Local's Picks: Top 10 Pizza Places to Try in Bangkok
Last updated May 25, 2024
Pizza is always a good idea!
Thailand is known to have one of the best cuisines in the world. But Bangkok isn't shy about embracing flavors from around the world. With high numbers of expats and tourists, it's no wonder why Bangkok boasts a wide variety of cuisines in addition to Thai food. And we, locals, love to taste the flavors from around the world as well, from Italian to Korean. Choices are always endless.
Pizza holds a special place in my heart. From the gooey cheese to the perfectly crisp dough, it's the ultimate comfort food. While many Thais enjoy pizza from familiar chains like Pizza Company, Domino's, or Pizza Hut, my pizza cravings extend beyond those familiar names. So, if you're ready to explore the diverse pizza scene in Bangkok, here's my list of the top 10 spots, featuring everything from classic Italian to New York-style, and even some unique takes on this beloved dish.
Let's dig in!
1. Il Bolognese Trattoria & Pizzeria
This is where my love of Italian pizza began. Il Bolognese is a highly-rated Italian restaurant in Bangkok known for its traditional Bolognese cuisine and pizzas made with slow-matured dough. Inspired by laid-back eateries in Bologna, Italy, Il Bolognese offers a taste of that region's classic dishes. If you love rustic Italian pizzas, this is the spot for you. They use high-quality ingredients, many directly imported from Italy, ensuring an authentic experience.
Having been in business for many years, Il Bolognese has become a beloved pizza spot for both locals and expats seeking delicious food. Their pizza dough is artisanal, slow-matured for up to 72 hours. If you love spicy food like me, I'd recommend getting the Nduja Pizza, which features a spicy sausage paste from southern Italy. Another great option is the Pizza Parma & Stracciatella. Fun fact: Stracciatella cheese is a fresh, stretched curd cheese similar to burrata. It has a milky taste and a creamy, stringy texture that complements the salty parma ham perfectly. If you can't decide, you can ask the restaurant to serve you both pizzas half & half!
Their pizza is the reason I keep coming back. However, other dishes like grilled Italian sausage (Salsiccia alla griglia), boneless pork roast (Porchetta), pasta, and tiramisu are also divine. And with its convenient location in Sathorn and near Chong nonsri BTS, it's easy to reach. So, make sure to visit Il Bolognese and enjoy a full Italian feast.
The Delish Duo (Nduja & Pizza Parma & Stracciatella)
2. L'OLIVA Ristorante Italiano & Wine Bar
L'OLIVA Ristorante Italiano & Wine Bar is an authentic Italian restaurant owned and operated by a passionate native of Abruzzo, Italy. Their menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, including pizzas, pastas, risottos, and grilled meats. Located in Sukhumvit, it's a popular spot for both locals and expats, and it often gets busy, especially on weekends.
There are many reasons to love L'OLIVA. Their unique concept combines a restaurant and a cafe in the same space. The cafe section, called Caffè Oliva, offers a delicious brunch menu with small pizzas like "Scrambled Eggs and Shaved Truffle" and "Nduja, Mushroom, and Ham." I highly recommend coming here on a weekend with a friend to enjoy a slice of these unique pizzas and a nice cup of coffee for a lovely brunch.
The traditional restaurant section, also called L'OLIVA Ristorante Italiano & Wine Bar, has one of the best pizzas in town! Their pizzas are made in a wood-fired oven and are topped with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Some of their most popular options include Margherita, Quattro Formaggi (Fiordilatte Mozzarella, Taleggio, Gorgonzola, Parmigiano Reggiano 24M), and Diavola (Tomato Sauce, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Spicy Salami, Olives). However, my personal favorite, and highly recommended, is the Mortadella e Pistacchio (Fiordilatte Mozzarella, Zucchini Cream, Mortadella, Mascarpone & Pistacchio).
Make it a double visit! Come here twice: first to try the cafe and then return for a full Italian meal at the restaurant. The restaurant decor is also Instagram-worthy, so don't forget to dress up and take some cute photos!
Highly recommended Mortadella e Pistacchio pizza
3. Via Emilia Italian Restaurant
Via Emilia specializes in cuisine from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, known as the "food valley" for its rich culinary heritage. They use fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes to create authentic and delicious dishes straight from Emilia-Romagna. What truly sets Via Emilia apart is its ambiance. It has a lovely and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a special occasion or a casual night out.
And the pizza? Equally fantastic! I highly recommend trying the Parma e Burrata, a pizza featuring pizza bread, creamy burrata cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, arugula (rocket), and oregano. For those who enjoy a kick, the spicy Salame, Nduja e Rosmarino, with Italian cured sausage and rosemary, is another great option. (Fun fact: rosemary's slightly minty flavor is a common element in Italian cuisine, complementing meats, cheeses, and vegetables.)
Coming here for a slice of goodness is a great decision. Be sure to say hi to the friendly owner, Mr. Andrea Bernardi. He's known for his warm smile and dedication to ensuring everyone enjoys excellent service and delicious food. Getting to Via Emilia? Take a ride-hailing app like Grab, as the restaurant isn't close to a BTS station.
