Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Slice of heaven: Cape Town’s 5 best pizza joints
There’s something about a great pizza that brings people together – maybe it’s the comforting warmth of the oven, the simple joy of sharing or just the perfect balance of crispy crust and melting cheese. In Cape Town the search for that ideal slice is a journey worth taking. From cosy neighbourhood spots where the dough is made by hand every morning to buzzing hangouts where pizza & cocktails go hand in hand, this city has some great pizza joints waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the classics or love exploring bold new flavours, Cape Town’s pizza spots are ready to serve you a slice worth savouring. So, if you’re ready to taste some of the best pizza the city has to offer, keep reading – we’ve got you covered!
01
Lievita specialises in authentic Neapolitan pizza, crafted with passion and precision. Andrea, a Piedmont native with over 20 years of culinary experience, brought Lievita to life by bringing the traditions of Italian cuisine to South Africa. Andrea’s journey began in his family’s kitchen and led him to the Amalfi Coast, where he honed his skills in making world-famous Neapolitan pizza. Lievita’s pizzas are baked in an imported Neapolitan Fazzone oven, ensuring a perfectly blistered crust every time. The menu features classics like margherita, as well as inventive gourmet combinations that showcase the finest locally sourced and imported ingredients. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of Italian trattorias, creates an intimate dining experience where you can watch the pizzaiolos in action.
Photography courtesy of Lievita
02
Located on Bree Street, I Love the Dough is a fun and quirky pizza bar that has been serving up some of Cape Town’s best Neapolitan-style pizzas since 2019. The restaurant’s quirky design with pops of colour and neon lights, sets the tone for a fun night of pizza and cocktails in one of Cape Town’s trendiest streets. The signature dough, known for its thin base and chewy crust, is the star of the show, complemented by a variety of fresh toppings. I Love the Dough also features an impressive cocktail menu, with classics and some creative inventions and they are all Instagramable! Besides the pizza, we also recommend trying their dough sticks and dipping sauce – the perfect doughy snack. Pair that with one of their slushy cocktails and you are set for a festive night!
Photography courtesy of I Love The Dough
03
The concept behind Pizza Shed is simple: bring people together over great food in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The restaurant is housed in a cosy space with a laid-back vibe, complete with wooden furnishings and an open kitchen where you can see the chefs working their magic. Pizza Shed is known for their contemporary Neapolitan pizzas, using a signature slow-proofed dough that is nurtured for over 48 hours before being baked in wood-fired ovens. If you’re looking for an authentic slice of pizza, this is the spot for you. We love the classic Margherita, best enjoyed on the little front patio seating, on a sunny Cape Town day!
Photography courtesy of Pizza Shed
04
Pizza Connection offers a modern twist on traditional Neapolitan and Roman pizzas, started by two friends, who share a passion for pizza and a love for Cape Town. Pizza Connection has been serving up delicious, authentic pizzas for years, earning a reputation as one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Their pizzas are made using the finest ingredients, including imported Italian flours and tomatoes. The dough made fresh daily, undergoes a slow fermentation process that results in a crust that’s light, flavorful and just the right amount of chewy. The pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven, imparting that signature smoky flavour that can’t be replicated. We think the Capetonian pizza is a winner – bacon, avocado, caramelised onion – it’s definitely a slice of heaven.
Photography courtesy of Pizza Connection
05
Ciao Pizza, located on Long Street, brings the authentic taste of Naples to Cape Town. The focus here is on simplicity and authenticity, with a menu that honours the traditional recipes passed down through generations. The dough is slow-aged and cooked at high temperatures in a custom-built wood-fired oven, resulting in a pizza with a thin, crispy base and a soft, airy crust. The atmosphere at Ciao Pizza is intimate and laid-back, perfect for those who appreciate the art of a well-made pizza without the frills. The chorizo pizza is delicious, featuring some chillies, peppers and smoked fior di latte. Their calzones are equally impressive.
Photography courtesy of Ciao Pizza
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