Four Philippine pizza restaurants have earned a spot among the top 50 pizzerias in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, as unveiled in the latest rankings by the 50 Top Pizza global programme. Announced at a ceremony held at the Italian Culinary Institute in Tokyo, Japan, the list showcases the growing prominence of the Philippines in the regional culinary scene, with Crosta and A Mano leading the charge by securing positions in the top 10.
Crosta, a standout name in Manila’s dining landscape, clinched the 5th spot, sharing the rank with Melbourne’s Shop225. Despite slipping three places from its 2024 ranking, Crosta remains a formidable contender. Close behind, A Mano claimed the 7th position, tied with New Zealand’s Dante’s Pizzeria, marking an impressive climb of five spots from last year. Both pizzerias have also earned automatic inclusion in the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World list, a testament to their consistent quality and innovation.
Further down the APAC list, Wildflour Italian secured the 42nd spot, while Cebu-based Minante Pizzeria rounded out the Philippine representation at 48th. These rankings highlight the diversity and reach of pizza culture across the archipelago, from bustling urban centres to regional hubs. 
The announcement comes as part of the first APAC-focused guide by 50 Top Pizza, an initiative that celebrates the craft of pizza-making worldwide. Guide curators Barbara Guerra, Luciano Pignataro, and Albert Sapere noted the dynamic evolution of the pizza scene in the region. “The pizza movement is in great upheaval in this part of the world,” they said in a statement. “With Australia making significant strides in quality, and Singapore and Hong Kong emerging as key destinations, the entire Asian continent is experiencing a period of growth in this sector, presenting an opportunity for Italian gastronomic culture.”
For the Philippines, this recognition underscores a broader trend of culinary excellence, blending local flavours with international influences. Pizza, often seen as a quintessentially Italian dish, has found a unique expression in the country, with establishments like Crosta and A Mano experimenting with ingredients and techniques that resonate with Filipino palates while maintaining authenticity.
The ceremony in Tokyo also took a poignant turn with a tribute to the late chef Margarita Forés, who passed away on 11 February 2025. Forés, widely regarded as an icon of Italian cuisine in the Philippines, was celebrated for her contributions to the world of pizza and fine dining. The curators dedicated the 2025 APAC ceremony to her memory, acknowledging her role in elevating Italian food culture abroad. Her legacy continues to inspire chefs and restaurateurs in the region, reflecting a deep passion for quality and creativity.
This year’s rankings also shed light on the broader pizza renaissance sweeping across Asia-Pacific. From Melbourne to Manila, the region is becoming a hotspot for artisanal pizza, driven by a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and a willingness to innovate. For the Philippines, the success of these four pizzerias signals not just a win for the establishments themselves, but also a boost for the country’s reputation as a destination for food lovers.
As the global pizza scene continues to evolve, the Philippine contingent is poised to make an even stronger mark in the years ahead. With Crosta and A Mano already among the world’s best, and others like Wildflour Italian and Minante Pizzeria gaining traction, the future looks promising for Filipino pizza artisans. For now, their inclusion in the APAC Top 50 serves as a delicious reminder of the power of food to connect cultures and communities across borders.
