Inspired by classic East Coast and New York-style pizzas, pizzeria Carmela’s brings a slice of Italian-American culture to Islington. Rooted in heritage but built for modern tastes, it’s the kind of place where tradition meets casual cool, slinging pizzas that are all about simplicity and flavour above all else. .
The brainchild of Phil Chaykin (co-founder of Ugly Dumpling), Gerry del Guercio, and Paul Delany (the team behind the reviewing platform, BiteTwice), together they’ve created a space that celebrates ‘simple, honest, and uncompromising’ food, evocative of old-school Italian-American diners and classic family-run pizza joints. Crafted to be ‘crispy, yet foldable’, Carmela’s signature pizzas stick to classic, nostalgic American toppings - a cheese pie, tomato pie, and white pie, for example - with lots of customisable topping options.
A small but well-considered lineup of starters, wines, and beers rounds out the experience, offering the kind of unfussy dishes that let the flavours speak for themselves. But Carmela’s isn’t just about what’s on the plate - equal attention has been paid to its setting.
Award-winning designer Joanna Warda has shaped a space that’s as welcoming as it is stylish. Bright and full of natural light by day, the restaurant transforms into a cosy, moody escape in the evening - perfect for catching up with friends over a bottle of red or kicking back with a cold beer and a hot slice.
The name Carmela’s pays tribute to the matriarchs of the kitchen - Gerry’s late nonna, Carmela, and Paul’s younger sister, Carmel - honouring their influence with every bite.
From its smart interiors to its heartfelt concept and East Coast-inspired pizzas, Carmela’s shows that London’s enduring love affair with pizza is far from over.