Our Heritage
Since 1985, we've been passionately creating genuine Italian pizzas
A Journey from Naples to Your Local Community
ThistLedell's origin lies in a straightforward vision: introducing true Neapolitan pizzas to Rome. Established by the Rossi dynasty in 1985, our small, familial restaurant boasts generationally perfected recipes.
Marco Rossi, our progenitor, mastered pizza craft during her Italian odyssey, earning her skills from Naples' renowned pizza chefs. After returning to the UK, she aspired to offer an authentic slice of Italy, honoring traditions and using only top-tier elements.
Our once modest 12-seat venue has flourished into a cherished fixture, yet our devotion to supremely authentic and high-caliber offerings stands firm. We persist with original wood-fired methods, our dough is always fresh, and we insist on the finest components available.
Preserving its family-owned spirit, ThistLedell is now steered by Rossi's succeeding generation. While new techniques are welcomed, the soul of our operation is unaltered: curating delectable, real pizza that unites folks.
Our Ethos
Premium Ingredients
We procure the highest grade, most flavorsome ingredients, partnering with local growers and authentic Italian suppliers to deliver true tastes.
Heritage Techniques
Each pizza is a labor of love, following longstanding methods including a meticulous 48-hour dough fermentation and baking in genuine wood-fired ovens.
Community-Oriented
Our role extends beyond being a restaurant; we're an integral community element, fostering local endeavors and offering a cordial atmosphere for all visitors.
Eco-Consciousness
Dedication to eco-friendly practices is one of our core values, from minimizing waste to selecting environmentally sound packaging and backing sustainable farming.
Introducing Our Team
Meet the dedicated individuals behind our savory pizzas
Marco Rossi
Proprietor & Principal Chef
With over 15 years of continual recipe refinement, Marco Rossi ensures our heritage remains intact since training in Naples.
Alexa Ramirez
Head Chef
A culinary virtuoso trained in Italy, Alexa brings a 12-year record of gastronomic excellence to our menus, with a knack for creative seasonal offerings.
Luigi Bianchi
Pizza Maestro
A Neapolitan native, Luigi boasts more than two decades of pizza perfection and mentors our pizza chefs with his expertise.
Emily Clarke
Service Director
Emily ensures each diner enjoys an impeccable visit, leading the hospitality team with graciousness and efficacy.
Benjamin Lin
Beverage Coordinator
Dedicated to a superb dining complement, Benjamin selects refreshing fruit juices and sodas for perfect pizza pairings.
Guest Endorsements
Without a doubt, the most authentic Neapolitan pizza outside Italy. The dough has the perfect tenderness with those delightful charred blotches from the wood oven.
William Brown
Admiring ThistLedell's dedication to local sourcing and ecological practices is easy. Each bite reveals the quality. Their rotating seasonal selections are always highly anticipated!
Elizabeth Davis
I've been a regular for countless years and the excellence is steadfast. The staff imparts familial warmth, and the pizzas are simply divine. The Truffle Pizza is a must-try!
Christopher Garcia
Accolades & Honour
Top Pizzeria in Smithtown
Town Taste Challenge, 2019-2023
Top 50 Pizza Havens in the UK
British Dining Authority, 2021-2023
Certified Authentic Neapolitan Pizzas
True Neapolitan Pizza Association, 2018
Excellence in Sustainable Practices
Eco Restaurant Awards, 2022
Join Us
Discover traditional Italian pizza in a cozy and friendly setting