Two years after its parent branch’s much-lauded north London opening, a second Zia Lucia has flung open its doors in Brook Green. It’s a family-friendly, local-loving joint that’s not set to attract the upper crust with either decor or service, but the food… now that is hard to top. Zia Lucia, Italian for ‘Aunt Lucy,’ is all about delectable wood-fired pizzas. Bypass the starters, salads and even the desserts: they’re not as memorable as the main event.
With a variety of bases, all sensitivities and preferences are covered. There’s the sexy vegetable charcoal version; one that’s deliciously nutty; a trad version for those that aren’t fussed; and, of course, a gluten-free base for people who need to skip the elasticity of the regular pie.
Of the pizzas, the Arianna, with mozzarella, sausage, taleggio, pecorino and truffle honey, was truly magnifico. The animal-free La Vegana, smothered in butternut squash cream and topped with asparagus spears, was wholesome and nutritious. All the ingredients, sourced from Bologna, were marvellously fresh. Book a seat overlooking the open kitchen, so you can watch the dough rise on your order, or hole up in the cosy basement.