As I strolled down the streets of London on a sunny spring afternoon, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked dough, sweet tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella caught my attention. I followed the mouthwatering scent to a small pizzeria with a line out the door: Lantica Pizzeria Da Michele.
As a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur who has sampled pies across Europe, I was intrigued by the crowd. I joined the line, eagerly anticipating a taste of the Neapolitan-style pizza for which Lantica is quickly gaining fame.
The History Behind Lantica’s Award-Winning Pizza
Lantica Pizzeria originated in Naples, Italy, in 1870. Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza, Lantica has adhered to the tradition of using fresh, simple ingredients. Over nearly 150 years, they have perfected their craft (Naples Pizza History).
In 2015, Lantica extended its heritage overseas by opening its first UK location in London. Their success in the UK is a testament to their commitment to preserving the traditional techniques that made their pizza renowned in Naples.
The Secret Behind Their Award-Winning Pizza
Biting into Lantica’s Margherita pizza was a moment of sheer delight. The crisp, charred crust revealed sweet tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella. It became clear why Neapolitan pizza is often considered the best in the world (Neapolitan Pizza Certification).
The key to Lantica’s award-winning pizza lies in its simplicity. They use only the freshest ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, sea salt, basil leaves, and olive oil. The dough ferments for over 24 hours before being hand-stretched and baked in a 900°F wood-fired oven. This traditional process allows the high heat to quickly char the crust while keeping the inside airy and chewy. The mozzarella melts perfectly, and the sauce develops a rich, complex flavor (Eater on Pizza Dough).
Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, perfecting the details is an art. Lantica bakes their pizzas to order in just 60-90 seconds. Their pizzaiolos undergo years of training to expertly manage factors such as oven temperature and rotation to achieve consistent quality. This precision has earned Lantica multiple awards for their pizza (The Guardian on Pizza Awards).
Tasting Lantica’s Specialty Pizzas
After my exceptional first bite of the Margherita, I was eager to explore more of Lantica’s menu. Their specialty pizzas featured unique ingredient combinations while respecting tradition.
The Pizza del Presidente came topped with fresh bufala mozzarella, parmesan shavings, basil leaves, and a drizzle of Lantica’s house-made olive oil. The premium mozzarella added a lovely creaminess against the sharp saltiness of aged parmesan.
For a heartier option, I tried the Pizza O’Sole Mio with Italian sausage and friarielli, a bitter broccoli rabe. The bold flavors balanced beautifully with the sweet tomato sauce and smoky, charred crust.
My favorite was the Pizza Carbonara with egg, pecorino cheese, pepper, and guanciale pork jowl bacon. As soon as the runny egg hit the hot pizza, it created a rich, decadent sauce that coated the crispy bacon and onions—tasting like the best breakfast ever!
The Verdict: Does Lantica Live Up to the Hype?
Without a doubt, Lantica Pizzeria makes a compelling case for being the best Neapolitan-style pizza in London. By staying true to tradition while allowing creativity to shine through their specialty pies, Lantica has crafted a menu full of award-winning deliciousness.
From the welcoming service to the refined simplicity of a classic Margherita, I experienced firsthand why Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza. Each bite transported me to the streets of Italy.
Lantica has successfully brought that authenticity to London. Their pizza is affordably priced for its exceptional quality, and the consistent perfection across their pies demonstrates why Lantica is earning accolades and delighted customers.
On my next trip to London, Lantica Pizzeria will be at the top of my dining list. A perfect crust with sweet tomato sauce and melted fresh mozzarella is worth any wait. Now, the hardest part will be deciding which pizza to try next
With over 5 years of experience exploring London’s diverse neighborhoods and a background in urban studies, our author brings a blend of expert knowledge and personal insights to alondonlist.com. Passionate about uncovering the city’s hidden gems and cultural hotspots, they offer readers practical tips and authentic experiences for making the most of London. Follow their adventures on Instagram.
