Carmela’s, Upper Street – Pizza Worth Leaving the House For

On a rainy Friday in January, when cabin fever is real and leaving the house feels like a minor act of heroism! I headed to Carmela’s on Upper Street, Islington. Perfectly positioned between Angel and Highbury & Islington stations, it’s an easy stroll along Upper Street with plenty of options to stop for a pre-dinner drink if the mood takes you (I recommend The Pocket if you can squeeze in!).

Carmela’s is one of those places that plays tricks on you. The entrance is tiny! You peer in and assume there are three or four tables at most. But while it’s narrow, it’s very long, stretching all the way back to an open kitchen. It was full when we arrived, but busy rather than hectic; noisy, but never loud. A lovely, easy-going crowd where absolutely anyone would feel at home.

There were couples, big groups, mothers and sons, fathers and sons — and even a group of Irish women celebrating a birthday. Naturally, through the magic of the Women’s Irish Network, I knew one of them from a previous event. Proof, if ever needed, that you never go far without bumping into someone from the community.

Let’s talk pizza. Carmela’s serves what they call New York–style London pizza: thin, crisp slices you can actually lift, fold and eat with your hands. Confession - I’m not a huge cheese lover (I always skip the cheese board; don’t come for me). Heavy, mozzarella-laden pizzas that collapse into a soggy centre halfway through are simply not my thing. This, however, was entirely up my alley.

The staff were exceptional - warm, funny, and genuinely delighted to be there. Our waiter was full of chat and recommendations, all of which hit the mark so perfectly.  When I walked past the restaurant the next day, he spotted me through the window and gave me a wave.

We ordered the Pep (pepperoni with hot honey) and their signature Vodka Sauce pizza, adding fennel sausage on the waiter’s advice - an excellent call. Truthfully, the pizza didn’t even need the sausage; the base alone was outstanding.

The restaurant itself is beautifully done: warm terracotta tones that echo the glow of a pizza oven, distressed wooden tables with long benches, and walls adorned with New York City imagery that instantly transport you to a street corner with a $3 slice in hand. Lighting is spot-on, intimate without being gloomy; romantic without trying too hard. A perfect low-key date spot.