The Blurb
An all-day Detroit-style pizza & natural wine bar in the heart of Notting Hill.
The Eat
My first thought when I took a cosy corner banquette at the back of Rias and spied a fellow diner’s thick, chunky slice of deep pan Pizza was ‘Wow, they are not messing around in here’, followed by the practical realisation of ‘It’s a good thing I’m hungry’. On first glance you could mistake a slice of Pepperoni & Soppressata pizza or the signature House Pie as a generous slice of Lasagna. I mean that as a compliment.
Before the main event arrived, there were some starters to choose from and we chose Fried Potatoes with a fluffy garlic infused whipped feta dip, which were as delicious as they sound. For those looking for a lighter prelude, there’s also a Green Herb Salad and a Grapefuit and Baby Gem dish. Ria’s own fried haggis pops are a further tasty indulgence and a not-too-subtle clue to the proprietors home nation.
Pizza is served whole or by the slice. We had a variety of slices including the aforementioned House Pie and Pepperoni variants. I don’t think it’s a tagline Ria’s would put on their website, but I would describe it as ‘Pizza so thick you could use it as a doorstop’. And whilst you may – like I did – turn up hungry, you will certainly not be leaving in the same state. The dough is made using regenerative flour (no, me neither), which is fermented for up to 72 hours. The end result is a surprisingly light tasting base with crisp and chewy crusts.
Desert surprised and delighted. Despite some trepidation, I was strongly advised to try the soft serve vanilla ice cream with sea salt and olive oil which I admit, I did not like the sound of, but was simply delicious. The second Scottish-inspired item on the menu… a Deep Fried Mars Bar – my arteries may not share the same enthusiasm, but god, it was good!
To Drink
To drink there is a healthy selection of cloudy natural wine, craft beers or even a cocktail (or three).
Style
Ria’s is homely with a modern rustic decor. It feels intimate without being crowded. We visited on a Tuesday, so no one was having a particularly raucous evening, but being situated in the middle of Notting Hill, there’s plenty of venues nearby to head to after
In a Nutshell
Arrive hungry, leave sated from good food, drink and vibes with your wallet still smiling.
The Details
Ria’s, 29 All Saints Road, London, W11 1HE
Takeaway available
