Taking the classic Italian eatery concept up a notch, The Social Pizzeria is serious about living up to its name. A seemingly never-ending queue of youthful customers are met with a seemingly never-ending supply of hot pies from the wood-fired oven.
The chewy, bubbly base is the perfect canvas for a hearty smattering of pesto flecked with kalamata olives, rocket and generous shavings of parmesan under a balsamic glaze. Classics like beef pepperoni margherita cater for fussier eaters, while creative combinations like mozzarella with buffalo sauce or burrata with roasted peppers cater for more discerning pizza palates.
The crowd favourite – the Arabian Beauty – brings together garlicky makdous (oil-cured aubergines) with a subtle scattering of almond flakes lifted by a tart pop of redcurrant.
Pastas and salads also feature, with the al dente Little Italy carefully balancing a four-cheese sauce with enough black truffle and crispy beef bacon bits.
The truffle fries, rather than drowning in fungal flavours, are tossed in just enough sauce to leave diners wanting more (although the portion could have been bigger).
While it isn’t a family spot – kids aren’t allowed after 7pm – the buzz of the dining room never peters even in the evening.
So when the moon hits your eye, and you fancy a slice of pie that verges on the high-end, this spot is well worth a try.
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