Tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden, La Ballerina Italian Restaurant continues to mesmerise food lovers with its unique fusion of tradition and creativity. While La Ballerina is known for its authentic Italian offerings, one dish stands out with its blend of sweet, savoury, and rich flavours: the Ballerina Pizza. Priced at £14.50, this delightful pizza is topped with tomato, mozzarella, pineapple, and Parma ham, offering a flavour experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
A Masterpiece of Italian Flavours
The foundation of every great pizza is the crust, and at La Ballerina, this is where the magic begins. The dough for the Ballerina Pizza is hand-stretched by expert chefs to achieve the perfect balance of thickness and crispiness. Baked in a traditional stone oven, it delivers a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, chewy inside. The crust alone is enough to make this pizza unforgettable.
But it’s the toppings that truly elevate this pizza into something extraordinary. The base of rich tomato sauce is made from ripe, sun-kissed tomatoes, bringing a vibrant, tangy burst of flavour with every bite. Mozzarella, an essential element in any Italian pizza, is generously layered over the sauce. Melted to a gooey perfection, it binds all the other ingredients in a harmonious blend.
And then, there’s the pairing of pineapple and Parma ham. While the combination of fruit and meat on a pizza may raise eyebrows for traditionalists, it’s this contrast that makes the Ballerina Pizza such an exciting culinary creation. The pineapple offers a subtle sweetness and juicy texture, while the Parma ham delivers the rich, salty depth that makes this pizza so irresistible. Together, they form an unexpected but delightful flavour combination that keeps diners coming back for more.
The Pineapple Debate
The addition of pineapple to pizza has long been a topic of debate in culinary circles. Some purists argue that fruit has no place on a pizza, while others, more adventurous in their tastes, swear by it. The Ballerina Pizza at La Ballerina Italian Restaurant invites guests to embrace this culinary fusion, blending the sweet, tropical notes of pineapple with the savoury richness of Parma ham in a way that satisfies even the most discerning palates.
For many diners, the sweetness of the pineapple works surprisingly well with the other ingredients, cutting through the richness of the cheese and the saltiness of the ham. It’s a bold move, one that challenges the traditional pizza formula, but it’s a gamble that pays off.
Parma Ham: A Taste of Italy’s Heritage
No discussion of the Ballerina Pizza would be complete without paying homage to the Parma ham, a true delicacy in Italian cuisine. Parma ham, or prosciutto di Parma, is a dry-cured ham that has been produced in the Parma region of Italy for centuries. Made from carefully selected pork legs and cured with only sea salt, this ham is aged for at least 12 months, giving it a tender texture and a deeply savoury flavour.
The ham’s distinct salty richness pairs beautifully with the pizza’s other ingredients, especially when combined with the mild creaminess of the mozzarella and the sweetness of the pineapple. The addition of Parma ham elevates the pizza, providing an air of refinement to what is typically seen as a casual dish.
The Perfect Bite
One of the joys of dining at La Ballerina Italian Restaurant is the attention to detail that goes into every dish, and the Ballerina Pizza is no exception. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavours and textures: the crispiness of the crust, the softness of the mozzarella, the sweetness of the pineapple, and the savoury richness of the Parma ham. It’s a symphony of tastes that plays out in every mouthful, making this pizza a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
Dining Experience at La Ballerina
Located in the bustling Covent Garden, La Ballerina offers more than just a meal – it’s an experience. The restaurant’s interior is elegant, yet welcoming, with a warm atmosphere that makes diners feel at home. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch or a romantic evening dinner, the service is impeccable, with the staff always attentive and ready to make your dining experience memorable.
The Ballerina Pizza is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re dining solo, enjoying a meal with friends, or sharing a romantic dinner with a loved one. Its well-balanced flavours appeal to a wide range of tastes, and the generous portion size ensures you’ll leave the restaurant feeling satisfied.
Pairing the Ballerina Pizza with the Perfect Drink
No Italian meal is complete without the perfect beverage, and La Ballerina’s extensive drinks menu offers plenty of options to enhance the flavours of the Ballerina Pizza. A crisp, chilled glass of white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, works beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple and the saltiness of the Parma ham, creating a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, a light, fruity red wine, like a Barbera or Chianti, brings out the richness of the ham and complements the tangy tomato sauce.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a sparkling mineral water or a refreshing Italian soda would make an ideal pairing, keeping the palate cleansed between bites and allowing the flavours of the pizza to truly shine.
Why You Should Try the Ballerina Pizza
There are many reasons to try the Ballerina Pizza at La Ballerina Italian Restaurant, but perhaps the most compelling is the sense of adventure it offers. While traditional pizzas are undeniably delicious, it’s the unconventional pairing of pineapple and Parma ham that sets this pizza apart. It’s a daring dish that reflects the restaurant’s commitment to creativity and innovation while remaining true to its Italian roots.
For those who are willing to step outside the bounds of tradition and try something new, the Ballerina Pizza offers a taste experience unlike any other. The sweetness of the pineapple, the saltiness of the Parma ham, and the richness of the mozzarella all come together in perfect harmony, creating a pizza that is both familiar and refreshingly different.
A Dish Worth Celebrating
La Ballerina Italian Restaurant has long been a favourite among Covent Garden’s dining scene, and the Ballerina Pizza is one of the standout dishes that keeps guests coming back. Priced at £14.50, it offers excellent value for the quality and care that goes into its creation.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Covent Garden, a meal at La Ballerina is always a memorable occasion. And if you’re looking for a dish that captures the essence of the restaurant’s commitment to both tradition and innovation, the Ballerina Pizza is the perfect choice. It’s a dish that celebrates the best of Italian cuisine while offering something new and exciting – a true testament to the creativity and passion that define La Ballerina.
In conclusion, the Ballerina Pizza at La Ballerina Italian Restaurant Covent Garden is more than just a pizza – it’s an experience. Combining high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, and a daring flavour profile, it’s a dish that reflects the restaurant’s dedication to offering diners something truly special. If you’re in the mood for a pizza that goes beyond the ordinary, this is the dish for you.
