How can you find the best pizza in Bangkok? The first pizza shop in Bangkok is believed to have opened in the late 1970s. Pizza Inn, an American pizza chain, opened one of the earliest pizza establishments in the city. It catered to expatriates and locals who were just beginning to experience Western fast food.
However, the most significant moment in Bangkok’s pizza history came when Pizza Hut opened its first outlet in Thailand in 1980, marking the beginning of pizza becoming a mainstream dish in the city. Pizza Hut’s presence helped popularize pizza among Thais, leading to the growth of other pizza chains and independent pizzerias in Bangkok over the years.
The first authentic Italian pizza restaurant in Bangkok is often credited to L’Opera, which opened in 1984. Located on Sukhumvit Road, L’Opera was among the earliest Italian restaurants to introduce traditional wood-fired pizzas and authentic Italian cuisine to Bangkok.
The website 50 Top Pizza officially launched its first pizza guide in 2017 after its co-founders, Luciano Pignataro, Albert Sapere, and Barbara Guerra, spent over two years developing it. Their goal was to spotlight the best pizzerias around the world. Today, the guide has grown to become a globally recognized authority on pizzerias, covering venues in Italy, the United States, and various other countries, including Bangkok
In 2024 Massilia entered rankings as the 49th Best Pizzeria in the World, Pizzeria da Massilia is one of the most celebrated Italian pizzerias in Bangkok. It offers a premium dining experience, combining authentic Italian flavors with a touch of luxury. The restaurant was established by the well-known chef Luca Appino and entrepreneur Frederic Meyer, who have created an elegant setting that emphasizes high-quality ingredients and traditional pizza-making techniques.
What they say about themselves… We are in the Watthana area, an elegant area of Bangkok. The large shopping malls and shopping venues are peppered with the inevitable car traffic, which can be really chaotic at certain times of the day. This Art Nouveau restaurant has Italy as its common thread. The menu consists of a choice of salads and starters, a selection of first and second courses, and pizza. The dough is inspired by Neapolitan dough, with a series of Italian ingredients, the main ones or some gems such as, for example, mountain oregano that comes directly from a small village in southern Italy, and the best of local produce, especially fruit and vegetables. The drinks menu is very interesting, as is the selection of fried foods. The “friarielli” pizza is a must-try, it feels like I’ve been catapulted into the city of Naples. The gluten-free version is also excellent. I count it in the city average for this quality of products.
A fellow Bangkok institution missed out on a Top 50 place but landed in a very respectable 59th place. Mazzie Pizzeria, located in The Park Lane shopping center in Bangkok is where Jonathan Spearman, a New Yorker who moved to the Thai capital, opened his small pizzeria. The entire place revolves around the large wood-fired oven, because there is a large semi-circular counter where you can sit and a few tables leaning against the large windows. In the last year on the menu you will also find some dishes to accompany the first and second courses. The dough is leavened for a long time, with the right hydration and above all always very careful cooking. The drinks menu is curated with a selection of craft beers, natural wines. The desserts are homemade and if you are a whiskey fan, don’t miss the selection of single malt scotch as an accompaniment to the end of the meal. Try the “Pepperoni” and the “Plain” which is a marinara with the addition of basil. Great informality, but also professionalism.
What’s your favourite Pizzeria in Bangkok?