Initially making its way to the country in 1957, pizza has long been integrated into Filipino’s regular fare. Ever since its introduction, a wide variety of pizzas have been made available to suit different palates. From seductive Neapolitan-style pies and Chicago deep-dish to aromatic plant-based options and creations cooked in wood-fired ovens, expect something enticing for every pizza lover in Manila.
Amare La Cucina
91 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
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Starting as a humble 12-seat restaurant in Baguio, Amare La Cucina has grown into a go-to wood-fired brick oven pizza place that lets customers make their own pizzas. One of its bestsellers is the Tre Formaggi, which uses a classic tomato sauce base and three kinds of cheese: mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Francesco’s Kitchen
863 A. Mabini St., Addition Hills, San Juan City
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Named after the restaurant’s partner and chef Francesco Rizzo, Francesco’s Kitchen specializes in fresh pizza made by hand. One of its specialties is the Parma made with tomato, mozzarella, arugula, prosciutto di Parma, and topped with shaved parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Salvatore Cuomo Café
G/F The Podium, 18 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong
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The Salvatore Cuomo Café specializes in Napoli-style and pan pizzas conceptualized by Cuomo himself, which is “the closest to authentic Italian pizza you can get.” One of its specialties is the salsiccia, which has sauteed mushrooms, sausage, basil, smoked cheese, mozzarella, and grana padano.
Pomodoro Pizza & Pasta Kitchen
7 San Rafael St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City
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Although Pomodoro Pizza & Pasta Kitchen has an affordable selection, quality isn’t compromised; tomato sauces and cheese are made in-house. Meat lovers can enjoy the Specialle dela Casa (which roughly translates to “house special”), a pizza topped with bacon, ham, onions, bell peppers, and olives.
Elbert’s Pizzeria
V Corporate Center, 125 L.P. Leviste St., Makati City
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Living up to the essence of Naples-style pizza, the selection at Elbert’s Pizzeria remains simple yet appetizing. One of its notable pizzas is the margherita speciale, which has buffalo mozzarella, parmesan, and yellow cherry tomatoes to complete a simple-looking pizza packed with a different set of flavors.
Friuli Trattoria
79-A Maginhawa St., Teachers Village, Quezon City
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Since opening in 2006, Friuli Trattori has been recognized for its flavorful thin-crust pizzas, which are made with whole wheat crust and a sauce made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices. A standout dish is the Buono Verdure, which is pizza topped with eggplants, tomatoes, onions, black olives, and mushrooms.
Kermit Manila
4636 Molina St., Poblacion, Makati City
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Preserving the vibe of its predecessor, Kermit Surf Resort and Restaurant in Siargao, Kermit Manila rose to fame thanks to its incredible pizzas. A dish that defines its signature flavors is the Pizza Daku, which uses fresh tomatoes and mozzarella fior de latte then topped with strips of Parma ham and mushrooms.
Brooklyn’s New York Pizza
LGF, Cinema & Entertainment Complex, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
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Inspired by pizza joints in New York City, Brooklyn’s New York Pizza hopes to bring people around the city closer to American-inspired pizza. One of its bestsellers is the white pesto pizza smothered with creamy pesto sauce then topped with a signature cheese combo of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Crosta Pizzeria
The Social on Ebro, 5770 Ebro St., Poblacion, Makati City
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For vegans who want to enjoy a good pizza, Crosta Pizzeria has a number of options available and they’re all made with a sourdough base. One of its vegan bestsellers is Shroomed Out, which has a homemade cashew-based cream, mozzarella, a mix of shiitake, portobello and button mushroom, and topped with garlic confit and thyme.
S&R New York Style Pizza
UGF, Puregold Mall, Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City
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If you’re looking to enjoy a generous pizza slice, S&R New York Style Pizza no longer requires you to have a membership card to get one through its brick-and-mortar stores. One of our favorites is the garlic shrimp topped with a magnificent layer of mozzarella cheese, minced shrimps, and garlic.
Header photo by Samantha Ong
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Writer: ANGELA PATRICIA SUACILLO
