Alley Cats to bring New York slices to Portobello Road
The new site will debut dishes developed by Sicilian-born head chef Francesco Macrì.
New York-style pizza chain Alley Cats is set to open its new restaurant at 233 Portobello Road in early February.
The two-floor location will include a street-level “slice hatch” where customers can buy single 18-inch slices to take away, with a sit-down dining room on the first floor and an outdoor terrace hidden at the back.
The Portobello branch will debut several new dishes developed by Sicilian-born head chef Francesco Macrì, who has added to the menu without dropping the brand’s New York focus.
In addition to the usual 14-inch pies and classic slices, the new site will serve Fat Cat Squares—its take on Sicilian-style square pizza—along with sub sandwiches such as a Philly cheesesteak, deep-fried carbonara bites, and aubergine parmigiana.
The design splits into two distinct moods. The first-floor dining room overlooks Portobello Road and sticks to the chain’s familiar stripped-back look, with exposed brick and a lived-in feel.
The ground floor’s aesthetic leans into Portobello’s bohemian reputation, featuring Italian flooring, a tie-dye awning, and psychedelic Alpi veneer joinery by architect Ettore Sottsass. Co-founder Ellie Noble worked on the space with architect Nadia Sousa of Sousa Studios.
