Crosta, a mano, and Wildflour Italian Are on 50 Top Pizza's 2024 Asia-Pacific List

(SPOT.ph) Things are heating up in the local pizza scene, and we're not just talking about the ovens. Following their listings in the 2022 and 2023 editions of Italian guide 50 Top Pizza's Asia Pacific list, Crosta Pizzeria, a mano, and Wildflour Italian make it to the coveted rankings one again, with Crosta and a mano at even higher positions than in the preceding years (with special awards, to boot!). This was announced in a special ceremony held at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Tokyo, Japan today, March 4.

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These local pizzerias are again listed in the 2023 edition of 50 Top Pizza in the Asia-Pacific region:

From being in 32nd in 2022 and 10th in 2023 in the same list, this year, Crosta Pizzeria lands at #2, with Chef Yuichi Ito receiving the Pizza Maker of the Year 2024 Ferrarelle Award, too. "The hand of [Ito] is evident in the toppings, which is the result of good thoughts and intelligent choices," they write. 50 Top Pizza gives a special shoutout to their "dough," a product of "long fermentations," not to mention the "various types of pizza" on their roster. It definitely doesn't hurt that Crosta prioritizes using top-quality ingredients from Italy, the Philippines, and Japan. Amusingly, right next to them on the list, at #1, is Tokyo's Pizza Bar on 38th—where Yuichi himself used to work! Crosta was also 54th on 50 Top Pizza's World-wide list in 2023.

a mano, too, goes up from 48th in 2022 and 15th in 2023, to 12th this year, apart from receiving the Best Pasta Proposal 2024 Pastificio Di Martino Award. "The pizza closely resembles the Neapolitan style—soft, melting, with high-quality ingredients," says 50 Top Pizza of their traditional-leaning pies cooked in their red Valoriani oven. The Salami Spicy and Carbonara pizzas, in particular, are pegged as must-tries, as well as their "well-made" fresh pasta and "well-stocked" beverage menu. "The menu is based on a proposal that includes pasta, risottos, pizza, drawing from the best of Made in Italy products." Additionally, 50 Top Pizza applauds their "excellent" delivery service—"one of the many strengths of this establishment." ICYMI, a mano was also 96th on the 50 Top Pizza World list last year.

Last but not the least is Wildflour Italian, which is now in 47th place from 38th and 35th in 2022 and 2023, respectively. 50 Top Pizza commends their pizzas that are "deep and soft," "leavened well," and "baked with attention." "The pronounced crust is filled with toppings inspired by the Neapolitan style but also with combinations with a more gourmet fusion personality that recall local gastronomic traditions, like the Peach and Coppa, for instance." 50 Top Pizza doesn't forget the rest of their lineup: "The Italian and Mediterranean flavors characterize the entire menu: cured meats and cheeses, dried and fresh stuffed pasta, meats, vegetable side dishes, and creamy desserts such as tiramisu, lemon puddings, and ice creams... the very welcoming and well-kept environment and the hospitable and professional waitstaff are the setting for a fantastic Italian experience."

50 Top Pizza is an online guide updated annually, listing the "best pizzerias in the world" of different styles. Included in their assessment criteria are the pizza; the service; the space, ambiance, and decor; the wait (e.g., how the "flow of customers is managed" in the restaurant); the wine; the beer; and other beverages.

See the full list of 2024 Asia-Pacific awardees. For more information, check out 50 Top Pizza's website.

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