6 Pizzerias Bonissime in London
And the pizza prizes they deserve.
I take pizza VERY seriously. You know that question - “What would be your last meal on earth?” or “If you could only eat one thing forever?” Easy. Pizza. Always pizza.
I think I actually peaked in life when my husband and I went to Naples on our honeymoon and got to eat pizza in the place where it all began (Rick Steves has the footage to prove it).
It was magical.
This obsession is shared across my family - so much so that Friday night has become sacred: pizza night. We’ve looped in friends, neighbors, extended family, and the consensus is unanimous. Friday night Pizza night is a ritual worth keeping. It’s shareable, comforting, infinitely variable (though I do always go for the same toppings), and perfectly pairs with a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz. Honestly? Pizza is the perfect food.
When we first moved to London, we were devout fans of Pizza Pilgrims and Franco Manca… but as we’ve discovered, there’s so much more to London’s pizza scene.
So, here they are: 6 of my absolute favorite pizzerias across the city, each awarded a very serious, very unofficial prize for their style of pizza greatness.
1. Oi Vita - The All-Around Winner
Dare I say this is probably one of the best pizzas I’ve had in my life? Big words, I know - but Oi Vita backs it up. Tucked just off Newington Green, this small, unassuming place is bursting with warmth and Italian charm. It’s run by two friends from southern Italy, and you feel that craft and heart in everything: the imported ingredients, an oven that doesn’t mess around, the crisp-yet-chewy Neapolitan-style dough and the cheeky drawings and notes from local kids tacked to the walls. Even when it’s packed (which is often), the owner always finds time to chat, laugh, and recommend wine.
To go when you want: You’re craving a proper Neapolitan pizza with a chewy crust and bold flavors, and you’re hungry-hungry - like, “I want to inhale a whole pizza and still have room for tiramisu” hungry. Ideal for midweek comfort or a relaxed Friday where you want great food without fuss.
What to order: No need to go crazy - the Diavola (tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, basil) or the Bufalina (tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, basil) are divine. And yes, get the tiramisu.
2. Sodo Pizza - The Best Sourdough Winner
Love love love the Bethnal Green location under the railway arches - it's peak East London energy - and their servings at the George and Vulture. But honestly, all the Sodo spots (Clapton, Walthamstow, etc.) have their charm. These guys do sourdough bases, local ingredients, and natural wines with a whole lot of style. The pizzas are crisp, slightly chewy, just blistered enough.
To go when you want: You want a slightly lighter, crispier pizza with a sourdough base that feels a bit more grown-up (but not boring). Good when you’re hungry but want to avoid a food coma.
What to order: The Wicker Man or Dirty Boy- Sodo’s standout pies. Add burrata if you’re feeling fancy.
3. Homeslice - The Atypical Pizza Pie Winner
This used to be our regular when we lived in Shoreditch (actually our last dinner out before lockdown hit in March 2020), and it’s still a go-to when I want a pizza with a twist. This isn’t Neapolitan - it’s NYC-by-way-of-London, and that means giant, 18-inch pies made for sharing, with toppings that are properly creative. You can do half-and-half (a must if you want variety), and the vibe is very casual - grab a beer and sprawl across a table with friends.
To go when you want: You’re feeling adventurous and not in the mood for a traditional margherita. Ideal for groups who want to try everything - or anyone craving pizza with toppings that sound like they came from a chef’s fever dream.
What to order: Mushroom, ricotta, pumpkin seeds & chilli on one side, ’nduja, tenderstem broccoli & chilli on the other. Balance, baby.
4. 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo - The ‘I Want the Real Thing’ Winner
Sworn in as the best pizza in London by my husband’s Neapolitan colleague - and honestly, who am I to argue? This place is the London outpost of legendary pizzaiolo Ciro Salvo, and it brings the real-deal Naples experience to Trafalgar Square. It’s elegant, sleek, and slightly dramatic, like a pizza opera. The dough is made with hyper-hydrated flour, fermented for 48 hours, and cooked in a blazing 500°C oven. The result? Cloud-like crust, molten centre, yumyum perfection.
To go when you want: You’re in central and want something way better than a Pizza Express panic meal. More of a special dinner out, not hangry grab-and-go. Absolutely book ahead.
What to order: Margherita - no notes. But if you’re feeling bold, the Ndjua e Stracciata is phenomenal too.
5. BAR D4100 - The Good Times, Good Vibes Winner
Ventured South for this one (and I think I will get murdered if I don’t mention at least one pizza place below the Thames) - and it was so worth the Overground. Bar D4100 (that’s ‘Dinner for One Hundred’, love) is in Nunhead and it’s everything you want in a neighborhood pizzeria: pink tiles, flickering candles, sunflower murals, a drinks list that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and pizza combos that feel like little love letters to joy (and pizza). It’s designed for people to gather, drink, and eat well. Dough is long-fermented and blistered just right, toppings are creative without being fussy.
To go when you want: You’re pizza-hungry and party-hungry. You want bold flavors, rich toppings, and a crust that can hold its own under a pile of whipped feta and hot honey. Come when you’re starving and sociable.
What to order: The Macgyver - whipped feta, hot honey, and chorizo magic. And a £5 spritz to wash it down.
5. Sweet Thursday – The Neighborhood Favorite Winner
Nestled in the heart of De Beauvoir, this is the kind of pizzeria that makes you want to move into the area. It’s part wine shop, part pizza place, part hangout spot. Kids welcome, dogs allowed, and honestly? The vibes are plain sweet. The dough is light and well-fermented, ingredients are fresh and seasonal. They even have a gelato bar for dessert, and some great takeaway if you want to picnic in nearby Shoreditch Park.
To go when you want: Something low-key, satisfying, and nourishing with friends or family. Or takeaway-and-park if the sun’s out.
What to order: Their seasonal special (they always have one that’s a bit fun) and something from the wine wall.
Extras That Deserve a Slice of the Spotlight:
Saponara - The Belongs-in-My-Heart Winner: This one absolutely belongs in the top 6 of my heart, but I’ve waxed poetic about it so many times that it’s only fair to let others shine. Still - if you haven’t, go.
Flat Earth Pizza - The Vegan Revelation Winner: Vegan and veggie with wild-grain bases that defy expectations.
Dough Hands - The New York Pie Winner: Their tomato pies are the stuff of legend - be prepared to queue. Also available at The Old Nun’s Head.
Zia Lucia - The Solid Chain MVP Winner: We probably order in from here the most when we don’t want to head out. Charcoal base? A winner.
400 Rabbits - The South London Secret Winner: South Londoners know. North Londoners, time to catch up.
It was so hard to pin this down to just 6 pizzerias. There are of course plenty of other good ones - so if you’ve got a go-to, please send it our way in the comments (I’ll probably be there within the week).
Long live pizza night.
xx Anna
The Lapomme Friday Pizza Night™️ is one of the very best traditions 🍕🫶
Ooh I’m here for the pizza recs! I also recommend Base Face in Richmond and Barnes (think there’s one in Putney too) even the dough is worth the trip South of the river! 😉