Introduction: A Continental Crust Revolution in 2025
In 2025, the Asia-Pacific pizza scene is a vibrant fusion of Neapolitan purity and regional flair, where wood-fired ovens meet local ingredients like Australian truffles and Thai herbs. The 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific guide, unveiled on March 10 at Tokyo’s Istituto Italiano di Cultura, ranks the continent’s elite based on anonymous inspections, peer votes, and criteria like dough mastery, ingredient sourcing, and ambiance. Japan dominates with nine entries, including Tokyo’s six powerhouses, while Australia and Thailand hold strong. The top 13 secure spots in the global 100 Best Pizzerias, celebrated in Naples on September 8. Amid rising tourism and sustainability focus—think zero-waste doughs—these spots elevate pizza from street food to art. Curated by Barbara Guerra, Luciano Pignataro, and Albert Sapere, the list honors icons like the late Margarita Forés while spotlighting newcomers. From Tokyo’s intimate counters to Bangkok’s tuk-tuk twists, here’s the top 10 for 2025, where every slice tells a story.
1. The Pizza Bar on 38th, Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵
Perched on the 38th floor of Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, The Pizza Bar on 38th claims the 2025 crown for the third straight year, its eight-seat omakase counter redefining pizza as theater. Executive Chef Daniele Cason’s prix-fixe menu—¥25,000 for dinner—unfurls seasonal pies like the truffle-laced pizzino, baked in a 500°C wood oven for leopard-spotted crusts. Fermented 72-hour doughs blend Italian flours with Japanese precision, earning Michelin nods and Gambero Rosso’s three slices. Diners rave about the skyline views and intimate vibe, with Tripadvisor calling it “poetic.” In 2025, its zero-waste ethos—composting scraps for hotel gardens—aligns with Tokyo’s eco-push. Reservations open two months ahead; expect a waitlist worthy of its world’s No. 2 global rank.
2. Crosta Pizzeria, Makati, Philippines 🇵🇭
Makati’s Crosta Pizzeria surges to second, its Salcedo Village outpost channeling Neapolitan soul with Filipino fire. Chef Myra Capistrano’s 48-hour fermented doughs, baked in a custom Acunto oven, yield airy crusts for pies like the Morty & Ella (prosciutto, truffle oil, B650). Ranked 12th globally in 2024, Crosta’s 2025 hype stems from gluten-free options and local twists, like sisig-inspired toppings. Compact space buzzes with loyalists; Yelp praises “heavenly” bites, though delivery delays irk some. Amid Manila’s pizza boom, Crosta’s ethical sourcing—sustainable mozzarella—earns Inquirer acclaim. Walk-ins rare; book via app for this P-pop hotspot.
3. RistoPizza, Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵
RistoPizza by Napoli Sta’ Ca in Azabudai Hills vaults to third, blending casual Neapolitan with upscale flair. Giuseppe Errichiello’s “contemporary” pies, like the Don Salvo (salami, burrata, ¥2,500), rise on 72-hour biga doughs in a gleaming oven. From No. 15 globally last year to Asia’s No. 2, it shines for walk-in lunches and wine pairings. Reddit lauds its “proper Italian” vibe over flashier rivals, though some crave more creativity. In 2025, its sister spots in Setagaya amplify Tokyo’s pizza dominance. Casual yet refined—perfect for Hills’ jet-set crowd.
4. Fiata by Salvatore Fiata, Hong Kong 🇭🇰
Hong Kong’s Fiata leaps to fourth, Chef Salvatore “Sasà” Fiata’s Soho haven fusing Casertan roots with Cantonese edge. Light, digestible doughs (three-four ingredients max) cradle gems like the margherita sbagliata (burrata, cherry tomatoes, HK$180), baked in a Neapolitan dome. Climbing from eighth in 2022, Fiata’s queues post-award drew lines; Tripadvisor hails “better than Sicily.” 2025’s menu refreshes with seasonal specials, supporting Italian expat community. Book two sittings nightly—Soho’s buzz awaits.
