It does sound kind of off, doesn't it? Since when was pizza associated with a northwest state? But as it has proven over time, Yelp's reviews can never fail you. I wanted to try something new in the area so I asked my dear Yelp people for suggestions. They gave me this: Otto Pizza in Westbourne Grove.
Half of Otto's success can be handed to the interiors. It's so hip... bordering on hipster actually. Filled with wooden tables and chairs, it's definitely not your typical pizza joint. Who else decorates their walls with posters of literary classics like The Great Gatsby? Or hangs beer cases from the ceiling? Otto is not your quaint restaurant but it is cozy in its own way.
And the other half of their success: their pizza (what else?). Pizzas are generally doughy but this one is special because its crust is exactly that... crusty. But not too crusty that it takes Herculean effort to take a bite. What makes it like that is their secret not-so-secret ingredient: cornmeal. Their crust is made from dried corn flour which makes their pizza less refined (so that means it's healthier as well. Health buffs, rejoice!). Put that as the base and fill it with toppings like spinach & artichoke, pulled pork, and fig & pancetta and there you have honest-to-goodness pizza. Quite refreshing if you want to deviate from the normalcy of pepperoni, cheese, pineapple and ham...
Their menu is pretty straightforward: a selection of different pizza flavors, salads, and desserts.
So if you're in the area - well, even if you're not - go get a slice or two of great American pizza. No regrets, I promise.
6 Chepstow Road
Notting Hill
London
www.ottopizza.co.uk
