The best pizza in Fulham and Chelsea - our definitive guide
After years of sampling every pizza joint from Putney Bridge to World's End, we've finally compiled our definitive guide to the best slices in our corner of south west London. Whether you're craving authentic Neapolitan or experimental toppings, here's where to find pizza perfection in Fulham and Chelsea.
The Neapolitan Masters
Franco Manca on Putney High Street remains the gold standard for authentic sourdough pizza. The queues outside this compact spot near East Putney station tell you everything you need to know. Their signature slow-rise dough, made with wild yeast, creates that perfect chewy-crispy base that's become legendary across London. Arrive early evening or prepare to wait, but trust us, it's worth it. Prices hover around £6-9 per pizza, making it excellent value for the quality.
For a more intimate experience, Donna Margherita on Munster Road near Sands End has been quietly perfecting their craft for years. This family-run gem serves up beautifully charred pizzas from their wood-fired oven, with the margherita being particularly sublime. The prosciutto and rocket special is our personal favourite. Book ahead for weekends as locals have cottoned on to this hidden treasure.
King's Road Classics
Pizza East in the Duke of York Square brings serious pizza credentials to Chelsea's premier shopping destination. Their thin-crust creations strike the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary, with toppings that change seasonally. The nduja and honey pizza has achieved cult status among regulars. Expect to pay £12-16 per pizza, but the quality and atmosphere justify the premium. It's perfect for post-shopping fuel or pre-theatre dinner.
Just down the road, Made in Italy on King's Road has been serving consistently excellent pizza since the 1990s. Their authentic Italian approach means simple, high-quality ingredients and no unnecessary fuss. The quattro stagioni here is textbook perfect. Service can be brisk during busy periods, but that's part of the authentic Italian experience.
Fulham Road Favourites
Rocca on Fulham Road, between the Natural History Museum and Stamford Bridge, offers a sophisticated take on pizza dining. Their Roman-style thin bases are crisp perfection, topped with premium ingredients sourced directly from Italy. The atmosphere strikes that difficult balance between casual and special occasion dining. Booking essential for match days when Chelsea are playing at home.
Further along towards Putney, Buona Sera has been a Fulham institution for over two decades. This family-friendly spot on Fulham Road serves generous portions at reasonable prices. Their pizza al taglio (by the slice) counter is perfect for a quick lunch, while the full restaurant offers a more relaxed dining experience. The children's menu makes it a reliable choice for families.
Parsons Green Gems
The area around Parsons Green station has become something of a pizza hotspot. Gail's Artisan Bakery might be known for their sourdough bread, but their weekend pizza offerings on New King's Road are surprisingly excellent. Using their bakery expertise, they create wonderfully light bases topped with seasonal ingredients. Perfect for a casual weekend lunch after browsing the local shops.
The Botanist on New King's Road serves up gastropub-style pizzas that punch well above their weight. Their wood-fired oven produces beautifully blistered crusts, while creative toppings keep things interesting. The wild mushroom and truffle oil pizza is particularly memorable. Great for watching football with a pint, as they show matches on multiple screens.
Hidden Treasures
Don't overlook Zizzi on Wandsworth Bridge Road. While it's a chain, this particular branch has an excellent wood-fired oven and consistently good execution. The rustica pizza with spicy salami and fresh chilli is a standout. It's also one of the few places in the area that accommodates large groups without booking hassles.
For something completely different, Crosstown Doughnuts on North End Road occasionally runs pizza nights in their industrial-chic space. When they do, it's worth tracking down for their experimental approach to toppings and their impeccable sourdough base.
Delivery Champions
When you can't face leaving the house, Firezza delivers across the entire area from their Fulham Broadway and Putney locations. Their sourdough bases are made fresh daily, and they offer some of the most inventive toppings in the neighbourhood. The delivery packaging keeps pizzas surprisingly crisp, and they're usually faster than promised.
Insider Tips
Tuesday to Thursday evenings offer the best combination of availability and service quality at most venues. Weekend lunches are generally less crowded than dinners. Many spots along Fulham Road offer pre-theatre menus if you're heading to the Apollo or Lyric.
For transport, most locations are within walking distance of either Fulham Broadway, Parsons Green, or Putney Bridge stations. The 14 and 414 buses run along New King's Road and connect all the major pizza spots.
Remember that Chelsea match days transform the dining landscape around Stamford Bridge. Book well ahead or consider venues further towards Putney for a more relaxed experience on those afternoons.
