Which Type of Pizza Is Best? UK’s Ultimate Slice Showdown

What Makes a Pizza “The Best”?

Before we crown the ultimate slice, let’s define what “best” means. For some, it’s authenticity. For others, it’s cheesiness, crunch, or sheer indulgence.

Key factors:

• Crust style (thin, thick, stuffed, airy)
• Toppings (quality vs quantity)
• Sauce and cheese ratio
• Cooking method (wood-fired, pan-baked, conveyor-belt)

UK pizza lovers tend to fall into two groups:

1. Traditionalists: Seek authenticity, favouring Neapolitan or Roman pizza.
2. Modern Indulgers: Love loaded, American-inspired slices with cheese-stuffed crusts and bold toppings.

Let’s explore which style comes out on top across key criteria.

What Style of Pizza Is Most Popular in the UK?

In terms of sales and takeaway popularity, the UK overwhelmingly favours:

• Thin-Crust American-style Pizzas
• Domino’s-style stuffed crusts
• Pepperoni as the top topping

But artisan pizza is booming. In cities like London, Manchester, and Leeds, you’ll find:

• Authentic Neapolitan pizzerias
• Creative Detroit-style pop-ups
• Independent Roman-style slice shops

Discover UK’s top-rated pizzerias in your area:

Top Pizza Styles in the UK Right Now:

What Is the Tastiest Pizza in the World?

“Taste” is subjective, but globally, the Neapolitan pizza is often called the gold standard. Recognised by UNESCO, it features:

• San Marzano tomato sauce
• Mozzarella di bufala
• Fresh basil and olive oil
• A soft, chewy base with a blistered crust

Its lightness and balance of ingredients make it a favourite for purists and food critics alike.

That said, many Brits find the tastiest pizza to be one with:

• Extra cheese
• Meaty toppings (pepperoni, sausage, chicken)
• A crispy or stuffed crust

If you’re going for taste over tradition, try a Detroit-style or custom-loaded NY-style slice.

What Pizza Crust Is the Thickest?

If it’s thick crust you’re after, here’s how styles compare:

Chicago Deep Dish

• Crust Thickness: 2–3 inches
• Texture: Buttery, flaky, pie-like
• Toppings: Cheese first, then toppings, then sauce
• Eat With: Knife and fork
• Best for those who want pizza that eats like a meal.

Detroit-Style Pizza

• Crust Thickness: 1–2 inches
• Texture: Crunchy base, airy inside, caramelised cheese edges
• Often topped with dollops of sauce post-bake for contrast.

New York-Style

• Crust Thickness: Thin but chewy
• Foldable and portable — perfect for city streets.

What Is the Most Authentic Type of Pizza?

The Neapolitan pizza is the most authentic — officially recognised as Italy’s original style. It dates back to the 1700s in Naples and follows strict guidelines:

• Dough made from 00 flour and fermented naturally
• Topped with real San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala
• Cooked at extremely high heat (450–500°C) in wood-fired ovens

Its simplicity highlights quality ingredients — no stuffed crusts, BBQ sauce or pineapple here.

Want authenticity? Look for VPN-certified pizzerias (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana).
👉 Explore UK restaurants offering certified Neapolitan pizza: [ADD INTERNAL LINK HERE]

So… Which Type of Pizza Is Best?

Ultimately, it depends on you. But here’s how styles stack up across criteria:

Find Pizza Near You

Whether you’re craving crispy New York slices in Birmingham or rich Detroit-style in London, our FindMySlice Pizza Finder (below) helps you locate the best slice near you.

Bonus: Did You Know?

• “Best pizza near me” is one of the UK’s most searched food terms every weekend.