Our Story
Making genuine Italian pizza with a passion since 1985
From Naples to Your Neighborhood
'Crust & Craft Pizzeria' started with a humble dream: to introduce real Neapolitan pizza to London. The Bianchi family opened our doors in 1985 as a quaint, family-operated shop using age-old family recipes.
'Marco Bianchi', the original founder, mastered the craft of pizza during her travels across Italy, particularly under Neapolitan masters—the original creators of pizza. When she came back to the UK, she aimed to replicate the unique taste of authentic Italian pizza, adhering to traditional practices and choosing only premium components.
From a cozy 12-seat eatery, we've evolved into a favorite neighborhood spot, yet our promise to deliver superb quality and genuineness stands firm. We persist in baking with wood-fired techniques, prepare our dough each day from scratch, and select top-notch ingredients for our dishes.
To this day, 'Crust & Craft Pizzeria' is still a family business, now under the direction of the Bianchi descendants who manage a team of passionate staff. We've adopted new technologies, but the core of our mission remains: to serve delicious, genuine pizza that unites our community.
Our Values
Quality Ingredients
We prioritize sourcing our ingredients for freshness and quality, securing local produce and Italian imports to maintain authentic tastes.
Traditional Methods
We create our pizzas with tried-and-true methods, including dough that undergoes a 48-hour fermentation process and baking in traditional wood-fired ovens.
Community Focus
We aim to be more than just a restaurant by actively participating in our community, supporting regional events, and fostering a place where everyone feels at home.
Sustainability
Our dedication to the environment is unwavering as we cut down food waste, employ eco-friendly packaging, and support sustainable farming practices.
Meet Our Team
The passionate individuals crafting our delectable pizzas
Marco Bianchi
Owner & Head Chef
The second-generation owner trained in Naples, refining our recipes for more than 15 years.
Alexa Mendoza
Executive Chef
With training from Italy, Alexa brings a dozen years of culinary knowledge, focusing on dishes that celebrate seasonal offerings.
Giuseppe Bianchi
Master Pizzaiolo
A native of Naples with over two decades of pizza perfection, Giuseppe works to train all our aspiring pizza chefs.
Catherine Smith
Restaurant Manager
Catherine is dedicated to making sure guests have a memorable dining encounter and supervises the service team with proficiency and kindness.
Edward Zhou
Sommelier & Beverage Director
Edward manages our selection of beverages, specializing in Italian juices and the ideal non-alcoholic drink pairings for our pizzas.
What Our Customers Say
This is the closest to Neapolitan pizza one can get outside of Italy's borders. The crust has an ideal chewiness, marked by those distinctive charred spots only a wood-fired oven can impart.
John Doe
Admiring 'Crust & Craft Pizzeria' for using regional produce and eco-friendly methods. The flavor in every slice is distinct. The rotating specials are something I always look forward to!
Emily Brown
I've been a regular for years, and the exceptional quality is consistent. The atmosphere is familial, and the pizza is divine—don't miss out on the Truffle Delight!
Nick Taylor
Awards & Recognition
Top Pizzeria in Karlport
Local Culinary Awards, 2019-2023
Top 50 Pizzerias across the UK
Nationwide Restaurant Listings, 2021-2023
Certified Traditional Neapolitan Pizza
Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, 2018
Award for Sustainable Business Practices
Local Green Enterprise Forum, 2022
Come Visit Us
Discover the flavor of real Italian pizza in an inviting and warm environment