Two Philippine pizzerias among world's 100 best

MANILA, Philippines — Some of the best slices of pizza in the world can be found in the streets of Makati. Rome-based global organization 50 Top Pizza released its annual rankings of the 100 best pizzerias in the world this week, with two Philippine restaurants making the cut. At No. 31 is Crosta Pizzeria, located at Salcedo Village with a branch in San Juan, owned by entrepreneurs Ingga Cabangon Chua and Thomas Woudwyk, with 50 Top Pizza crediting Japanese-Filipino cook Yuichi Abellare Ito for an array of pizza offerings with a twist. “Not just one style of pizza, but multiple styles to choose from, depending on your taste and what you are in the mood for at the moment,” 50 Top Pizza wrote in Italian. The group recommends “seasonal specials” including Salciccia Shrooms, The Queen (Margherita) and Morty & Ella 2.0. Cabangon Chua said the recognition inspires them to push boundaries and continue innovating. “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,” Cabangon Chua told The STAR. Earning the 48th spot is a mano – with branches in Rockwell, Bonifacio Global City, Cubao and Shaw – a place for those who feel homesick for Italy, according to the group. “The premises are very well-kept and welcoming and feature many touches that recall Italy and its culture,” 50 Top Pizza said of the brainchild of Amado Forés, the son of the late restaurateur Margarita Forés. “The pizza style is reminiscent of contemporary pizza, with a pronounced crust, but don’t worry because it is well-leavened, light and easily digestible.” The group’s top pick is Diavola, or spicy carnivore pizza, a mix of spicy salami, homemade sausage and spicy salami spread called ‘nduja. The best pizza on the planet this year can be found in London, with Napoli on the Road claiming the top spot and displacing New York’s Una Pizza Napoletana to No. 2.