For more like this, check out our reviews of the best brunch in London, the best outdoor restaurants in London or the best London pubs for food lovers.

Best places to eat steak in London

Ibai, Smithfield

Ibai is a steak restaurant that starts well before the grill. The duo behind it, Nemanja Borjanović and William Sheard, own Mr Txuleta, the wholesale butcher that supplies the restaurant, controlling the beef from farm to table. That means choosing breeds, working directly with farmers, selecting cattle pre-slaughter and ageing the meat on its own terms. Ibai is known for its Galician Blond – including the first UK herds, in Wales and Bedfordshire – but there’s also a focus on rare native breeds and older animals. It’s beef with a backstory, and it tastes like it.

The room matches the ambition. High ceilings, polished stone and firelight frame the open grill, giving the place a sense of occasion without stiffness.
We began lightly. Cantabrian anchovies slicked with arbequina olive oil slip down in seconds, before moving on to house favourite Croque Ibai, a gloriously indulgent sandwich of carabinero prawn, boudin noir and Tomme de Brebis, crisped and molten, both salty and sweet.

But the pull is the open grill. Ask to be shown the board, heaving with slabs of sirloin and rib, cut thick before being cooked over embers. We went for Galician Blond, a six-year-old animal, its meat aged for 51 days: deeply flavoured, with a savoury sweetness, buttery textured but with a satisfying drool-inducing chew – a true connoisseur’s steak. Beef-fat fries and braised leeks with mustard played their roles, anchovy and herb salsa added sharpness to cut through the rich meat.

Dessert kept faith with the Basque thread. The pain perdu – crisp, rum-scented – was reason enough to stay.

olive tip: Hand yourself over to sommelier Hugh to steer you through an ever-changing by-the-glass list – from classic European benchmarks to more left-field bottles. ibai.london

Vivat Bacchus, Farringdon

Ever tried a zebra stokkie? In Afrikaans it means ‘little stick’, a type of biltong, the air-dried cured meat that’s a South African classic.

Zebra, along with beef, is part of the theatre of the biltong trolley at Farringdon steakhouse Vivat Bacchus, rolled to your table and sliced to order. It’s powerful with spices and vinegar, chewy and deeply satisfying.

The trolley is the star starter, a tongue-tingling warm-up for the main attraction, the heritage braai selection. The equivalent of a UK barbecue, braai is more than a cooking method – it’s an event for bringing people together over food. The braai here offers a well-balanced spread of meats cooked over flame, designed for two to share.

Juicy sirloin, meltingly soft cola-cooked pork belly, peppery boerewors (sausages) and ostrich fillet. If you’re not familiar with steaks from the big bird, think venison – incredibly lean and mildly gamey.

Pot-baked mealie bread, fiery chakalaka relish and sweet-spicy monkey gland sauce are the go-to accompaniments, along with “flippen lekker” (very tasty) chips. As you’d expect, South African wines dominate the list, so ask your sommelier to match a glass with each dish. Finish with peppermint tart, a creamy dessert like a tiramisu. vivatbacchus.co.uk

The Guinea Grill, Mayfair

At one of Mayfair’s most characterful pub-restaurants, the meaty mains beg to be experienced, so we plumped for beef, Guinness and oyster Pie (to share) to kick off proceedings (though the devilled kidneys on toast, and seared scallops on the table next to us, looked very appetising). Topped with a crispy oyster and melted cheese, it set the tone for the next grand entrance – a magnificent côte de boeuf, presented at the table before being flamed on the grill and served with brandy peppercorn sauce, crispy layered pancetta confit potatoes and parmesan-creamed sweetcorn.

For pudding, the crème brûlée crackled satisfyingly under the spoon, while the bread and butter pudding was surprisingly light and fluffy.

Olive tip: If you’re visiting in the evening, try to skip lunch to take full advantage of the meaty fare. As well as starters, salads and mains, add-ons include lamb cutlet, calf's liver, lamb kidneys, black pudding and haggis. theguinea.co.uk

Goodman, Mayfair

At Goodman, the cut is everything. Each day begins in the basement ageing room where chefs inspect racks of prime beef, selecting the finest cuts to feature on The Cut specials board – a roll call of sirloin, ribeye, T-bone and fillet, sourced from the UK, USA, Australia and beyond.

The star is a 75-day-aged Angus Pure Breed from the Lake District: deep, gamey and minerally, with intense beefiness. Diners get to choose not only the cut but the size of their steak – whether you’re in the mood for a modest 250g or a mighty kilo. Each one is cooked to your liking over red-hot 400C coals that leave a toffee-like crust and juicy centre.

The Mayfair dining room, opened in 2008 (the first of three), hums with a clubby but not stuffy confidence – all dark leather, low lighting and cosy corners. Along one wall, regulars' engraved steak knives sit in a glass-fronted cabinet like prized trophies.

Starters include crispy, fist-sized prawn tempura, and sweet and briny crab on warm brioche toast. From the side, truffled mac and cheese is luxurious, spinach sings with garlic, Josper-roasted onions are sticky and dark, and triple-cooked chips are made to dredge through the creamy béarnaise.

Get to know the sommelier – they’ll match your palate and your steak, possibly with a lush American pinot noir or a more classic French Bordeaux. goodmanrestaurants.com

Dorian, Notting Hill

Relaxed and friendly, Dorian has polish but no pretence. Smart enough for a birthday, casual enough for a Tuesday night, it proudly boasts of its place in the heart of the neighbourhood.

But for all its clubbable vibe, what makes it a destination is the steak. Aged for 60 days on-site, Dorian offers three cuts, cooked with mesmeric care over wood fire: sirloin on the bone, rib-eye on the bone and the grand T-bone. Each arrives richly barked, exteriors crisped and as smoky as embers, interiors blushing and butter soft. It’s dramatic, theatrical cooking – made to share, made to marvel at.

But this isn’t a one-dish restaurant. Rostis are fried to a deep gold and topped with crab and broad bean, or langoustine and pea. Or, if you’re feeling especially decadent, caviar.

For starters, a plate of white asparagus is a snappable delight, tempura St George’s mushrooms deliver umami nuggets, and the succulent ibérico pork is complemented by noisily crunchy strips of deep-fried pig’s ear.

Triple-cooked Pink Fir potatoes deserve their own accolade, shrapnel skins, fluffy flesh, built for scooping up whatever’s left on your plate.

Desserts are great – go for salted milk flan with a scoop of coffee and dark chocolate sorbet. But, really, you’re here for the incredible steak. dorianrestaurant.com

Cut at 45 Park Lane, Mayfair

As you would expect, Cut at 45 Park Lane – culinary heavyweight Wolfgang Puck’s fine dining steakhouse – wants you to experience the best cuts from the world’s best steaks. To make the most of an experience in this sleek, polished dining room, choose The Taste of Cut: a trio of British grass-fed sirloin, Australian wagyu and Japanese A5 wagyu, each carefully cooked and clearly distinct. The sirloin is bold and beefy; the Australian richly marbled; while the A5, almost white with silky fat, barely needs a knife. It’s an impressive way to understand what top-grade beef really tastes like.

Wolfgang may be best known for revolutionising Californian fine dining with Spago and feeding the stars at the Oscars, but at Cut you feel that steak is his passion. Head chef Ibrahim cooks over open flames, resting and flaming to deliver smoky perfection, perfectly paired with dry Italian red wine barbaresco.

Small bites include miso cones of spicy tuna tartare, bite-sized, meltingly soft wagyu sliders, and sweet and fluffy crab and lobster rolls.

If you have room for dessert, share a burnt Basque cheesecake with Hugh Lowe Farm strawberries, the freshness of the fruit a perfect foil for the delicately creamy pudding. dorchestercollection.com

Macellaio RC, various locations

The tagline of this collection of six Italian restaurants is ‘the butcher’s theatre’. Genoan restaurateur Roberto Costa’s original South Kensington branch is a homely ‘butcher with tables’, while the glamorous Soho outpost focuses on the theatre butchery. Executive chef Lello Favuzzi’s menu starts with lardo that melts onto sourdough with honey and hazelnuts, smoked, aged tuna bresaola with heirloom tomatoes and Tropea onions, and the signature steak tartare. The latter is excitingly prepared tableside on a smart wooden trolley – bowls of chopped Fassona steak, capers, onions, gherkins and anchovies are mixed with cognac, Worcestershire sauce and mustard, with an egg yolk balanced on top.

The main event is the grill. House-butchered T-bones, ribeyes and sirloins are dry-aged for seven to nine weeks, and there’s a choice between grass-fed British, lean Fassona from Piedmont and a Bavarian breed that boasts intensely flavoured fat. Pair with a Seven Hills negroni, a bottle from the exceptional Italian wine list and finish with a tiramisu, built at the table, or homemade hazelnut gelato. macellaiorc.com

Zoilo, Marylebone

This intimate bistro has been serving regional Argentinian classics for over a decade. The upstairs dining room is a cocoon of elegance – exposed brick and wood panelled walls strung with black and white photographs of life in Buenos Aires, flickering tea lights on white tablecloths, deep red leather banquettes and chequered flooring, with a heavy velvet curtain wrapped around the door to keep out the cold. A wooden bar is generously stocked with aperitifs and spirits to make cocktails while impressive vintages line shelves behind. Chef Patron Diego Jacquet returns to Argentina two to three times a year to source the 250-strong list of wines including Mendoza's prestigious Malbec regions UCO Valley and Vista Flores.

Kick things off with house-cured salami, flaky, beef-filled empanadas, provoleta (a semi-hard cheese similar to Italian provolone) melted and topped with almonds and honey, and sea bream ceviche doused in green oil, chia seeds and pickled kohlrabi. Grass-fed, pampas-reared Argentinian steak is the main event, from juicy ‘bife ancho’ rib-eye served with lively tomato and parsley salsa criolla to perfectly pink ‘asado’ flank and Brazilian style picanha cooked sous vide. Order extra-crunchy hand cut Provençal chips and seasonal sides that might include opulent cauliflower cheese layered with peanut butter. To finish, silky smooth crème brûlée is topped with dulce de leche swirled banana ice cream and petits fours include squares of dulce de leche fudge. zoilo.co.uk

Flat Iron, Southbank

Who can argue with Flat Iron’s motto, “Great steak for everyone”, when £15 is all it costs for a beautifully cooked flat iron steak. It’s no surprise that the crowd spans everyone from young professionals to parents with toddlers in tow. This is the 18th Flat Iron, set just behind the Royal Festival Hall and overlooking Southbank Market Square. Inside, a smart central bar divides a bright, lively front space from a cosier dining room at the back. There’s also a sunny terrace, perfect for relaxed lunches and summer evenings.

