Alex S.
Yelp
I feel as though I have some great things to say about Lardo (decor, design, pizza) and some less great things to say about Lardo (weird service, long wait).
But good pizza makes me forgiving, so I would absolutely give it several more chances to get it right.
The tough-to-pinpoint "vibe" of a place counts a lot for me, and Lardo has industrial-charm in spades. One big pizza oven, and open seating space, and a hot pink neon light beckoning people in.
When my friend and I sat down she said, "oh...what a minimalist menu". This is true - there were about 6 pizzas on offer and the menu as a whole was a single-sided print out - but don't let this throw you off. One: who wants to be contemplating a lot of decisions when you have a dinner-date to talk to? Two: why worry about choices when all pizzas are good? Three: small menu, but one that changes is a-ok by me (my stomach approves this message).
We had a clam and samphire pizza, a veggie option (smoked cheese, zucchini, olives) and - the surprise table favourite - aniseed pepperoni. The pepperoni had a slight sweetness thanks to the anise and it was fatty and salty and perfect atop pizza. Generally, the pizzas are thin and not heavy and pack a crispy crust. Lardo gives you chili oil if you request it, but I found it really lacking in heat (0.5 off my Yelp rating: I like my pizza with a side of spice).
The desserts were also lovely: yogurt-rhubarb gelato, the classic affogado and a lemon polenta tart.
We had no reservation but easily snagged a Saturday table for two. We didn't feel rushed, and our service was slow, but friendly.
One compliment accompanied by a nit-picky detail: I love that Lardo offers local brews. However, the server had no clue what they were or any characteristics of them. Also: bottled beer? They were delicious with pizza, no doubt, but I would love to see Lardo with some local beers on tap.
Yelp note: coffee beans and really awesomely (quirkily) Bethnal Green-bottled olive oil (and other things) for sale here, too.