Saponara

Saponara is a long-established Italian pizzeria and deli on Prebend Street in Islington, serving the local community since 1989. Time Out has voted it the best pizza in London -- a remarkable accolade for a neighbourhood restaurant that has been quietly turning out exceptional stone-baked Neapolitan pizza from fresh dough prepared daily by skilled pizzaioli for over 35 years. The name Saponara comes from a small town in the Calabria region of southern Italy, reflecting the family's roots in the Italian south.

Fresh dough is prepared each morning and stone-baked to order, producing a thin, crispy base with a properly charred crust. Alongside pizza, the kitchen makes fresh pasta daily -- tortelloni, ravioloni, pappardelle -- with a changing selection of sauces. The Italian deli counter offers antipasti selections including selections of salami, prosciutto, cheese, marinated olives and vegetables served on rustico olive wood platters. An excellent neighbourhood Italian that has stood the test of time in a demanding postcode. Website: saponarapizzeria.co.uk.