That's Amore, Temple Fortune
Of course L'Antica in Hampstead is my favourite pizzeria, but on this particular hangover day I couldn't quite face the uphill walk there. Needing pizza on quite an urgent basis, we were left with two main local options: L'Artista next to Golders Green Station (great pasta but my last pizza there was swimming in 1cm of oil, no joke) or That's Amore at the Temple Fortune end of Finchley Road. We've only been there once before about 3 years ago, so thought it needed another go - it always gets pretty good reviews online.
It's only a smallish place, bit there's a proper wood fired oven and the whole place smells incredible, as a result. It was fairly busy with other families, couples and friends all tucking into a Sunday lunch treat but we were seated immediately and soon realised that the sexy Maitre'D Fred from First Dates was on the adjacent table. Not sure what he thought about this:
For once, ignoring the lure of the wine list, we headed straight to the main event and I ordered the special of Speck and Gorgonzola. No messing about.
You can taste the quality of the ingredients and the tomato sauce was lovely and rich on a perfectly cooked light and tangy sourdough base. I ate the entire thing, which never happens.
Rich had his usual combo of Neapolitan sausage, friarelli and chilli on a bianca base.
Again, the base was fantastic - you can see the pockets of air bubbling up which is the mark of a properly made pizza crust. The flavours were excellent and he said he'd be happy to come back, which considering the proximity of L'Antica (his fave place in the world) is praise indeed.
They do more than just pizza too - with plates of really good grilled vegetables etc whizzing past all the time, so its definitely worth a look if you're in the area.