Why Locals Love Donatello's Pizza Co.
Donatello's Pizza Co. is a cherished gem in South Shields, renowned for delivering an authentic taste of Italy right to your doorstep. Specializing in classic and inventive pizza creations alongside flame-cooked kebabs and satisfying sides, this fast food and pizza restaurant offers an enticing menu that never fails to delight the palate.
Their extensive pizza selection reads like a love letter to flavor, featuring standout options such as the rich and hearty Bolognese, the smoky and spicy Inferno, and the lovingly crafted Prosciutto Funghi. Whether you crave the fresh simplicity of a Margherita or the indulgent meaty layers of the Texan BBQ Meatfeast, each pizza is loaded generously with toppings that extend right to the crisp, golden crust. The care taken in balancing sauces, cheeses, and ingredients shines through with every bite, offering a harmony of textures and tastes that keeps customers coming back.
Equally impressive are Donatello’s flame-cooked kebabs, such as the succulent Chicken Tikka and perfectly seasoned Doner Kebab, which provide a smoky, tender alternative to their pizza counterparts. Crisp French fries and fresh side salads round out the menu for those looking to complement their meal with satisfying accompaniments.
The welcoming atmosphere and warm hospitality at Donatello’s elevate the experience beyond mere takeaway. Staff members are known for their friendliness and attentiveness, creating a sense of community and care that shines through in every order. Whether you’re indulging in piping hot pizzas or sampling their sought-after chicken kebabs, the food arrives fresh, flavorful, and bursting with character.
Longtime patrons like Paul Chambers praise the pizzeria for maintaining freshness and quality for over 30 years, while first-time visitors are often blown away by the exceptional combination of taste and value. Natasha Pascoe’s words echo the general sentiment perfectly: "Absolutely unreal food! Always piping hot, reasonably priced, foods always fresh and full of flavour! Staff are lovely and friendly too."
For anyone seeking the best pizza experience South Shields has to offer, Donatello’s Pizza Co. represents both a comforting classic and a bold, flavorful journey. It’s a place where passion for food and community come together effortlessly, making each meal genuinely memorable.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Free street parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 22, 2026
Absolutely unreal food! Always piping hot, reasonably prices too, foods always fresh and full of flavour! Staff are lovely and friendly too best place around especially for chicken kebabs
- Feb 27, 2026
Orderd twice from here the pizzas were good and they put plenty of toppings rite to the crust the kebab meat was decent and the garlic and chilli sauce were nice all in all a great takeaway
- Feb 5, 2026
Literally has always been the best pizza place in shields, I've had Americans literally say it's better than pizza they've had in New York. Keep up the good work it's incredible to see how this business has grown and stayed consistently tasty, hot food on arrival and excellent customer service. Great team
- Jan 12, 2026
I don't like pizza, but I absolutely adore this place, especially the inferno! The missus says the chicken kebab is the best she's tasted and everyone else I've recommended Donatellos to has been converted. I live in Houghton Le Spring and regularly take a drive out just for the inferno. Only thing I'd change is bring back the potato wedges.
- Jan 7, 2026
In my opinion, this is the best pizza takeaway in South Shields. It has been located in the same place for at least 30 years to my knowledge. Everything is fresh and cooked to order, Donatello's has gone from strength to strength and is the longest-established pizza takeaway in South Tyneside.
- Jan 1, 2026
The food - pizzas and kebabs are lovely. I've been coming here for years. Its been dissapointing to see how bad the chips are though. Soggy and undercooked. Donatellos please start cooking your chips for longer. This used to be my favourite take out. Aside from this everything was lovely.
- Dec 6, 2025
listen. i'm a small town lad alright. i'm from jarrow, no i won't pronounce it 'jarra' and my favourite thing to do on a friday night is rent a film and order pizza. Santinos was my go to for like 10 years, when it closed and didn't upon back up after lockdown i was gutted. it just tasted different to every other takeaway in the area. the pizza was just cooked a bit better. it wasn't as sloppy. anyway when they finally opened up again i was buzzed, for a while, everything was okay again...then, i don't know what happened, but all of a sudden the pizza isn't the same, and they change the garlic sauce. it's sort of sweet now, it used to be a proper savoury garlic sauce. naturally i'm saying this to my taxi driver on my way to get a train to york to visit family, and he says, 'try Donatellos'. just like that. like, like he almost knew exactly that is what my solution would be. he said it with such a confident smile. so i said well there isn't a donatellos in jarrow. he says nar, you have to go to shields for it. ahh. shields. the mystical place with beaches and a entire street of takeaways. i thought i'd give it a shot, what's the worst that could happen. well, the worst did not happen. Donatellos does pizza the way Santinos used to, and i'm gonna say it...but does it even better. they're cooked so perfectly. so perfectly man. always consistent too, it isn't pot luck whether it's gonna be nice or not. and don't get me started on those chicken kebabs on the sticks man my god. divine. and they deliver to jarrow! anyway, that mysterious taxi driver, i never got to say thanks to him. but he knew what i needed, and when i needed it, before i even did myself. i wonder if he became a taxi driver to chance upon other lost souls like me, and when we tell our story of loss, he says those magic words...'try Donatellos' and saves another wanderer. Donatellos is the way forward. crisped, baked, perfectly made pizza, toppings are always gorgeous, and pizza that's never rushed or under cooked. bloody gorgeous.
- Dec 4, 2025
Best place by far.. I order chicken kebab every week sometimes twice a week absolutely delicious. Fresh salad and lovely chips and the chicken is cooked to perfection every time. Pizzas are delicious too. Won't be disappointed with this place very quick delivery and I live in hebburn its here within half hour delivery drivers are really polite too. Thank you
