Crazy Pizza in Marylebone: Fresh ingredients and fancy pizzas in a flashy, vibrant setting

Crazy Pizza is one of those food spots in London that catches you off guard. Strategically opened exactly where a Carluccio’s used to be – off Marylebone Road – the Italian restaurant is characterised by its homemade mozzarella, crafted lovingly in the open kitchen every day, and their northern-style thin and crispy pizzas. This is surely the reason why the tables fill up so quickly when the evening hits.

However, there are other unique elements to Crazy Pizza worth mentioning for curious diners, their red teddy bears being one. You might find them sitting casually on a sofa or waiting for you on one of the chairs outside. The energetic music is another of the surprising factors, and we are even lucky enough to witness a real show that involves a beautiful pizza dance featuring one of the dough masters in the kitchen. Definitely one of the most unexpected events we have witnessed while dining in this city.

What you may know, though, is that this restaurant owes its popularity and flashy look to its founder, former F1 boss Flavio Briatore. Decoration-wise, the space exudes a certain generic feel, the walls covered in pictures of celebrities devouring pizzas and the shelves filled with books themed around Italian culture – something you probably have seen before in a more touristy food environment.

That aside though, their service and signature pizzas are squisiti (exquisite, as they would say in Italy). Perhaps there isn’t much in the menu that would stand out from your usual offer in an Italian restaurant, but if you happen to really fancy fresh mozzarella, this could be one of the best places in London. Smartly paired with a variety of seasonal tomatoes, this is a great starter to share (and repeat!).

The service is anything but uninteresting. We have the pleasure of being looked after by a brilliant waiter: dynamic, attentive and expert about their menu. After the pulpy and delicious mozzarella, we opt for two pizzas to share: the Tartufo “crazy pizza” and the Salami from the classics selection. Both are light and easy to eat whilst maintaining the great flavour and freshness of the ingredients. Although slightly pricer than your average pizza, they are something special.

After the pizza feast, we jump straight into the desserts. We have a tradition at the Upcoming of ordering tiramisu in every Italian restaurant, and today isn’t an exception. The A la Minute Tiramisù is very well-balanced, simple and prepared in front of our eyes. We can promise you won’t easily find a fresher version of this classic. On top of that, we give the delicate Lava Cake with ice cream a try. Melty in the centre and crunchier on the edges, the chocolate extravaganza pleasingly satisfy our taste buds.

Crazy Pizza might sound as crazy as its name anticipates, but if you’re in the mood for a more vibrant environment where you can indulge in fancy pizza to the rhythm of Domenico Modugno’s Volare, you have landed in the right place.

★★★★★

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Maria Barrios
Photos: Cristiana Ferrauti

To book a table at Crazy Pizza, 7 Paddington Street Marylebone London W1U 5QH, call 020 3976 9615 or visit their website here.