=5. 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar, Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺
Tied for fifth, Melbourne’s 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar embodies Aussie-Italian grit with 48-hour leavened doughs for “light, fragrant” crusts. At South Yarra or Elsternwick, pies like the prosciutto (AU$25) pair with gluten-free gnocchi; Tripadvisor raves “top 3 ever.” Australia’s No. 1 for four years, 2025’s 10% event discounts spotlight its catering prowess—weddings, corporates. Vegan/gluten-free mastery shines; some note salty tweaks needed. Timber Yard events add urban edge.
=5. Al Taglio, Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺
Sydney’s Al Taglio shares fifth, its Surry Hills slice shop slicing regional Italian pies from age-old recipes. Wood-fired focaccias like the Messina (AU$28) use seasonal locals; OpenTable praises “great groups.” Since 2015, its egalitarian ethos—no table hogging—fuels buzz; Gambero Rosso lauds creativity. 2025’s sustainable flours cut emissions; walk-ins welcome amid Chapel Street hum.
6. Dante’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Auckland, New Zealand 🇳🇿
Auckland’s Dante’s secures sixth, its sourdough Napoletana pies—world No. 46—firing since 2007. At Ponsonby, the margherita (NZ$28) boasts AVPN certification; Yelp calls it “Australasia’s best.” Reddit crowns it Auckland’s top, though pricey deliveries gripe. 2025’s Eastridge expansion adds branches; Kevin’s UK roots infuse Kiwi heart.
7. Massilia, Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭
Bangkok’s Massilia hits seventh, its Ruam Rudee outpost—Thailand’s best four years running—crafting gourmet pies with secret dough. The calzone truffle (B990) dazzles; Tripadvisor trumps “Sicily’s.” From 2015 truck origins, 2025’s tuk-tuk deliveries expand reach; Blogspot lauds calamari starters. Alfresco vibes suit humid nights.
8. Pizzeria Braceria CESARI!!, Nagoya, Japan 🇯🇵
Nagoya’s Braceria CESARI ranks eighth, world champion Pasquale Makishima’s empire blending pizza with grilled meats. Margherita Extra (¥2,000) uses buffalo mozzarella; Tabelog’s 2025 “100” pick. Wanderlog praises fusion; weekends bustle. Osu’s heart hosts this 2009 champ.
9. Bottega, Beijing, China 🇨🇳
Beijing’s Bottega claims ninth, its Sanlitun Neapolitan haven—world No. 8 in 2023—firing DOP pies. Burrata margherita (RMB 128) shines; Tripadvisor: “Asia’s best.” 2025 Shanghai outposts grow; Gambero Rosso’s three slices. Cozy amid hutongs.
10. Pizzeria Mazzie, Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭
Mazzie rounds out tenth, its Ekkamai New York-Italian hybrid boasting canotto crusts. Brooklyn Classic (B410) pairs with craft beers; TimeOut: “Bangkok’s top.” Jon Spearman’s slow-ferment delights; Ideal Magazine lauds toppings. Marble bar buzzes.
The Broader Impact: Pizza’s Pacific Pulse in 2025
Japan’s nine spots (Tokyo’s six) underscore its pizza prowess, per TimeOut, while Philippines’ four (Crosta, A Mano) signal SEA rise. Sustainability trends—local flours, low-waste—cut footprints; 20% use eco-ovens. Jobs: Thousands in dough-kneading; economies boost via tourism.
Challenges and Future Horizons
Inflation hikes imports; climate affects wheat. 2025’s digital bookings ease waits; by 2030, VR tastings loom. Yet, hand-stretched soul endures.
Conclusion: Crusts Crossing Continents in 2025
Asia-Pacific’s Best Pizzerias 2025—from Pizza Bar’s poetry to Mazzie’s marble—marry heritage with horizon. Tokyo reigns, but Bangkok and Makati rise. These ovens unite: Slice by slice, pizza bridges cultures.
