Top 5 Italian Restaurants Near Borough Market for Authentic Pizza Lovers

Jun 2, 2025

Close-up of a Margherita pizza with fresh basil at ‘O ver Borough, featuring a lightly blistered sea water dough crust on a white plate.
Close-up of a Margherita pizza with fresh basil at ‘O ver Borough, featuring a lightly blistered sea water dough crust on a white plate.

Borough Market is known for its street food and produce stalls, but if you’re after a proper sit-down pizza, the area around it has plenty to offer. From relaxed slices to riverside views, these five Italian restaurants near Borough Market serve some of the best pizza in SE1, from casual weekday meals to spontaneous food tours.

Where to Eat: Our Favourite Italian Restaurants for Pizza in SE1

If you care about proper dough, quality ingredients, and pizza that’s worth sitting down for, these spots near Borough Market deliver. Each one has its own style, from slow-fermented crusts to fresh mozzarella and house-made sauces. Here’s what makes them stand out.

Quick Look: 5 Great Italian Restaurants Near Borough Market

Looking for the best pizza in SE1? Here’s a quick roundup of our top picks for Italian restaurants near Borough Market — perfect for casual lunches, post-market dinners, or a proper sit-down slice.

  • Tavolino: Fresh pasta and riverside pizza with a view

  • ‘O ver Borough: Authentic Neapolitan pizza made with sea water dough

  • Franco Manca: Fast, sourdough-fired pizza practically next door to

  • Pizza Pilgrims: Big, bold Neapolitan flavour in a lively, casual setting

  • Giuseppe’s Ristorante: Cosy, family-run classic with live music charm

Tavolino – River Views and Proper Italian Pizza by London Bridge

Tavolino sits right on the river, just across from London Bridge station. It’s a bigger, more polished space than most spots near Borough Market, but it still feels relaxed. The views alone are worth a mention, especially if you can grab a seat by the window or outside when the weather holds.

Pepperoni pizza at Tavolino SE1

The menu leans into classic Italian cooking, with a few modern touches. Pasta gets most of the love here, and for good reason — it’s made fresh every day. But the pizza is no afterthought. Wood-fired and thin in the centre, it arrives hot and slightly charred around the edges, just how it should be.

You could go simple with the Margherita, or try the spicy nduja and ricotta combo if you want something with more bite. The dough has a nice texture, light enough to leave room for dessert, which you should definitely consider. The tiramisu is up there with the best in London.

If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant near Borough Market that feels a bit more elevated without being too formal, Tavolino fits the bill. It’s ideal for longer lunches, slow dinners, or anything involving a bottle of wine and a view. And when it comes to flavour and setting, this place easily holds its own among the best pizza options near Borough Market.

'O ver Borough - The Best Pizza Near Borough Market

Just steps from London Bridge, ‘O ver brings authentic Neapolitan flavour to Borough with a unique edge. We're the first restaurant in London to use purified sea water in our handcrafted pizza dough. The result? A lighter, cleaner crust with a gentle saltiness that sets it apart from anything you’ve tasted before.

Hand-stretched Neapolitan pizza at ‘O ver Borough, made with purified sea water dough for a lighter, flavourful crust.

On the hunt for something that stands out? The space is stylish but welcoming, with warm lighting, friendly staff, and a relaxed pace that suits both quick lunches and longer dinners.

The menu focuses on quality ingredients and traditional recipes. The Margherita DOP is a standout for its simplicity and balance. For something richer, the San Daniele with prosciutto, rocket, and Parmigiano shavings is a firm favourite.

It's not just hype — this spot backs it up. If you're hunting for the best pizza near Borough Market, ‘O ver should be at the top of your list. It’s the ultimate dining experience for pizza lovers near London Bridge.

Franco Manca – Sourdough Simplicity Near London Bridge

Franco Manca keeps it simple. You’re not going there for surprises or reinvention. You’re going because the pizza is consistently good and doesn’t cost a fortune. The London Bridge branch sits a short stroll from Borough Market, and it’s a handy stop when the crowds start to thin out and you need something solid to eat.

Their sourdough crust is the main draw. It’s chewy, a bit tangy, and blistered in the right spots. They don’t overload it with toppings, and that’s part of the appeal. Everything feels well balanced, like they know when to stop.

Franco Manca's Sourdough pizza by London Brodge

The No. 4 is a popular pick with Gloucester Old Spot sausage, wild broccoli, and mozzarella. The flavours work well together without trying too hard. If that’s not your thing, there are always vegetarian options, plus a short list of changing specials.

It’s not trying to be the best-kept secret in SE1. It’s just a good option when you want proper pizza without the fuss. Prefer a sit-down pizza that feels special? Plenty of locals would call it one of the best places to eat pizza near Borough Market, especially if you’re short on time and don’t want to queue.

Pizza Pilgrims – Big Flavour and No Fuss by Borough Market

Pizza Pilgrims is the place to go when you want full-on Neapolitan flavour without overthinking it. It’s tucked just behind the crowds near Borough Market and always feels lively, even midweek. Inside, it's fun and laid-back, with bright green tiles, long tables, and a playlist that keeps the energy up.

The pizzas come out fast, with that soft, slightly soupy centre and pillowy crust that defines proper Neapolitan style. The Double Pepperoni & Spicy Honey is the star here — sweet, salty, and just enough heat. It’s messy in the best way. 

If you’re not into meat, the Portobello and Truffle is rich and earthy without being too heavy. There’s also a decent gluten-free base, which isn’t always a given with this kind of pizza.

This isn’t a quiet, candle-lit dinner kind of place. It’s loud, casual, and unapologetically bold, perfect after a pint or two nearby. For those seeking the kind of Italian restaurant near Borough Market that feels fun and unfiltered, it’s a great shout. Outdoor seating, delicious Neapolitan pizza, and the rumble of passing trains create an incredible NYC atmosphere.

Easily one of the best pizza spots near Borough Market if you’re in the mood for something fast, flavour-packed, and reliably satisfying.

Giuseppe's Ristorante - Classic Italian, Tucked Away Near Borough Market

On the lookout for an Italian restaurant near Borough Market that still feels like a local secret? Giuseppe’s has been around for over 30 years, quietly doing its thing just off Borough High Street. It’s small, relaxed, and doesn’t try to be trendy, which is exactly what makes it work.

There’s a real charm to the place. The space is unfussy and familiar, and there’s a good chance you’ll be welcomed by someone who’s worked there for a decade or more. Regulars come for the pasta, sure, but the pizza deserves more credit than it gets.

The crust is simple, no frills, but baked just right. Toppings lean towards traditional, but there’s something here for everyone. We reccomend the Giuseppe’s Special with spicy salami and rocket if you’re into bold flavours, or the Quattro Stagioni if you want something a little more classic. 

It’s not the kind of pizza you’ll find on Instagram feeds, but that’s kind of the point. Giuseppe's is a solid pick for a quiet meal away from the crowd.

Final Slice: The Best Pizza Near Borough Market

For newcomers and locals alike, these places deliver. Each one offers something a little different, but all five are strong choices for anyone hunting down the best pizza near Borough Market.

Ready to try something unique? Book a table at ‘O ver Borough and taste sea water pizza in the heart of SE1.

Monday
17.30-22.45

Tuesday-Sunday
12.00-22.45

44-46 Southwark Street, London SE1 1UN

Monday
17.30-23.00

Monday
17.30-22.45

Monday
17.30-22.45

Tuesday-Friday
12.00-15.00 17.30-23.00

Tuesday-Sunday
12.00-22.45

Tuesday-Sunday
12.00-22.45