On an unassuming Marylebone street lies a little slice of New York City charm – Alley Cats Pizza, an artisan pizzeria serving up authentic NYC-style pizzas, salads, and desserts. If you are finding it hard to spot, look out for the excited queue of people clustered under the classic green awning, eager for a slice – it operates on a walk-in only basis. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a lively Brooklyn-style pizzeria, with its pared-back décor, exposed brick walls, and classic chequered tablecloths reminiscent of any iconic pizza joint across the pond.
The menu at Alley Cats boasts a concise yet tantalizing selection of dishes, from a handful of delicious starters, to their 14” pizzas (which can all be modified by adding toppings and dipping sauces – the wait staff are eager to recommend combinations). A combination of the Olives del Belice and the indulgently irresistible candied bacon, a perfect marriage of sweet and savoury flavours, is a good place to begin. For something heartier, the meatballs are a must-try, featuring a delectable blend of beef and pork, slow-cooked tomato sauce, aged parmesan, and basil.
For the main attraction, explore their array of signature 14″ pizzas. Ranging from beloved classics such as the vodka sauce pizza—a delightful twist on the traditional, adorned with creamy tomato sauce, aged and buffalo mozzarella, a touch of scotch bonnet and garlic mayo—to the unique special of the mortadella folder, a calzone generously filled with stracciatella, mortadella, and ground pistachio, there’s an option for every dough-lover. Complement your pizza with the invigorating Rocket Salad, elegantly topped with shaved parmesan and a balsamic glaze, for the perfect refresher between heft bites of pie.
This is not the place to skip dessert, no matter how many slices you manage to complete. Choose between the tiramisu, layered with vanilla cream, roasted hazelnuts, salted peanuts, and chocolate – a perfect representation of American Italian cooking, or for something slightly more subtle but no less flavoursome, opt for the classic vanilla soft serve for a sweet ending to your meal, which is swirled with salted peanuts and creamy fudge sauce.
The bustling, intimate setting is alive with energy, with tables groaning under the weight of mouth-watering pizzas. Try and get a table alongside the kitchen, where you can watch the chefs skilfully toss the pizza bases.
As night falls, the atmosphere at Alley Cats becomes even more vibrant, with a projector playing episodes of ‘The Sopranos’ in the background, adding to the nostalgic charm of the dining experience. Though the menu may be short, each offering is carefully curated to ensure a memorable dining experience that transports you straight to the streets of New York City.
Alley Cats Pizza is the perfect way to satisfy your craving for a taste of the Big Apple, without having to jump on a long-haul flight. It isn’t just one of the best pizza spots in Marylebone, it’s competing as one of the best in the whole city.
