Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza was recently voted 5th best pizza in Europe and they’ve opened a branch in London’s Soho. Excited at the prospect of trying out the best Neapolitan pizza this side of Europe, the Young Londoner team went to Wardour Street to sample the fare.
So, what’s so great about this pizza joint? Well, firstly there is the location! Soho is one of those places that reminds you why you’re a Londoner. It’s the perfect destination for dinner dates, pre and post theatre drinks and generally for taking in the buzz, people watching and having a good time. Then there is Rudy’s menu, simple and classic with nothing but pizzas for mains, delicious starters and typical Italian deserts, all beautifully complemented by fine wines, cocktails, coffees and teas and other refreshments.
To begin we sampled the Burrata, a mozarella type of cheese with a deliciously creamy middle served with house baked bread and complemented by a small cherry tomato and rocket salad. Unlike mozarella this is more flavourful (and higher in calorie content). Next up were the pizzas and our first choice was from Rudy’s specials board – grilled courgettes, peppers and aubergines on a yellow datterini tomato base (that’s a fancy type of yellow tomato). Our second pizza choice was from their regular menu – the Salsiccia del Nonno – which translates as Grandad’s Sausage. This white pizza with chilli flakes, Fior di Latte, smoked mozzarella, ground fennel sausage and caramelised onion was divine. Washed it down with a warm and rich red Palazzo del Mare, a true Sicilian rich red wine, which complemented the pizzas perfectly and made our dining experience complete.
Rudy’s in Manchester was voted the best pizza restaurant in the UK, and the 5th best in Europe, by Big 7 Travel. Opening in the heart of London with such a reputation to protect is a big ask. Were we impressed? Too right we were. Each menu item is made using the finest ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes, grown on the fields next to Mount Vesuvius, are imported for the richest tomato base and fresh Fior di Latte mozzarella comes direct from Naples to help make the ultimate Neapolitan pizza. The pizza base, (the star of this show really), is made using Caputo ‘00’ flour, made daily on site and left to ferment for at least 24 hours. Cooked for only 60 seconds in a blisteringly hot stone oven, the pizza base is light, chewy and crunchy at the same time. Altogether a perfectly digestible crust.
In keeping with Rudy’s warm hospitality, we learned that 50% of tables are kept free for walk-ins, ensuring that diners without a booking can still get a taste of their delicious pizzas. Delivery and takeaway is also available.
Rudy’s launched in 2015 after founders Kate and Jim found success through their pop-up pizza parties before opening their first site in Manchester’s Ancoats, known locally as Little Italy. Building on their passion, and using only the finest ingredients, Rudy’s are purist in their Neapolitan discipline with trained and accredited Pizzaiolos at the helm of their pizza army, helping them to create the most popular pizzas in their home city of Manchester. London’s first Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza opened its doors at 80 Wardour Street in July 2021 for more information and booking visit their website: https://www.rudyspizza.co.uk/soho/