Pizza of the Year found in Bristol

An independent bar, restaurant and microbrewery in Bristol has been deemed to be serving up the finest pizzas in the country, after claiming the top prize at the National Pizza Awards 2023.

Zerodegrees, which has sister venues in Blackheath, Cardiff and Reading, impressed industry judges at the UK-wide event with a signature dish called the ‘Cinghiale’, featuring fior di latte cheese, wild boar salami, ‘Nduja, roquito pepper, parmesan, tomato sauce and fresh basil.

The pizza, cooked by chef David Hartai, saw off competition from 15 brands found all over the country. The full list of finalists can be found below. 

“I’m completely shocked,” says Hartai. “I was confident in my pizza, but the competition was really strong. I managed to win by putting all the effort I could into this competition. I’m very proud to be the winner.”

The National Pizza Awards also crowned the Pizza Chef of the Year, which went to Joshua Ward of Palms Pizzeria in Margate. Ward came top in the Technical round, which challenged finalists to put together the ultimate pizza using a range of sponsor products. Ward also took home the Bloggers’ Choice Award, chosen by hospitality influencers.

(Left to right) Josh Ward of Palms Pizzeria, David Hartai of Zerodegrees and Raphael Persighetti of Pizzarova

The Plant-Based Pizza of the Year title was also up for grabs and went to Raphael Persighetti of Bristol’s Pizzarova.

Hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden, the National Pizza Awards 2023 was headline sponsored by Birrificio Angelo Poretti, and sponsored by Cooks & CO, Fleet Street Communications, Häagen-Dazs, Jestic Foodservice Solutions, Purezzza, Salvo, Suntory, TABASCO® and Tugo.

The 2023 National Pizza Awards finalists

Bath Pizza Co, Bath – The G.O.A.T

Dodo Pub Co, Oxford – Sloppy Napoli

Franco Manca, London – Finta Diavola

Homeslice, London – Wagyu

Mamma Dough, London – John ‘O’ Goat

Palms Pizzeria, Margate – Pepperoni, Stracciatella, Hot Honey, Basil & Cracked Pepper

Piccolino, Stockport – Wrong Marinare

Pizza Pilgrims, London – Pizza Pilgrims Chef Competition Champion

Pizza Punks, Glasgow – Friday Night Curry

Pizzarova, Bristol – Courgette, Goat’s Cheese, Jalapeño Jam, Garlic Oil

SALT Deptford, London – Oh, Honey!

Slice Shop at Playhouse Bars, Northampton – Dr Pepper BBQ Pizza

Voodoo Ray’s, London – 22-inch Margherita

Wells & Co, The Old White Horse, Baldock – The Nutty Professor

Zerodegrees, Bristol –  Cinghiale

Zia Lucia, London – Porky Slowdown

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