It seems almost unthinkable that Double Zero’s owner and founder — who prefers not to be named and instead lets his pies do the talking — took the plunge and opened this Chorlton neighbourhood wood fired legend without any experience in this culinary speciality. Inspired by numerous visits to Italy, where he saw first hand how to really do things properly, his previous endeavours had included time spent as a chef, but pizzas were a new experiment.
Proof that sometimes passion can overcome any odds, today this novice-turned award winning expert lays claim to running the UK’s top rated pizza joint, as ranked by the folk at National Calzone Day. That’s not a bad recommendation, and fittingly calzone is one of many things Double Zero definitely gets right. As is the dough, made fresh here daily, which forms the basis of most of the menu. Items are prepared in what has been lovingly termed “the Naples style”, from proving time — which far exceeds the standard 24 hours for a wonderful yeasty sourdough flavour — to the exact temperature of the oven.
As for the choice, perennial favourites at Double Zero include La Grande Rossa (a Roman style pizza with Fior di Latte, tomato, chorizo, ‘nduja, pepper, salami and finocchiona), Friarielli (Scamorza, Italian wild broccoli, sausage), Partenopea (Burrata, tomato, heirloom tomatoes, parma ham and Parmesan shavings), and the iconic Mezzaluna — a delicious hybrid of half calzone, half pizza, with Fior di Latte, tomato, porchetta, mushroom and Italian cooked ham. With a selection like this (and we’ve really barely scratched the surface, more mentioned the option to build your own) bookings are always recommended, especially for big groups who are also drawn here by the excellent starters. Antipasti, sumptuous vegetarian Arancini, and Italian Meat Balls are all great. Oh, and it’s Bring Your Own Booze (BYOB), too, which adds to the appeal.