Grab a slice of Grantham’s Goodfellas

Five of the best in town for a pizza the action

How great would it be to say that we’ve published a feature to celebrate World Pizza Day? Sadly, that came and went on February 9th, as it has done since the year 2000, apparently. But never fear, there’s plenty of reasons to sing the praises of the crusty, melty dish that could probably lay claim to being the most popular around the globe.

The planet will have to wait, however, because for now we’re zeroing in on the fabulous market town of Grantham! Famous for its gingerbread (would that be a better topping than pineapple?), it’s got more than its fair share of pizzerias, so here’s a closer look at five of the best.

Monalisa

We’ll start with the granddaddy of them all, which started whacking circular things into ovens all the way back in 1975! Since around 2006, it’s also been generally regarded as the best, due to the demise of Grantham pizzerias past (Pizza Place and Peko Pizza, we salute you), with its toastie-ish crust being the hallmark. This probably goes some way to explaining why their spaghetti topping is such a local favourite, although the subtly-spiced Mexican deserves a mention. Those who say pizza is basically posh cheese on toast are usually talking a load of mozzarella balls, but on this occasion they may have a point. Still, that’s the unique joy of one of the country’s oldest pizzerias.

Take Italy Bistrot

We go from old-timers to the new kids on the block. Cristian Romero, who hails directly from the old country (that’s Italy for anyone who’s yet to see Goodfellas), and his family have brought their Calabrian kitchen (the part of the country which is the toe on the boot) directly, but not literally to Grantham. Other regions also figure in the menu, with six ‘Gourmet Pizzas’ to choose from – Take Calabria, Basilicata, Emilia Romagna, Sicilia, Lomabardia and Lazio. This place truly is Italy on a plate (or in a pizza box), and with minimum toppings complimenting maximum love, it darn well tastes like it.

Pizza Hot

Kebab shops were going to be kept out of this because they’re all much of a muchness, are they not? Despite the name, that’s what this place is, but the fact that it specialises in rectangular pizzas – no round bases here – means it just couldn’t be ignored. The like of this hasn’t been seen since Pizza Hut launched the much missed Sicilian back in the day, but this establishment’s former name of Speedy Pepper was substituted for the obvious wordplay a few years back. Whether that was a good move or not, there’s no doubting you’ll fall in love if you value mozzarella over crust; heck, it almost makes chicken as a topping a good idea.

Sourdough Pizza

Who needs to mess around with names and puns and all the rest, when you can just say what it does on the tin? Established only last year, this newish addition specialises in what’s surely become the latest fad in the culinary world in general. If the end product’s anything to go by, this place will surely be more than that, and whilst there’s no choice when it comes to quantity – it’s 12 inches or bust – who cares when the quality’s this good? Yep, the menu’s kept almost as simple as the name, although with 18 different toppings on offer there’s plenty of choice. The highlight has to be the ‘nduja in all its spicy glory.

Pinocchio

Like Take Italy, this one-man show is one of Grantham’s Italian natives, also hailing from Calabria. In case you’re wondering, Pasquale, to give him his name, does have someone to do the deliveries; he’s not that talented! Although if you were to taste a slice of the Mangiafuoco, you would wonder because it really is that good. Like Sourdough Pizza, they’re all in the one size only, but don’t be fooled by the lack of meat toppings on the menu. This place is about as authentic as it gets, so although carnivores might be disappointed on first glance, close your eyes, take a punt and you’ll taste the passion for Italian food that makes every pizza-pie sing ‘amore’.

So with that, here’s wishing you all a happy World Pizza Day – 2025, of course. Well, better to be early this time around. In the meantime, if you’ve tried any of these Grantham Goodfellas or you’re wondering why your favourite’s not featured, feel free to post your comments.