Homeslice Seven Dials has transformed from a humble food stall into one of London’s most celebrated pizza destinations, offering gigantic 20-inch pizzas with creative toppings in the charming Neal’s Yard. The restaurant combines industrial-chic aesthetics with a relaxed atmosphere, making it a standout culinary experience in the heart of Covent Garden.
Key Takeaways
- Originally a street food stall, Homeslice Seven Dials has become a finalist for UK National Pizza Awards 2024
- Famous for their massive 20-inch pizzas with thin, crispy bases and innovative topping combinations
- Located in colorful Neal’s Yard with a hidden garden area for outdoor dining
- Offers unique half-and-half topping options and a pay-by-the-magnum wine system
- Perfectly situated for exploring Seven Dials and Covent Garden attractions
The Pizza Legend of Neal’s Yard
What began as a modest street food venture in an East London brewery has evolved into a pizza institution since opening its permanent location in 2013. Situated at 13 Neal’s Yard in the Seven Dials area, Homeslice has earned its reputation through exceptional quality and creative vision. The restaurant recently gained further recognition as a finalist for the UK National Pizza Awards 2024 with their signature pizza “The Bebé,” cementing their position among London’s top pizza artisans.
Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2024 ranks Homeslice among the top 10% of London restaurants, an impressive achievement in a city known for its competitive dining scene. What sets this pizza paradise apart are the massive 20-inch pizzas with perfectly crisp yet tender bases that strike the ideal balance between authenticity and innovation. For those exploring London’s hidden restaurants, Homeslice offers a genuine culinary adventure with each slice.
A Hidden Gem in Seven Dials’ Colorful Corner
Neal’s Yard provides a picture-perfect setting for Homeslice with its rainbow-colored buildings and boutique shops creating an almost secret enclave in the bustling center of London. This strategic location benefits from incredible foot traffic, with over 170,000 visitors passing through nearby stations on a typical Saturday according to the Seven Dials Public Realm Strategy Report.
The restaurant sits comfortably between major transport hubs including Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Tottenham Court Road stations, making it easily accessible yet maintaining its hidden gem status. The intimate 45-seat venue creates a cozy atmosphere that never feels cramped, while the hidden garden area offers a secluded outdoor option during London’s warmer months – a rare luxury in this part of the city.
The 20-Inch Wonder: Homeslice’s Menu Decoded
Homeslice’s signature offering is their impressive 20-inch pizzas (that’s a whopping 50cm for the metrically inclined) priced between £20-£36, providing excellent value for sharing between two or three people. For solo diners or those wanting to sample different flavors, individual slices are available for £6-£9, allowing taste exploration without commitment to a single topping combination.
One of the most popular options is their half-and-half choice, letting customers split their massive pizza between two different topping combinations – perfect for groups with varied tastes. The menu proudly features vegetarian and vegan options including creative combinations like white anchovy with chard, and spinach, tomato, and mushroom with feta. When visiting the iconic landmarks in London, a detour to Homeslice makes for a satisfying culinary punctuation.
Innovative Pizza Craftsmanship
The secret to Homeslice’s success lies in their handmade in-house dough, creating bases that achieve the perfect balance – thin and crispy yet with satisfyingly soft crusts. Their wood-fired oven imparts that authentic smoky flavor pizza aficionados crave, while achieving ideal texture in minutes.
Seasonal ingredients sourced locally where possible demonstrate their commitment to quality and freshness, including partnerships with neighboring businesses like Neal’s Yard Dairy. The bold topping combinations showcase their willingness to push culinary boundaries with options featuring bone marrow, spring onion, watercress; mushroom soy truffle glaze; and vibrant jalapeño salsa that create memorable flavor profiles far removed from standard pizza fare.
The Homeslice Dining Experience
The restaurant’s industrial-inspired décor creates a stylish yet unpretentious atmosphere with communal wooden tables encouraging a social dining experience. Don’t expect formal service here – Homeslice embraces a casual “no-cutlery” approach with pizzas served on wooden boards, encouraging the authentic hand-to-mouth enjoyment that pizza deserves.
Their innovative “pay-by-the-magnum” wine system adds to the relaxed vibe – customers are charged only for what they drink from shared wine bottles, with markers showing consumption levels. Prosecco and wine served by the carafe further enhance the communal atmosphere, making dinner at Homeslice feel more like an engaging social gathering than a formal restaurant experience. This unique approach has helped establish it as one of London’s best hidden gem restaurants.
Beyond the Pizza: Ambiance and Entertainment
Vintage tiles and glass doors contribute to the restaurant’s distinctive aesthetic appeal, creating an environment that feels both modern and timeless. The occasional live DJs enhance the already lively atmosphere, particularly during evening service when the energy level increases alongside the dinner crowd.
The hidden garden offers a welcome retreat from the indoor bustle, providing a secluded outdoor dining option that few realize exists. This balance of casual atmosphere with high-quality food creates the distinctive dining experience that has made Homeslice a favorite among locals and visitors alike – somewhere between a quick bite and a destination restaurant, without the formality or price tag of fine dining.
When to Visit and What to Expect
For the best experience with shorter wait times, weekdays are recommended – particularly early in the evening before the after-work crowd arrives. Sundays offer a more relaxed brunch atmosphere for those seeking a leisurely pizza experience. If visiting during peak hours, be prepared for efficient turnover due to the restaurant’s popularity, but the staff never makes diners feel rushed.
While delivery is available via apps like Owner.com, the in-restaurant experience is highly recommended to fully appreciate the atmosphere and freshness of the pizza. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations for small groups, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly during busier periods like weekend evenings.
Exploring the Neighborhood: Make a Day of It
A visit to Homeslice Seven Dials pairs perfectly with exploring the surrounding attractions. Consider shopping at nearby Covent Garden Market or making cultural stops at the British Museum, both within easy walking distance. The restaurant’s proximity to major West End theaters and Shaftesbury Avenue makes it an ideal pre-theater dining option.
The boutique shops and cafes throughout Seven Dials are worth exploring before or after your meal, creating a full day experience in one of London’s most charming neighborhoods. Transportation options abound with multiple underground stations and bus routes connecting the area to the rest of London, making Homeslice Seven Dials an accessible culinary destination no matter where you’re staying in the city.
Sources:
Tripadvisor – Homeslice Neal’s Yard Reviews
Covent Garden London – Homeslice Directory
Timeout – London Pizza Restaurants in UK’s 2024 National Pizza Awards