The signature flat iron steak is the headline act: British-reared beef, expertly seared to a rosy blush and served simply with beef dripping chips, silky creamed spinach and an outrageously indulgent crispy bone marrow mash. Blackboard specials like wagyu keep regulars coming back, while a short, well-curated list of wines, beers and classic cocktails rounds out the offering. Flat Iron skips a formal dessert menu, instead handing out complimentary salted caramel soft serve in a crunchy cone – a small detail that’s part of the charm. Unfussy, reliable and brilliantly executed, Flat Iron really does make great steak democratic. flatironsteak.co.uk

Hawksmoor, various locations

There are multiple branches of Hawksmoor to choose from across London. The Wood Wharf branch combines its signature British steakhouse flair with a unique waterside location. Situated on a floating pavilion, this restaurant offers stunning views of the City alongside its renowned menu of perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty sides. The outdoor terrace is ideal for sipping on classic cocktails while enjoying the serene waterfront atmosphere. Hawksmoor’s dedication to quality and sustainability ensures a memorable dining experience. thehawksmoor.com/locations/wood-wharf/

NIJŪ, Mayfair

Experience wagyu and kobe beef grilled to perfection at Japanese restaurant NIJŪ in Mayfair. Endo Kazutoshi, arguably London’s most esteemed sushi master, is behind this new Mayfair grill, with exec chef Chris Golding overseeing the menu day to day. Careful sourcing, luxe ingredients and well-honed kitchen skills create a unique menu inspired by ‘Katei Ryōri’: homecooked, seasonal dishes, some – like dover sole, asparagus and nori butter – served tableside.

Wagyu, that most highly-prized beef, is sourced from Japan and England, cooked simply over Japanese charcoal and offered with fresh wasabi and yuzu salsa verde. Beyond the steak offerings, sashimi includes indulgent cuts like otoro (fatty tuna) served classic style or with a contemporary NIJŪ twist – ‘aburi’ (seared) with caviar. Vegetables are treated with equal care, from grilled aubergine with white sesame dressing to spicy spinach with sobacha (buckwheat tea). A sushi counter and glass panel revealing all the kitchen action add to the buzzy atmosphere. The basement Nipperkin bar uses British ingredients, some grown and distilled on site in its hyper-seasonal cocktail list. nijulondon.com

Blacklock, various across London

While Blacklock’s famous ‘All In’ – a pile-up of seared pork, lamb and beef chops served atop charcoal-grilled flatbread – remains a carnivore’s rite of passage, another must-order is the magnificent beef prime rib chop (choose the size to suit you). Charred and glossy, blushing pink within, it’s a true showstopper, elevated to even greater heights of umami meatiness with house gravy.

It’s a dish that feels perfectly in keeping with the dark wood and exposed brick of Blacklock’s Shoreditch branch, tucked inside a Victorian warehouse, buzzing with office workers.

Begin with bite-size canapés then choose succulent pig’s head on toast, lifted by sweet, pickled chilli slices. Sides compete for stardom: 10-hour ash-roasted sweet potato, smoky and creamy; sharp kale with parmesan; loudly crunchy beef dripping chips; and silky bone marrow.

Try your luck and ask for the secret pie: only 20 are baked each day and they’re not listed on the menu – a celebration of Blacklock’s nose-to-tail philosophy made with handpicked cuts, slow-cooked in Cornish stout and wrapped in thyme-topped shortcrust pastry.

To finish, white chocolate cheesecake is like no other you’ve had before, served at your table in great scoops for everyone to grab a spoon and dive into. theblacklock.com

Solis, Battersea

Solis is the personal product of Ana Gonçalves’ (along with husband Zijun Meng, who together are behind cult favourites TĀ TĀ Eatery and Tou) desire to showcase food from her childhood and challenge the conventional expectations of the steak night. With bold flavour influences from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay and Argentina, Solis is looking to break the mould without breaking the bank. Located right in the heart of Battersea Power Station’s multi-billion-pound restoration and redevelopment, it offers an accessible menu headlined by its signature grilled spatchcock chicken and flat-iron steak, both served with salad, fries and a big side of South American vibrancy. arcadefoodhall.com/solis

The Guinea Grill, Mayfair

Recently reopened after a revamp, this gorgeous restaurant and pub is tucked away down a quiet side road behind New Bond Street. This institution is every bit the great British pub with its tartan carpets and wood-panelled walls. Try the prawn and crayfish cocktail for a delicious retro starter.

For your main, though it serves pub classics such as homemade pies, it is well known for its steaks. It has used the same premium butcher for 60 years, for tender, dry-aged steaks, and the knowledgeable staff will give you expert advice on how each cut should be cooked to ensure the optimal experience. We loved the pancetta confit potatoes and creamed spinach, served alongside the steak.

The wine list to complement the meal is vast but let the wait staff guide you, or go the whole hog and ask for some wine pairings with your meal – we tried a gorgeous white from Austria. Round off a special meal with a decadent banana sticky toffee pudding, served with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. If you’re not quite ready to leave the warm embrace, you can roll to the pub side and enjoy a perfectly poured Guinness, too. theguinea.co.uk

Fazenda, Shoreditch

This might just be the ultimate sharing extravaganza for steak lovers. Fazenda’s Churrasco Experience brings the theatre of the traditional gaucho grill to your table, offering a limitless selection (you can eat as much as you like) of 15 grilled meats, carved from giant skewers by expert passadores. Highlights include picanha (beef rump), sirloin, ribeye, pork belly and fillet, all cooked to medium-rare perfection.

This premium south Brazilian restaurant spans two floors in the sleek 100 Bishopsgate Tower and boasts three private dining rooms, an elegant mezzanine lounge and the standalone Fino bar. Start your experience with the Market Table’s fresh salads and sides or opt for Brazilian small plates, such as seafood moqueca (a tomato and coconut stew) or yellowfin tuna with beef cream emulsion. For something extra special, Fazenda’s ‘Share an indulgent cut’ menu features sharing dishes like roasted bone marrow with chimichurri, a one-kilo tomahawk steak dry-aged for 21 days, grilled giant king prawns and a 500g grade 9 wagyu sirloin. To drink, Fazenda specialises in Argentinian, Brazilian, Chilean and Uruguayan wines, as well as innovative cocktails from South America. If you still have room, try dulce de leche filled churros or crème caramel layered with chantilly cream and madeira cake. fazenda.co.uk/location/bishopsgate

Heliot Steak House, Covent Garden

Heliot Steak House, right at the heart of Leicester Square’s famous Hippodrome Casino, overlooking the Grand Casino, has recently been given a refurb. It majors in elevated American cuisine, with buttery prime USDA steaks the stars of the show. Everything here is about the drama, from plumptious prawns presented with billowing clouds of dry ice, to perfectly grilled steaks, sliced at the table and served with oozy mac ‘n’ cheese (with a rarebit-style topping), creamy spinach and rosemary-salted fries. There’s a choice of 120 wines (choose Ramnista Xinomavro, a velvety red from Greece, a perfect partner for red meat). There are also fish, lamb, chicken and pasta dishes, and some vegetarian options. And if you do get lucky on the tables, you might want to splash out on a luxurious Japanese wagyu sirloin. hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges/

The Butcher’s Tap and Grill, Chelsea

A meat chamber filled with labelled cuts is the first sign that this is no ordinary boozer. The London outpost of Tom Kerridge’s pub joins the Marlow original in offering superior steaks and sauces: prime bone in ribeye with jalapeño mayo and truffle fries enjoyed in a leather booth feels right in this smart neighbourhood just three minutes from Sloane Square and shopper’s paradise King’s Road. True to its pub roots there are chops, burgers, kebabs and hot dogs, real ales and beer on tap, and sport on the TV screens. Tom has a knack for making everyone welcome, from locals popping by to collect a Friday night takeaway to destination diners and football fans catching the match over a pint or two. thebutcherstapandgrill.co.uk/chelsea

Daffodil Mulligan, Shoreditch

Chef Richard Corrigan’s partnership with fellow Irishmen John Nugent and Tony Gibney is an unapologetic tribute to Irish craic. The industrial Shoreditch space is modestly decorated with moody portraits of Irish legends – Sinéad O’Connor guides you down the stairs to the basement drinking den; while upstairs is where you’ll find the main restaurant, open kitchen, complete with a wood oven and grill, and oyster bar. Let chef be your guide with six sharing courses and a Gibney’s stout, or work your way around the snacks, small plates, oysters and grill.

On the grill, you'll find a selection of steaks using award-winning Shorthorn beef sourced from across Ireland and dry aged in Himalayan salt bricks for 28 days. As well as classic sirloin, flat-iron or cote de boeuf from the grill, the wood oven offers more for meat-lovers from a forerib of beef & bone marrow cheeseburger (served in a beef fat brioche bun) to sugar pit pork and wood-fired whole roast chicken. Many ingredients are sourced from Richard’s own estate in Ireland, Virginia Park Lodge – including smoky, wood-roasted carrots that punch way above their weight. Biscuity champagne and a light, very gluggable muscadet are winners on the wine list – but drinks nerds should explore the cocktails with infused spirits, from jalapeño-infused tequila in a blood orange margarita to chilli Aperol with mezcal, chocolate and orange bitters. daffodilmulligan.com

Lurra, Marylebone

Tucked away on Marylebone’s pretty (and seriously foodie) Seymour Place, Lurra is a contemporary, sophisticated Basque-inspired restaurant. It’s sister to Donostia, just across the road. There’s more to this trendy joint than its good looks though: ingredients are key. With a meat import business (think 14-year-old Galician Blond, 67-day hung beef) supplying the likes of Kitty Fisher’s and Chiltern Firehouse, and a cellar downstairs housing top Spanish wines (including an incredible Louro from Valdeorras), owners Nemanja and Melody know their stuff. lurra.co.uk

The Colony Grill Room, Mayfair

With its vintage styling, large booths and striking murals, the Colony pays homage to classic New York grill restaurants. Dishes finished tableside are a big part of chef Ben Boeynaems’ menu, including dover sole meunière with miso butter, theatrically deboned before guests. The sharing wood-grilled tomahawk steak (bone-in ribeye) is a similarly dramatic presentation, carved as it’s served at the table. Deft knife skills maximise the cut’s juiciness. colonygrillroom.com

Gaucho, Piccadilly

Step through the doors of Gaucho Piccadilly and you step into the original. The flagship that launched a now 20-strong group, this is where the magic started. Dark walls and flickering candlelight – the décor remains familiar just like the head chef Mario, who’s been grilling here for 25 years.

