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Nonna Selena PizzeriaB+Worth Trying

Name: Nonna Selena Pizzeria
Address: 18 Woburn Pl, London WC1H 0LN, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.6

18 Woburn Pl, London WC1H 0LN · Pizza restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (3344 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Classic Italian comfort food with a lively vibe and standout hospitality, but expect premium prices and occasional slow service during peak times.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Nonna Selena Pizzeria delivers solid neighborhood dining through excellent food quality—particularly standout wood-fired pizzas and tiramisu—and warm, attentive service. However, occasional quality variations and variable service speed during busy periods prevent a higher grade. The lively, family-friendly atmosphere and central location appeal to locals and tourists alike, though premium pricing and crowding during peak hours temper the overall value proposition.

Restaurant Summary

Nonna Selena Pizzeria is the kind of place where classic Italian comfort meets the lively energy of central London. Step inside and you’ll find a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere, with staff who treat you like an old friend—even if it’s your first visit. The menu is a love letter to traditional Italian fare: wood-fired pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts, hearty lasagna, and a tiramisu that’s earned near-legendary status among regulars and tourists alike. Service is generally warm and attentive, though you might wait a bit longer when the place is packed (which is often!). The culinary approach here is unapologetically traditional, focusing on time-honored recipes and generous flavors rather than modern twists or fusion experiments. If you crave authentic Margherita, creamy carbonara, or a simple Caprese salad, you’ll feel right at home. Adventurous foodies seeking molecular gastronomy or avant-garde plating should look elsewhere—this is a spot for those who appreciate the classics, done well, in a lively setting. Families will find plenty to love: the menu is packed with kid-friendly options like Margherita pizza, spaghetti pomodoro, and chips. Multiple reviews mention happy children and accommodating staff, and the menu confirms a wide range of familiar, approachable dishes. If your little ones are picky eaters, rest assured—there’s nothing too wild or spicy here, and the staff are happy to adjust orders to suit younger palates. Just be prepared for a bit of noise and bustle, especially during peak hours.

At a Glance

Classic Italian comfort food with standout pizza and tiramisu
Exceptionally friendly staff—Michele and Chi are local legends
Great for families and large groups; flexible with dietary needs
Prices are on the high side for casual Italian; 10% service charge applies
Service can be slow and noisy during peak times
Tourist-heavy location—expect a lively, sometimes crowded scene

What Sets It Apart

classic_italian_pizza
exceptional_staff_hospitality
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What People Love

The pizza—often described as the best in London
Warm, welcoming staff who remember regulars and go the extra mile
Classic desserts like tiramisu that feel homemade
The lively, family-friendly vibe that makes every meal feel like a celebration
Flexible accommodation for large groups and special occasions

Points of Concern

Service can be slow and disorganized during busy periods; expect waits of up to an hour at peak times
Prices are higher than average for casual Italian, with mains often £15-19 and a 10% service charge
Noise levels can be very high, making conversation difficult indoors
Some reports of billing confusion and automatic service charges—always check your bill

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£38-45 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Opt for pizza or pasta mains for best value and satisfaction
Vegetarians have multiple choices—try the Penne al Pesto Genovese or Quattro Formaggi pizza
Families should order simple pizzas and chips for kids
Skip bottled water and consider house wine for better value

Perfect For

A family dinner with kids who love pizza and pasta
Large group celebrations or office outings
Tourists staying in Bloomsbury or near Russell Square
Anyone craving classic Italian comfort food in a lively setting

Location Insights

Area: Bustling, central London neighborhood with a mix of tourists, students, and professionals; lively and energetic, especially in the evenings.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, and busy with high foot traffic; typical of central London tourist zones.

Nearby: Surrounded by hotels (notably Royal National Hotel), museums, and other restaurants; close to major transit and attractions.

BloomsburyRenowned scholarly district featuring prestigious universities, historic literary connections, and a sophisticated intellectual atmosphere with numerous academic institutions, libraries, and research centers.

University QuarterConcentrated academic zone with high density of educational facilities, research centers, and scholarly infrastructure surrounding major London universities.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–00:00 Tuesday11:00–00:00 Wednesday11:00–00:00 Thursday11:00–00:00 Friday11:00–00:00 Saturday11:00–00:00 Sunday11:00–00:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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