Bristol’s pizza scene has really upped its game recently. Last year may have been the battle for the best burger, but 2015 is all about perfect pizza.
So, whether you’re looking for a cozy date venue or a guilty takeaway, we’ve got you covered with this list of ten of the best in Bristol.
Husband and wife team Graham and Kate have been serving up wood oven-fired pizza perfection for just over a year now, and their yellow pop-up van attracts massive crowds wherever it goes.
You can keep an eye on their Twitter or their calendar to see where they’ll next be stopping, but a trip to Sunday’s Tobacco Factory market in Bedminster is almost always fruitful.
Bertha's sourdough pizzas cost between £5-£7, and are all made from locally sourced ingredients.
Bertha's Sourdough Pizza, locations vary
The Stable is big, noisy and boasts a massive selection of pizzas and ciders. Those with special dietary requirements are well catered for as well, with veggie, vegan and gluten-free options available. Prices are mid range, at £8-£13 for a pizza.
Asbestos mouth? Those who like their food with a bit of a kick must try the fearsomely hot Bristol Blaster.
The Stable, Canon's Road, Harbourside
The oldest and most established pizzaria on this list by far, A Cappella’s cozy interior, friendly staff and BYO option make this a firm favourite amongst couples. It’s a bit out of the way, tucked up behind the church in Totterdown, but well worth the trip: Noth Bristolians need only to hop on the number 54 bus to land on its doorstep.
A cappella's head chef trained in Naples, and even tops his pizzas with specially sourced Italian mozzarella for extra-delicious authenticity. Little wonder the restaurant has picked up a raft of awards over the years.
Prices are an affordable £7-£12.45 for a medium pizza, whilst a large one (which you could share) cost up to £14.45. Their C Major calzone comes highly recommended.
A cappella, 184c Wells Road, Totterdown
Half old man’s boozer, half frat house sports bar, and not the most likely place you'd expect to first-class food - yet The Sportsman just off Gloucester Road offers damn fine takeaway pizzas.
Pizzas cost a reasonable £7 (or two for £12), and for that you can choose three toppings from an extensive list (pulled pork, halloumi, asparagus), with a delightfully chewy stone oven-fired base.
It’s not really a venue to sit-in, unless you like shouty students and football, but as a takeaway, it’s one of the best.
The Sportsman, Nevil Road, Bishopston
This student favourite perched atop the formidable St Michael's Hill boasts some of the best pizzas in the city.
With its close proximity to a rather good selection of pubs, Beerd is an excellent place to spend the evening, whilst their lunchtime offer (a whole pizza for a fiver) is not to be missed.
Beerd, 157-159 St Michael's Hill, Cotham
Cheltenham Road newcomers Flour and Ash haven’t even been here a year, but their sourdough base pizzas have fast gained a reputation as some of the best in the city.
Their dough is left to prove for 72 hours, ensuring a light, chewy base, which means you’ll be eating your crust at then end, not just nibbling on it after the toppings have been eaten.
Talking of toppings, they range from the old faithful margherita (£6) to the more opulent aged fillet of beef with old Winchester cheese, rosemary oil and fresh peppery watercress for £16.
Flour and Ash, 203b Cheltenham Road, Montpelier
Nestled away in St Werburghs sits this teeny tiny gem of a pizzeria, which serves up giant discs of wood-fired deliciousness. Plus, a BYO policy and no corkage fee means it offers a very reasonable dining experience.
You'll find a range of toppings, from the traditional margherita and Italian options like parma ham and artichoke hearts, to more experimental options, including crispy duck and Balti – a spicy Indian inspired sauce topped with gooey mozzarella, chicken and caramelised peppers.
Prices cost between £6.99 for a personal pizza, up to £18.99 for a giant one to share.
Napolita Cafe, 83 Mina Road, St Werburghs
Zero Zero
Head down to Easton’s Zero Zero for some of the best, and most unusual toppings in the city. Their menu is fresh and exciting, with old classics plus a monthly special. They also offer a vegan pizza complete with vegan cheese, whilst carnivores can opt for a chili beef and red pepper pizza with a side of hot buffalo wings.
Prices are very reasonable, with a margherita costing a mere £5 for a 9 inch pizza.
Zero Zero, 2B High Street, Easton
Located near the entrance of Bristol’s Paintworks, Bocabar offer a fresh, seasonally changing menu.
Pizza toppings range from slow roasted Blagdon lamb and raita, to veggie-friendly Dorset Blue Vinney cheese, rhubarb jam, samphire and mozzarella.
Prices come in at £9.95 for a margherita to £14.95 for their prawn and pepperoni Gamba Samba.
Bocabar, Paintworks, Bath Road, Arnos Vale
If you’re looking for real deal Italian, then this is the place to go. Their streamlined menu offers a choice of nine well-chosen pizzas, hand made by their Sicilian-trained chef.
There are veggie options to choose from, plus a selection of other equally Italian dishes if you’re cutting down on your carbs. Prices are really reasonable, especially for this part of town, and range from £9-£11.50.
Bosco Pizzeria, 96 Whiteladies Road, Clifton
Have we missed your favourite pizzeria? Let us know in the comments. Or if you prefer a sandwich, have a look at five favourite places to find one.