We are conscious of the fact that we bang on about Theos pizza in Elephant to the extent that it appears we’re getting a kickback. But fear not dear diner, we are totally independent and just want to share what we think is the best pizza in our storied land.
Theo’s is a stripped back, casual restaurant with tables and banquettes complimented by friendly staff. We took new intern Ivan, and he had the item lurking at the bottom of the menu: calzone classico. Trying to act as if he knew what he was talking about, Ivan quipped that the typical UK pizzeria calzone is a domed affair with fillings within tomato sauce on top, and this was entirely flat. Its arrival was met with Ivan’s feigned surprise and perhaps a little suspicion but that was quickly dispelled upon tasting it. What appeared as a flat semi-circle of a pizza (tomato sauce and mozzarella on top) held within its two thin pizza dough layers a layer of the most delicious ricotta and salami. Ivan was won over and said, with a mouthful of cheese, ‘well this is just GREAT’. This will go on your appraisal, Ivan.
Your scribe consumed an anchovy pizza with capers, olives, oregano, garlic and mozzarella. Luckily your scribe was not planning on snogging anyone in the office later in the day as a great whiff of garlic dominated. This led to a double umami hit provided by the anchovies and capers. The toppings were equitably spaced and generous. As with all of the Theo’s pizzas, the quality of ingredients shined through. Another novelty is the signature blistered base, darkened almost to the extent that you might just be eating ash.
On the drinks front, Theo’s has a good selection of Italian wines and beers at good prices. Ivan was a bit disappointed that the carafe of wine ordered was solely for the consumption of your scribe. But if you’re reading this Ivan (and if not you really should be) at the end of a day you’re just an intern so make yourself happy with that Pepsi Max and a flat pizza. Theos is also open at lunch and offer a rocking wood fired sandwich called panuozzo which we reviewed here, and has so many calories you won’t need to eat for the next week.
