Santa Maria Returns to Ealing with a Fresh New Look
Ealing foodies, rejoice: Santa Maria, the cult pizzeria that put London on the map for authentic Neapolitan pizza, has officially reopened its Bond Street restaurant with a stylish new refurbishment. To mark the milestone, the team is celebrating in true Neapolitan style - by giving away 150 free pizzas on Thursday 28th August.
For co-founders Angelo Ambrosio and Pasquale Chionchio, the relaunch is more than just a facelift. It’s a homecoming. The duo opened their first 26-cover restaurant on St Mary’s Road back in 2010, and within months, Santa Maria had been crowned London’s Best Pizza by Time Out, with queues down the street. Fifteen years and six restaurants later, including their newest in Paddington, the pair have returned home to Ealing - the neighbourhood that started it all - with a refreshed site that blends modern touches with the warm, welcoming spirit that has defined Santa Maria since day one.
We caught up with Angelo and Pasquale to talk about the relaunch, the future of pizza in London and what Ealing locals can expect from their beloved pizzeria.
Q&A with Santa Maria Founders Angelo Ambrosio and Pasquale Chionchio
After 15 years and six locations across London, what does refurbishing the Ealing location mean to you both personally and professionally?
Ealing holds a special place in our hearts: it’s where Santa Maria was born in 2010, the community that has supported us from the very beginning, and the place we’re proud to call home. From day one, the people of Ealing have embraced us, and their continued support means everything to us.
What will have changed in the Ealing site once the refurbishment is finished?
When we first opened, we didn’t anticipate how much delivery would grow after the pandemic. With just one entrance, delivery drivers often ended up waiting alongside dine-in guests, which wasn’t ideal. We’ve since moved the oven and pizza operation to the back of the restaurant, so drivers can collect orders separately, ensuring our guests can enjoy their meal without interruption. Just another way of saying thank you to our Ealing community!
Santa Maria has been credited with helping to change London’s pizza scene; how do you balance staying true to your Neapolitan roots while keeping the brand fresh and evolving for today’s diners?
Since opening on 14th February 2010, every day has brought its challenges, and right now is no exception. We remain committed to our roots and our pizza manifesto, while always keeping things fresh and exciting. We’re currently trialling a new range of starters inspired by our traditional fritti, available in Kew and Paddington for now, and soon coming to Ealing and all branches. Looking ahead, we’re preparing to launch a brand-new concept and brand, designed to focus even more on our customers’ experience.
Santa Maria Ealing officially reopens on Thursday 28th August at 11 Bond Street, W5, with 150 free pizzas up for grabs on the day. For the team, it’s not just a relaunch - it’s a love letter to the community that gave them their start.
WELCOME HOME, SANTA MARIA!
