The best pizza in Brighton

Fatto a Mano launched more than a decade ago in Preston Circus and has since spread not only across Brighton & Hove, but all the way to London as well, raising the bar for quality pizza in both cities. The OG Brighton pizzeria found success thanks to its Neapolitan-style pizzas made with dough that's been left to prove for at least 24 hours. Tip: if you're at the Hove branch, get your pizza to go and sprawl out on the beach just across the road.

VIP stands for Very Italian Pizza, a name backed by five generations of the same family perfecting their craft since the late 19th century. The Brighton pizzeria serves authentic Neapolitan pizzas with a wide choice of toppings, including build-your-own options, alongside pasta dishes and other Italian favourites. Its rustic, taverna-style setting also includes a small gourmet deli section.

Operating out of retro-inspired venues with tiled walls, Pommy's Pizza serves up generous Italian-American pizzas that look like they've been plucked straight out of an NYC slice shop. Rock up to the counter to choose from an assortment of classic toppings like vodka sauce, pepperoni, or margherita, and don't forget to round things off with Pommy's tiramisu.

Nanninella's pizzaiolo Sergio is dedicated to authenticity, using true Neapolitan techniques and ingredients sourced directly from Italy. His Brighton & Hove pizzeria offers some of the area's best Neapolitan pizzas, served in a warm indoor space or out on a relaxed patio. The menu ranges from classic toppings like margherita and capricciosa to inventive specials such as the three-in-one cannolo pizzas.

Whereas Fatto a Mano went from Brighton to London, Pizza Pilgrims took the train the other way. This popular pizzeria group has a number of branches across London, though none of them have an indoor football pitch for hire hidden in the basement like the Brighton one. Serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, the Pilgrims import all of their ingredients directly from Italy for top flavour and authenticity.

Tony's specialises in New York–style pizzas, serving favourites like margherita and pepperoni alongside the house pie topped with pepperoni, sausage, stracciatella, hot honey, chillies, and parmesan. The crust is nicely charred, the flavours are bold, and you can enjoy your pizza either as a takeaway or by candlelight in the modest dine-in space.

The Fiddler's Elbow is always a good shout for a drink, especially if Guinness is your tipple of choice, but there's more to this Irish pub in The Lanes than just pints. South Coast pizza slinger Yeastie Boys bring their 20-inch pies to the pub several days each week, serving ample slices of musically named pizzas. You can combine toppings for a half-and-half option, and there's plenty of choice for vegans too.

Morelli Zorelli takes its sourdough seriously, turning out slow-fermented, hand-crafted pizzas for both eat-in guests and those ordering delivery. Fans of spiciness can go for the fiery diavola loaded with salami, 'nduja, chilli, mascarpone, and hot honey, while vegan diners have plenty of plant-based options to choose from. The pared-back interior keeps things casual, creating a relaxed and inviting spot to enjoy pizza in Brighton.

Set just off the seafront, Pronto in Tavola has been turning out genuine Italian pizzas since 2009, with chef Nino's creations regularly cited as some of the best pizza in Brighton. Each pizza is made with ingredients imported straight from Italy and comes topped with a selection of well-loved classics. The pizzeria interior is simple but cheerful, with colourful chairs and framed artwork adding character.

Wild Flour Pizza began as a true grassroots venture, with the owners slinging takeaway pizzas from their own back garden for family and friends. Demand quickly grew, prompting a move to a small kitchen just around the corner. Still focused on takeaway, they turn out artisanal wood-fired pizzas that make the journey to Ovingdean worthwhile – though you can also opt for delivery if you'd rather stay in.

Pizza Me is a takeaway Brighton pizzeria operating out of a kiosk in Elm Grove. Run by three Italian friends, the pizzeria serves both whole pies and slices. There's lots of choice when it comes to toppings, ranging from heavily meat-centric options to vegan ones, and you can build your own pizza as well. You can also get a calzone here, including a sweet dessert version.

The “history” part of History Pizzeria's name comes courtesy of the family recipes passed down through generations, resulting in some of the best pizzas in Brighton. The menu features classic red and white pizzas, as well as calzones, focaccias, and various other Italian bites, accompanied by a fully stocked bar, though you can also BYO. The pizzeria features a charming interior with black-and-white tiled floors and Italian decor.

Al Forno is a contemporary pizzeria with a bright, airy dining room and an open kitchen where you can watch the pizzaiolos at work. This family-run spot offers handmade pasta, oven-fresh pizzas, and other Italian favourites, with both takeaway and delivery available. Thanks to its generous seating, it's also a great option for group get-togethers.

Pizza 500 pairs its freshly baked pizzas with handmade Italian gelato. This compact London Road spot serves an extensive selection of pizzas and pastas made in true Italian fashion, with ice cream ready for dessert. You can sit down in the straightforward, unfussy dining room, or opt for delivery and enjoy a comforting Italian meal at home.

Rustico, a South Coast mini-chain, dishes up handmade pasta and true Neapolitan pizzas at wallet-friendly prices. Its restaurants lean into a nostalgic, vintage look, with walls plastered in old magazine cuttings and warm wooden floors giving them a lived-in feel. These family-oriented spots also run fun events, including pizza-making parties tailored for children.