Our Story
Making genuine Italian pizza with fervor since 1985
From Naples to Your Neighborhood
'LevelPlayingField started with a modest aspiration: to offer true Neapolitan pizza to London. Established by the Rossi lineage in 1985, this eatery began as a quaint, family-oriented business with long-held recipes passed down the family tree.
Marco Rossi, our trailblazer, acquired her pizza-crafting skills on her journeys across Italy, learning from legendary pizza makers in Naples, the pizza's hometown. After her tenure in Italy, she returned to the UK with a mission to replicate the enchantment of genuine Italian pizza, adhering to classic techniques and sourcing premium ingredients.
What started as a humble pizzeria with only 12 seats has expanded into a cherished local establishment, yet our dedication to excellence and originality stands firm. We continue practicing the traditional wood-fired oven baking, we prepare our dough from scratch every day, and we seek the finest ingredients available.
'LevelPlayingField is still under the ownership and direction of the founding family, with the second-generation Rossi now steering our zealous crew. While newer technologies have been embraced, at our core we remain steadfast: to craft luscious, authentic pizza that unites people.
Our Values
Quality Ingredients
Our emphasis is on securing the freshest, highest-grade ingredients, partnering with both neighborhood growers and Italian vendors to guarantee the essence of genuine flavors.
Traditional Methods
Our pizza-making follows cherished practices, resting the dough to ferment for 48 hours and baking it in traditional wood-fired ovens.
Community Focus
We are committed to not just being a food establishment but being an integral part of our locality by supporting various local causes and providing a place of warm welcome to everyone.
Sustainability
Our commitment extends to eco-friendly endeavors, from minimizing food waste to utilizing sustainable packaging solutions and endorsing sustainable farming practices.
Meet Our Team
The devoted individuals behind our delectable pizzas
Marco Rossi
Owner & Head Chef
The second-generation proprietor who mastered their craft in Naples and has dedicated over 15 years refining our dishes.
Emma Garcia
Executive Chef
With training from Italy, this expert brings over a decade of premium culinary experience to our kitchen, focusing on dishes that complement the seasons.
Lucas Bianchi
Master Pizzaiolo
A Naples native, Lucas has spent over 20 years perfecting pizza and is responsible for training our new pizza chefs.
Alice Baker
Restaurant Manager
Guides our patrons to an extraordinary dining occasion and leads our front-of-house personnel with grace and proficiency.
Jason Li
Beverage Director
Responsible for our curated selection of beverages, specializing in Italian soft drinks and harmonious pairings with our pizzas.
What Our Customers Say
The closest you can get to true Neapolitan pizza without flying to Italy. The dough is perfectly chewy and adorned with those signature char spots you get only from a wood-fired oven.
I appreciate 'LevelPlayingField's dedication to using local produce and their environmentally conscious operations. There's a noticeable quality in each slice. Their rotating specials are always highly anticipated!
I've been visiting for ages and the standard is consistently excellent. The staff makes you feel right at home, and the pizza is otherworldly – true to its namesake. The Truffle Mushroom pizza is a must-try!
Awards & Recognition
Top Pizzeria in Karlport
Award from the Local Food Contest, from 2019 to 2023
UK's Top 50 Pizza Havens
Nationwide Food Survey, 2021 to 2023
Certified Traditional Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan Pizza Association, 2018
Award for Green Business
Eco-Friendly Organization of 2022
Come Visit Us
Enjoy the pleasure of authentic Italian pizza in a cozy, inviting setting