The Pizza Lovers Behind Zia Lucia
Zia Lucia was born from a simple idea between two passionate Italian friends, Claudio and Gianluca—both Islingtonians and passionate pizza lovers. Meeting almost weekly over pizza, they would talk about everything from sports, politics, and business ideas. But there was one recurring problem: finding truly great pizza meant travelling far. So they asked themselves—why not create a place of our own, where we and our friends could enjoy exceptional pizza right on our doorstep? That question sparked the beginning of their journey.
From day one, the vision was clear:
- No compromise on quality ingredients
- A handcrafted wood-fired oven from Naples, the birthplace of pizza
- An open-plan kitchen where guests can watch the craft in action
- A welcoming, cosy atmosphere
- And fair, accessible prices
But above all, their focus was on one thing: the dough.
For Claudio and Gianluca, dough isn’t just a base—it’s a religion. After extensive research and experimentation, they introduced their now-famous four types of 48-hour slow-fermented dough, designed to balance incredible flavour with lightness and digestibility. Because great pizza shouldn’t just taste amazing—it should leave you feeling good enough to enjoy it again and again.
Recognition & Growth
Since opening its first restaurant in Islington in 2016, Zia Lucia has grown across London and beyond, with locations including Hammersmith, Wembley, Aldgate East, Canary Wharf, Wandsworth, West Hampstead, Chelsea, and Reading.
Their dedication has earned widespread acclaim:
- Best Local Restaurant at the Time Out Love London Awards (Islington & Hammersmith, 2018)
- Featured in Where Chefs Eat
- Listed among Time Out’s 100 Best Cheap Eats in London
- Ranked 30th Best Pizza in the World (2025) by 50 Top Pizza
- Ranked 33rd Best Pizza in the World (2024) by 50 Top Pizza
- Ranked 38th Best Pizza in the World (2023) by 50 Top Pizza
Renowned critic Giles Coren praised it in The Times Magazine:
“The tomato sauce is rich and tangy. The cheese is milky and ripe. It is an incredible pizza. And it is less than a tenner.” Zia Lucia has also been featured in over 200 publications, including major outlets like the Financial Times, The Times, The Guardian, Time Out London, and GQ.
The Food
At the heart of the menu are wood- and gas-fired pizzas topped with both classic Italian ingredients and creative combinations, all available across the four dough types. A standout favourite is the Arianna pizza—a rich combination of truffle oil, fresh Italian sausage, gorgonzola, and mozzarella, especially recommended on the charcoal dough.
Beyond pizza, the menu includes:
- Italian-style starters and salads
- Homemade desserts
- An award-winning tiramisú
Zia Lucia is more than a pizzeria—it’s a celebration of Italian tradition, friendship, and the joy of sharing great food.
