081 Pizzeria Fitzrovia Launch Party Review

081 Pizzeria Founder and Neapolitan pizza connoisseur Andrea Ascuiti is expanding his empire this autumn with a new location in Fitzrovia!

A review by Lei Noire

081 Pizzeria, founded by one of the guys behind Bravi Ragazzi has quickly become a favourite pizza spot in Peckham Levels, since its launch during the pandemic in 2021. 081 Pizzeria is taking residency at The Smugglers Tavern, a classic gastro pub in the heart of Fitzrovia where it aims to bring its cool, new age generation of Neapolitan pizza and Napoli-style tapas dishes. The launch of the new location is on Sat 8 October 2022 and will definitely be a hit with the locals, especially being only a short distance from London’s West End. Andrea and his team will be serving up his famous authentic airy and pillowy pizzas.

I was invited down to celebrate the launch to discover a new age generation of Italian cuisine with a Neapolitan-style feast with a live DJ and ‘Pizza Pub Quiz’. The evening was lovely with a tasty selection from the wider menu being offered and a choice of drinks. Some of the stand out dishes for me include the Pistachiosa pizza (Pistachio pesto base, fior di latte mozzarella, parmesan and basil, topped with mortadella, burrata and pistachio sprinkles) and the Mini Montanarine (Topped with Sweet Peppers cream and salted ricotta). Before being served with dessert we took place in a fun quiz based around Italian pizza and Italian culture – I definitely learned a few things but thankfully my team were knowledgeable!

After experiencing 081 Pizzeria it is clear why it is such a hit! You will have up to 16 mouth watering pizzas on the menu, each made with fresh, seasonal ingredients imported straight from Italy, such as the Classic Margherita, Truffle Mushrooms, Diavola and Maradona, as well as its classic ‘081 Pizza’ (San Marzano Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella, Parmesan, Basil and EVO Oil) and the ‘Napoli RMX’ (San Marzano Tomato). The tasty pizzas start from just £9.50 but alongside the pizzas is a selection of his ‘Neapolitan tapas’ – a selection of small tasty snacking dishes inspired from Naples with new, innovative recipes and garnishes. Some of the delicious tapas dishes available, include ‘Arancina’ – Deep Fried Rice Ball filled with Bolognese, ‘Frittatina’ – deep fried Italian mac & cheese with Minced Meat and more (vegan options available.) To accompany your meal a range of delicious aperitifs, cocktails and wines can be ordered along with exclusive 081 cocktail! Guest will be able to book a table in advance and enjoy the intimate space upstairs in The Smugglers Tavern which has a Neapolitan pizzeria vibe.

The food here is delicious and you can taste the authentic ingredients that have been brought seamlessly together by the Italian pizza connoisseur Andrea Ascuiti.

Book a table at 081 Pizzeria in Fitzrovia at www.081pizzeria.com

Address: The Smugglers Tavern, 28 Warren St, London W1T 5ND

Opening hours are Monday – Saturday; 12pm-11pm.

Delivery available via Deliveroo and UberEats