Joe Beddia Opens London Pizza Bar
Philadelphia pizza maestro Joe Beddia is expanding internationally to open Bar Etna, a pizza bar in London with a friend. Beddia's Pizzeria Beddia is renowned stateside, marking an exciting development for London's pizza scene as American pizza culture crosses the Atlantic.
Joe Beddia's journey to international recognition began in a small, 300-square-foot takeout spot in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood in 2013. His relentless focus on perfecting the dough, sauce, and cheese quickly gained a cult following, with customers lining up for hours for one of the only 40 pies he made each day. This dedication led to *Bon Appétit* magazine naming Pizzeria Beddia the "Best Pizza in America" in 2015. The intense demand eventually led Beddia to close the original location due to burnout, but he reopened in 2019 in a larger, full-service space a few blocks away. This new iteration of Pizzeria Beddia earned a Bib Gourmand from Michelin and was named one of the world's greatest places to eat by *Time* magazine in 2019. In 2024, it was ranked the 13th best pizzeria in the world by the 50 Top Pizza awards. Bar Etna, his new London venture, is a partnership with Ed McIlroy, the founder of the popular London pub The Plimsoll, and Michael Stampler, who is overseeing operations and design. This marks Beddia's first and only restaurant outside of the United States. The collaboration aims to merge Beddia's East Coast pizza style with McIlroy's ingredient-focused approach. The new pizza bar will be located at 47 Newington Green and is slated to open in April 2026. The interior design is inspired by a mid-century Milanese aesthetic, incorporating original features of the building. The menu at Bar Etna will extend beyond Beddia's signature whole pies and seasonal specials. Diners can also expect a range of Italian-American classics, such as eggplant parmigiana and meatballs. The late-night spot will also offer soft serve desserts, house spritzes, and negronis on tap. Beddia's arrival in London introduces his celebrated American pizza style to a scene largely dominated by Neapolitan-style pizzerias. While New York and Detroit-style pizzas have been gaining popularity, Bar Etna brings a unique and highly acclaimed East Coast perspective to the city's diverse pizza landscape.
