Is Il Pellegrino Watford’s best pizzeria? Read our review

In The Parade alone, there are multiple pizzerias to choose from but one has been singled out online amongst the rest by hundreds of reviewers.

Il Pellegrino is currently the top-rated pizzeria in Watford, according to Tripadvisor, with a perfect 5.0 score based on 104 reviews, with diners praising its “amazing food and exceptional service”.

I tried Watford's best pizza according to Tripadvisor. (Image: Newsquest) Having tried my fair share of pizzas, both good and not-so-great, I thought I would head in and see what all the fuss was about. 

Review

When I visited on an overcast September afternoon, the pizzeria was quiet but warm and inviting.

I went for the Valtellina pizza which comes with "fior di latte" mozzarella, rocket, thinly-sliced beef called "bresaola" and topped with parmesan shavings.

It is named after a valley in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, which is known for its skiing, hot springs, cheese as well as the air-dried salted beef which adorned the top of my pizza.

The Valtellina pizza at Il Pellegrino in The Parade. (Image: Newsquest) The contrast between the oven-cooked pizza and the fresh ingredients on top, like the rocket and beef, was surprising but pleasant as it felt lighter than other toppings.

I found the bresaola to be tender and slightly salty with a strong savoury flavour which was balanced out by the peppery rocket. 

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The flakes of parmesan also added a tangy and salty dimension to the dish, while the drizzle of olive oil on top was a subtle but nice finishing touch.

Inside Il Pellegrino in The Parade. (Image: Newsquest) Although I found the tomato base to be slightly thin, the range of other ingredients more than made up for it in terms of flavour.

The crust was also firmer than the sourdough-style bases which seem to be all-the-rage at the moment and was actually much nicer to deal with than other droopy options on the market.

(Image: Newsquest)

Conclusion

Is Il Pellegrino Watford's best pizzeria? With the other options like L'artista just opposite in The Parade, it is hard to say for sure but my experience there shows that it is certainly worth a visit. 

The pizza I enjoyed there was flavourful and delicate, and at an affordable price in a relaxed town centre setting, you can't really go wrong.

Is Il Pellegrino Watford's best pizzeria? (Image: Newsquest)