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50 Kalò London: Bringing Authentic Neapolitan Pizza to the Heart of the UK
When it comes to experiencing the true taste of Italy in London, 50 Kalò London stands out as an iconic destination for pizza lovers. An offshoot of the legendary 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo in Naples, this pizzeria brings the art of Neapolitan pizza-making to the UK, creating a dining experience that is both authentic and accessible. Located in central London, this pizzeria has quickly gained a reputation for serving some of the best pizza in the city, drawing in food enthusiasts, locals, and tourists alike.
In this article, we will delve into the story of 50 Kalò London: how it started, why it’s considered one of the best pizzerias in the city, its journey to popularity, the must-try pizzas on its menu, pricing, and what makes this restaurant a must-visit for pizza aficionados.
How 50 Kalò London Started: A Naples Legacy Comes to London
The story of 50 Kalò London begins with the vision and passion of Ciro Salvo, a third-generation master pizzaiolo from Naples. Ciro Salvo comes from a family with deep roots in the art of pizza-making, and his journey to becoming one of the most celebrated pizza makers in the world has been shaped by years of dedication to perfecting the craft.
The original 50 Kalò in Naples, which opened in 2014, quickly became known as one of the best pizzerias in Italy. The name “50 Kalò” is itself a reference to pizza history – “Kalò” means “good” in the ancient Neapolitan dialect, and “50” refers to the perfect hydration of the dough. This careful attention to hydration and dough fermentation is what sets 50 Kalò apart, giving its pizzas a light, airy, and easily digestible crust that is hard to replicate.
Building on the success of his Naples restaurant, Ciro Salvo wanted to share his passion for Neapolitan pizza with a broader audience. In 2018, he expanded to the UK, opening 50 Kalò London in Trafalgar Square, one of the city’s busiest and most iconic locations. Bringing the same dedication to quality and tradition as his Naples establishment, Salvo ensured that the London branch would use the same techniques and high-quality ingredients that made 50 Kalò famous in Italy.
Why 50 Kalò London is the Best: Craftsmanship Meets Authenticity
There are several reasons why 50 Kalò London has earned its reputation as one of the best pizzerias in the UK. These reasons go beyond just the quality of the ingredients – they also reflect the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and authenticity that Ciro Salvo and his team bring to every pizza they make.
1. Mastery of Dough Fermentation
At the heart of 50 Kalò’s excellence is its dough. Ciro Salvo’s pizzas are renowned for their perfectly fermented dough, which undergoes a slow fermentation process of up to 24 hours. This process not only gives the dough its unique lightness and flavor but also makes it easily digestible. The result is a pizza base that is crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and full of rich, complex flavors.
2. Quality Italian Ingredients
50 Kalò London stays true to its Italian roots by importing key ingredients directly from Italy. San Marzano tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, Caputo flour, and buffalo mozzarella from Campania are just some of the ingredients that ensure every bite of pizza is authentic and of the highest quality. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients enhances the flavors of each pizza and brings a taste of Naples to London.
3. Wood-Fired Oven
The hallmark of true Neapolitan pizza is its wood-fired oven, and 50 Kalò London is no exception. The restaurant is equipped with a custom-built, hand-crafted wood-fired oven that reaches temperatures of around 485°C (900°F). This intense heat allows the pizzas to cook in just 60 to 90 seconds, producing a perfectly charred crust that is soft yet chewy, with a slight smoky flavor.
4. Authentic Neapolitan Techniques
The pizza-making techniques at 50 Kalò London are in strict accordance with the guidelines set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), the organization that regulates the production of true Neapolitan pizza. Ciro Salvo’s pizzeria follows these techniques, ensuring that every pizza served at the restaurant adheres to the traditional methods that have been passed down through generations of pizzaioli in Naples.
5. Award-Winning Reputation
Ciro Salvo’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed. 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo in Naples has been awarded numerous accolades, including a spot on 50 Top Pizza, a highly respected guide that ranks the best pizzerias in the world. 50 Kalò London has inherited this prestigious reputation and continues to receive rave reviews from both critics and customers alike.
How 50 Kalò London Became Popular: A Global Phenomenon
From the moment it opened its doors in London, 50 Kalò attracted the attention of pizza enthusiasts, critics, and foodies who were eager to try an authentic Neapolitan pizza in the heart of the city. Its reputation grew rapidly thanks to glowing reviews in major publications like Time Out London, The Guardian, and Eater London, which praised the restaurant for its exceptional pizza-making standards and the high quality of its ingredients.