That longevity brings serious consistency. Argentinian beef is sourced from farms committed to regenerative practices. The signature cut, churrasco, is a must: spiralled lomo (fillet), chorizo (sirloin), ancho (ribeye) or rump (cuadril), marinated in parsley, lemon, garlic and olive oil, and grilled to perfection. There are elegant starters – crispy prawn chicharrón with sweet-spicy aji amarillo and lime-bright crab tostada – but you’re here for steak and a serious glass of something red. Ask the sommelier for a pairing from the knockout New World wine list, and trust the superb waiting staff – they’re as much part of the institution as the steak.

Once the haunt of power lunchers, today it’s shoppers and tourists looking for post West End indulgence. And they find it – topped off with a rich dulce de leche cheesecake crowned with chantilly, hazelnuts and cherries. gauchorestaurants.com

STK Steakhouse, The Strand

If you like your steak with a side of glamour, STK on The Strand delivers it in style. A buzzing, clubby vibe, a menu built around premium cuts and a sleek central bar make this one of London’s go-to spots for a steak night with extra sparkle. The space feels part steakhouse, part cocktail lounge – dark, dramatic lighting, plush leather booths and a live DJ most evenings. It's a popular choice for celebrations, stylish dinners and anyone looking to combine a serious steak with a lively night out.

On the menu, prime cuts of USDA beef can be finished with a range of toppings and crusts, including truffle butter, crab and parmesan, blue cheese and chimichurri. If you’re feeling especially hungry go for the 900g tomahawk, a magnificent cut that’s made for sharing. But steak isn’t the only indulgence: mini wagyu burgers are a luxurious take on a crowd-pleaser, while Mermaid Surf & Turf pairs perfectly cooked steak with seafood. There’s plenty for lighter appetites, too — tuna tartare, roasted halibut and a punchy caesar salad ensure no one’s left behind. The drinks list leans heavily on signature cocktails alongside a robust wine selection. Room for dessert? Share a crunchy apple crumble topped with a scoop of creamy ice cream. stksteakhouse.com

From pizza in Brixton to pizza in North London, check out our favourite pizza places. If you fancy making your own pizza, check out our best ever pizza recipes here, or read the lowdown on pizza styles and where to find them.

Check out more of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Kings Cross, best restaurants in Chelsea, best restaurants in Brixton and best restaurants in Paddington. Also see our pick of the best Italian restaurants in London for more pizza and other regional dishes.

Best for deep-dish Detroit pizza: Ria's

Ria’s is a cosy, laid-back spot selling fantastic deep-dish Detroit-style pizza and natural wines. It's perfect for intimate dates and candle-lit catch-ups, full of charm and character. The latest Soho site is snug yet stylishly furnished, building on everything that made the Notting Hill original a hit, with exciting new slices and a low-lit wine cave.

Which pizza to order at Ria's?
Ria’s ferments its dough for up to 72 hours, which gives it a deeper flavour and a deliciously chewy crust. Deep-dish pizza is filling but the pies at Ria’s never feel too much. Our favourite flavours were the House Pie and the Soho Chilli Crisp. The first had a red sauce base and a devilishly delicious combination of ricotta, basil and lemon drizzle. The latter was laden with ’nduja, Lao Gan Ma crispy chilli oil, pickled shallots, spring onions and aged parmesan – tongue-tingling and tangy.

What else is there to eat and drink?
There is a great range of natural wine to sip alongside your slice at Ria’s: we enjoyed a glass of Orange de Rias for its tropical brightness, and a glass of Herrigoia – a crunchy, easy-going red with tart cherry notes. There's also a small but sharp cocktail list, bottled beer and a good range of soft drinks.

If you’ve got room for dessert, treat yourself to a deep-fried Mars bar with soft serve vanilla ice cream. Sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt, it really is the ultimate treat.

Address: 29 Foubert's Place, London W1F 7QF
Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus
Opening times: Monday-Sunday (12pm-10pm)

Best for inventive Napoli pizza: Napoli on the Road

Hidden in the back streets of Richmond you'll find this little gem of a pizza restaurant. The space is intimate and perfect for a date night or special occasion.

Which pizza to order at Napoli on the Road?
The pizza here is second to none – no surprise really as chef and owner Michele Pascarella won Global Pizza Maker of the Year in 2023. Famed for his inventive take on pizza, the ever-changing seasonal menu features exciting flavour combinations like roasted pumpkin, rosemary and blue cheese, alongside the classics, like margherita.

On visiting, we were blown away by the lighter than air, chewy base and quality toppings, as well as the friendly service which took us outside our pizza comfort zones.

What else is there to eat and drink?
Highlights include the shaved fennel salad with crumbled ricotta, olives and oregano, and the spicy pepperoni slice – both starters that worked perfectly with a negroni. We ended the night with a vast slice of tiramisu and a cloud of boozy crème diplomate and mille-feuille pastry. Full to the brim and happy, a walk along the river was just the ticket.

Address: 12 Red Lion St, Richmond TW9 1RW
Nearest train station: Richmond
Opening times: Monday-Thursday (5pm-10pm); Friday-Sunday (12pm-10:15pm)

Best for simple Neapolitan: Santa Maria

Tucked away from the bustle of Paddington Station, Santa Maria brings a slice of Naples to west London with a laid-back, quirky vibe – think colourful wall art, cosy booths and a buzzy, casual energy. A new menu features bold creations alongside the signature Neapolitan pizzas. The menu is all about pizza, done properly – chewy, charred crusts and punchy toppings, with a few exciting twists.

Which pizza to order at Santa Maria?
The standout? San Ciro – a collaboration with Naples’ Bro Pizzeria and a fiery, rule-breaking combo of smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, spicy pineapple reduction, black lime dust and parmesan crisps. The menu cheekily warns “It’s not a pizza for Neapolitans” – a nod to the rebellious twist on tradition, and it’s absolutely worth trying while it lasts.

What else is there to eat and drink?
Skip starters and go straight for the pizza but leave room for the Pan di Stelle dessert – a rich mascarpone and Nutella chocolate mousse crowned with Italy’s iconic biscuit. Vegan options are well represented, including a silky vegan salted caramel ice cream that shines in an affogato. Drinks-wise, expect Italian beers and spritzes, and relaxed, no-fuss service.

Address: 3 Norfolk Place, Tyburnia, London W2 1QJ
Nearest train station: Paddington
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday (11:30am-10pm); Friday-Saturday (11:30am-10:30pm)

Best for deep pan pizza: Little Earthquakes

This original concept from chef Neil Rankin and From the Ashes BBQ has taken up residency in Dalston boozer The Railway Tavern, serving up pies nostalgically inspired by deep pan pizza brand Chicago Town, using Italian and British ingredients supplied by local businesses around Newington Green, with sourdough bases made using Wildfarmed regenerative flour.

Which pizza to order at Little Earthquakes?
The pizzas may only be six inches in size but they deliver plenty of bang for their buck – decadent deep dish affairs with crunchy caramelised crusts, topped with mozzarella and snowy drifts of pecorino. Fillings are hearty and deliver maximum flavour. We tried the richly meaty and umami salami ragu using fennel salami, and the taleggio and guanciale, inspired by a classic carbonara, is lusciously cheesy and porky, the saltiness balanced by a touch of honey.

What else is there to eat and drink?
While the pizzas are the main focus you can also order the likes of plant-based meatballs (from Neil’s own Symplicity brand), cheesy focaccia, caponata parmigiana and a wonderfully OTT pizza focaccia sandwich with a hefty wedge of mortadella. Refresh yourself with traditional cask ales and craft beers from the pub bar.

Address: The Railway Tavern, 2 St Jude Street, London N16 8JT
Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday (6-9pm); Saturdays (3-9pm)

Best for London-style pizza: Dough Hands

Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust, made possible by baking its pizzas low and slow at 350 degrees. Led by pizzaiolo Hannah Drye, this trendy pizza joint is co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base.

Dough Hands is currently doing a permanent kitchen residency at fun-loving south London pub The Old Nun's Head, as well as Hackney-based The Spurstowe Arms.

Which pizza to order at Dough Hands? The menu features a handful of 12-inch pizzas. The Jode – arguably the most popular and delicious – sees spicy sausage and stracciatella drizzled with hot honey, finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan. Veggies have a cause to celebrate thanks to the Shroomy 2.0, one of the freshest vegetarian offerings we’ve tried. Expect mushrooms roasted in soy sauce, topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. The soy provides a rich umami kick which isn’t typically seen atop mushroom pizzas.

What else is there to eat and drink? Sides are kept simple, with just the garlic bread available, covered in a herby garlic butter. Dips includes everyone’s favourite garlic and herb, as well as Dough Hands’ signature hot honey and very own fermented hot sauce. Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches are also available at the bar.

We washed down our pizzas with a cold beer – we opted for a pint of Lucky Saint lager and a Lazer Crush by Beavertown, a razor-sharp alcohol-free IPA.

Address: The Old Nun's Head, 15 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QQ
Nearest train station: Nunhead
Opening times: Tuesday-Friday (4:30-9:30pm) and Saturday (12-9:30pm)

Best for thin-crust pizza: Alley Cats Pizza

Alley Cats pays homage to New York’s iconic pizza scene, with hunger-busting, thin and crispy 14" pizzas. London’s latest pizza outpost off Marylebone High Street is a small yet buzzy space, with gingham tablecloths, dimly lit lamps and a projector playing The Sopranos transporting diners to 90s NYC. Be prepared to queue, as it’s walk-in-only.

Which pizza to order at Alley Cats? If you prefer a thin-crust over a sloppy Neapolitan, you’ve come to the right place. The impressive 14" size is achieved through baking the pizzas in the traditional thin and crispy style, which are presented on silver stands by the side of your table. The menu is compact, with seven pizzas on offer. It includes the Smoked Pepperoni (tomato, aged mozzarella, habanero and honey) and our personal favourite, the white-based Wild Mushroom, with three types of wild shrooms and topped with taleggio, aged mozzarella, red onion jam and fried sage. Up the ante by adding dips – we tried a spicy ranch and herb-flecked aïoli.

What else is there to eat and drink? Don’t skip the starters for fear of over-ordering: the beefy meatballs are a must-try, slathered in slow-cooked tomato sauce and showered in aged parmesan. Cheesy garlic knots are hot, doughy morsels with a dunkable pot of tomato sauce. The dessert menu is short but complimentary: tiramisu and soft scoop ice-cream. The latter can be customised with your choice of toffee sauce, roasted hazelnuts or peanuts.

Address: 22 Paddington St, London W1U 5QY
Nearest tube station: Baker Street
Opening times: Monday-Sunday (12pm-11pm)

Best for crunchy sourdough pizzas: Berberè Pizza

Find this Italian pizza empire slinging light and crunchy sourdough pizzas in its newest Tottenham Court Road location, joining Clapham and Kentish Town branches. Originating from Bologna – with locations across Italy – Berberè prepares its sourdough on site every day with organic type one flour, proofed for 24 hours. The result is unique: a subtly sour, nutty taste, with a slightly crunchy exterior and soft, melty interior – no chewy crusts served here!

