Restaurant Review

La Musa Neapolitan Pizzeria

1 Speke Road, Garston, L19 2JX

By Will Carr | Italian | ££ |

By the time I made it to Garston, I looked like I’d just hauled myself out of the Mersey. The subarctic storm slowly removing my face did not want me to reach La Musa but I was determined to experience this recently opened pizzeria, even if I did look like a frozen swamp monster by the time I got there.

Arriving early, wet and miserable, I opened the door and was awash in warm smiles and handshakes. Diogo, the owner and the very picture of a classic pizza chef, guided me to a chair and asked what he could make for me. I chose the Parma Rossa Pizza (£12) and reclined at one of the pizzeria’s two tables as Diogo worked his magic. La Musa had only been open for three days and the family-run pizzeria, from the amount of deliveries and customers walking in and out, was already making a name for itself.

I was starving and the sight of the glorious steaming disc nearly brought me to tears. The Parma Rossa was brilliantly presented, each ingredient evenly spread and the edges of the thin base were crisp but not overdone. As I lifted my first slice, savouring the aroma of the fresh parmesan and rocket, Diogo eagerly awaited my verdict. It’s difficult to describe the experience. The complex interplay of flavours. Each was blended perfectly and yet was fighting to get to the fore of my palate. The pepperiness of the rocket was lively and united with the tang of the mozzarella. The Parmesan Reggiano added a slightly sharp dimension with a hint of nuttiness. The paper-thin slices of prosciutto crudo were sweet and intense. Even the base had a unique savoury taste.

The friendly atmosphere was so inviting that I chatted with Diogo and his wife Amanda about food, travel and the architecture of the pizzeria for so long that my pizza went cold. Even then it still tasted delicious. It made such a difference knowing the people making the food were not only masters of their craft but also the loveliest people I’ve met in a long time.

I was then given a Panna Cotta (£5). Homemade by relatives, you could taste the care and pride that went into its creation. The fruit was zesty and tart and the base was soft and creamy – a Fruit Corner made for a king! The only negative for me is that Garston is quite a distance from home, but thankfully Diogo and Amanda mentioned they’re going to be on the main food delivery apps soon – I know where I’ll be getting my pizza from now on.

My overall thoughts on La Musa can be summed up perfectly by the sign on the chalkboard behind the counter: ‘If you like pizza you’ve come to the right place’.

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