Minante Pizzeria in Cebu City has been recognized by online guide 50TopPizza as one of the top 50 pizzerias in the Asia-Pacific region for 2025.
Touted as “the most influential guide in the world of pizza,” 50TopPizza enlists anonymous inspectors from around the globe to rank the best pizzerias. For its 2025 list, the guide placed Minante Pizzeria at No. 48, solidifying its spot among the region’s finest.
The 50TopPizza Asia-Pacific 2025 awards ceremony took place at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Tokyo, where the best pizzerias from across the region were celebrated, with The Pizza Bar on 38th in Tokyo, Japan, crowned as the No. 1 pizzeria in the Asia-Pacific.
“The top 13 in the 50 Top Pizza Asia–Pacific 2025 ranking are automatically part of the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World, and they will attend the Teatro Mercadante event in Naples on Sept. 8th,” wrote 50TopPizza in its website.
From Cebu to the global stage
The 50 Top Pizza Guide evaluates the entire pizza experience — from the quality of the pizza itself to the service, ambiance, wait time and even beverage selection. Making it onto this list means meeting world-class standards, something that Minante Pizzeria has achieved in less than a year of operation.
“Although the goal was to get into the Top 50 in 2026, we certainly didn’t expect a win this year as we are barely a year old. We are overwhelmed with the award and grateful to 50 Top Pizza for the recognition,” shared chef Jan Rodriguez of Minante Pizzeria.
From a cozy spot in 88th Ave Mall, Kasambagan, Cebu City, straight to an international ranking, Minante Pizzeria is proving that world-class pizza isn’t limited to Metro Manila. The restaurant, which opened in February 2023, is a collaboration between chef Matteo Minante, a certified pizzaiolo under the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), and Rodriguez.
Minante’s pizza-making philosophy is deeply rooted in Neapolitan tradition, a craft that Chef Minante perfected over 15 years, starting in Vienna before falling in love with the Philippines and its beaches. With this passion, he and Chef Rodriguez built a restaurant that blends authenticity with a touch of Cebuano flair.
“Minante Pizzeria is the Philippines’ first AVPN-certified pizzeria. This means we strictly follow AVPN rules and regulations, serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas made by a certified pizzaiolo, adhering to the highest standards of a true Napoletana pizzeria,” Rodriguez said.
Minante’s menu is a tribute to traditional Italian craftsmanship while embracing creative, bold flavors. From classics like Margherita and Anchovies Pizza to wildcards like Carbonara Pizza, every pie that emerges from their oven is a testament to their dedication to quality and authenticity.
Minante Pizzeria is already expanding its presence, with a Mactan branch set to open in the second quarter of the year. The new location will not only bring its signature pizzas closer to more food lovers but will also introduce an expanded cocktail program, dessert offerings and a more extensive wine selection.
PH makes an impressive showing
Since 2020, 50TopPizza has expanded beyond Italy, creating exclusive rankings for Europe, the United States, Asia-Pacific and the world. This means every pizzeria included has been judged against the best in its region, making a spot on the list a major achievement.
This year, the Philippines solidified its place on the global pizza map, with four pizzerias earning spots in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2025 rankings. Crosta Pizzeria in Makati secured fifth place, followed by a mano in Makati at seventh. Wildflour Italian in Taguig took 42nd and Cebu’s Minante Pizzeria rounding up the list at 48th. This marks a significant achievement for the country’s growing presence in the international pizza scene.
For Minante, this recognition is a statement that Cebu’s food scene is evolving and standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the best in the region.
“We have always strived to elevate the dining experience in all our restaurants. The effort is intentional, with attention to detail, so we can create wonderful and memorable moments for Cebuanos and visitors alike. This recognition is proof that Cebu has always been ready to be world-class and can stand among the best of the best,” said Rodriguez. S