Dinner at Pizza Pilgrims

If you’re on the lookout for a pizza place that serves authentic, Neapolitan-style pies in a vibrant and laid-back setting, Pizza Pilgrims in Cardiff is the perfect spot. With its origins steeped in tradition and a menu that combines classic flavors with inventive twists, Pizza Pilgrims has become a go-to for pizza lovers across the UK. Our recent dinner experience here was one for the books, and we dove into some of their most beloved dishes: Fritto Misto, Double Pepperoni and Hot Honey Pizza, You’ve Got Maiale Pizza, and to cap it all off, the indulgent Nutella Pizza Ring. But before we dive into the food, let’s talk a bit about the fascinating history behind Pizza Pilgrims.

From Tuk Tuk to Pizza Empire

Pizza Pilgrims started with two brothers, James and Thom Elliot, who decided to leave their desk jobs in 2011 to follow their dream of bringing authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK. Their journey to Italy involved learning the art of pizza-making from the masters in Naples, the birthplace of pizza. After their culinary pilgrimage, they returned to London and started serving pizzas from the back of a three-wheeled Piaggio Ape van—the UK’s first mobile wood-fired pizza oven.

From these humble beginnings, Pizza Pilgrims has since grown into a popular chain, known for its soft, pillowy dough, fresh ingredients, and commitment to traditional Neapolitan methods. The Cardiff location captures this same authenticity and charm, making it a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts.

Crispy and Light

We kicked off our meal with the Fritto Misto, a delicious selection of deep-fried Italian goodness. The dish was a crispy medley of fried seafood, including calamari, prawns, and whitebait, along with some beautifully fried zucchini. What stood out was how light and airy the batter was, with none of that greasy heaviness you sometimes get with fried food. Each bite was crunchy and satisfying, and the freshness of the seafood really shone through. A squeeze of lemon added a nice zesty balance to the dish, making it the perfect starter to awaken the taste buds.

A Sweet and Spicy Masterpiece

Next up was the Double Pepperoni and Hot Honey Pizza, and let me tell you, this pizza hit all the right notes. The base, as expected from Pizza Pilgrims, was soft, light, and slightly charred, with that characteristic chew you only get from true Neapolitan dough. The pepperoni came in two varieties: standard slices and spicy, thicker-cut rounds. Together, they created layers of flavor—salty, meaty, and smoky.

What really set this pizza apart, though, was the drizzle of hot honey. The honey’s sweetness contrasted beautifully with the spicy pepperoni, adding an unexpected twist that elevated the entire dish. Every bite had a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, making this pizza a standout on the menu.

A Meat Lover’s Dream

For those who crave an extra dose of meat, the You’ve Got Maiale Pizza is an absolute must. “Maiale” translates to “pig” in Italian, and this pizza is a carnivore’s delight, featuring a trio of pork-based toppings: prosciutto, salami, and fennel sausage. The meat was generously portioned, with each variety offering its own unique flavor and texture. The fennel sausage had a slight hint of anise, while the prosciutto brought a delicate, salty richness to the pie.

Despite the multiple layers of meat, the pizza didn’t feel too heavy. The thin, chewy base and fresh tomato sauce ensured the balance was just right, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine without overwhelming the palate.

A Sweet Finale

No visit to Pizza Pilgrims would be complete without trying their famous Nutella Pizza Ring for dessert. This decadent creation is exactly what it sounds like—a ring of dough filled with warm, gooey Nutella and dusted with powdered sugar. The dough was perfectly baked—crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy inside, providing the ideal vessel for the rich, creamy Nutella. Served with a small pot of vanilla ice cream on the side, the cold contrast of the ice cream against the warm pizza ring was pure indulgence. If you have a sweet tooth, this dessert is an absolute must-try, leaving you blissfully satisfied.

A Must-Visit Pizza Haven

Pizza Pilgrims in Cardiff offers a true taste of Naples, bringing its signature light and fluffy dough, fresh ingredients, and creative flavor combinations to the city’s food scene. Whether you’re a fan of classic toppings or more adventurous pairings like hot honey and double pepperoni, the menu caters to all kinds of pizza lovers.

With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and dedication to the art of pizza, Pizza Pilgrims is a must-visit for anyone in Cardiff craving a true slice of Italy. Whether you’re there for a casual bite or a celebratory meal, you’re bound to leave with a smile—and maybe some Nutella on your face!