Have you been craving the perfect slice of pizza? As an easy family-friendly meal, pizza is shareable, goes with any weather and can be kept simple and traditional or elevated with luxurious ingredients. In Shanghai, there is a range of both high-end and affordable Italian restaurants that are sure to please any pizza enthusiast, so let's take a look and what's on offer around town.
Bella Napoli
Image via Bella Napoli
Affordable and casual, this neighborhood Italian restaurant serves its pizzas from an authentic stone oven. Their best slices include the Contadina with mozzarella, cherry tomato, San Daniele ham, rucola and parmesan cheese (RMB110), and the Pizza di Guido with mozzarella, cherry tomato, spicy salami, gorgonzola, anchovies and parmesan cheese (RMB100). Cozy and comfortable, this laid-back spot is great for a family night out.
See listings here (Changle Lu & Nanhui Lu).
Bread ETC.
Image via Bread ETC.
Bread ETC’s two new pizzas pack a punch with their classic Italian crusts that are light yet flavorful and topped with sophisticated ingredients. You can choose the flashy Duck Magret pizza which features decadent duck with egg or, my personal favorite, the traditional Mushroom pizza with truffles, arugula and white and portobello mushrooms. Both pizzas sit at a very affordable price of RMB98 and are large enough for the family to enjoy.
See listings here (Nanjing Xi Lu & Xiangyang Nan Lu).
D.O.C Italian Gastronomia
Image via The Camel Group
With special imported meats and cheeses, this classic Italian restaurant manages to spice things up with some unusual toppings, such as pear and preserved fruit, while remaining authentic. With a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, D.O.C’s Porcini pizza with porcini mushrooms, truffle oil, mozzarella and Romano cheese (RMB145) is a must-have for pizza lovers.
See listing here.
Gemma
Image via Popolo Group
A laid-back atmosphere with fabulous food, Gemma's authentic ingredients, mixed with innovative touches, keeps this Italian eatery a perfect spot for pizza. With a thin and crunchy crust, Gemma’s popular Truffle Carpaccio pizza with crème fraiche, Wagyu beef carpaccio, arugula and of course black truffles (RMB130) is a fabulous option for a casual pizza night with a sophisticated touch.
See listing here.
Goodfellas
Image via Goodfellas
A classy but relaxed Italian restaurant with superb service, Goodfellas is an excellent option for those craving a classic Italian fare. These pizzas will transport you straight to Italy with thin crispy crusts and a rich cheese topping. Popular pizzas are the Buffalo pizza or the 'Fellas' pizza with ricotta cheese, spinach and bacon (RMB138). Make sure to ask for a wine recommendation to complete the meal.
See listing here.
Homeslice
Image by Betty Richardson/That's
A budget-friendly pizza restaurant with generous portions, these big greasy New York-style slices are the perfect choice to please the pickiest of kids. One of the only places in town that serve pizza by the slice, you can also buy a large size up to 20 inches (from RMB150-230). With six different toppings and late service hours, this is one of the best deals in town, where a 'guilty pleasure' cheesy pizza can be delivered straight to your door.
See listing here.
Joe's Pizza
Image by Betty Richardson/That's
Widely regarded by New Yorkers (and New York Magazine) as "the quintessential New York slice," Joe's Pizza brings the same giant, no-frills slices that made them famous to Shanghai's hungry masses. While you can't go wrong with classic pepperoni (RMB27), they offer other yummy choices like white spinach (RMB32), Hawaiian (RMB35) and Sicilian (RMB35). The former is an addictive rectangular slice with gooey mozzarella, layers of pepperoni and special tomato sauce. For larger families – and appetites – pies start at RMB120.
See listing here.
LAGO by Julian Serrano
Image by Mandy Tie/Urban Family
With a fabulous view of the Bund, Julian Serrano’s LAGO is a relaxed, yet chic Italian restaurant on the roof of the Bellagio Hotel. For a refreshing pizza with the perfect crust, order the Tartufo Nero pizza with quail egg, lardo and plenty of black truffle for RMB198. Or, go for the indulgent Salsiccia pizza with mozzarella, Tuscan sausage and roasted garlic for RMB148. A modern fine-dining experience without being stuffy, LAGO’s exceptional food and fun atmosphere make it worth a visit.
See listing here.
Mercato
Image via Three on the Bund
The location and atmosphere are enough of a reason to visit Mercato, but the pizza brings your culinary experience to an elevated level. Delivering classic Italian pizzas with a twist, Mercato serves an indulgent Black Truffle feast with a generous portion of delicious black truffles, topped with a fried egg. If you’re looking for something even more extravagant, order their unique Caviar pizza (RMB888) with its mouthwatering serving of fresh caviar on a thin, airy crust.
See listing here.
Pizza Marzano
Image courtesy Pizza Marzano
A relaxing family pizza place, this restaurant chain is kid-friendly and has many topping options to keep the whole family happy. Kids are given pizza dough balls to play with while they wait, and the setting is geared toward a family night out with comfortable seating and relaxed dining. The menu is affordable, and the selection encompasses everything from classic pepperoni to truffle flakes. If you love the pizza and atmosphere at your local branch, you can also inquire about their children’s birthdays parties which are available at many locations around town.
See listings here.
[Cover image via Pexels]
