The best pizza in Central London

50 Kalò by Ciro Salvo, the third generation of master pizzamakers from an iconic family, brings award-winning Neapolitan pizza to London. The ultra-hydrated dough is light, airy, and cooked in a blazing hot oven for its signature blistered crust. All ingredients are carefully sourced from Italy, and the menu ranges from a classic margherita to bold combos like 'nduja or fried aubergine.

48-hour fermented dough, seasonal toppings, and a pillowy crust are just a few of the things you can expect from a pizza at Florencio. This local Marylebone pizzeria is all about really good pizza cooked simply in a hot, fiery oven. There's only one oven inside, meaning every single pizza served here has just been made. Choose from options like stracciatella with San Marzano sauce, fior di latte, stracciatella cheese, mortadella and caramelised pistachio pesto, as well as a handful of starters like their seasonal salad with parmesan. 

If your dream pizza is a deep dish piled high with cheese and sauce, Japes needs to be on your must-visit list. This laid-back joint is inspired by Chicago's iconic deep-dish tradition, serving hearty deep pan pizzas with loads of cheese and creative combos made with soft, pillowy dough. They have a few locations around the city: Soho, Greenwich and Camden.

Santa Maria serves up proper Neapolitan pizza across a few locations in the city, which are both wood-fired and proudly traditional. The dough is soft and airy, the sauce tangy with San Marzano tomatoes, and the toppings classic – think fior di latte, spicy salami, or fresh basil. The pizzas are cooked in stone ovens imported from Italy, giving them that perfect fluffy crust. The menu's got all the classics, plus sides like meatballs in tomato sauce and crisp bruschetta, all served in a laid-back space.

What started with a homemade pizza oven has grown into a handful of iconic spots around London, known for their giant 20-inch pizzas. The dough is thin, the tomato base is simple and well-seasoned, and the flavours are anything but basic — think wagyu beef with truffle crème fraîche or chorizo with corn and coriander. Seasonal produce is at the heart of the menu, and while most pizzas are whole, a few are sold by the slice, with the option to go half-and-half.

Fatto a Mano started out as a hit in Brighton, quickly earning itself a cult following, but it wasn't long before their Neapolitan pizzas made their way to London. The dough is made fresh daily and proofed for at least 24 hours, giving it that fluffy, chewy texture you get when you know it's a good pizza. Options range from the classics – margherita with fior di latte and fresh basil – to creative takes like their lasagna pizza, all cooked in a hot oven for only 90 seconds. The vibe is casual but fun, with lots of traditional blue and white tones.

Pizza Pilgrims has nailed the art of Neapolitan pizza – think pillowy crusts and the freshest toppings, all cooked in a proper wood-fired oven. The dough is light and airy, and all the ingredients are flown in straight from Italy, including the creamy fior di latte and the San Marzano tomatoes. Their motto, “in crust we trust,” says it all. You'll find all the classics alongside their own fun takes.

Rudy's Pizza Napoletana brings a slice of Naples to London with dough made fresh every day, left to ferment for 24 hours, then cooked in just 60 seconds for that soft Neapolitan crust. Toppings are classic and fresh, using proper Italian ingredients, and there's a solid line-up of cocktails and wines to go with it. It's casual, cool, and all about keeping things authentic.

Crust Bros started life as a humble market stall, but it didn't take long for their pizzas to earn them a few permanent spots across London. You'll find a range of pizzas with tomato, white, or pesto bases, but the real fun is in making your own. Choose your dough, pick a sauce, load up on cheeses and toppings, and build the pizza exactly how you like it.

Bad Boy Pizza Society is all about New York-style pizza, served by the slice from massive 22-inch pies. This buzzy pizza spot is a go-to for an easy, laid-back meal. You'll find everything from the classics like margherita to more inventive options like goat's cheese and caramelised onions, plus a changing daily special. There are also great deals if you're in the mood to mix and match a few slices.

Icco keeps things straightforward with top-quality Italian pizza at affordable prices, all served in a bright, roomy space. The menu covers all the traditional options, like four cheese, pepperoni, Hawaiian, and Fiorentina, plus a few sides, sweet treats, and smoothies to round things out. Enjoy eating in or grabbing a takeaway.