La Favorita

Blythe’s Verdict
It has been a quite extraordinary length of time since my last visit to La Favorita, particularly given that I’ve always rated it as Edinburgh’s best place for pizza (and I’m simply one of many, in that regard). So when the call was issued for “healing pizza” to address hangover and tiredness issues after our night of Cinco de Mayo merriment, I was delighted that La Favorita was the venue of choice.

Pizza man

I was not in great shape, but I was not alone in that feeling. The ladies were having both head and hip issues, following much vigorous dancing, while I had some leg tiredness coupled with a raging thirst.

Service was super-efficient, friendly and accommodating. The setting is bright and clean, and we had a good view the open kitchen.

We decided to keep it simple, each eschewing starters in favour of cutting straight to the main event: pizza. MJ opted for her traditional marinara, Kathryn went the capriciossa route, while I chose the montanara.

As I struggled with a peroni (it seemed like a good idea when I ordered it) and a steady stream of ice water, we shared the highlights of our previous evening’s silliness, of which there were many.

Italian sausage, mushroom and truffle oil

Our pizzas arrived and looked mighty impressive. I set to work on mine, which was topped with lovely Italian sausage, mushrooms and a hint of truffle oil. It’s a pizza I’ve had before, and one I keep coming back to, as it’s a favourite. It hit the spot very nicely.

MJ and Kathryn both seemed very pleased with their selections, too, on what was their first visit.

So La Favorita served us really nicely, and restored our sense of wellbeing in no small measure. Although we haven’t sampled from all the leading pizza places in Edinburgh, yet, I’m happy that this place is still serving a quality product, so would be happy to recommend it to anyone looking for top-notch pizza.

Capriciossa Pizza

MJ’s Verdict
Thin crusts, proper sauce, a plethora of fabulous topping and  one of my most important judges of a pizza place: the elusive marinara pizza.

The elusive beast!

Luckily, La Favorita offers one on their menu! So, when I glanced through the offerings through a slight haze few Sundays ago, I knew what I wanted right off the bat. I know that La Favorita is a longstanding stronghold of pizza goodness on Leith Walk, but I had never managed to go there before. The interior was light and airy with the large pizza oven an integral feature as you walk into the restaurant. Today it’s clean lines and uncluttered interior were a welcome sight.

Packman Pizza

I should mention that the service is impeccable. The staff is trained to be there when you need them, but to not hover. I know that La Favorita sells a variety of Italian classics, which I am sure are delicious, but today, all three of us ordered pizzas.

It doesn’t take any time at all for the massive oven to blast our pizzas to the perfect doneness. Though the pizzas are huge, I was up to the challenge, and since mine was simply served with a bit of garlic and red sauce I was able to master it and every bit of it was great. The pizzas with the slightly thicker edges brought to mind the many pizzas I had in and around the Naples area, and, If you are going to try to make the best pizza in the UK, then you could do much worse than channeling Napoletana pizzas.

So, I suggest if you have a pizza craving you pass by Dominos or Papa John’s and head to La Favorita, which is vastly cheaper, locally owned, and more authentic; AND they deliver.

Scores
MJ scores La Favorita:
4.5/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4.5/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 16.5/20

Blythe scores La Favorita:
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 15/20

Today’s questers were: Miriam, Kathryn, Blythe

We ate: marinara, montanara, capriciossa pizzas

We drank: peroni, water, sparkly water

We wore: chunky sweater, tweed suit, black boots

Total bill: c.£40