Filipino pizza is getting global recognition, with two Philippine pizzerias landing on the latest list of the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World.
Rome-based organization 50 Top Pizza released its annual rankings this week, placing Crosta Pizzeria at No. 31 and a mano at No. 48.
Crosta Brings Filipino Creativity to the Table
Crosta Pizzeria, with branches in Salcedo Village, Makati, and San Juan, earned the higher spot among the two Philippine entries.
Owned by entrepreneurs Ingga Cabangon Chua and Thomas Woudwyk, the pizzeria features a variety of pizza styles created with the help of Japanese-Filipino cook Yuichi Abellare Ito.
Rather than sticking to just one style, Crosta offers different takes designed to suit different tastes and cravings. 50 Top Pizza highlighted its seasonal specials, including Salciccia Shrooms, The Queen (Margherita), and Morty & Ella 2.0.
For Cabangon Chua, the international recognition is both an achievement and a challenge to keep improving.
“Our job is to show that what happened to us isn’t a fluke; it can be a blueprint for future restaurateurs who can hopefully keep setting the bar higher and higher,” she said.
A Mano Serves a Taste of Italy
Meanwhile, a mano secured the 48th spot, with branches in Rockwell, Bonifacio Global City, Cubao and Shaw.
The pizzeria was founded by Amado Forés, son of the late restaurateur Margarita Forés.
50 Top Pizza described a mano as a welcoming destination for diners seeking an Italian-inspired experience. Its pizzas feature a contemporary style with a pronounced crust that is well-leavened, light and easy to digest.
The organization singled out the Diavola, a spicy carnivore pizza combining spicy salami, homemade sausage and ’nduja.
London Takes the Top Spot
The global No. 1 this year is Napoli on the Road in London, which displaced New York’s Una Pizza Napoletana, now ranked second.
With two Philippine pizzerias making the cut, the latest rankings put the country’s growing pizza scene firmly on the international map.