Sitting by the bar while enjoying pizza with a glass of white wine
4. Pizza Pala Romana
Pizza Pala Romana is a popular pizza spot near Asok BTS and Terminal 21, known for its delicious Roman-style pizza—a distinct style compared to the classic Neapolitan pie. It's perfect for a quick bite!
Roman-style pizzas are typically rectangular, one-meter-long slabs cut into squares for serving. The dough undergoes a long fermentation process (up to 72 hours), resulting in a thick, airy center and a very crispy bottom crust with char marks. Toppings are kept simple, allowing the high-quality ingredients and the delicious crust to shine. My personal favorite topping is Porchetta (roasted pork).
While they also offer other tempting dishes, I usually come here for a quick bite due to its convenient location. However, keep in mind that the limited seating makes it less ideal for a leisurely dining experience compared to other pizza places. So if you happen to go to Asok, make sure to stop by and grab yourself a bite of this yummy pizza.
How to get here
It’s hard to choose just one.
5. Pool Terrace/Lobby Salon at The Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel
Schiacciatina pizza, also known as Schiacciata alla Romana, holds a special place in my heart, especially the one from the Sukhothai Hotel. The first time I tried it was during Covid. I vividly recall hanging out by the pool and needing a heartwarming bite to cheer me up during that time.
Schiacciatina pizza, a squashed Roman-style pizza, is basically a flatbread pizza originating from Tuscany. Variations can be found in other regions like Sicily. The dough, similar to focaccia, is simple, made with flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. It's thinner than traditional pizza dough but thicker than focaccia. Ideally, the dough undergoes a long fermentation process (up to 24 hours) for better flavor development and a lighter texture. Unlike a traditional pizza, Schiacciatina is served more like a sandwich, with fillings tucked inside. Common fillings include mascarpone cheese, Parma ham, wild rocket (arugula), and tomatoes.
In Italy, Schiacciatina is most commonly found in bakeries and cafes throughout Tuscany, particularly around Florence. In Thailand, so far, I've only been able to find it at the Sukhothai Hotel. They used to serve it at their Italian restaurant, La Scala, but now it's available at the Pool Terrace and Lobby Salon. Since the Sukhothai Hotel is a five-star hotel, some people might not realize that it offers one of the best pizzas in Bangkok. I would definitely say their Schiacciatina is a hidden gem!
Look at that crispy goodness - the best Schiacciatina pizza
6. Riva Del Fiume
at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
If you're feeling fancy and crave a delicious Italian meal by the river, Riva Del Fiume at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River is the place for you. Inspired by the lakeside experience of Lake Como, Italy, Riva Del Fiume offers a taste of modern Italian cuisine, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared by renowned Executive Chef Andrea Accordi.
Their menu is filled with delicious dishes, and their gourmet pizzas are not to be missed. I highly recommend trying the Bianca. This white pizza, literally translated from Italian, features a base without traditional tomato sauce. Their Bianca is a delightful combination of stracciatella cheese, culatello (a cured Italian delicacy), arugula (rocket), and truffle. If you're a truffle lover, the aroma of the truffle and the cured meat creates a truly harmonious experience. Since this is a Michelin-recommended restaurant, be sure to explore other dishes as well. Another personal favorite is their Tiramisu – I'd say it's the best in Bangkok!
The restaurant itself exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, with breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River. I recommend requesting a table on the terrace to soak in the beautiful vista. Overall, Riva Del Fiume Ristorante is an excellent choice for a special occasion or a romantic night out.
The White Pizza “Bianca”
Fun Fact: "Ospitalità Italiana" is a certification program that recognizes restaurants serving authentic Italian cuisine outside of Italy. Literally translated, it means "Italian Hospitality."
Restaurants with this certification adhere to standards set by the Italian Chambers of Commerce, ensuring high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. To receive the recognition, restaurants undergo a thorough evaluation process to ensure they meet strict standards for authenticity, quality, and hospitality. This includes inspections of ingredients, recipes, preparation methods, service, and overall dining experience. Bangkok, a city of foodies, once again proves its reputation by having many restaurants with Ospitalità Italiana recognition.
Example of Italian restaurants with such recognition in Bangkok:
7. Roberta's Pizza
Moving on to American-style pizza in Bangkok!
Roberta's Pizza has come to Bangkok! This exciting move is definitely an awesome addition to the city's pizza scene. Founded in 2008, Roberta's Pizza is a famous Brooklyn-based pizzeria known for its wood-fired pizzas and vibrant atmosphere. Its humble beginnings started in New York City, and it has since branched out to other cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Nashville. Its tasty flavors have also gained a cult following, including big names like Beyoncé and Bill Clinton.
