‘n’ cheese too.
Food enthusiasts on social media know Crisp well – the pizzeria that conquered Instagram and TikTok since launching in the leafy suburbs of Hammersmith. Operating within The Chancellors pub, the place is famous for its “pie”-style pizzas with soft dough, rich tomato sauce and generous portions of burrata. Thinner-crust options are also available, but we’d recommend booking ahead and sharing a selection with friends.
Since its launch, Pizza Pilgrims has conquered some of London’s liveliest areas thanks to affordable pricing, a family-friendly atmosphere and impeccable Neapolitan pizzas. The classic Margherita is naturally a safe bet and can be “upgraded” to an ‘Extra Extra Margherita’ with cherry tomatoes, burrata and fresh basil pesto. Don’t miss the double pepperoni and double honey pizza – perfect for warming up on winter evenings.
Happy Face’s Neapolitan-style pizzas, cooked in a wood-fired oven, stand out for their dough, fermented for a full 72 hours to create a light, pillowy texture. Whilst the bases are typically thin, the crusts can be generous. Try the Rucola – fresh and crispy – or the vegetarian Fungi with its intense taleggio. To finish on a high note, don’t miss one of their cocktails: the white negroni with rose pepper gin is particularly intriguing.
A blend of rye, wholemeal and white flours gives this Brixton pizzeria’s bases a distinctive bite. Nearly all vegetables and herbs are grown locally, beers are produced within kilometres of the restaurant, and they even make their own ginger ale.
This new New York-style pizzeria in the refined Marylebone neighbourhood operates walk-ins only – no reservations. The interior recreates a New York hideaway with red-checked tablecloths, exposed brick, traditional green metro tiles and a large screen looping The Sopranos. The menu features distinctive pizzas, such as a margherita enhanced with vodka-infused slow-cooked tomato sauce.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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