9-10 Upper Church Street, Chepstow. 01291 621616 / www.stonerockpizza.co.uk
Food ***** Atmosphere *****
Stone Rock Pizza, a Chepstow–based artisan pizzeria and takeaway which opened earlier this year, is nothing short of a revelation. Small and unassuming, this pizzeria offers a family-run warmth and honestly, the best pizza this writer has ever eaten. Stone Rock Pizza pride themselves on producing real Neapolitan pizza, using traditional methods and a real clay oven; the result is a magnificent sourdough base and the most delicious authentic toppings and ingredients. Another fantastic element of this restaurant is the commitment to all things local. All their cured meats and salamis are produced in Monmouthshire as well as most of their vegetables, beer and even some of their wine!
The service is friendly and the restaurant itself has a cosy, relaxed atmosphere with indoor and heated outdoor seating. The wine list is also well rounded with a good price range (and wine by the glass). On our last visit, we opted for the freshly-made rosemary and garlic focaccia with extra virgin olive oil, Modena balsamic vinegar and rock salt (£4) as a sharing starter, which was deliciously fresh and soft with very high-quality olive oil. For our mains, we opted for two pizzas (of course); The Wye Valley – tomato, free-range Somerset mozzarella, Parma ham, rocket and Grana Padano shavings (£12.50), and La Diavola: The Hot One! – tomato, free-range Somerset mozzarella, spicy Neapolitan pepperoni, ‘Nduja and Gorgonzola (£12.50). Again, both pizzas were wonderfully fresh and full of flavour. La Diavola was definitely the winner with a great level of heat and terrific pepperoni. With the new offer of prosecco and wine nights and pizza happy hour, I have no doubt that this restaurant will be holding back the crowds. I urge you to book in now and get a pizza in front of you pronto!
words EMMA HARRIS