Thailand is its second international location after Singapore. In Bangkok, Roberta's Pizza is located on the 3rd floor of the Flavor Lab zone at Siam Discovery. The restaurant captures the essence of the Brooklyn location with its decor of exposed brick walls, industrial accents, and artwork by Thai artists. It's definitely a cool spot to grab pizza and beer after work.
Their signature dough is truly special. Light and fluffy with just the right amount of crust texture, the sourdough crust adds a unique touch. They offer a variety of toppings, including their famous "Bee Sting" pizza featuring mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil, spicy cured meat, and a drizzle of honey for a perfect sweet and spicy combination. Another must-try is the King Thao Kong, a specialty pizza designed specifically for Thailand.
If you want to experience the buzz for yourself, be sure to try Roberta's Pizza and find out!
“Bee Sting” Pizza
Uniquely designed for Bangkok location, “King Thao Kong” Pizza
8. Chef Bing Pizza
Chef Bing Pizza is an OG spot for New York-style pizza lovers. The restaurant was founded by Chef Bing, a Thai native who spent over three decades in New York. While living in NYC, he developed a passion for pizza and wanted to bring authentic New York-style pies to Thais. Given its NYC style, the pizzas here are characterized by a thin and crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and a generous amount of high-quality cheese. The restaurant has simple decor, nothing fancy, making you feel like you're at a friend's house for a slice. The staff is super friendly and welcoming.
Also, if you love chicken wings, you have to try the lemon and pepper chicken wings which come with ranch sauce served on the side. It's such a great combination between the flavorful, crispy chicken and the creamy ranch. And I must say, their ranch sauce is one of the best in Bangkok! It totally took me back to my time in the US. But if you're looking for something healthier, I'd recommend getting a Caesar salad to go with your pizza.
My personal favorite toppings are Carnivores and Seafood Scampi. But if you're feeling a little adventurous, why not try their unique Kor Moo Yang (grilled pork neck)? If you're vegetarian, you can enjoy toppings like white spinach. Trust me, they're all good!
If you're a fan of Mark Wiens, be sure to check out an episode where he tries Chef Bing Pizza. It's also a cool video to watch because Chef Bing shares how he started the business. Note that in the video, they were filming at their old location. The current location is at Soi Ruam Rudi 2, which is super convenient to get to by BTS (nearest station: Ploenchit). But if you don't want to travel all the way, you can place an order through their LINE account or website. They are closed on Mondays, so be sure to check their opening hours online or call +66 65 938 9963 for inquiries.
The more topping, the more fun!
Pizza party at home!
9. Mama Dolores
Unique flavor, anyone?
Mama Dolores is a popular and affordable Mediterranean restaurant, famous for both pizzas and falafel. To me, this is a unique spot because it satisfies cravings for both in one place! Mama Dolores offers a casual dining experience featuring a variety of dishes from across the Mediterranean region, including flavors worth traveling for: Moroccan, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, and Italian.
Their menu has a wide selection, ranging from refreshing tzaziki dip to four-cheese Turkish bread. The restaurant exudes a chill and relaxing atmosphere. As soon as you walk in, you'll be greeted by the sight of a wood oven in the center. The restaurant has a great outdoor seating, perfect for gatherings with friends or family.
Their pizzas are highlights, having crispy bases cooked in the wood-fired oven and a variety of toppings to choose from.Come here for delicious pizza and other delightful bites inspired by the Mediterranean region. Just a heads-up, the restaurant is tucked away inside Yen Akat Road, so reaching it by car might be easiest.
Pizza and falafel - fun combo!
10. Charm Eatery and Bar
This recommendation might surprise some Italian friends, but hey, culinary creativity is exciting! We Thais have a knack for putting a unique twist on familiar dishes, and pizza is no exception. Charm Eatery and Bar is a fantastic Thai restaurant that also offers some Western dishes. The restaurant has a lively bar and a great live band, making it a perfect spot to unwind after work or on a weekend.
Their pizza menu features two options: classic choices like Margherita and pizzas with a unique Thai twist. For the Thai-inspired pizzas, they offer three exciting options: chicken green curry, spicy spinach, and spicy minced pork with basil. The pizza dough itself is light and incredibly crispy. It has a texture somewhat reminiscent of a crispy roti, which pairs perfectly with their spicy toppings. The Thai herbs and chilies in the toppings complement the flavor of the crust beautifully. To experience the full range of flavors, I recommend trying a half-and-half pizza.
Pair this dish with a cool glass of beer and let the live band soundtrack your meal. Overall, this is a cool spot for anyone looking to have a good time and experience unique Thai-style pizza.
Website | IG | Menu | How to get Sathorn 12 branch
Only in Thailand: spicy spinach, and spicy minced pork with basil pizza.
I hope these recommendations have been useful for you, exploring everything from classic Italian to NYC-style pizzas and unique flavor combinations. This is the first in my series on the best pizza places in Bangkok, so stay tuned for more recommendations in future blogs! Let me know what your comfort food is, and I'll be sure to write about it next time.
Lastly, “Happiness is a slice of pizza in each hand”, so don't forget to treat yourself to a slice today!
