Napoli on the Road, a pizzeria in West London’s Chiswick, is gaining acclaim left, right and centre.
Proving its worth on an international scale, it was awarded Best Pizza Restaurant in Europe (outside of Italy) at this year’s prestigious 50 Top Pizza Awards, often likened to the Michelin star equivalent for pizzerias.
Adding more feathers to its cap, Michele Pascarella, the head chef and the brains behind Napoli on the Road, scooped up the Global Pizza Maker of the Year title last year.
Mirror reporter Milo Boyd couldn’t resist checking out what the fuss was about at this esteemed establishment, reports MyLondon.
On his gastronomic adventure, he said: “The restaurant is lovely. Half a dozen wrapped-up-warm diners sit on curb-side tables outside, warming themselves on the orange glow that shines through the window.
“Inside, print-outs of articles shining a spotlight on Napoli on the Road’s pedigree fill one wall, providing something for my dining companion for the evening to read as I cycled to meet him.”
In surprising contrast to its award-winning reputation, Boyd pointed out that the prices at Napoli on the Road are rather wallet-friendly, especially for the upscale locale of West London the Margherita Pizza sporting a modest £12.99 price tag, with beers pegged at around £5.
Opting against one of the simpler pizzas, Milo said: “I opted for the Foglie e Patate, which combines ricotta and for di latte cheeses with chicory, spinach, borage, black pepper and – most surprisingly – boiled and smashed potatoes. For my friend, an aubergine rich parmigiana di melanzane.”
“Within minutes our pizzas had arrived and moments after that, we conceded the hype was warranted. Napoli on the Road’s pizza is exceptional.”
“The thickness of the base is substantial and cooked exactly how I wanted it; the crust doughy and puffy; the flavour combinations perfectly judged.
“The chef had not skimped on the cheese and the amount of oil was just enough to make the dish feel indulgent without veering into greasy.”
Milo added: “We hadn’t told the restaurant we were coming to write a review, so one can expect such culinary delights and great service whenever they pop in. It was as good a pizza as I’ve eaten. And there is the slight problem.
“Fundamentally, pizza’s ceiling is about 8/10. I’ve never met a pizza I didn’t like, but I’ve never met a slice that I love. It is solid, dependable comfort food – but not something you take home to meet your parents.
“It is no truffle pasta. It is, perhaps, not worth cycling eight miles past your local Franco Manca to Napoli on the Road on a wet Wednesday evening.”
