Tucked beneath the historic Rows on Chester’s Watergate Street, Stile Napoletano is an unassuming Italian restaurant and one of the city’s hidden gems. This summer it was ranked the 13th best pizza place in Europe by the Top 50 Pizza Awards 2025, the only UK entry outside of London to make the list. Founded by Neapolitan chef Giacomo Guido, the restaurant focuses on traditional, artisan techniques using slow-fermented dough, organic Italian ingredients and carefully sourced British produce.
‘We opened in 2018 with a focus on traditional Neapolitan pizza that is light, flavourful and made with care,’ says Giacomo. ‘The dough is slow-fermented and we use a mix of organic ingredients from Italy alongside high-quality British produce. Everything is prepared by hand in our open kitchen and the menu is kept small so we can focus on doing each pizza to the highest standard.
‘It’s a relaxed, welcoming space and although we’re only a few tables, people travel from all over to eat here, which is something we’re proud of.’
Tell us about your award…
Being included in the 50 Top Pizza guide is something truly special, especially because it isn’t a competition and you can’t apply to be part of it. The inspectors visit pizzerias anonymously and select 50 from across Europe, excluding Italy. This year, we were named the 13th best pizzeria in Europe, third in the UK, and the highest ranked outside of London. It’s a real source of pride for me, for my staff, and I hope for Chester, too.
Stile Napoletano, Chester What brought you to Chester to open Stile Napoletano?
Stile Napoletano is something I’ve always dreamed of. I went to work in London, but I was completely focused on the idea of opening my own place where I could do what I love most in the world: pizza. Seeing people happy when they eat is the best feeling.
Now, I live in Hoole, Chester, with my wife Anita and our daughters Mia, Sophia and Chiara. We like it here because there’s such a strong sense of community. It feels as though you know everyone and people genuinely look out for one another.
What’s your favourite place to eat out?
The food scene in Chester is really exciting. Some of these names might sound familiar, but if these restaurants have been around for years, there’s definitely a reason why. Among my favourites are Covino, Porta, Upstairs at the Grill, Arkle, Sticky Walnut, Death by Tacos, Peak Sandwiches, Little Yellow Pig, and Chalk Coffee. I could honestly go on and on…
Award-winning pizza at Stile Napoletano How about further afield – distance no object – where would you eat?
I have many favourite places, but the most important ones are in Naples and Ischia, where I grew up. I especially love the pizzeria I Masanielli by Francesco Martucci and the Kantharos restaurant in Ischia.
What do you like to do in the summer?
With the little free time I have, I like to spend it with my girls. We enjoy walks along the River Dee, visits to Chester Zoo, and trips to the Ice Cream Farm.
What’s your best kitchen tip?
I always say it’s better to focus on doing a few things well and to stick to what you know without overcomplicating. The key is to enhance the natural qualities of the ingredients. When you use high-quality products, they don’t need any extra magic.
Where do you like to buy the best produce?
I prefer to work with small local suppliers, and of course, with Italian importers for the finest pizza ingredients.
Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
I’d love to have David Beckham in my restaurant.
What would you cook?
I’d serve him some of our fried dishes, such as pasta frittata and fried pizza. For the main course, I’d choose our Amatriciana pizza, which has always been a favourite with our customers. To finish, a fried pizza filled with sweet ricotta cream, homemade pear jam, and hazelnuts.
Who are your Cheshire food heroes?
Luke Richardson, José Garzón, Elliot Hill and Gary Usher, for sure.
49 Watergate Street, Chester, stilenapoletanopizzeria.co.uk
Dining and Cooking