Which pizza to order at Berberè? Expect a menu balancing the classics, including margheritas and marinaras, with trendy toppings and fresh British produce, such as Yorkshire pork sausage. The Instagram-friendly burrata & 'nduja is a picture-perfect blend of vibrant basil, ruby-red dried tomatoes and creamy white mozzarella. Veggies needn’t miss out thanks to the Norma – baked aubergines, basil and walnut pesto, organic tomato, fior di latte mozzarella from Naples and smoked aged ricotta. Definitely one of the best aubergine pizzas on the scene right now.

What else is there to eat and drink? You must try Berberè’s signature montanarine: a large, deep-fried dough ball with toppings including ‘nduja, aged smoked ricotta and prosciutto. Crust dippers are crucial – we love the cheeky trio of garlic butter, spicy ‘nduja and honey, and basil and walnut pesto. To drink, you can’t go wrong with a Crodino spritz – a non-alcoholic aperitivo lengthened with orange and soda. Or try a traditional Italian aperitif – negroni sbagliato, anyone? For dessert, tiramisu is made every day in the kitchen or save space for two pieces of Sicilian cannoli: fresh, sweet ricotta in a crispy shell.

Address: 2 St Giles Square, London WC2H 8LH
Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road
Opening times: Sunday-Thursday (11:30am-10pm) Friday-Saturday (11:30am-11pm)

Best in Covent Garden: Doughnation

Find this lively pizzeria in the heart of Covent Garden, boasting its own summer garden terrace with top-tier views across the piazza.

Which pizza to order at Doughnation? Choose from a short menu of artisan-crafted pizzas on hand-stretched dough, where you’ll find well-known toppings as well as fun flavour combinations. A must-order for veggies, the truffled mushroom ragout sees a truffle-base sauce combined with creamy mozzarella, topped with crunchy hazelnuts and mushrooms for extra earthiness. Or try the cosy and comforting potato pizza, layering sliced potatoes with fontina cheese and thyme salt. ‘Nduja sausage will appeal to meat-eaters, featuring pockets of ‘nduja sausage, shaved pecorino romano and rocket.

What else is there to eat and drink? Elsewhere on the menu you’ll find dishes which stray from a traditional pizzeria, like the baked sweetcorn ribs with basil pesto, chilli and bocconcini cheese. For dessert, a warm skillet cookie, served with a dollop of chocolate ice cream and a white chocolate sauce, makes for an indulgent finish.

Address: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Opening times: Monday-Sunday (8am-11pm)

Best in the West End: Pizza Pilgrims

With its green-and-white chequered plastic tablecloths, chessboard tile flooring and framed film posters hanging on the walls, Pizza Pilgrims feels like an American diner meets Italian pizzeria. Available for walk-ins only, it's a perfect spot to grab a pre-show pizza and beer in the heart of theatreland.

Which pizza to order at Pizza Pilgrims? The Naples-style pizza with blistering crust and sloppy centre is proved slowly, then cooked fast. Order 'You've Got Maiale' with prosciutto cotto, 'nduja, salsiccia and pepperoni, burrata, red onion and balsamic glaze if you fancy something indulgent. Or, go for 'The 8-Cheese', a ramped-up cheese feast with ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, fior di latte mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, provola, pecorino and burrata, beautifully finished with pockets of smoked chilli jam. Or, take it back to basics with the margherita, topped simply with tomato, fior di latte mozzarella, basil, parmesan and olive oil.

What else is there to eat and drink? Set the mood with an aperitivo in the form of plump XL nocellara olives, taralli, a bitter negroni or Pilgrims Spritz, a fragrant concoction mixing Pococello limoncello with prosecco, elderflower, mint, soda and lemon. For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth with a nutty pistachio affogato, or make a beeline for the hazelnut-flavoured espresso martini, shaken with Frangelico noisette liqueur and served with a chocolate and hazelnut rim.

Address: 23 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BN
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Opening times: Monday-Thursday (11.30am-10.30pm), Friday-Saturday (11:30am-11pm), Sunday (12-9pm)

Best in Soho: Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza

Rudy’s outpost in Soho (they have pizzerias scattered across the north of England, including Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds) makes a worthy addition to the scene.

Which pizza to order at Rudy's? Pizza toppings are crowd-pleasing, from parmigiana with roasted aubergine to spicy calabrese with ‘nduja sausage and cinghiale with wild boar salami. Our lavishly topped capricciosa with creamy fior de latte, prosciutto, mushrooms, Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts ticked all the boxes, but it was the base that really impressed — well-flavoured and pillowy while still being satisfyingly chewy. All of Rudy’s pizzas — baked daily using 24-hour fermented dough — are made by trained and accredited pizzaiolos.

What else is there to eat and drink? Start with an aperitivo of Campari and soda, which arrives premixed in a dinky little bottle alongside a bowl of salted crisps for snacking, before moving onto generous sharing platters loaded with deli treats and house-baked bread.

Address: 80 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TF
Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus
Opening times: Friday-Saturday (12-10:30pm), Sunday-Thursday (12-9:30pm)

Best for personalised Neapolitan pizza (plus fans of crusts): Crust Bros

If crusts are a big deal to you, it’s worth paying a visit to this Waterloo-based pizzeria. The clue is in the name – crusts are a big deal here, as well as the freedom to customise your pizza however you please (regardless of your eccentric topping combination).

Which pizza to order at Crust Bros? Personalise is the name of the game here. Choose from either a Neapolitan or gluten-free base, pick your sauce (red, white, pesto, vegan), protein (‘nduja, anchovies, parma ham etc.), cheese (burrata, gorgonzola, vegan mozzarella etc.) and veg (peppers, onions, aubergines, chilli etc). If this seems complicated, choose from its list of pre-designed pizzas – Straight Outta Hell is a devilish combo of mozzarella, chicken, chillies, pepperoni and ’nduja. You could even add burrata for extra indulgence.

What else is there to eat and drink? Double up on carbs with a side of cheesy flatbread topped with caramelised onions. Crust dippers will be more than happy with its offering, and we'd recommend ordering the trio of truffle, garlic and spicy mayos. To drink, Birra Moretti is on draft, while cocktails cover the classics, from Aperol spritz and margarita to espresso martini.

Address: 113 Waterloo Road, Lambeth London, SE1 8UL
Nearest tube station: Waterloo
Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm

Best artisanal pizza in Hackney Wick: Unlock

Enjoy Neapolitan pizza by the canal at this trendy pizzeria-cum-exhibition space in Hackney Wick. Artist collaborations decorate the walls, while pizzaiolos sling pies from the wood-fired oven in the open kitchen.

Which pizza to order at unlock? The menu is split into ‘classic’ and ‘gourmet’, and we encourage diners to opt for the more adventurous options. Toppings feature ingredients which you wouldn’t typically find on pizza, from kiwi purée to panko tempura prawns and sweet and sour pork neck. The base, however, is true to Neapolitan form, with a soft, chewy dough and blistered crust. We tried the prawn and pistachio from the gourmet section, and the nutty pistachio pesto and creamy stracciatella was a strong match for the crispy tempura prawns.

What else is there to eat and drink? Starters are sophisticated and honour Italian produce: think smoked straciatella with Vesuvio apple vinegar and quinoa crumbles. To drink, choose from a short list of Italian wine, beer on tap and traditional Italian cocktails.

Address: 1 Monkwood Way, London E32EG
Nearest tube station: Hackney Wick
Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday (1pm-10pm), Friday-Sunday (12-11:30pm)

Best authentic Neapolitan pizza: Fatto a Mano

Fatto a Mano pays homage to the classic Neapolitan pizza, where soft and pillowy is favoured over thin and crispy. Dough is made from scratch every day, proved for a minimum of 24 hours then topped by a pizzaioli who cooks each pizza in a wood-fired oven at 450 degrees for no more than 90 seconds (just as they do in Naples). You can enjoy a slice of Fatto’s wood-fired magic at its newest pizzeria, located under the railway arches in Paradise Row, Bethnal Green (joining the Covent Garden and King's Cross locations in London, plus three Brighton branches).

Which pizza to order at Fatto a Mano? Pizzas are lightly digestible and beautiful swollen at the cornicione rims, topped with artisanal Italian ingredients such as smoked provolone, spianata (spicy salami) and black pepper pancetta. When we visited we enjoyed the seasonal winter special, guanciale cacio e pepe, a creative spin on the popular Roman pasta dish where quality cured guanciale sat atop creamy cacio e pepe cream, roasted squash, porcini mushrooms, mozzarella and thyme.

What else is there to eat and drink? Those looking for a full-on feast are in luck, with comforting Italian starters and sides in abundance. We enjoyed a plate of Neapolitan smoked provolone potato croquettes, ’nduja lasagne fritta and slices of Calabrian sausage and provolone, served with pickled veg and toasted bread. For drinks, kickstart the evening with a classic aperitivo such as a negroni, then make your way through the impressive list of Italian wines or British beers.

A hefty slice of Fatto’s tiramisu is compulsory to wrap up proceedings, boasting the perfect ratios of coffee liqueur-soaked sponge, mascarpone and chocolate.

Address: 250 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE
Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green
Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12-10:30pm, Sunday 12-9:30pm

Best vegetarian and vegan pizza in London: Flat Earth Pizza

Flat Earth Pizza has moved into its first bricks and mortar location, an intimate space with bottle green and rattan furnishings. This sustainable pizza joint puts veg at the forefront and dismantles the idea of pizza as ‘junk food’: the dough is neither refined or processed, while ingredients are sourced locally.

Which pizza to order at Flat Earth Pizza? Experimental pizza lies at the heart of Flat Earth, and the offerings do not disappoint. The ‘Hackey hot’ – an oval-shaped pizza with sweet pickled beetroot, a mixture of three Somerset cheeses, jalapeños, fermented hot salsa and tomato passata – has sweet warmth, while the ‘Kimchi Fiorentina’ with kimchi, tomato passata, beetroot crumb and egg, is a Korean twist on a veggie classic (vegans have the option of a plant-based mozzarella pie).

What else is there to eat and drink? Start with a selection of well-designed vegan small plates to share, such as pickled beetroot and turmeric-spiced white cabbage, roasted red onions with caramelised shallots, chives and soubise and hummus with sweet house pickles and springy house focaccia. Drink natural orange wine on tap during summery evenings, or try the foraged fig leaf and sweet woodruff martini. Finish with a gooey vegan sea salt brownie with salted caramel ice cream.

