Our Story
With a passion for Genuine Italian pizza, rooted in tradition since 1985
From Naples to Your Neighborhood
'Crust & Charisma Pizzeria' sprouted from a singular ambition: to introduce true Neapolitan pizza to London. Established by the Bianchi lineage in 1985, our pizzeria was initially a quaint, family-operated venue, boasting recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Marco Bianchi, our progenitor, mastered the craft of pizza creation while journeying throughout Italy, apprenticing with renowned pizzaiolos in Naples—the cradle of pizza. Once back in the UK, her mission was to replicate the enchantment of authentic Italian pizza, adhering to ancestral techniques and choosing only the finest elements.
From its origin as a humble 12-seat eatery, it has flourished into a cherished neighborhood fixture, yet our dedication to excellence and genuineness remains firm. We continue to employ classic wood-fired oven methods, prepare our dough from scratch each day, and seek out the most superior ingredients available.
Now, 'Crust & Charisma Pizzeria' is still in the hands of its founding household, with the second generation of the Bianchi clan directing our fervent crew. While we've adopted certain contemporary conveniences, the essence of our operation has stayed unchanged: forging scrumptious, authentic pizza that unites people.
Our Values
Quality Ingredients
Our pursuit of the finest, freshest ingredients involves collaborating with local growers and Italian suppliers to guarantee a genuine taste.
Traditional Methods
We craft our pizzas through revered practices, allowing our dough a 48-hour fermentation and baking it in genuine wood-fired ovens.
Community Focus
Our aspiration is to be more than just a dining venue—we aspire to be a vital part of our locale, championing nearby initiatives and nurturing an inviting space for everyone.
Sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability drives us towards eco-conscious actions, ranging from minimising food wastage to utilizing environmentally friendly packaging and advocating for sustainable farming.
Meet Our Team
Meet the zealous individuals behind our delectable pizzas
Marco Bianchi
Owner & Head Chef
Steered by the second generation, trained in Naples and has honed our recipes for over a decade and a half.
Anastasia Petrova
Executive Chef
Trained in Italy and contributing over a decade of culinary artistry to our kitchen, specializing in fresh, seasonal creations.
Giovanni Bianchi
Master Pizzaiolo
A Neapolitan native, Giovanni has dedicated over two decades to perfecting pizza and mentors our aspiring pizza chefs.
Emily Clarkson
Restaurant Manager
Her primary focus is to ensure every visitor enjoys an extraordinary dining encounter and she leads our front-of-house team with charm and proficiency.
Aaron Zhou
Sommelier & Beverage Director
He is in charge of our beverage selection, an expert in Italian lemonades and the finest complements to our pizzas.
What Our Customers Say
This is the closest to Neapolitan pizza I've savored beyond Italy's borders. Its crust delivers the ideal chewiness adorned with those signature charred marks, a testament to wood-fired craftsmanship.
Oliver Smith
I'm impressed that 'Crust & Charisma Pizzeria' opts for local produce and green practices. It's evident in every morsel. Their limited-time offerings are always eagerly anticipated!
Elizabeth Moore
A loyal patron for numerous years, and the excellence is ever-consistent. The staff treat you akin to kin, and the pizza is divine, living up to its name. Do not overlook the Truffle Veggie delicacy!
Benjamin Taylor
Awards & Recognition
Esteemed Pizzeria in Karlport
District Gastronomy Honors, 2017-2022
Top 50 Pizza Establishments in the UK
UK Dining Index, 2020-2022
Certified Original Neapolitan Pizza
True Neapolitan Pizza Association, since 2017
Eco-Friendly Business Accolade
Local Environmental Enterprise Group, 2021
Come Visit Us
Discover the authentic flavor of Italian pizza in an inviting and hospitable setting