A highly praised, budget-friendly wood-fired pizza van outside a welcoming St Denys pub, best for casual pizza and drinks rather than a formal restaurant experience.
It's a Pizza Thing pairs exceptional wood-fired pizza with friendly, personal service that keeps regulars coming back, whether at the pub or from its van. Its pub setting is an appealing local stop rather than a formal destination, which prevents a higher standing. Consistent quality across visits makes it a reliable choice for pizza lovers.
Set outside the South Western Arms, It's a Pizza Thing is a relaxed pizza-van experience with the useful bonus of pub seating and drinks. Reviews repeatedly describe a warm, sociable welcome—more “friendly banter and a pint” than formal restaurant ceremony—and the wood-fired oven adds a satisfying sense of theatre. The cooking is classic, accessible pizza rather than experimental dining: well-made dough, crisp-edged crusts, fresh toppings, and excellent prices. The menu covers meat, fish, and a particularly strong vegetarian spread, while older reviews suggest creative vegan combinations such as Marmite garlic pizza that may no longer be listed. It suits casual local dinners, pub meetups, and anyone who wants serious pizza without a serious bill. Families should find the format approachable, especially with familiar choices such as Margherita, Pepperoni, Cheesy Garlic Bread, and the inexpensive Chocolate Calzone. The current menu does not show a dedicated children’s section, and vegan availability should be confirmed because a previously praised vegan pizza is absent from the supplied menu. The pub setting may be more naturally suited to relaxed older children than very young diners needing a quiet, structured meal.
Area vibe: Quiet residential area with pockets of student and local commerce near the city edge.
Safety: Generally safe by day; quiet streets at night with typical suburban low-level anti-social issues.
What's nearby: Near Southampton city centre, close to St. Denys train station, University of Southampton campuses and local high street amenities.
The menu goes beyond Margherita and Pepperoni, with standout options such as halloumi-topped Zardis and a Marmite cheesy garlic bread.
Expect an informal pub-and-pizza-van setup with affordable pizzas, but check vegan availability because older options may no longer be offered.
The wood-fired oven and pub setting create a friendly night out that feels more like a sociable local gathering than formal dining.