1/8/25 - updated with opening date and menu details
Earlier this year, Nordic restaurant Skal closed its doors for good in Islington, and now we know who will be taking over that space on Upper Street. Moving is Italian/American pizzeria Carmela's.
It comes from Phil Chaykin, the man behind Ugly Dumpling in Carnaby, who's teamed up with Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany of the Bite Twice Instagram food blog. That blog used to focus specifically on pizzas, so all eyes will be on them to see if they can come up with the goods themselves.
The pizzas will be East Coast/New York-inspired, with a crisp-but-foldable base one of the key aspects. The short menu is based around a few key signatures like a cheese pie (tomato, mozzerella, pecorino, basil), tomato (tomato, garlic, basil, pecorino) and a white pie (Ricotta, cheese blend, courgette, mint). There's also the Pep (tomato, mozzerella, pepperoni, hot maple drizzle), and extra toppings like stracciatella, fresh chillies and fennel sausage.
If you fancy the sound of that hot maple, it'll be available as pots for dipping, while extra small plates include a Tomato Tonnato (heritage tomatoes, capers, shallots, tuna and anchovy dressing) and a house tiramisu for dessert.
This one's getting a lot of buzz online and with some powerhouses behind it, it'll be one to watch.
More about Carmela's
Where is it? 149A Upper St, London N1 1RA
When does it open? 1 August 2025
Soft launch: 30% off food and drink on 1 August
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @carmelaspizzeria.
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