Address: 286-290 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9DA
Nearest tube station: Cambridge Heath
Opening times: Tuesday (5-10pm), Wednesday-Thursday (11am-10pm), Friday (11am-10:30pm), Saturday (10am-10:3opm), Sunday (10am-4pm)

Best pizza and beer in East London: Ace Pizza at Pembury Tavern

This historic Hackney boozer is the home of Ace Pizza, a fun-loving pizza brand famed for its slow risen, picture-perfect Neapolitan pizzas which are stone baked for longer to achieve a crispier crust. Pembury Tavern is also under the stewardship of The Five Points Brewing Company, a local and independent brewery with modern brewing at the heart of its work.

Which pizza to order at Ace? If you like your pizzas heavily topped, doughy and with lashings of sauce, try the chicken shawarma, a fun spin on the classic kebab where house-made shawarma is layered with red onions, spicy marinara, garlic and herb sauce, Guindilla peppers, mozzarella, and fresh parsley. Pickled pink onion is the magic ingredient though, providing a gloriously tangy flavour to cut through the creamy garlic sauce.

What else is there to eat and drink? Pizzas span meat, veggie and vegan with the menu divided into red, white and green bases. Vegans can indulge in ‘Ooh Mami’, the creamy truffle bechamel providing the perfect base for a smattering of portobello mushrooms, cashew ricotta, caramelised onions, oregano oil, porcini salt and fresh parsley. Crust dippers include the enticing truffle aioli and a lip-smacking, fittingly named ‘crack sauce’. And, as the pub is a Five Points Brewery pub, plenty of beer is available to pair with your pizza, including a Five Points favourite the JUPA, a juicy and fruity pale ale with bold, citrus flavours.

Address: 90 Amhurst Rd, London E8 1JH
Nearest tube station: Hackney Downs
Opening times: Monday-Wednesday (4-11pm) Thursday-Friday (4-12am) Saturday (12-12am) Sunday (12-11pm)

Best Neapolitan pizza in London: Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria

For the ultimate Neapolitan pizza in London, head to Stoke Newington (and be prepared to queue) for a seat in Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria, as recommended in the book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. This Neapolitan family first began making pizza back in 1870, and the business is still going strong five generations later with sites in Naples, Tokyo and, London.

Which pizza to order at Pizzeria da Michele? Go for the classic marinara or the margarita (with the option for double mozzarella). Each of the ingredients used is of the highest quality, from the thin, pillowy soft base to the sweet tomatoes and fresh peppery basil.

Address: 125 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London, N16 0UH
Nearest overground station: Stoke Newington
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday (12 –11pm), Sunday (12 – 10.30pm)

Best for pizza in Greenwich: Bianco43

With its hand-painted and mismatched plates, blue tiled walls and lively Italian soundtrack, this friendly Italian eatery makes a solid pizza pit-stop for Greenwich dwellers.

Which pizza to order at Bianco 43? Expect chewy Neapolitan pizza produced from a large wood-fired oven at the back of the restaurant. The menu balances the classics with inventive toppings, such as the mozzarella with potato croquettes, smoked cheese and mortadella. Our lavishly topped burrata and 'nduja pizza with mozzarella and yellow tomatoes was a reliable salty-spicy hit, but it was the brilliantly pillowy, blistered crusts which stole the show.

What else is there to eat and drink? Start with an aperitivo of Campari, sweet vermouth and soda, before moving onto generous starters such as the two plump Sicilian arancini filled with beef ragu and peas. End on a high note with the intensely creamy pistachio cheesecake with a buttery base.

Address: 43 Greenwich Church Street, London, SE10 9BL
Nearest tube station: Cutty Sark
Opening times: Monday-Friday (12-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm), Saturday-Sunday (12-10:30pm)

Best for progressive Italian: Lamezia

Maria Dell’aquilla took over the reins of her parents’ restaurant in April and describes her new menus as “progressive Italian” in view of its combination of the original Calabrian dishes and her own inspired addition of nutrition-inspired elements, such as hemp and turmeric bases as well as vegan, gluten-free dough and dairy-free cheese.

Which pizza to order at Lamezia? Hemp pizza is not the first ground-breaking dish to come out of Lamezia: Maria’s father, Franco, created his signature ’nduja pizza 10 years ago and it’s still the bestseller.

Address: 165 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX|
Nearest station: Holloway Road
Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 12am), Sunday (12 – 10pm)

Best for vegan pizza: Purezza

The UK’s first 100% vegan pizzeria, Purezza specialises in plant-based pizzas that respect the Neapolitan heritage. Where possible, this means using alternative versions of animal products, such as a plant-based mozzarella, which took more than two years to develop – this organic cheese (that’s dairy-free, low in fat and allergen-free) is made with brown rice milk and is unique to Purezza. Last year, the restaurant secured investment to begin producing the cheese from a factory for retail. The original Brighton restaurant opened in 2015 and was followed three years later by a Camden branch and plans for more later this year. In 2018, Purezza won National Pizza of the Year for its Parmigiana Party pizza, despite being the only plant-based entrant.

Address: 43 Parkway, London, Nw1 7PN
Nearest station: Camden Town
Opening times: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm)

Best for seasonal toppings: Manifesto

Former Natoora director, Vittorio Maschio, has opened his first London pizzeria with a focus on carefully sourced and seasonal toppings. Flour comes from Molino Pasini, a family-run mill in North Italy, while fior di latte is brought over from Puglia. The biga-style dough (meaning it proves for 48-hours, creating a ciabatta-like texture) with a semolina-coated crust creates a super light, crisp base which holds its shape well when topped with sweet tomatoes.

There's a laid-back vibe and minimalist design to the place with a few wooden tables inside, help-yourself counter service and a pile of boxes ready to be filled for takeaway.

Which pizza to order at Manifesto? The stripped back menu offers six pizzas, two beers (from Hackney Wick's Crate Brewery), four wines and two Sicilian soft drinks. Keep it simple with the tomato and co. pizza topped with wild cantabrian anchovies and taggiasche olives, or order the pig and field option piled with peppery pedrazzoli ham and mushrooms if you want something more filling.
There are no starters or desserts, but pizzas are reasonable in size. If you're still peckish, go back and order seconds.

Address: 148 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6RD
Nearest station: Clapham Junction
Opening times: Monday – Saturday (11 – 11pm), Sunday (11 – 10.30pm)

Best for pizza and pasta: Cecconi’s Pizza Bar

From the team behind Soho House, Cecconi’s Pizza Bar focuses on pizza, pasta and Aperol spritz on tap. Vintage Italian posters, black and white mosaic tiles and mahogany tables give the space a retro feel. In the summer, grab a seat on the street and spend the evening sipping on punchy negronis.

Which pizza to order at Cecconi’s Pizza Bar? The super doughy charred crust has a slightly smoky flavour, while the sloppy base is piled high with toppings. Either keep it classic with buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil, or choose one topped lavishly with parma ham, peppery rocket, mozzarella, parmesan and meltingly creamy burrata – torn apart then drizzled with olive oil. If you fancy something a little lighter, go for a pizzette instead.

What else is there to eat and drink? Crisp matchsticks of zucchini fritti with silky aioli (lifted with lemon) is the best place to start. While pizza is the focus, be sure to share a bowl of creamy spaghetti dusted with shavings of umami truffle. If you’ve saved room for dessert, the tiramisu is a must. Waiters bring large dishes to the table and serve the rich coffee-soaked dessert straight up.

Address: 19-21 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5JJ
Nearest tube station: Leicester Square
Opening times: Monday – Wednesday (11.30 – 1am), Thursday – Saturday (11.30 – 3am), Sunday (11.30am – 11.30pm)

Best pizza crust in London: Farina

Nestled on Notting Hill High Street, Farina pizzeria focuses on traditional Neapolitan pizzas, with no pineapple or pepperoni in sight. In the summer, grab a table by the floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors and wait for the smoky scent to waft over, or hunker down next to the small open kitchen.

Which pizza to order at Farina: The 48-hour fermented dough is light, with a pillowy, charred crust – tear some off to save for mopping up the leftover tomato juices at the end. Order the Farina, topped with 'nduja, salami and provola if you like something spicy, or the Burratina topped with courgette and burrata for a fresh, creamy topping.

What else is there to eat? Although pizzas are the focus, be sure to order the garlicy polpette to start, which come in a rich, sweet tomato sauce, and if you have room afterwards go for the cannoli – the crisp pastry shell is generously filled with sweet, creamy sheep's milk ricotta and sprinkled with pistachio nuts.

Address: 115 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB
Nearest tube station: Notting Hill Gate
Opening times: Monday – Saturday (12 – 10.30pm), Sunday (12 – 10pm)

Best sourdough pizza in London: Theo’s

Head to Theo’s in Camberwell for the best sourdough pizza in London. Its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are the best in South London.

Which pizza to order at Theo's? The Scotch Bonnet nduja is the menu must-order, as the spiced sausage is made across the road by the team at the Camberwell Arms pub.

What else is there to eat and drink? Save room for a serving of Theo's outrageously good tiramisu, and order a negroni bianco or espresso martini to finish. If you don’t fancy sitting in, Theo’s do delivery, so it’s up there with the best takeaway pizza in London, too.

Address: 2 Grove Ln, Camberwell, London, SE5 8SY
Nearest overground station: Denmark Hill
Opening times: Monday (12 – 10pm), Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (12 – 10:30pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm)

Best gluten-free pizza in London: Zia Lucia

For the best selection of pizza bases, visit Zia Lucia on Holloway Road or Brook Green and choose between a traditional, wholemeal, vegetable charcoal or gluten-free base. The 48 hour fermented doughs are cooked in a wood-fired oven, each resulting in a different flavour and texture. We recommend the gluten-free base which has a crisp yet light texture. You can create your own pizza and choose from the large selection of toppings including spianata, broccoli, butternut squash and taleggio goat’s cheese.

Which pizza to order at Zia Lucia? The Carlotta is an unusual, indulgent pizza, topped with fresh Italian sausage, crisp, sliced roast potatoes, pecorino and dill.

Address: 61 Blythe Rd, London, W14 0HP
Nearest overground station: Kensington (Olympia)
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday (11.30 – 10.30pm)

Best pizza slice in London: Voodoo Ray’s

For the best slice of pizza in London, head to Voodoo Ray’s for a New York style slice. With four locations across East, North and South London, this joint bakes 22-inch pizzas topped with everything from wild mushroom, squash and red onion; salt beef, sauerkraut and emmental and a vegan option, piled high with artichoke hearts and green olives.

Which pizza to order at Voodoo Ray's? If you fancy a pizza pie for brunch, Voodoo Ray's serve 10” pizzas on the weekend topped with classic eggs and bacon or a veggie spinach and ricotta version.

