Our Narrative
Making genuine Italian pizza with dedication since 1985
From Naples to Your Neighborhood
'CliffGarden started with a simple vision: to bring true Neapolitan pizza to London. Established by the Romano family in 1985, our eatery commenced as a quaint, family-owned shop with recipes passed down from ancestors.
Marco Romano, our originator, mastered pizza crafting on her Italian voyages, learning from skilled pizzaiolos in Naples—the cradle of pizza. After her return to the UK, she aspired to reproduce the essence of Italian pizza, adhering to classic techniques and the choicest ingredients.
Originating as a humble 12-seat pizzeria, we have evolved into a cherished local gem, yet our dedication to excellence and genuineness remains unaltered. We continue to bake with wood-fired ovens, our dough is prepared fresh every day, and we seek out the most superior ingredients available.
Presently, 'CliffGarden' is still in the hands of the Romano heirs, with the second generation steering our devoted crew. While we've adopted new methods, the core of our enterprise stays unchanged: producing savory, genuine pizza that unites people.
Our Core Beliefs
Premium Ingredients
We prioritize the freshest, premium-grade ingredients, partnering with local growers and Italian suppliers to deliver true flavors.
Heirloom Techniques
Our pizzas are shaped by venerable traditions, with dough that ripens over 48 hours and bakes in genuine wood-fueled ovens.
Community Involvement
For us, it's more than being a restaurant; we're a vibrant part of our locale, bolstering neighborhood ventures and fostering an inviting space for everyone.
Eco-Responsibility
We are dedicated to eco-conscious practices, from curtailing food waste to utilizing green packaging and championing sustainable farming.
Meet Our Crew
The enthusiastic individuals creating our appetizing pizzas
Marco Romano
Proprietor & Chef
Successor-owner honed in Naples, refining our traditional recipes for over a decade and a half.
Isabella Rivera
Chief Chef
Italy-trained with a dozen years of culinary insight in our kitchen, focusing on varieties that change with the seasons.
Antonio Bruno
Primary Pizzaiolo
A native of Naples, Antonio has been perfecting pizzas for two decades and mentors all our pizza chefs.
Emma Smith
Operations Manager
Emma strives to deliver an excellent dining experience, leading the front-of-house staff with compassion and proficiency.
James Lin
Beverage Director
Curates our beverage line-up, specializing in Italian sodas and beverages that complement our pizza.
Customer Endorsements
This is the closest to Neapolitan pizza I've experienced outside Italy. The dough is exactly chewy enough, bearing those signature char marks only achievable in a wood-fired oven.
William Brown
Appreciate that 'CliffGarden' commits to local products and green practices. It's evident in the flavor of every mouthful. Their seasonal offerings are consistently a highlight!
Lisa Thomas
I've been a patron for numerous years, and the excellence is consistently reliable. The atmosphere is just as welcoming as the staff, and the pizza... it's just divine. The Truffle Mushroom pizza is a must-try!
Christopher Garcia
Accolades & Recognition
Top Pizzeria in Karlport
Citywide Food Honors, 2019-2023
Premier 50 Pizza Houses in the UK
Countrywide Dining Guide, 2021-2023
Certified True Neapolitan Pizza
Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, 2018
Excellence in Sustainable Business Practices
Area's Green Business Organisation, 2022
Join Us
Taste authentic Italian pizza in a nurturing, friendly space