Napoli on the Road, Chiswick

Last Updated on February 24, 2024

Savouring Neapolitan Bliss at Napoli on the Road

I am a local in the Chiswick area and an Italian friend of mine recently recommended visiting  Napoli on the Road which is tucked away on Devonshire Road. So, I jumped at the opportunity to go along and try their Neapolitan pizzas.

Napoli on the Road is the brainchild of Michele Pascarella, named Pizza Maker of the Year 2023 and now considered a “pioneer of contemporary pizza”. His journey began with his humble mobile Ape Piaggio, making wood-fired pizzas all over London which eventually culminated in his first brick-and-mortar pizzeria in Chiswick in 2019.

Celebrated for its innovative take on Neapolitan pizza, this neighbourhood pizzeria embraces Michele’s seasonal philosophy, infusing each dish with fresh, flavourful produce, resulting in an ever-evolving menu that captures the essence of each season. Following the triumph of its Chiswick eatery, he has recently opened a new branch in Richmond.

On my recent visit to the Chiswick branch, it was buzzing with happy customers, among them several Italian diners, presumably searching for a taste of home. Napoli on the Road has an inviting rustic trattoria feel with whispers of tradition, styled in bright and contemporary swathes of turquoise, with a weathered wood floor and marble top tables, vintage wall tiles and a central lemon tree which adds a touch of Mediterranean sunshine. The open kitchen enables diners to observe the skilful craftsmanship of the pizzaiolos as they hand stretch the dough and meticulously assemble each pizza.

The staff were warm and friendly; we were well looked after by Francesco, who guided us through the menu and made some valuable recommendations. Our culinary journey began with drinks. Embracing the essence of Italy, I savoured a classic Negroni, the perfect aperitif. My companion opted for a bottle of Costanza Blond Ale, a refreshing brew made entirely from barley malt, boasting a subtly fruity bitterness complemented by a creamy head.

We started with some delicious potato croquette, one breaded in panko filled with creamy mash and smoked mozzarella and another filled with vibrant purple mash, lightly smoked mozzarella and salty nuggets of pancetta. encrusted in crispy cornflakes. And from the specials a simple and cheerful pasta bowl slathered in a rich and flavoursome tomato and beef ragu.

On to the famed pizza which we accompanied with a couple of glasses of Greco Di Tufo Oltre DOCG Bellaria, an excellent white wine with good minerality and notes of apple, peach and citrus. My companion selected the Diavola from the Le Pizze Classiche menu – a symphony of organic tomato sauce, fior di latte, spicy salami, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. He dubbed it one of the best pizzas he’d had in ages.

My Tonno & Cipolla, from the Signatures by Michelle was sublime, an exciting mix of flavour and texture with crisp and light dough, loaded with tuna fillet from Citara, fior de latte, salty black olive powder, cooked wisps of crispy salad, and dollops of sweet caramelised red onion jam. On the side a bowl of tasty Zucchini Scapece, with EVOO, mint, and vinegar together with a rucola salad.

Dessert beckoned, and our resolve faltered. I delved into the Delizia a Limone—a classic from the Amalfi Coast. A pretty sponge cake with a lusciously gooey lemon custard centre encased in delicate Sorrento lemon cream. The cheesecake, a testament to freshness, featured a luscious mascarpone cream atop a crunchy biscuit base slathered with wild berry sauce and plump raspberries.

We paired our desserts with some sweet wine – Passito Irpinia DOC Fiano – Senso – Bellaria, with pear on the nose and notes of honey and tropical fruit. The perfect end to a really excellent meal. So if you fancy “eating like an Italian”  I wholeheartedly recommend an excursion to Napoli on the Road, whether in Chiswick or their newly opened Richmond branch.

Founder Michele Pascarella commented on the launch “This is a really exciting launch for us – it’s incredible to be opening a new pizzeria in Richmond, which is all down to the support of our loyal customers. I can’t wait to introduce our seasonal flavours and unique way of doing things to the Richmond community.”

Napoli on the Road – Chiswick 
9A Devonshire Road,
Chiswick,
London
W4 2EU.

Napoli on the Road  – Richmond 
12 Red Lion Street,
Richmond,
London
TW9 1RW.  

https://www.napoliontheroad.co.uk