Japes Reviews: Chicago Deep Dish Pizzas Done RIght

AT A GLANCE

📍 Location: 22-25 Dean St, Soho, London, W1D 3RY
🗣 Social: Facebook, Instagram.
💸 Price: £££
🌏 Website: https://japes.uk/

Where do you go if you get a sudden craving for deep dish pizza or waffles? A surprisingly tricky question especially when you consider London to be one of the world’s foodie capital. But I’ve finally found an answer and it’s one that has made bustling Soho its home.

DECOR AND AMBIENCE?

Japes is a Chicago-inspired joint serving up deep-dish pizzas and waffles. In my mind, I was expecting a diner-style setting but was pleasantly surprised to find a homey and stylish interior complete with velvet chairs in jewel tones, foliage and exposed light-bulbs hanging above me. With one group chatting in the corner surrounded by a bookshelf, it felt like I’d walked into a home rather a restaurant! The relaxed vibe created by the low-light settings and pop-music playing softly in the background is underscored by playful character illustration on the walls, placemats and menu which represents the innovative dishes on offer.

MENU AND FOOD?

The restaurant serves 2 kinds of pizzas from its refreshingly simple but tempting menu: Chicago-style deep dish and pizza pot pie. The various toppings include the classic Chicago Pepperoni and the delicious ‘Piccante’ (Salsiccia, peppers, nduja, mozzarella, parmesan, tomato sauce).  Don’t be fooled by the relatively ‘small’ size of these pizzas. These are fully loaded with a rich tomato base smothered with layers of cheese and meat. Just look at that cheese pull! Even with my big appetite, I was struggling to finish it off.

But it’s not just the pizzas that are the star of the show. Waffles is the dessert of choice and you can choose from a choice of toppings including the ‘Jafana’ (Japes orange milk chocolate, fresh strawberries, banana, kiwi, Japes strawberry ice cream, grounded cookies on top). Like their pizzas, Japes don’t skimp on anything. Waffles are completely smothered in rich home-made sauces and ice creams. Even better, Japes are proud that all crepes and waffles are original recipes and home-made on-site. No additives, all 100% natural and it does make a difference.

To wash it all down, there is a selection of cocktails and alcohol-spiked handshakes.

VERDICT?

How do you add to the multi-cultural food scene of London? By offering a gut-busting menu of loaded deep-dish pizzas followed by sweet & savoury home-made waffles at a very reasonable price (total bill inc. service about £60-£70 for 2). With so few places offering deep-dish pizzas with homemade waffles, Japes is a much welcome addition to London’s food scene. And with its relaxed and familiar vibes, it’s the perfect place for a family blow-out, a catch-up with a mate and even…a hot date!

✨ DECOR AMBIENCE: 8 ½/10.
🍸 FOOD: 8/10.
🌟 OVERALL: 8½ /10

Craving for more? See my visit to Japes in photos.