What else is there to eat and drink? With a selection of craft beers (think Beavertown, Red Hook and Kona) and frozen margaritas on offer, Voodoo Ray's is the place to go for a late-night munch.

Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London, E8 2PB
Nearest overground station: Dalston Kingsland
Opening times: Monday – Wednesday (5 – 12am), Thursday (5 – 1am), Friday – Saturday (12 – 3am), Sunday (12 – 12am)

Best pizza joint atmosphere in London: Yard Sale

What started as a weekly supper club in owner Johnnie’s back yard has grown to three restaurants (with another opening in March 2018) offering the best pizza in North London. Grab a leather booth seat close to the kitchens for the comfiest spot in house and order a 12 or 18-inch pizza topped with slow cooked tomato sauce and fior di latte mozzarella. The blistered base is crisp yet doughy which gets slightly sloppy when you reach the centre (so napkins are necessary).

Which pizza to order at Yard Sale? There’s no holding back when it comes to toppings, be it the ‘TSB’, a mixture of Tender stem broccoli, manchego, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil; ‘Cour Bimey’ topped with courgette ribbon, pancetta and black pepper, or, one for the cheese lovers, ‘Cheesus Walks’, a white base piled high with basil pesto, mozzarella, gorgonzola, ricotta and parmesan.

What else is there to eat and drink? If you’ve got room for more, order a garlic pizza bread with cheese and Marmite for the ultimate punchy umami experience. There’s a great choice of beers from Beavertown and the Five Points Brewing Company.

Address: 54 Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2DW
Nearest tube station: Finsbury Park
Opening times: Monday – Thursday (5 – 11pm), Friday (4 – 11pm), Saturday (12 – 11pm), Sunday (12 – 10pm)

Best unusual pizza toppings in London: Homeslice

Homeslice is one of the best pizza restaurants in London with sites in Shoreditch, Fitzrovia, City and Covent Garden. Whether you want to eat in or takeaway, you can order just a slice or a 20-inch pizza.

Which pizza to order at Homeslice? Go all out and split your pizza 50/50 with two different flavours, ideal for sharing. Choose between a classic margherita; a salty salami, rocket and parmesan or a slice topped with kimchi, porcini cream and basil.

Address: 13 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DP
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Opening times: Monday – Sunday (12 – 11pm)

Best all-round pizza meal in London: Made of Dough

For the best pizza in Brixton and Peckham, visit Made of Dough. The moreish, chewy dough has a 60-hour fermentation process before being cooked in a wood-fired oven, and the mozzarella is fresh from Campania.

Which pizza to order at Made of Dough? If you fancy something extra cheesy, order the truffle pizza that comes with fior di latte, white alba truffle oil and an entire ball of Burratina.

What else is there to eat and drink? Make sure to order a side of the scotch bonnet romesco sauce to add a spicy kick to the crust, and wash your pizza down with one of the negronis or a fruity pompelmo G&T.

Address: 182 Bellenden Road, Peckham, London, SE15 4BW
Nearest overground station: Peckham Rye
Opening times: Monday – Saturday (12 – 10pm), Sunday (12 – 9pm)

Best for pizza garlic bread: Sodo Pizza

With six sites across London London, Sodo pizza is the place to go for a light, crispy, tangy base.

Which pizza to order at Sodo Pizza? Head to the Walthamstow restaurant on the weekend for a brunch of pizza topped with eggs and sausage and, if it’s warm enough, grab one of the outside tables and order a Bloody Mary or two.

What else is there to eat and drink? While the pizzas are great, we love the sourdough garlic bread topped with sweet, crisp rosemary and drizzled with an earthy olive oil.

Address: Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, London, E17 4QP
Nearest tube station: Walthamstow
Opening times: Tuesday – Friday (12 – 10pm), Saturday – Sunday (10 – 10pm)

Best pizza and beer in London: Crate Brewery

If you love beer and you love pizza, Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick is the best place to visit. The stone-baked pizzas are topped with unusual ingredients including a veggie Kashmiri dal and a middle eastern lamb.

What else is there to eat and drink? As you’d expect, beer is a real focus. Each week there’s a selection of guest bottles from a fruity brown ale to a dark Indian pale ale as well as regular casks and kegs of zingy lemon gose, velvety Crate stout and a crisp Crate cider.

Address: Unit 7, Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, London, E9 5EN
Nearest overground station: Hackney Wick
Opening times: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm)

Best pizza chain in London: Franco Manca

Want a quick pizza in Brixton? Head to Franco Manca for one of the best sourdough pizzas in London. The pizza is cooked in a wood burning oven at 500 degrees celsius giving it a pillowy texture.

Which pizza to order at Franco Manca? Be sure to order number 4, topped with home cured Gloucester old spot ham, mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, wild mushrooms and a little tomato. Extra toppings are available and there are always daily specials to choose between.

What else is there to eat and drink? When it comes to drinks, wine is the focus with eight options to choose between, all of which are either organic, biodynamic or sustainable.

Address: 20 Atlantic Road, London, SW9 8JA
Nearest tube station: Brixton
Opening times: Monday (12 – 5pm), Tuesday – Friday (12 – 11pm), Saturday (11.30 – 11pm), Sunday (11.30 – 10.30pm)

Photographs: Steven Joyce (Doughnation)

Song Que Cafe in Hoxton has long been both one of the area's best Vietnamese restaurants and also one of the best in London. It's been doing great business since opening all the way back in 2002, and now they've decided it's time to launch something new. 

To that end, they've taken over what was once Pearly Queen in Spitalfields (Tom Brown's former seafood restaurant) to open Song Que Pho Bar. As the name suggests, here they'll be focusing on their pho noodle soup, and they tell us that they'll be serving up "all our classics and best sellers which customers love at our current restaurant Song Que Cafe". So options include various steak cuts as well as beef balls, chicken, prawn and tofu. 

Also confirmed for the menu here will be one of their signature dishes, the spicy Bún bò Huế noodle soup as well as various vermicelli noodle dishes. There will be snacks too, so you'll find char-grilled beef in betel leaf alongside their fantastic summer rolls. Drinks-wise, they're working on a new cocktail list which will be making use of ingredients from the main menu.

Ultimately, this is very, very good news for anyone working or living in and around the City as you'll be getting a really great new Vietnamese restaurant on your doorstep. 

London's in-store dining has had quite a boost over the past few weeks. First, we had the all-star opening of the new Kith store on Regent Street with its restaurant and soft serve bar. Now we have the new Dr. Martens flagship store in Soho which, for the first time, boasts a brand new offering, the Doctor's Orders cafe.

The cafe, which you'll find inside the massive two-storey building in the heart of Soho, was a brand new concept devised for what they're calling a 'beacon store'. And they've picked an impressive bunch of collaborators for the project. First up is the hugely popular Dalston bakery Dusty Knuckle which is serving up two veggie toasties in the store - a Spiced Spinach & Potato Toastie with red onion, kashmiri chilli sauce with date and tamarind chutney and a Cheese and Leek Toastie featuring brown butter, and a pickled mustard seed house sourdough.

On cake duty is Luminary Bakery. They're bringing lemon loaves, peanut butter cookies, carrot cakes and more to the table. Then there's coffee and hot chocolate from Old Spike Roastery in Peckham and teas courtesy of London-based Nemi Teas. If you're wondering what these partners have in common, they're all social enterprises. So Dusty Knuckle run a youth training programme, Luminary Bakery supports women who've experienced homelessness or violence, Old Spike works to train and employ the homeless and Nemi provide employment to refugees.

So if you weren't already buzzing to see inside the new store, this heartwarming element is a good reason to go and check it out.

There has been a pub on the site of the Devonshire since 1793. Few will miss its previous iteration, as a Jamie’s Italian. In its current guise, the team of Oisin Rogers (ex-Guinea Grill) and Charlie Carroll (ex-Flat Iron) have delivered an absolute stunner of a venue. Downstairs is a traditional style pub, lovingly restored to its former glory, with wood and alcoves. Pass through a thick red velvet curtain, mount a set of stairs and you are upstairs at the main event – the grill room. The space sits no more than 30 covers and is dominated by a fire in the far corner. By its side sits a pile of freshly cut logs. A man regularly stokes it and adds more kindling. This is where the action happens.

It might all look very cool and casual, but beneath this simplicity lies a clear attention to detail. This is perhaps best evidenced by the lovingly handwritten menu, which may change with some regularity. The team has apparently been working on the winning formula of dishes since at least February. The format is resolutely old school – think of it as a best of British formula with a heavy emphasis on the grilling of meat. Word to the wise: perhaps don’t bring your vegetarian friends here, since there is but one starter and one main that would suit non-carnivores.

Our trio kicked off with pescine starters: scallops for one of our party and a white crab salad for the remaining two. This was a dish of excellence, beautifully presented (as the picture attests) with the soft crab meat pairing off wonderfully with the red chicory in particular. It sated our palates and gave us an impression of what to expect ahead of the mains arriving. Without doubt, there is a certain art attached to grilling meat to perfection, achieving an optimal balance of (smoke) flavour and tenderness. My Iberico pork chop had an immense depth of flavour, with superb juiciness and a decadently fatty edge. My comrades were similarly pleased with their choices, while sides – particularly carrots – also amply delivered.  

My only regret – we stuck to water. This was the virtuous choice on a Monday, but the wine list at the Devonshire looked decidedly promising. Next time, there will be no excuses and a clear strategy to linger longer. The Devonshire is certainly a classic in the making.

Wind the clock back a generation and Thai chefs cooking in pub dining rooms was a big thing. We may well wonder where they have all gone. The British love of curry is much better known and understood. As is its citizens’ love of beer. Sure, the country lacks neither Indian restaurants nor pubs, but what a genius idea to combine the two. To the best of your reviewer’s knowledge, an Indian gastropub is a first.

The Three Falcons sits on a site that was formerly a grotty boozer called The Richmond Arms. Gaurav and his team have transformed the venue. Upstairs is a boutique hotel, downstairs a pub-cum-restaurant. When your reviewer and his dining comrade visited spontaneously on a recent Saturday night, what struck us most was not only how busy the venue was, but also what a large number of diners were Indian – always a reassuring sign. Fortunately, the restaurant was able to accommodate us.

There’s always a certain comfort in menus when they keep things simple. The Three Falcons prints theirs on an A4 piece of paper, designed to look like a colonial-era newspaper. It’s even called the ‘Old Dehli Times’, which gives diners a sense of what style of cooking to expect. Indian options adorn one side, and more traditional British fare on the inverse. Comfortably seated with our pints of beer, we began with an ample plate of poppadoms. In a nice twist on the traditional, diners can choose from a range of half a dozen relishes and chutneys. Our pair (mint & coriander, and burnt green tomato) gave a good insight into the competence of the kitchen. Similar praise would be merited for ours mains: lamb and spinach for your reviewer and shahi paneer for his comrade. Both demonstrated a judicious use of spice, layering and slow cooking. Upon close – with all our dishes happily cleared – we settled in for another pint. No-one is rushed at the Three Falcons. My only quibble might be the dominance of the large screen TVs in the main room. Many may want to watch the cricket or similar, but not all. Face away if you can and enjoy the food, beer and ambience.

