From wood-fired classics to unusual combinations that add a twist, enjoy a slice (or several) on National Pizza Day …
The Cult Favourite: Pi, South George’s Street, Dublin
Everyone knows that Pi is where Dublin’s pizza purists flock. The wood-fired sourdough bases are airy and crisp, with just the right amount of blistered chew. Ingredients are sourced with care – San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella and fresh basil for a pitch-perfect Margherita. The ‘nduja pizza with spicy Calabrian sausage and honey is the kind of life-affirming combo that will have you questioning why you ever settled for a plain cheese pizza. It’s small, stylish and usually packed, so arrive early or prepare to queue. @pipizzas
The Newcomer: Reggie’s, Rathmines, Dublin
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have heard about the hottest pizza joint in town. With reviewers salivating and food folk all a flurry, there is no better place to celebrate National Pizza Day than at Reggie’s. The menu offers a myriad of thoughtful combinations including creamed corn with ‘nduja, leek, Cashel blue and honey and, of course, a classic pep. Pair with a classic Caesar salad and ricotta meatballs for the perfect celebration. As Reggie himself says, “Eat. The. Lot.” @reggies.dublin
The Award Winners: The Dough Bros, Galway
The Dough Bros have gone from food truck to national treasure, scooping up accolades like “Best Pizzeria in Ireland” and cracking the “Top 100 Pizzerias in the World” list. This month sees the Bros collaborating with culinary wunderkind JP McMahon for a unique take on the classic Italian Bolognese sauce. Paired with a wealth of Irish artisan and foraged ingredients, this limited edition pizza is an ethereal combination of slow-cooked fennel sausage, smoked Gubbeen cheese béchamel sauce from West Cork, foraged and pickled wild ramsons, cold-pressed Irish rapeseed oil and Achill Island sea salt. Get it while you can! @thedoughbros
Fine Slice: Cent’Anni, Durrus, West Cork
Not too far from Sheep’s Head Bay, you might be lucky enough to stumble on Cent’ Anni in Durrus. In the words of John and Sally McKenna, in “one of West Cork’s outlier villages” you’ll find a “little Italianate destination” with “fine pizzas, daily specials, nice dips, good wines and great craic”. Do I need to say more? @centanni_durrus
The Great Selection: Flout, Portview Trade Centre, East Belfast
As the Croc wearing, ultra-modest owner Peter Thompson says, “It’s only pizza, nothing more” but what pizza it is! Expect specials such as French onion pizza with burnt onion cream and caramelised onion finished with Templegall, an Irish Alpine cheese in place of the classic Gruyere, a mac and cheese slice or a classic hot pep. Base types include New Haven, Detroit and Brooklyn Sicilian style. I recommend a slice of each and don’t forget to add some Flout Hot Honey to your order. @flout.pizza