Pizzeria Pellone in Croydon

Sometime in the past year, I was saying to Blai, “You know what? If only we had some good Thai food and some good Neapolitan pizza, we’d be sorted here in Croydon.” Well, there’s good pizza at our brilliant neighbourhood Italian joint Bagatti’s but that’s not Neapolitan and there’s excellent Neapolitan pizza in neighbouring Beckenham but that’s not nearby. But then, out of seemingly nowhere two weeks ago, one shopfront on South End in Croydon opened up with a massive wood fired oven by the window and a sign: Pizzeria Pellone.

What was this?! And I could’ve sworn there was nothing there in the first place – it was like a miraculous appearing house (sort of like that one in the Harry Potter books). A quick Google search found a Pizzeria Pellone in Herne Hill and this was to be their second branch. My hopes were high and not long after they opened, I dragged Blai and another friend there for an early Saturday dinner. We were ushered to a table near the oven, a welcome warm spot and where we could watch the pizza chef do his thing. We originally thought of getting some starters but in the end went straight to mains, and we’re glad we went down this route.

Blai’s Napoletana was splendid… and huge! These pizzas were a good size but, of course, we’re not complaining.

My Salsiccia Friarielli was generously topped with the bitter Neapolitan greens. Our pizzas were both fantastic – good crusts, generous toppings, big enough to share.

My friend’s Calzone Fritto, filled with fior di latte cheese, ricotta, tomato, and salami, was impressively non-greasy. This is their signature pizza and their only fried offering. I’m glad to have tried it but I’m going to be more loyal to the pizzas coming out of their wood-fired oven.

But now that I think about it, they have a deep fryer. They could have little fried bits like they do in Naples – the bits that you munch on while waiting for your pizza. I’m just sayin’.

There were some greens too – a pleasant rocket salad.

A couple of bought-in, but excellent, desserts (tiramisu and a chocolate coated babà – the latter was well boozy) rounded off our meal. It’s a shame they’re not homemade but hey, it’s all about the pizza here.

Our bill for the three of us came to about £35 in total and it even came with a complimentary limoncello each!

In the last couple of weeks, the place looks like it’s getting popular and I hope it goes down well with Croydoners. Service can be a bit sluggish but that seems down to the fact that all the waitstaff were new – I hope this improves. Finally, pizza Napolitana in Croydon!

Pizzeria Pellone
256 High Street
Croydon CR0 1NE