It’s never easy to veer from the path your parents have mapped out for you. So you can imagine that the young Gary Jordan must have felt somewhat apprehensive when telling his father that he didn’t want to follow him into the family’s shoe business. Not least because the business had been so successful that it had allowed his father, Ted, to buy his dream estate in Stellenbosch.

Fortunately, he needn’t have worried.

‘Thank God,’ said Ted. ‘The bouquet of old wine is an awful lot better than the bouquet of old shoes.’

It was music to Gary’s ears. He and his wife Kathy had both studied at California’s ‘wine university,’ UC Davis, and they had big plans for the farm. Principal among them was making wines that bore the family name, rather than selling their fruit elsewhere.

The Cape’s first husband-and-wife winemaking team, their debut vintage was in 1993, three years after Nelson Mandela’s release from Robben Island. Within ten years they had established an impressive reputation, which endures to this day.

There has been continual development and refining of what is planted at Jordan. Currently, the main varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc for the whites, and Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz for the reds. But the styles for which they are justifiably best-known are their Chardonnays and Bordeaux-blend reds – some of the Cape’s most reliable performers.

But things don’t stand still at Jordan. This year sees the release of their first Assyrtiko. Perhaps it’s Kathy’s Greek heritage, or perhaps it’s the logic of planting more heat-and-drought-resistant varieties in a place with the Cape’s climate and water issues; either way, the vines seem right at home.

Planted on the top of a sunny, 200m-high north-facing slope that is pummelled by the wind off False Bay, the vines can probably almost imagine they are back on Santorini – though here they are trained on wires, rather than wrapped round in a basket shape.

Despite being from such young vines, the Assyrtiko shows real promise; the perfect wine to sit with on a shaded terrace on a hot afternoon. Which, coincidentally, Jordan Estate is also able to provide.

Its restaurant (complete with leafy terrace) is one of the best in the winelands, and is a destination spot for Cape Town weekenders and sybaritic tourists alike. Handily, for those who are driving, they also have excellent accommodation just a 60-second walk from your table. Waking up to the squawking of native birds and the rustle of wind through the vines is a great start to any day.

Jordan Wine Estate – Four wines to try:

Nine Yards Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, 2022

Made the same way as the barrel-fermented Chardonnay, with pre-oxidation before fermentation, but from their best vineyard site and with a touch more oak. The result is a wine that’s richer and more brooding, with a structure that opens it up to serious ageing. Pineapples and nectarines, with a touch of grip, a dusting of spice and a tauter acidity. A genuine alternative to white Burgundy.
95 points
Drink 2025-2035 | Alcohol 13%

Cobblers Hill, Stellenbosch, 2018

Jordan’s deluxe Sophia red (particularly the superb 2017) is a top-class wine, but this four-way Bordeaux blend is nearly as good for a fraction of the price. Elegant powdery tannins effortlessly support dense layers of plum and black cherry fruit that resolve into a perfumed violet finish. Toned, ripe and seamless, it’s beautifully crafted.
95 points
Drink 2024-2040 | Alcohol 14%

Barrel-fermented Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, 2022

Jordan are renowned for their Chardonnays and this one from their Estate Varietals range shows why. It’s a winning combination of fleshy and toasty, of squashy peach and pineapple rolled in grilled hazelnuts and lightly squeezed with lime. There’s weight here, but no fatness. Precise – and excellent for the price.
94 points
Drink 2023-2030 | Alcohol 13%

Assyrtiko, Stellenbosch, 2022

From a harsh, dry, wind-blown site on top of a hill – not many grapes will thrive here, but Assyrtiko (from Santorini) clearly loves it. This wine has flavours of pomelo and lemon with a light herbal touch and a pithy texture. Racy and bright, it’s ridiculously good for three-year-old vines. A variety that clearly has a bright future here.
92 points
Drink 2023-2024 | Alcohol 13%

The post PIWOSA producer profile: Jordan Wine Estate appeared first on Decanter.

A singular house style has always been the calling card of Champagne producers’ non-vintage bottlings, but now it is ‘multi-vintage’ blends and their changing character in successive years that’s beginning to take centre-stage.

Next to Champagne’s rare treasures, the humble term non-vintage doesn’t exactly stir the passions. Defining something by what isn’t there seems a strange approach. Even the French term ‘brut sans année’ (literally, ‘brut without vintage’) sounds a little apologetic. But these are wines that are worth talking about.

Changes are afoot in the region, and it’s time to re-examine Champagne’s entry level. Non-vintage is the bread and butter of Champagne, accounting for some four-fifths of all Champagne sold, according to the most recent figures from the region’s governing body. The term refers to Champagnes made by blending wines from a base year – the most recent harvest – with reserve wines held back from previous years. The wine must spend a minimum 15 months in bottle for the second fermentation and ageing on lees, in contrast to three years for vintage wines.

CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT

The long-held line about non-vintage wines is that this blending process renders them consistent, year after year. In André Simon’s The History of Champagne (1962), the celebrated late author writes: ‘The non-vintage cuvées… are, and are always meant to be, as much as possible the same in type and style, whereas the vintage cuvées of the same firms vary from vintage to vintage.’ Champagne, though, has changed.

‘The idea of non-vintage is consistency in taste,’ explains Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, cellar master at Louis Roederer, adding that non-vintage was made to ‘correct poor years’ in an era when Champagne frequently struggle to ripen its grapes. ‘I think it’s a mistake… this is making Coca-Cola,’ he says.

Coca-Cola always tastes the same. The problem, though, is that non-vintage Champagne doesn’t; how could it, when climate change has brought even more unpredictability to the region’s wines? Faced with the extreme rain of 2021, when at Bérêche et Fils it was reported ‘June had only eight days of dry weather’, followed by 2022’s prolonged and troubling drought, how could those base vintages be remotely consistent? ‘Non-vintage is the most difficult wine to make,’ confirms Ruinart winemaker Louise Bryden. ‘Every vintage is so different right now that we have to adapt our vinifications every year; it’s the trickiest part of our job.’

A decade of steady growth has catapulted rare whisky into the market spotlight, but there have been mixed signals from the sector in 2023.

Ultra-rare bottlings continue to find buyers. A 1.5-litre bottle of Bowmore STAC 55 Year Old single malt Scotch fetched a hammer price of £450,000 (£562,500 with buyer’s premium) at the Sotheby’s-hosted Distillers One of One charity auction in October.

Data from Bordeaux Index suggests long-term price growth for rare whisky has continued in 2023 (see chart), although Matthew O’Connell, CEO of the merchant’s LiveTrade platform, said momentum has slowed a little.

He added: ‘We see demand for 30 [and] 40-year-old whisky from significant distilleries. This sells out quickly, [and] it’s hard to find on the market.’

Some data offers a more cautious view. A whisky sub-index published by Knight Frank and compiled by consultancy Rare Whisky 101 dropped by 4% in the year to 30 June, notwithstanding stellar 10-year growth.

Andy Simpson, managing director of private client business Simpson Reserved and contributor to Knight Frank’s luxury investment report, said price pressure was most acute at £5,000 per bottle and above.

A dip in prices on some bottlings may offer opportunities, he said. ‘I still believe in the rare whisky market.’ At the very high end, he also noted: ‘Superexpensive bottles are being consumed in quantities like I never saw years and years ago.’

In a report analysing auction sales data, investment bank Noble & Co said it remains cautious on the near-term price outlook for whiskies, citing macroeconomic factors.

‘It’s quite a mixed market,’ said Duncan McFadzean, head of food and drink at Noble & Co. ‘The top end of the market still seems reasonably robust,’ he said. ‘The bottom end of the fine and rare market [£100 to £1,000 per bottle] is doing really well on volumes, but that shift in mix is bringing the average prices down.’

Macallan and Springbank were the top-selling brands at auction by volume and value in the year to 31 July 2023, said Noble & Co. GlenAllachie saw strong growth.

Beyond Scotch, top names to know include Karuizawa, Yamazaki and Pappy Van Winkle.

Casks have gained attention alongside bottles. A new group, the Cask Whisky Association, was recently formed to promote industry best practice and guidance for investors.

For even more gifting inspiration, see our best tea gifts, coffee gifts, beer gifts, whisky gifts and wine gifts round-ups. And for more kitchen equipment, see our picks of the best baking gifts.

Jump to:
Best vegan hampers
Best vegan gifts

The best vegan hampers at a glance

• Best vegan Italian hamper: Vorrei luxury vegan Italian hamper, £235
• Best party hamper: The British Hamper Company Vegan Gourmet Hamper, £75
• Best for a sweet tooth: Vegan Chocolate Hamper Gift Box, £24.90
• Best snack hamper: Eden Treat Vegan Luxury Treats Collection, £44.99
• Best vegan kit: Pasta Evangelists Vegan Pasta Making Kit, £30
• Best gift for a couple: Naked Marshmallow Vegan Marshmallow Toasting Kit, £21
• Best vegan chocolate hamper: Rococo vegan chocolate hamper, £49.95

The best vegan hampers to buy 2023

Vorrei luxury vegan Italian hamper

• Available from olive shop (£235)

Best vegan Italian hamper

For a keen home cook, this luxury hamper provides all the ingredients for cooking a vegan Italian feast. There’s a range of pasta and risotto kits (from chickpea strozzapreti to a courgette and saffron risotto mix), gourmet sauces and everything you need for aperitivo hour, including caponata, olives and marinated greens. For afters, there’s vegan chocolate and fig jam, plus two bottles of organic vegan wine to wash it all down.

Available from:
olive shop (£215)

The British Hamper Company Vegan Gourmet Hamper

• Available from Not On The High Street (£75)

Best party hamper

This pretty box is peppered with products that are perfect for the party season. Try rosemary and garlic olives to serve with homemade cocktails, Seville orange marmalade for a weekend brunch and red-hot chilli crackers for a unique appetiser.

Available from:
Not On The High Street (£75)

Vegan Chocolate Hamper Gift Box

• Available from Amazon (£24.90)

Best for a sweet tooth

Want to satisfy the sweet tooth of your vegan pal? This eco-friendly gift box comes filled with indulgent snacks, from 70% dark-chocolate slabs to nutty nougat bars.

