Photo: Mastering tradition and technique, the heart behind La Vecchia Pizzeria creates authentic wood-fired perfection with every pizza.
Flavours That Stand The Test Of Tradition
La Vecchia Pizzeria delivers a smoky, wood-fired pizza experience rooted in tradition. While the flavours shine, porcelain plate presentation compromises crust crispiness. A small change could elevate the dining experience further.
A Slice of Italy in Crouch End Nestled in the heart of Crouch End, just opposite Hornsey Town Hall, La Vecchia Pizzeria delivers more than just a meal – it offers a taste of authentic Italy with every bite. From its inviting ambiance to its carefully crafted dishes, this charming eatery provides a culinary experience that is both memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.
The ambiance at La Vecchia Pizzeria is nothing short of captivating. The interior design perfectly blends rustic textures with a contemporary edge, featuring exposed brick walls that lend the space a timeless, old-world allure. Wooden tables and chairs have been thoughtfully chosen to enhance the cosy, homely feel, while pendant lighting bathes the restaurant in a warm golden glow, creating an intimate yet relaxed vibe.
Charming details add personality to the space, such as a chalkboard displaying daily specials, giving diners a sense of the restaurant’s personal touch. The simplicity of the decor feels refined and purposeful, encouraging patrons to unwind and savour their evening at leisure.
La Vecchia Pizzeria showcases authentic Italian pizza mastery with perfectly wood-fired crusts, rich flavours, and an impeccable balance of tradition and technique.
The atmosphere is complemented by a carefully curated soundtrack of classic Italian tunes—such as Renato Carosone’s “Tu Vuo’ Fa’ L’Americano” and The Gypsy Queens’ “L’Italiano”—playing softly in the background. This musical accompaniment transforms the restaurant into an Italian piazza, infused with conviviality and charm. Spotlessly clean and with well-organised seating, the setting is ideal for any occasion, be it a romantic dinner date or a gathering with friends.
The Menu: A Tribute to Italian Cuisine
The menu at La Vecchia Pizzeria is a celebration of Italian culinary tradition, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of starters, pizzas, salads, and desserts. With renowned chef Zamir at the helm, each dish is a testament to classic recipes and an unwavering commitment to quality ingredients.
Starters
The starters are an exercise in elegant simplicity—true to the philosophy of Italian cooking, each dish is designed to let its ingredients shine. The Garlic Focaccia (£5.75) and Bruschetta (£6.25) do exactly that, showcasing the vibrant flavours of garlic, virgin olive oil, and ripe tomatoes with finesse and restraint.
This critique aside, the best part of the dining experience is the way the pizzas are cooked—using a traditional brick-stone and wood-fire oven. The flavours imparted by this cooking method are unbeatable, giving the pizzas a smokey depth and a distinct, lightly charred edge that elevates them above standard counterparts. It is this careful execution in their craft that makes La Vecchia Pizzeria stand out, offering diners the magic that can only come from the meeting of high-quality ingredients and age-old techniques.
The Pizzas
Pizza enthusiasts will find themselves spoilt for choice, with each creation tailored to suit a variety of palates. Adventurous diners can opt for bold offerings like the Salsiccia and Friarielli (£15.45) or the fiery Piccante (£14.45), while traditionalists will appreciate classics such as the Capricciosa (£14.45) or San Daniele (£16.25), brimming with Parma ham, wild rocket, and artichokes.
I had the pleasure of trying the Campagnola pizza at La Vecchia Pizzeria, and it was an absolute delight. The combination of flavours and textures in this dish truly showcased the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Italian cuisine.
The Campagnola features a base of rich tomato sauce and fresh Italian mozzarella, complemented by a generous sprinkle of fragrant oregano. What sets this pizza apart is the addition of toppings like black olives, anchovies, each bringing their distinct yet harmonious flavours to the dish. The black olives provided a subtle, earthy taste, while the anchovies added a punch of savoury umami.
While the culinary elements at La Vecchia Pizzeria are carefully crafted with precision, the service has a minor but notable shortcoming when it comes to the presentation of the pizzas. Surprisingly, pizzas are served on porcelain plates—a decision that works against the very feature that makes wood-fired, stone-baked pizzas exceptional: the crispiness of the crust. The porcelain traps heat and moisture, softening the base and depriving diners of that satisfying crunch that is so emblematic of properly cooked pizzas. To truly honour the rustic charm and authenticity of their pizzas, La Vecchia Pizzeria would do well to serve its offerings on wooden plates or even paper instead, both of which would preserve the crust’s crispness and rustic appeal.
The fresh virgin olive oil drizzled generously over the pizza was a brilliant finishing touch, elevating the overall taste profile and adding a touch of decadence. The crust was cooked to perfection – slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft and airy on the inside, offering a beautiful texture with every bite.
Not only was the pizza well-presented, but it also reflected the meticulous attention to detail in sourcing high-quality ingredients. Every aspect of the Campagnola felt authentic and true to the Italian tradition, making it a standout item on the menu.
La Vecchia Pizzeria has delivered yet another winner with the Campagnola. I would absolutely recommend this pizza for anyone looking to enjoy bold, balanced flavours and an authentic slice of Italy. It’s definitely worth a try!
Salads and Desserts
For lighter bites, the Insalata Mista (£5.75) stood out with its crisp, fresh leaves lightly dressed in extra virgin olive oil. Simple yet refreshing, it was a testament to the transformative power of good-quality ingredients.
When it came to pudding, the Homemade Tiramisu was the overriding favourite. Layers of creamy mascarpone and sponge fingers soaked in coffee, topped with a dusting of cocoa, made for an indulgent yet well-balanced dessert. Every spoonful was a reminder of why tiramisu holds its place as a beloved Italian classic.
Overall Experience
Dining at La Vecchia Pizzeria is far more than a meal—it’s a sensory journey that offers an immersive taste of Italy. Excelling in every category—ambiance, service, and food—the restaurant is undeniably one of Crouch End’s finest culinary offerings.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic like the Campagnola, refreshing your palate with the Insalata Mista, or treating yourself to the Homemade Tiramisu, each dish feels as much about sharing the soul of Italian cooking as it does about delivering exceptional tastes. Your visit here is not just a meal but a celebration of tradition and passion.
Under chef Zamir’s expert guidance and with a steadfast dedication to authenticity evident in every dish, La Vecchia Pizzeria thoroughly deserves its stellar rating of 4.7/5. If you find yourself in Crouch End, make this your next stop—you won’t regret it.
Buon appetito!
