Carmela's Pizzeria — Restaurant in London

Carmela's Pizzeria in Islington is a true gem, bringing authentic New York Italian-American pizza (thin, tasty and firmer base) to London—a rarity that’s hard to come by in a city dominated by Neapolitan or generic chains. This place is a love letter to the East Coast pizza culture, with its crisp yet foldable pies that scream Little Italy vibes (only eaten with hands, and specifically made for this). The atmosphere is buzzing, with a cozy, moody glow in the evening that feels like stepping into 1950s New York, perfect for pizza connoisseurs seeking something special.

The star of the show is their vodka sauce pizza, a standout that’s not just a gimmick but a revelation. Vodka sauce, a creamy, pink-hued blend of tomatoes, cream, and a touch of vodka, originated in New York’s Italian-American communities. I am told that the vodka allows the cream to blend with the tomato sauce (that the whole point of it). It’s less acidic and slightly sweeter than traditional tomato sauce, giving the pizza a rich, indulgent flavor with a spicy kick. At Carmela’s, the vodka sauce is slathered generously over fresh mozzarella, creating a pie that’s both decadent and perfectly balanced, with a crust that holds up beautifully. It’s a must-try for anyone who appreciates bold, innovative toppings.

Don’t skip the side sauces for the crust—the Calabrian ricotta, home-made ranch and hot maple dips (instead of hot honey, that is popular around town) are game-changers. The creamy ricotta adds a luxurious touch, while the hot maple brings a sweet-spicy crunch that elevates every bite. These aren’t just afterthoughts; they’re crafted to make the crust as exciting as the pizza itself.

Carmela’s isn’t your average pizza joint—it’s a premium destination for true pizza connoisseurs. From the high-quality ingredients sourced from London and Italy to the infectious energy of the walk-in-only spot on Upper Street, every detail screams passion. Whether you’re a New Yorker craving a taste of home or a Londoner seeking something extraordinary, Carmela’s delivers. It gets really busy on Friday and Saturdays, so I went on a Sunday, and could get a seat easily at 4pm. If you want a guaranteed spot, avoid the usual busy times and go at weirder time.

I’m already counting down to...

I walked up on Sunday afternoon, there was no queue, but inside no tables were empty and the place was a hive of energy and activity. Smiles all round, staff and customers, clearly enjoying it, although the team have been going flat out since opening 3 days ago. I had come for takeout and that is what I had: the fennel sausage pizza which I ate outside the Town Hall. There was a lovely snap and crispiness to the base, the topping was stable and did not slide off when I folded a slice to eat. The sausage was nice it had a good fennel flavour to it, not overpowering on the aniseed front, the tomato, sauce and cheese blend were great, not too much cheese and evenly distributed (as was the sausage, maybe a little more sausage wouldn’t hurt). The edge was just the right size, not over inflated or too wide. The pizza was cut evenly and sliced through properly so the slices were easy to separate. Overall very tasty 8/10. There was a discount today so it cost me £11 for 12” pizza. Below is a shot of the eat in menu, I think the take out is cheaper and also in this phase there is a 30% discount. A napkin with takeout would also help, though the pizza itself was not a messy meal and I got...

I had an excellent experience at Caramela Pizzeria.

The pizza was outstanding, the base had that perfect crunch while still being light and the flavours were rich, fresh and beautifully balanced. The dip was a real highlight too, adding an extra touch that made each bite even more enjoyable. What really elevated the visit, however, was the service.

Jovan was absolutely incredible attentive, warm and genuinely invested in making sure we had the best possible experience. His professionalism combined with his friendly manner created such a welcoming atmosphere that it turned a great meal into an exceptional one.

Caramela Pizzeria has all the ingredients of a top-tier dining experience: excellent food, thoughtful details and first-class service. I cannot recommend it highly enough and will definitely be...