Available from:
Amazon (£24.90)

Eden Treat Collection Vegan Luxury Treats Collection

• Available from Not On The High Street (£44.99)

Best snack hamper

Stockpile your cupboards with these moreish vegan snacks, from plant-based caramel cups to maple glazed nuts, praline cookies or vegan hot chocolate. Plus you can choose to add on a wide range of liqueurs, from salted caramel vodka to raspberry gin, or even Prosecco.

Available from:
Not On The High Street (£44.99)

Pasta Evangelists Vegan Pasta Making Kit

• Available from Not On The High Street (£30)

Best vegan kit

This pasta-making kit comes with semolina flour and sea salt flakes as well as cutters, stamps and a tapered Italian rolling pin to make a range of shapes from gnocchi and ravioli to fluted pappardelle. There’s also recipe cards included to get you started making orecchiette and trofie and impress at your next dinner party.

Available from:
Not On The High Street (£30)

Vegan Marshmallow Toasting Kit

• Available from Not On The High Street (£21)

Best gift for a couple

Warm up this winter by toasting your own (vegan) marshmallows on a bamboo skewer. Fruity strawberry marshmallows come in a box complete with gel burner, skewers and instructions for how to toast them perfectly.

Available from:
Not On The Highstreet (£21)

Rococo vegan chocolate hamper

• Available from Rococo (£49.95)

Best chocolate gift hamper

Vegans don’t have to miss out on luxury chocolate with this pretty Rococo package and there’s no compromise on taste. It offers an irresistible selection compromising nutty pralines, plus two dark chocolate bars and chic dairy-free dark wafer thins.

Available from:
Rococo (£49.95)

Best vegan gifts to create your own vegan hamper

The Green Roasting Tin: Vegan and Vegetarian One Dish Dinners

• Available from Amazon (£10)

Build up your friend’s cookbook collection with Rukmini Iyer’s genius book filled with one-pan recipes. The first dish you need to make? All-in-one dal with roasted shallots, coriander, pomegranate and cashews – a jewel-studded treat.

Available from:
Amazon (£10)

Booja Booja Dairy Free Hazelnut Crunch Chocolate Truffles

• Available from Waitrose (£6.50)

Made with just four ingredients, these indulgent chocolate truffles (presented in a sleek gold-rimmed box) melt in the mouth with a rich cocoa dusting on top. Strictly not for sharing.

Available from:
Waitrose (£6.50)

Borough Olives Gift Subscription

• Available from Borough Olives (from £15)

Best letterbox gift

Fresh olives delivered through your letterbox? That’s your party snacks sorted. The team behind the Borough Market stall, Borough Olives, packs up three beautiful bags of fresh olives or antipasti per delivery. Select your favourites, including green olives stuffed with almonds; green chilli; and pickled garlic, or leave it up to the experts to choose.

Available from:
Borough Olives (from £15)

CBD-infused coffee

• Available from Cheerful Buddha (£9.99)

Gift a packet of coffee with a difference for something new in a morning brew. Cheerful Buddha offers a range of CBD-infused products, including CBD-infused coffee with different blends available in whole bean, ground or decaffeinated forms. Check out our reviews of more unusual healthy coffees here. Plus, see more coffee gifts from milk frothers to espresso cups and more.

Available from:
Cheerful Buddha (£9.99)

Tofuture Tofu Press

• Available from Amazon (£24.49)

The kitchen gadget you didn’t know you needed, until now! Invest in this two-tone press to remove water from the bean curd and make tofu firm, ready for frying in recipes such as kimchi-baked tofu and cajun tofu tacos.

Available from:
Amazon (£24.49)

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A guide to food & drink in
Puglia

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a stunning region located in the heel of Italy's boot. With a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine, it is no surprise that Puglia has become a popular destination for food and wine enthusiasts. Puglia's cuisine is deeply rooted in its history, and the region's culinary traditions reflect its agricultural and coastal heritage.

In this guide, we will take a closer look at the food and drink of Puglia, from the region's signature dishes to its world-renowned wines. Whether you're planning a trip to Puglia or simply curious about its culinary offerings, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the region's food and drink scene.

Apulian Breakfast Choices

As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and in Puglia, breakfast is no exception. In fact, breakfast in Puglia is a beloved ritual that locals take very seriously. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple yet delicious flavours, Apulian breakfast choices are a great way to start your day off right. Let’s explore some of the most popular breakfast options in Puglia, from traditional pastries to savoury dishes that will satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

Breakfast Puccia

A breakfast puccia is a typical Apulian sandwich that is commonly enjoyed as a quick and satisfying breakfast option. It consists of a round, flatbread made from a mixture of wheat and barley flour, known as "puccia," which is then sliced open and filled with a variety of ingredients. The most common fillings for a breakfast puccia include eggs, bacon, cheese, and tomato, although other meats, vegetables, and spreads can also be added to suit personal tastes.

Pasticciotto

Pasticciotto is a traditional pastry that hails from the Salento area of Puglia.

This sweet treat is made with a shortcrust pastry shell that is filled with a rich, creamy custard made with eggs, milk, sugar, and lemon zest. Pasticciotto can be enjoyed at any time of day, but it is especially popular as a breakfast pastry or as a mid-morning snack with coffee.

The best pasticciotto can be found in artisanal bakeries and pastry shops throughout the Salento region, where they are made fresh daily using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Sporcamuss

Sporcamuss is a beloved pastry in Puglia that is typically enjoyed as a dessert rather than for breakfast. These bite-sized treats are made with puff pastry that is stuffed with a rich and creamy pastry cream, then generously dusted with powdered sugar.

While they may look simple, Sporcamuss are bursting with flavour and texture, with the crispiness of the pastry and the sweetness of the filling creating a delightful contrast.

Apulian Lunch & Dinner Dishes

When it comes to food in Puglia, lunch is the main meal of the day, but you’ll often see these dishes on lunch and dinner menus. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and simple yet flavorful preparations, Apulian lunch dishes are a true reflection of the region's agricultural and coastal heritage.

Orecchiette alle cime di rapa – Orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe

Tiella di cozze – Mussels tiella (a type of baked dish)

Puccia – Puglian-style sandwich

Parmigiana di melanzane – Eggplant parmesan

Sagne 'ncannulate – A type of handmade pasta

Polpette di melanzane – Eggplant meatballs

Tiella di patate, riso e cozze – Potato, rice, and mussel tiella

Purè di fave – Fava bean puree

Pesce alla griglia – Grilled fish

Spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino – Spaghetti with garlic, oil, and chili flakes

Polpo alla pignata – Octopus cooked in a terracotta pot

Apulian Snacks & Lighter Dishes

In Puglia, food is not just reserved for mealtimes. Snacking is a beloved pastime, and locals have plenty of delicious options to choose from when it comes to satisfying their cravings between meals. Apulian snacks are typically simple yet flavorful, using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and satisfying.

Taralli – small rings made from crispy bread dough with oil

Friselle – A type of twice-baked bread that is soaked in water and topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and salt

Focaccia barese – Bari-style focaccia bread

Pane con le olive – Olive bread

Pasticciotto – A type of pastry filled with custard or jam

Rustico – A type of puff pastry filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes ham

Panzerotti – Fried dough filled with cheese, tomato, and sometimes ham

Pittule – Fried dough balls seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes anchovies

Caciocavallo – a soft cheese that is slightly salty, spicy and a bit tangy

Burrata – A type of fresh cheese that is similar to mozzarella but with a creamy centre

Fave e cicoria – Fava beans and chicory salad

Pucce – Puglian-style small bread rolls filled with cheese, tomato, and sometimes salami

Crocchè – Fried potato croquettes

Orecchiette di grano arso – Orecchiette pasta made from burnt wheat flour

Olive ascolane – Fried stuffed olives, usually stuffed with meat and cheese

Apulian Beverages

Puglia is a region known for its flavorful cuisine, and what better way to enjoy a meal than with a delicious beverage? From robust wines to comforting hot drinks and refreshing cocktails, Apulian beverages are as diverse and flavourful as the cuisine itself. With a rich history of winemaking and a tradition of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Puglia offers a range of unique and distinctive beverages that are sure to satisfy any palate.

Apulian Wines

Puglia is known for its excellent wines, many of which are made from indigenous grape varieties. Here's a list of some popular Puglian wines:

Primitivo di Manduria – A full-bodied, robust red wine made from the Primitivo grape, which is believed to be closely related to California's Zinfandel grape.

Negroamaro – Another popular red wine grape variety that produces full-bodied wines with flavours of dark fruit and spice.

Salice Salentino – A red wine produced in the Salento peninsula, characterised by its deep colour and bold flavour.

Castel del Monte – A DOCG wine made from the Nero di Troia grape variety, grown in the area around the town of Andria.

Aglianico del Vulture – A red wine made from the Aglianico grape, grown on the slopes of the Vulture volcano.

Rosato – A light, refreshing rosé wine that pairs well with many Puglian dishes.

Fiano – A white wine grape variety that produces aromatic, crisp wines with flavours of citrus and tropical fruit.

Verdeca – Another white grape variety that is grown in Puglia, producing fresh, dry wines with flavours of apple and pear.

Moscato di Trani – A sweet dessert wine made from the Moscato grape, grown in the area around the town of Trani.

Primitivo di Gioia del Colle – A red wine made from the Primitivo grape, grown in the hills around the town of Gioia del Colle.

Locorotondo – A crisp, refreshing white wine made from the Verdeca and Bianco d'Alessano grape varieties, grown in the area around the town of Locorotondo.

Aleatico di Puglia – A sweet dessert wine made from the Aleatico grape, grown in the area around the town of Lecce.

Gioia del Colle – A DOC wine made from the Primitivo grape, grown in the area around the town of Gioia del Colle.

Cacc'e Mmitte di Lucera – A red wine made from the Uva di Troia grape variety, grown in the area around the town of Lucera.

Martina Franca – A DOC white wine made from the Verdeca and Bianco d'Alessano grape varieties, grown in the area around the town of Martina Franca.

Apulian Hot Drinks

Bombardino – A popular winter drink made with eggnog, brandy, and whipped cream.

Ponce livornese – A hot drink made with rum, lemon juice, sugar, and black tea.

Vin Brule – A warm, spiced wine typically enjoyed during the winter months. The wine is simmered with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel.

Ginger, honey, and lemon herbal tea – A soothing and refreshing drink made with ginger, honey, and lemon, often enjoyed for its health benefits.

Classic hot chocolate – A rich, creamy hot chocolate made with high-quality chocolate and milk.

Zabaione – A classic Italian dessert drink made with egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine.

Caffe Amaretto – An espresso with a shot of amaretto liqueur, topped with whipped cream.

Hot apple cider – A comforting drink made with fresh apple cider and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.

Ponce al mandarino – Similar to Ponce livornese, but with the addition of mandarin orange juice.

Explore our Villas in Puglia

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