The Best Wood-Fired Pizza Shops in London That You’ll Love
London is a city full of surprises when it comes to food. You can find cuisines from all over the world here, but one dish that never goes out of style is pizza. There are countless pizza spots in London offering delicious slices, but only a few places master the art of wood-fired pizzas! Wood-fired pizzas are cooked in ovens heated by burning wood, which gives the crust a smoky flavor and adds a special touch to each bite.
Whether you’re a local Londoner or visiting the city for the first time, you don’t want to miss out on these amazing wood-fired pizza shops. Here are some of the best spots that serve authentic, crispy, and mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas in London.
1. Franco Manca
Franco Manca is one of the most loved pizza chains in London, and for good reason! They specialize in sourdough pizzas cooked in traditional wood-fired ovens. The dough is soft and chewy, with just the right amount of char on the crust. Their menu is simple yet full of flavors, featuring classic margarita and other delicious options like tomato, cured ham, and mozzarella pizzas.
What makes Franco Manca special is their high-quality ingredients. They use organic tomatoes and locally sourced produce, including their fresh buffalo mozzarella. Another great thing? Franco Manca’s pizzas are very affordable. You can enjoy a tasty pizza without spending a fortune, which is perfect if you’re trying to stick to a budget.
2. Pizza Pilgrims
Pizza Pilgrims is all about authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, and their wood-fired ovens guarantee that smoky, crispy goodness in every slice. With several branches across London, Pizza Pilgrims has become a favorite among pizza lovers. Their dough is made fresh daily, and their toppings are always full of flavor.
One popular choice here is the Truffle pizza. It’s topped with creamy mushroom and truffle, giving it an irresistible rich and earthy taste. If you enjoy trying fun and unique pizza flavors, Pizza Pilgrims is the place for you. They also serve Nutella pizza rings as dessert – perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!
3. Homeslice
Homeslice is known for its oversized 20-inch pizzas. Whether you’re sharing with friends or tackling it solo (no judgment here!), Homeslice promises big flavors. Their pizzas are cooked in wood-fired ovens, giving them the perfect smoky finish.
Homeslice offers creative toppings you won’t find at most other places. Imagine pizza with goat shoulder, yogurt, and mint, or salami with roasted peppers. Their combinations are bold but surprisingly delicious. They also have seasonal specials, so there’s always something new to try. If you can’t decide on one flavor, Homeslice lets you split your pizza into two halves with different toppings.
4. Santa Maria Pizzeria
Santa Maria is one of the most authentic pizzerias in London. They craft Neapolitan pizzas using ingredients imported directly from Italy, ensuring each pizza has that true Italian taste. Their wood-fired ovens cook the pizzas at super high heat, creating the perfect thin, slightly blistered crust.
One standout option is their Santa Maria pizza, made with tomato, buffalo mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh basil. It’s as simple as it gets, but the flavors are incredible. If you’re someone who believes in “less is more,” you’ll love Santa Maria’s clean and classic approach to making pizza.
5. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
For fans of the movie Eat Pray Love, you may remember Julia Roberts enjoying pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples. Lucky for Londoners, this iconic pizzeria has a branch right in the heart of the city. The wood-fired pizzas here stay true to their roots, offering the same taste that made them famous in Italy.
Their menu is short and sweet, featuring only a few options like margarita and marinara – but don’t let this fool you. Their focus on simplicity is what makes these pizzas so special. The dough is light, the toppings are fresh, and the pizzas are cooked to perfection in their wood-fired oven.
6. Bunga Bunga
If you like pizza with entertainment, Bunga Bunga is the perfect spot. This quirky pizzeria is known for its fun vibes and delicious wood-fired pizzas. They offer everything from classic margaritas to pizzas topped with unique ingredients like figs and prosciutto.
Bunga Bunga is not just about pizza; it’s also a place for having a good time. Depending on the night, you’ll find karaoke, cabaret shows, or themed events. It’s a great spot to grab pizza and hang out with friends for a lively evening.
Conclusion
London’s wood-fired pizza scene is truly remarkable. From budget-friendly spots like Franco Manca to creative giants like Homeslice, there’s a pizza shop for everyone in the city. Wood-fired pizzas are special because of their smoky flavor, crispy crust, and fresh toppings – and these places deliver that magic in every slice.
Next time you’re craving pizza, be sure to check out one of these incredible London pizza shops. Whether you prefer classic Neapolitan flavors or adventurous toppings, you’re sure to find your new favorite pizza spot. Remember to bring your friends or family along – because pizza always tastes better when shared!
