Here’s some of the best dedicated independent pizza places in the area, offering everything from Neapolitan-style pies to Brooklyn-inspired slices, but the favourite dish can, of course, be found across the city’s many Italian restaurants.
There’s also a couple of new additions to look forward, with the new Elephant Rock in Roker soon to install a pizza oven and Wild Fire announcing they are branching into the city centre with a Wild Fire City offering at the former Sofia in Mackie’s Corner.
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1. Wild Fire, Deptford
Arguably the best place for pizza in the city, and one of the best restaurants full stop, is Wild Fire in Hanover Place, Deptford. Watch you pizzas being hand-stretched and spun in the open plan pizza kitchen. Make sure to check out the inventive sides, too, which are a culinary triumph in themselves. | Sunderland Echo
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2. Midnight Pizza Crü, Sunniside
After building up a loyal following in lockdown, Midnight Pizza Crü opened in its first standalone restaurant in Sunniside in August. Specialising in Detroit-style pizza pies as well as Sicilian slices and sides, you can find them at the back of the Bridge Hotel Vaults. | Sunderland Echo
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3. Pizza Grande, Washington
A real hidden gem, Pizza Grande is tucked behind The Green tearooms in Washington Village. What started as a pop-up pizzeria has grown into a permanent hotspot after getting pizza fans flocking. | Sunderland Echo
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4. The Fire Truck, The Fire Station
The Fire Truck makes pizzas to order from its two Gozney pizza ovens. The pop-up offering is available every home matchday outside The Fire Station, as well as before big shows at the Empire and Fire Station. Expect classic Neapolitan pizzas made with high quality ingredients, perfect for a grab-and-go before a show. | Sunderland Echo