Brooklyn Bite

Pizza enthusiasts are divided - is the traditional Neapolitan pizza, with a thin base and cooked in a wood fire oven, the best? Or should they be extra-filling, like the deep pizzas that prevail in Chicago? Do you prefer the Roman rectangular cut or the typically American super-sized portions with sky-high toppings?

If you favour the latter you’re in luck, for Chelsea’s Brooklyn Bite offers New York-style pizzas that are up to 18” in size (priced between £18.50 and £20.50). In a ballsy move they’re just a few doors down from popular eatery The Big Easy, another American diner, although they stick to steaks, burgers and lobsters.

In case there is any confusion as to Brooklyn Bite’s USP, the pizzas are called things like Benny Blanco from the Bronx, Bugsy, and Sheikh Rattle ‘n’ Roll. All are served on raised trays, have thin bases and foldable crusts, however these are a little thicker than we’d expect to find on a New York pizza.

The esoterically titled Sleep with the Fish is a simple combo of deep fried calamari, mozzarella and tomato sauce; the calamari has a nice soft texture and the dough is light enough to not feel stodgy paired with battered squid. Slices of spicy sausage, roasted red peppers and red onions top In the Red, which has a much bolder flavour.
There are calzones and subs too, and sides including meatballs, mozzarella sticks and salads; the grilled vegetable salad has a delectable basil lemon dressing and a hunk of breaded fried goat’s cheese.

The décor is suitably diner-ish, with brick walls, red leather banquettes, and a basement-level bar; London clearly hasn’t tired of the speakeasy trend yet.