Chelsea, Pizza Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: These “buzzing family-run Italians” in southwest London create “an exceptional atmosphere” for large parties of all ages – and “they won’t break the bank”. “Despite the celebratory brouhaha, they produce a very respectable menu of traditional dishes – fish stew, duck, pizza on demand” – “even the veggies are catered for”. “Expect noise and old people dancing.”

“A great pit-stop on a night out” – these “busy, buzzy” rustic spots in Chelsea’s King’s Road and Battersea’s ‘Nappy Valley’ major in a wide selection of sourdough pizzas, although the exact offering is slightly different at the two sites (for example pasta in SW3 but not SW11). Attractive lunch deals too. Top Tip – the ‘La Terrazza’ heated rooftop terrace in Chelsea is worth discovering but walk-ins only and has its own menu.

There’s “a lot to like and not much to dislike” at this duo of “basic neighbourhood Italians” in South Ken and Dulwich Village – even harsher critics (who say the food is “generic” or “just about passable”) find them “pleasant”; and they’re often “full of families” because the “excellent staff make kids very welcome”.

“Real quality pizza, good portion sizes and reasonable prices” have driven the rapid growth of this Chelsea-based group, launched five years ago by Carmelo Meli and Emanuele Tagliarini. A couple of reports also give a shout out to the “short but reasonably priced wine list”.

Crispy NYC-style pizza is the mainstay at this walk-ins-only newcomer in Marylebone, where Sicilian-born chef Francesco Macri knocks out thin, 14-inch pizzas topped with imported Italian ingredients. According to our diners’ poll it’s not bad, but whether it’s worth braving the queues inspired by its instant TikTok fame is more dubious. And as of August 2024, you can also grab a slice or some of their signature meatballs in tomato sauce on the King’s Road in Chelsea, complete with gingham tablecloths, church pew-style seating, and episodes of ‘The Sopranos’ silently projected on an endless loop.