Our Story
Making genuine Italian pizza with dedication since 1985
From Naples to Your Neighborhood
'MellowGarden' started with a heartfelt aspiration: to offer true Neapolitan pizza in Madrid. The venture, established by the Thompson family in 1985, began as a quaint, family-managed shop featuring recipes passed down for generations.
Emily Thompson, the pioneer of our establishment, acquired the skill of crafting pizzas during her Italian sojourns, learning from Napoli's esteemed pizzaiolos, where pizza was born. Following her return to the UK, she endeavored to reproduce the essence of genuine Italian pizza, adhering to classic methods and using premium components.
Our humble 12-seat eatery has now flourished into a locally cherished spot, but our dedication to excellence and genuine practice stands firm. We persist in utilizing traditional wood-burning ovens, preparing our dough from scratch daily, and selecting the finest ingredients available.
At present, 'MellowGarden' is still under family ownership, with the Thompson progeny at the helm of our devoted team. Although we've adopted a few contemporary approaches, the core of our mission is unchanged: to serve sumptuous, authentic pizza that unites our patrons.
Our Values
Quality Ingredients
Our commitment is to source only the best, top-tier ingredients, partnering with domestic growers and Italian suppliers to assure the genuine taste of our dishes.
Traditional Methods
We stay true to age-old pizza-making traditions, fermenting our dough for 48 hours and baking it in bona fide wood-fired ovens.
Community Focus
Our belief extends beyond just being a dining venue—we strive to contribute actively to our locality, sponsor community events, and cultivate an inclusive ambiance for everyone.
Sustainability
We're dedicated to eco-friendly practices, from minimizing food waste to using recyclable materials and endorsing sustainable farming.
Meet Our Team
Introducing the dedicated team behind our delectable pizzas
Emily Thompson
Owner & Head Chef
The second-generation proprietor who honed her skills in Naples and has been refining our recipes for more than 15 years.
Emma Johnson
Executive Chef
An Italian-trained culinary expert with 12 years in the field, she specializes in dishes that change with the seasons.
Luca Bianchi
Master Pizzaiolo
A Neapolitan native, Luca has been creating exemplary pizzas for two decades and is responsible for educating our pizza chefs.
Ava Smith
Restaurant Manager
Her aim is to guarantee an extraordinary dining event for every guest and to lead our hospitable team with proficiency and friendliness.
Ethan Lee
Beverage Director
Daniel selects our beverage offerings, which include Italian juices and perfect pairings for our pizzas.
What Our Customers Say
The best genuine Neapolitan pizza experience one can have beyond Italy. The crust presents the ideal combination of softness with those sought-after charred bits, a hallmark of expert wood-fired preparation.
Oliver Davis
I appreciate that 'MellowGarden' is dedicated to local inputs and eco-conscious practices. This commitment is evident with each bite. Their seasonal creations are always eagerly anticipated!
Isabella Brown
I've been a customer for years and the high quality is consistent. The staff makes you feel at home, and the pizza is simply divine. The Truffle Mushroom pizza is a must-try!
William Martinez
Awards & Recognition
Premier Pizzeria in Karlville
Fresh Eats Awards, 2019-2023
UK's Top Pizzerias
Restaurant Enthusiasts Guide, 2021-2023
Certified Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
Pizza Purists Association, 2018
Green Enterprise Accolade
Eco Business Alliance, 2022
Come Visit Us
Discover the taste of true Italian pizza in a cozy and friendly setting