The combination of a central location in Trafalgar Square, word-of-mouth recommendations, and a strong online presence helped 50 Kalò London gain popularity quickly. Social media platforms like Instagram became a key part of the restaurant’s marketing strategy, with stunning images of their pizzas shared widely among food influencers and pizza lovers.
In addition to positive reviews from food critics, 50 Kalò’s popularity was also fueled by the broader trend of Londoners seeking out authentic, high-quality international cuisine. The growing appreciation for authentic Neapolitan pizza, coupled with the restaurant’s adherence to traditional methods, made 50 Kalò London a top choice for those looking for a true taste of Italy.
The Story Behind 50 Kalò: A Deeply Rooted Pizza Tradition
The story of 50 Kalò London is deeply intertwined with the life and passion of Ciro Salvo. Born and raised in Naples, Ciro was surrounded by the traditions of pizza-making from an early age. His family had been making pizza for generations, and it was in this environment that Ciro developed his own philosophy about pizza: one that focused on the quality of the dough and the simplicity of the ingredients.
Ciro Salvo’s philosophy is that pizza should be light, easy to digest, and made with the best ingredients. He spent years perfecting his dough recipe, focusing on the hydration of the dough and the fermentation process to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor. His dedication to these principles led him to open 50 Kalò in Naples, and later, to bring his vision to London.
50 Kalò London is more than just a pizzeria – it’s the embodiment of Ciro’s lifelong commitment to pizza as an art form. Every pizza that comes out of the wood-fired oven at 50 Kalò is a reflection of the traditions of Naples and the Salvo family’s dedication to quality and authenticity.
Must-Try Pizzas at 50 Kalò London
With a menu full of delicious options, it can be difficult to decide what to order at 50 Kalò London. Here are some of the must-try pizzas that showcase the best of what the restaurant has to offer:
1. Margherita Pizza
The Margherita Pizza is the epitome of simplicity and perfection. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this classic pizza allows the quality of the ingredients to shine. The soft, pillowy crust, combined with the rich tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella, makes this a must-try for any first-time visitor.
2. Diavola Pizza
For those who like a bit of heat, the Diavola Pizza is a popular choice. Topped with spicy salami, buffalo mozzarella, and San Marzano tomato sauce, this pizza offers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and savory flavors.
3. Marinara Pizza
The Marinara Pizza is a traditional Neapolitan pizza that highlights the simplicity of great ingredients. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil, this pizza is light, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, despite having no cheese.
4. Fior di Latte and Parma Ham Pizza
This pizza combines the delicate flavors of fior di latte mozzarella with thin slices of Parma ham and fresh rocket. The salty prosciutto pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and the peppery rocket, creating a balanced and sophisticated pizza.
5. Four Cheese Pizza
The Four Cheese Pizza is a cheese lover’s dream. Topped with a blend of buffalo mozzarella, fior di latte, pecorino, and gorgonzola, this pizza is rich, creamy, and full of bold, complex flavors.
Prices at 50 Kalò London
While 50 Kalò London offers a premium dining experience, the prices remain reasonable given the quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of the pizzas. Here’s a general overview of the pricing:
- Margherita Pizza: £10-£12
- Diavola Pizza: £13-£15
- Marinara Pizza: £8-£10
- Fior di Latte and Parma Ham Pizza: £15-£17
- Four Cheese Pizza: £14-£16
These prices reflect the restaurant’s commitment to providing a high-quality dining experience without being prohibitively expensive. The portion sizes are generous, and the overall atmosphere of the restaurant makes it a great place for both casual dining and special occasions.
Conclusion: Why You Should Visit 50 Kalò London
50 Kalò London is more than just a pizzeria – it’s a celebration of the art of Neapolitan pizza-making. With its commitment to authenticity, high-quality ingredients, and traditional techniques, the restaurant offers a dining experience that transports you straight to Naples. Whether you’re a long-time pizza enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, 50 Kalò London is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates great food.
From the perfectly fermented dough to the fresh Italian ingredients, every aspect of the pizza at 50 Kalò is designed to create a memorable and delicious experience. After reading this article, you’ll be ready to book a table, indulge in some of the best pizza London has to offer, and experience for yourself why 50 Kalò London is regarded as one of the top pizzerias in the city.
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