Pizza Pilgrims, Leeds – Restaurant Review
By Graham Clark, April 2025
If you have ever been to Naples in southern Italy, you will understand that the Neapolitans do things a little differently. Of course, there is the crazy style of driving – once I encountered a car driving towards me going in the wrong direction on a roundabout!
The style of cooking changes too, especially the style of pizza they cook, which tends to be rather doughy on the sides – this is Neapolitan-style pizza, in which Pizza Pilgrims pride themselves.
Walking into the restaurant, you could be forgiven for thinking that you were suddenly down a neighbourhood street in Naples – a washing line hangs across to a cosy corner with Napoli football shirts draping down, complete with a local twist – a Leeds United football scarf and shirt hang proudly too.
Road signs, along with mock shutter window blinds, give the pastel-coloured walls an authentic feel, as if you were in Positano – not Leeds. Add to that the plastic coloured tablecloths that are ubiquitous in pizzerias in southern Italy and the ambience is complete.
Genovese Pizza
“Refreshing”
The aroma of fresh pizza being baked in the open kitchen was enticing, with the bustle of waiters dashing around creating an exciting atmosphere as they weaved between tables like Vespa motorcycle riders traversing a busy backstreet in the centre of Naples.
You might find your attention diverted to the wall-mounted television, which focuses on the open kitchen, with the chefs making the pizzas!
The menu at Pizza Pilgrims is a simple one – they only serve pizza. With 14 to choose from, along with a guest pizza too, there is plenty of choice.
A novel touch comes courtesy of housing the cutlery on the table in a holder based on an Ape truck. If you have been to southern Italy, you will know these slow vehicles are ubiquitous on the roads, causing huge tailbacks.
The wine list includes four whites and four reds, as well as beers and an Italian red apple cider. The Italian cherry soda (£4.50) was as refreshing as a cool summer breeze blowing across the Bay of Naples on a hot summer’s day.
Casio e Peppe Balls and the Rocket Salad
“Do things differently”
The Cacio e Pepe Balls (£8.50) were a good starter: crispy balls filled with spaghetti made with Pecorino cheese and black pepper. Although I’ve never seen them on a menu in an Italian pizzeria, this was a good introduction. My dining partner chose the Rocket Salad with Parmesan cheese and black pepper, with a balsamic glaze (£8.50), though the salad seemed to be drowned in balsamic rather than sprinkled.
Pizza Pilgrims have just launched their April Guest Pizza and have teamed up with Stuzzi, legends of the Leeds restaurant scene, to go in search of Napoli’s favourite pasta sauce – Genovese.
Genovese translates as “from Genoa”; however, it seems the sauce used at Pizza Pilgrims comes from Naples!
The 6-hour Genovese beef sauce, Provola mozzarella, Pecorino Romano DOP, basil, olive oil (£15.95) comes with a hint of celery and a dash of onion. Again, I’ve never come across this in Italy, but then again, they do things differently at Pizza Pilgrims. The huge pizza is ideal for sharing.
Pistachio affogato
“Perfect palate cleanser”
The dessert menu is literally short and sweet, though you might be tempted by the Pistachio affogato (£5.00) – a dreamy twist on the classic gelato and coffee combo – the latter of which comes served in a small pot at the side of the ice cream dish.
The frozen Sicilian lemon (£6.00) looked like it had dropped straight off a citrus tree in Amalfi and landed in Leeds. Filled with lemon sorbet, the sharp taste was a perfect palate cleanser.
The dog-friendly restaurant has tables that are very close to each other, which might seem rather crammed. And like pizzerias in Italy, it was very noisy. Service was quick and friendly – but watch out for the 12.5% service charge automatically added to your bill.
Leeds might have more than enough pizza restaurants, but if you want something really authentic, then make a pilgrimage to Pizza Pilgrims and find your own sanctuary.
Pizza Pilgrims, 16 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 6EN
pizzapilgrims.co.uk
Graham was born and raised in Keighley. A dedicated live music enthusiast, he has attended hundreds of concerts across the North and feels fortunate to have Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester within easy reach — all key stops on major touring circuits. He has also supported Bradford Live, the upcoming 4,000-capacity venue opening in autumn 2025, helping to secure backing from some of the biggest names in live entertainment. Passionate about food, Graham draws on his background in hospitality to offer honest, experience-led insights in his reviews. He’s also a keen traveller, having explored extensively throughout Europe, America and Asia
