Pizzeria Malletti, Soho, London

I finally found the best pizza place in Soho! Be prepared to queue, it is a popular spot. It’s worth it though, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously tasty slice of pizza. Well actually two small slices to be precise ;-).

All pizzas are £ 3.95 and the different varieties I’ve tried so far were all really nice.
Pizzas are prebaked and on display for you to chose from. They are heated up so the base becomes slightly crisp.

You can either eat in - there are only a few stools though and you are a little bit squeezed against the wall by people waiting - or have your pizza to go.
What’s a bit annoying about the latter option is that slices are partially placed on top of each oher and no matter how careful I tried to transport them I’ve always ended up with the topping of the bottom one coming half off when separating the slices. Yes, I will remember to ask for the slices to be places next to another. Next time, because I’m definitely going back!

The key here is to be true to the craft. I don’t really like pizza (I know that is akin to admitting not liking rainbows) but I did find my groove in Italy. That was the place that I discovered real pizza isn’t all dough and no fun… and Malletti seem familiar with this formula.
Their slices are thin and flat, their toppings simple and fresh.
Middle of Soho means busy and slightly pricey, but not at all surprising!

Lunch can be an uninspiring repetitive affair with few options other than sarnie or soup, soup or sarnie. Or maybe Sushi for a treat. Something quick and something inexpensive is always important but it’s gotta be tasty. So think pizza pizza pizza! Pizza al taglio is an Italian institution and something you will find on many an Italian street corner. It’s quick, easy and affordable. Pizza al taglio places are thin on the ground in these parts but there is Malletti’s on Noel Street. Pizza is served up in big trays from which they’ll cut you a slice. The toppings are mixed and generous but be sure to head there before early afternoon to avoid disappointment this place is popular and they sell out quick smart. The shop is small and simply kitted out. Counter one side, place to queue on the other. K.I.S.S – keep it simple stupid. These guys have and made it an art.

Malletti is a famous take away pizzeria and gets very busy during lunch on weekdays and it’s not unusual for the queue to snake out the door and down the pavement.

If I had to quibble about it I would have to say that it’s an expensive lunch and I know a lot of people who don’t find it hugely filling and have to get double portions.

It also has a policy of taking a dim view of people who use their mobile phones inside and the staff can be quite brusque in enforcing it - even with people who only answer their phones whilst in line to tell people they’ll call them back. It all seems a little unnecessary as it’s only a take away with a tiny counter to eat at. Even that counter isn’t a great place to wolf your food down as you’re constantly jostled by people trying to leave with their purchases.

I found the Pizzeria from LondonNet directory. Includes business info, addresses and contact, they serve delicious mouth watering green peppers, anchovis and well prepared ground beef.

This is one of my favourite lunchtime take-away spots. And by the looks of the queues that flood out of the door every day between 12 and 2, I’m not the only one who thinks that this place is great.

Their pastas and risottos are amazing. If you can’t decide which one to go for then ask for a box half-filled with two different ones. The gnocchi is also fantastic there. And there’s always a decent choice of vegetarian options

However, it could probably be argued that it is the pizzas that make this place so popular. They have a large selection of very impressive pizzas that seem to be different each time I go. I’m not sure I’ve had pizza as good as this anywhere in London.

And watch out for the sign that says no mobiles. They’ve refused to serve people who are talking on the phone while ordering. And rightly so…!

Have just had the fabled 'half-and-half’, a combination of risotto and pasta in my case but which can be a combination of any two dishes on offer. As galadriel, ahunter and Rob Hinchcliffe have already said, this is perhaps the best Italian take-away in Soho. The food is superlative, fresh, hot, filling and above all, tasty. The service is also very Italian, a frown and a gruff manner where a smile would normally be the case but underneath it all . . . . soft and sweet really!

I’m guessing that Soho’s meedja crowd would grind to a halt if Malletti’s closed down. The queue outside every lunchtime usually consists of 75% film and TV runners with a lunch list as long as your arm.

You don’t have to have 3 haircuts and a nasty cocaine habit to enjoy this place though, the amazingly tasty Italian ‘fast food’ should appeal to anyone. Great pasta, fantastic foccacia and brilliant risotto.

And you have to love the rude signage they have in there:

The queue outside this place today is testament to the quality of food and service. It seems like everyone in soho knows how good this place is. Pizza, Foccacia, Spicy sausage, pasta….. this place is awesome for quick, tasty italian food. I had the spicy italian sausage with potatoes and cheese. Probably one of the best Italian takeaways i have had in London.

warning If you are thinking of going here during the week at lunchtime, be prepared to queue for 10mins +