With the weather warming up, you might be getting ready for some food to match the summer season.

Italy is the UK’s fourth most popular destination according to YouGov, but to get great Italian food you do not need to get on a plane.

It has been reported Bedfordshire has some of the best Italian food in the UK with its population earning it the ‘Little Italy’ nickname.

Swindon too is blessed with a great selection of well-established Italian eateries.

This is shown by the huge number of reviews left for Swindon’s ristroranti, with one, Fratello’s, having over 1,200 reviews.

The two main pizza varieties are Neopolitan and Roman. According to Casa Mia Tours:  “When most people think of pizza, they think of the thicker, slightly doughier (but not heavy) Neapolitan style pizza. 

“Roman pizza, on the other hand, has a decidedly more thin and cracker-y crust.”

With the oldest of Swindon’s Italian eateries is believed to be Mario’s at 50 years old, let us see which is the best pizza ‘a la Swindon’.

For this ranking, only independent establishments with over 100 Google reviews have been included, and, as all TripAdvisor reviews for the places on TripAdvisor were the same, 4.5, they have been disregarded.

La Strada 4.7 (322)

Broad Hinton, Swindon SN4 9PF

Margherita price: £12

Situation a bit of a way from Swindon, but getting the top score, La Strada is for those committed to finding the very best pizza in (or near) Swindon town. They have outdoor seating.

Best reviews:

“The staff were really friendly and as it was a sunny day, we chose to sit out back in the well maintained courtyard. The quality of the food was excellent and the price very reasonable. The food was the best we’ve had in a very long time to be honest.”

“Excellent La Scala pizza, perfect base, also fantastic choice of pasta dishes, fast friendly service, will definitely return, and thank you to the singing waiters.”

“Lovely staff, cosy restaurant vibe. All pasta and pizza can be made gluten-free, had a wonderful evening and will definitely be returning.”

Fratello’s - 4.6 (1.2k)

12 Victoria Rd, Swindon SN1 3AJ

Margherita price: £14.95

With a whopping 1,225 reviews, Fratello’s is a pretty reliable bet if you want a tasty pizza cooked in their wood-burning oven, but it does come at a price.

Best reviews:

“Food here is amazing! Cannot recommend it enough. Every time I go Swindon I always have to visit the restaurant. The food portions are quite big so sometimes I just order starters.”

“What a gem! The food was excellent and service was efficient and friendly. Will definitely eat there again, when we return to Swindon. Wish it was closer to home!”

“Heard a lot of good things so thought would try it out. Wow...was not disappointed....food was excellent as was the service. Large helpings and extremely good value.”

Da Vinci 4.6 (650)

62 Fleet St, Swindon SN1 1RA

Margherita price: £9.95

Based in the town centre, Da Vinci is popular with businessmen looking for a quick lunch as well as your regular evening diners. It is also has the cheapest margherita on this list.

Best reviews:

“Went for lunch mid week and had a great meal. It is justifiably busy and they do an express lunch. The pizza was enormous and the salmon tagliatelle excellent. Staff friendly and professional.”

“First time here, the food was simply so good! We ordered some pasta, pizza and other side dishes and they were all delicious.”

“Brilliant place to eat. My partner and I along with my 4-year-old daughter had an amazing meal on Sunday evening. The service is amazing so is the food. Highly recommended.”

Mario’s - 4.6 (523)

7 Wood St, Swindon SN1 4AN

Margherita price: £11

“The oldest Trattoria in town” - since 1972 Mario’s has served Italian and Sicilian food and wine including fresh pasta and pizzas baked in the Neapolitan style.

Best reviews:

“I don’t usually write reviews but I thought this can not go to miss! This is such a quality restaurant which is hid away in Swindon. The food was incredible, and I felt like I had been there before with such a friendly host.”

“The food was amazing - vegetarian pizza, tiramisu and cheesy garlic bread. The atmosphere was spot-on. I hadn’t been here in many years but will definitely go more regularly now.”

“Had couple of pizzas as well including margarita and mixed veggie and were so yummy. You will feel the vibes the moment you walk in the place, amazing atmosphere.”

Atmosfera - 4.6 (117)

26 High St, Swindon SN1 3EP

Margherita price: £10.95

With a more modern look than the other traditional-style Italian restaurants on this list, Atmosfera has a dedicated pizza menu.

“Why did I wait so long to try this place? The owners have been here a year now and worked some wonders as this restaurant is really worth a visit.”

“Fantastic place. You truly feel like you have left England far far behind. Wonderful atmosphere and food. Highly recommended.”

“The staff were very welcoming and friendly. The service was great and the food delicous. I was very impressed that the served a lemon sorbet in a lemon - it reminded me of my holiday in Almafi last year.”

Worth mentioning:

Fabio Ristorante 4.7 (920)

15 Bath Rd, Swindon SN1 4AS

Founded by Mario Fretti, Fabio’s has been around for 24 years. It would have been at the top of the list, but they do not appear to serve pizza.

Best reviews:

“The food was delicious, the best Italian food I have ever had in UK. The service was nice, our servers were very friendly and kind. We visited on Thursday and the restaurant was fully booked so make sure you make reservations in advance.”

“Plenty of gluten free options! Almost everything can be made gluten free! I told the waiter to surprise me and I was not disappointed!”

“One of the best restaurants Swindon. It's been around forever, and it's obvious why it's lasted. Huge menu of lovely Italian food, with something for everybody, food is reasonably priced and delicious.”