Glasgow, home to a vibrant Italian community, boasts a dynamic pizza scene that satisfies even the most discerning of palates. From traditional flavours to innovative creations, it’s a pizza lover’s paradise.
(Photo: Borbely Arpad via Pexels)
Glasgow is proud of its long-standing Italian community, many of whose ancestors found refuge in the city during the 1890s due to hardships brought about by Italy’s reunification. While some Italians might raise an eyebrow at the local’s curious tradition of dipping pizza in batter and deep-frying it (the infamous ‘pizza crunch’), Glasgow has witnessed an extraordinary evolution of its pizza scene over the past decade.
The city now has a thriving array of pizzerias that not only pay homage to the authentic tastes of Italy, but also showcase flair and a genuine passion for the craft. Whether you yearn for the thin and crispy style pizza that transports you to the streets of Rome, the fresh and moreish slices that capture the essence of Naples, or the comforting decadence of a cheesy New York-style pie, Glasgow has it all, and then some.
Errol’s
(Photo: Rachel Naismith)
Nestled in the trendy heart of Glasgow’s Southside, the tiny Errol’s exudes charm. The pizzas here strike a great balance between New York style pies (thin and crispy bases; foldable) and Neapolitan wood-fired creations (charred; puffy crusts). With a modest selection of seven pizza options, including standout choices like the olive and anchovy pie (a moreish blend of salty fish, briny olives and sweet tomato), and the rich – yet never greasy – white pie (mushrooms cooked down in garlic and olive oil, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, cream, and chives), Errol’s delivers honest and incredibly tasty food. There’s also a handful of gorgeous starters that rotate with the seasons, such as burrata with braised leeks, or crispy Padron peppers encased in blankets of lardo. It’s BYOB and you can’t book ahead, but don’t let the lack of formality put you off — you’d be hard-pressed to find a better all-rounder in the city.
379 Victoria Rd, Govanhill
Basta
Basta, a laid-back pizza joint situated along Partick’s expansive Dumbarton Road, may not be the trendiest pizza spot in town, but no matter — the true treasure lies in their genuinely exceptional and dynamic pizzas. With thin, yet pleasingly chewy, crusts and a selection of funky and fresh toppings, Basta’s definitely the place to try something new. From their unique hoisin special with Chinese spiced duck (or mushrooms for veggies), accompanied by a plum and hoisin sauce topping, to the inventive ‘fish & chips pie’ featuring a delicate combination of ricotta cream, grated potato, pickled shallots, smoked haddock, petit pois purée, and crispy lemon-fried capers, each pizza is a meticulously crafted masterpiece. There’s a well-priced kids’ menu, too, if you’re dining with little ones.
561 Dumbarton Rd, Partick, Glasgow G11 6HU
Paesano Pizza
(Photo: Vishnu Prasad via Unsplash)
Sceptics may dismiss the queue outside Paesano’s as much ado about nothing, or claim that the pizzas aren’t worth it. They are wrong on both accounts. The crowds at Paesano’s are a testament to its reputation for serving some of the finest Neapolitan pizzas in the city. With well-sourced ingredients and skilled pizzaioli hailing from Naples itself, authenticity and mastery shine through. While these pizzas may require a knife and fork or some adept folding skills (as is customary in Naples), it’s well worth the effort. The classic Margherita, fresh and bright with San Marzano tomatoes and creamy mozzarella di bufala campana AOP, never fails to impress; but the one topped with Tuscan fennel sausage and their homemade chilli oil is guaranteed to make a lasting impression. So popular is this pizzeria, there now exist two in the city. If the weather’s good, head to the West End branch to enjoy the pie in pretty Kelvingrove Park.
471 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HL
Stockholm
Immerse yourself in a world of bold flavours at Stockholm, a Nordic-inspired pizzeria where creativity knows no bounds. Tucked away in Glasgow’s thriving East End, this charming hole-in-the-wall spot delivers pizzas that defy convention. Drawing inspiration from Sweden where, as owner Lee McLaughlin attests, outlandish toppings are the norm, Stockholm ventures into uncharted territory of pizza artistry. From unconventional toppings like banana and curry powder, to inventive creations inspired by Bengali cuisine made with beef mince, fresh coriander, and mint yogurt sauce, Stockholm fearlessly challenges tradition. While the more traditional combinations like their Margherita or Cajun chicken are always a safe bet, McLaughlin’s remarkable talent lies in making even the most unusual combinations work like a charm. Authentically Italian it is not, but Stockholm’s commitment to using fine ingredients and expertly firing their pizzas ensures a consistently satisfying, and exciting, dining experience.
4 Tullis St, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1HN
Dough Man’s Land
(Photo: @doughmansland)
Operating from within a converted vintage horse box, the two brothers behind Dough Man’s Land have a blazingly hot pizza oven that can churn out pies in just 90 seconds. Just as well, because their creations are in high demand, often selling out before the day is done. The pizza options often change weekly, with only a handful (around six) on offer. But don’t be dissuaded by the small menu — the toppings are always seasonal, and the combos never fail to pack a punch, with past favourites including pepperoni and hot honey, and goats’ cheese and red onion. You can usually find the brothers and their truck nestled in leafy Finnieston on Derby Lane, but keep an eye on their Instagram page for their exact location as they travel across the country to cater weddings and festivals. And if you happen to swing by during lunch service (12pm-3pm), don’t miss out on their brilliant offer of reduced-price pizzas.
Derby St, Glasgow G3 7TU
BAKED Pizza al taglio
For a quick and satisfying pizza fix, look no further than BAKED pizza al taglio (Italian for pizza by the slice). Located opposite Tennent’s brewery amidst a hub of great food spots on Duke Street, BAKED specialises in Roman style square slices. Though slightly breadier than the slices you’d find in Rome, they’re undeniably fresh and come with authentic and tasty toppings: the challenge lies in choosing just one! The Roman favourite, Pizza Bianca, takes the spotlight here, featuring thinly sliced baby potatoes and rosemary, perfectly crispy and generously drizzled with quality olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. For a more unconventional yet equally pleasing option, indulge in the slice topped with red onion, walnuts, goat’s cheese, and grapes — a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury. Each slice pays homage to the authentic Roman tradition, served simply on greaseproof paper, and a can of the quintessential Italian ‘Oran Soda,’ adds the perfect finishing touch.
120 Duke St, Glasgow G4 0XW
Frank’s Pizza & Subs
(Photo: @frankspizzaandsubs)
Frank’s Pizza & Subs masters the art of New York-style pizza pies with flair. Located on a quiet street in Finnieston, the ambience is playful and kitschy, with chequered tablecloths and a charming dog-chef illustration adorning the window. Service smacks of Glasgow-Italian warmth, making you feel right at home. Indulge in their generous and flavourful pizzas, adorned with an abundance of low-moisture mozzarella as well as a handful of optional add-ons such as pepperoni, spicy sausage, and peppers. Despite their size, the pizzas aren’t heavy or greasy and, to add an extra layer of deliciousness, it’s well worth sampling their homemade dips, like the garlic-laced ‘cool lemon’ mayo. Don’t forget to explore the side dishes too; their chicken tenders, brined overnight, coated in crispy batter, and smothered in their own buffalo sauce are succulent and addictive.
6 Claremont St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7HA