Located in the heart of Ealing, is the Santa Maria Pizzeria. Unless, you are a somewhat of a gastronome, or live in Ealing, it is unlikely that you will have heard of this quaint pizzeria. The restaurant can be described as a hole in the whole, so discreet that I drove past it multiple times before finding it. Once putting my name down on the list, as they do not take reservations and always have a queue, I strolled into the pub next door where people wait for their table. There is a direct phone line between the two venues, to notify people of when their tables are ready. After a mere 20 minute wait, I was ushered into a cozy table by the open-concept kitchen.

I was taken aback by the minute size of the restaurant, and how such a miniature restaurant can have produced countless reviews of excellence. Soon I was greeted by a friendly waiter, like all the other staff and owners, he grew up in Napoli, before coming to London for work. He quickly took my order, and soon I had before me, a delightfully delicious looking pizza bufalina. It comprised of a tomato base, fresh basil and fresh buffalo mozzarella, produced in Napoli. I had never seen such an authentic and fresh pizza, since my trip to the city of origin, Napoli. The tomato base tantalisingly dripped off the pizza, as I bit into the soft crust. My tastebuds were entranced by the multitude of flavours. I instantly knew that this was best pizza, outside of Italy, I had ever tasted. Having tasted a variety of pizzas throughout Europe and specifically in London, that was a large deceleration for me. 

The pizza was absolutely delectable, and coupled with the authentic atmosphere of an Italian household, the whole experience was simply brilliant.