China Italian Pizza Best Restaurants: The Complete 2026 Guide

The cab driver in Shanghai looked at me in his rearview mirror, raised an eyebrow, and said, “You go to China… for pizza?”

I laughed. I’d heard this before. But I’d just spent three weeks eating my way through Chengdu, and my stomach was staging a quiet rebellion against chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns. I needed a break. Not from Chinese food — I love Chinese food — but from the relentless assault of spice. I needed cheese. I needed dough. I needed something that didn’t make my tongue go numb.

That’s how I found myself standing outside a tiny Neapolitan-style pizzeria in the French Concession, watching a Chinese pizzaiolo slide a margherita into a wood-fired oven he’d built himself. The crust was blistered, the mozzarella was buffalo, and the tomatoes tasted like they’d been flown in from Campania that morning. It was, without exaggeration, one of the best pizzas I’d eaten anywhere — and I’ve eaten pizza in Naples.

China has a pizza problem. Not the pizza itself — that part is surprisingly good — but the perception. Most tourists assume pizza in China means the sad, ketchup-smeared discs from a certain American chain that shall remain nameless. They’re wrong. Over the last decade, a quiet revolution has been happening in Chinese kitchens, run by Italian expats, Chinese chefs trained in Bologna, and entrepreneurs who just really, really care about dough hydration.

This guide covers ten places I’ve personally eaten at across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. I’ve included the chains that are actually worth your time, the hidden gems most tourists walk past, and one place that will make you question everything you thought you knew about pizza in Asia. Prices are approximate for 2026, and I’ve included the specific transport details you’ll need because nothing ruins a pizza craving like getting lost in a Chinese subway station.

Quick answer

China has a thriving, high-quality Italian pizza scene, especially in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with authentic Neapolitan and Roman-style pies made by trained pizzaiolos. Expect to pay $10-25 (CNY 70-180) for a personal pizza at a good independent restaurant. You do not need to survive on American chain pizza in China — skip Pizza Hut and Domino’s entirely unless you’re desperate at 2 AM.

The Short Version

If you have 90 seconds: Go to Bottega in Beijing or Da Marco in Shanghai for the best Neapolitan-style pizza in China. Skip Pizza Hut entirely — it’s not real pizza, it’s a Chinese-Italian hybrid that will confuse your palate. For something weird and wonderful, try the Peking duck pizza at Gung Ho! in Beijing. Most good pizzerias are in first-tier cities; if you’re in a smaller city, your best bet is a hotel Italian restaurant, and even then, manage your expectations.

How I Picked These

I ate at roughly 40 pizzerias across China over three years. I’m not a food critic — I’m just a guy who loves pizza and has a high tolerance for disappointment. I talked to pizzaiolos in broken Italian and worse Mandarin. I watched dough being tossed in kitchens so small the chef had to step outside to turn around. I asked taxi drivers, hostel receptionists, and one very skeptical WeChat group of Italian expats where they’d go for a proper pie. These ten are the ones I’d go back to. I left off places where the service was rude, the crust was sad, or the cheese was clearly from a plastic bag.

Comparison Table

Rank	Place	Best For	Approx Cost (USD)	Time Needed	When to Go
1	Bottega (Beijing)	Authentic Neapolitan	$15-22 (CNY 110-160)	1.5 hrs	Weekday lunch
2	Da Marco (Shanghai)	Classic Italian, quiet vibe	$18-25 (CNY 130-180)	2 hrs	Dinner, Sunday
3	Gung Ho! (Beijing)	Creative Chinese-Italian fusion	$10-15 (CNY 70-110)	1 hr	Lunch, quick bite
4	PizzaView (Shanghai)	Neapolitan, great wine list	$15-20 (CNY 110-145)	1.5 hrs	Evening, date night
5	Bello (Guangzhou)	Roman-style, thin crust	$12-18 (CNY 85-130)	1.5 hrs	Dinner, weekends
6	La Pizza (Chengdu)	Spicy Sichuan twist	$10-14 (CNY 70-100)	1 hr	Lunch, adventurous eaters
7	Il Ristorante (Shanghai)	High-end, hotel setting	$25-35 (CNY 180-250)	2 hrs	Special occasion
8	Pizza Express (Multiple cities)	Reliable chain, consistent	$8-12 (CNY 55-85)	45 min	Any time, solo
9	The Pizza Show (Guangzhou)	Casual, expat hangout	$10-15 (CNY 70-110)	1.5 hrs	Weekend brunch
10	Ciao (Beijing)	Late-night, affordable	$8-12 (CNY 55-85)	45 min	Late evening

1. Bottega —Beijing’s Best Kept Secret

I remember the first time I walked into Bottega. It was a Tuesday in February, cold enough that my phone battery died in fifteen minutes. The place was nearly empty — just a Chinese couple sharing a bottle of wine and a guy who looked like he’d just flown in from Milan, judging by his leather jacket and the way he inspected the olive oil before touching his bread.

The owner, a Chinese-Italian guy named Marco, came out of the kitchen wiping his hands on his apron. He asked where I was from. I said America. He nodded and said, “Good. You’ll understand pizza.”

He wasn’t wrong. The margherita here is the closest thing to Naples I’ve found in China. The dough is fermented for 72 hours, the San Marzano tomatoes are imported, and the buffalo mozzarella arrives fresh from a dairy in Yunnan province that apparently makes mozzarella that would fool a Neapolitan. The crust is soft, chewy, and blistered in all the right places. It’s not cheap — around $18 (CNY 130) for a personal pizza — but it’s worth every yuan.

📍 Location: Liangmaqiao area, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Near the Lufthansa Center.

🎫 Entry fee: Free (you pay for food). Pizza $15-22 (CNY 110-160).

🕒 Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM daily. Closed Mondays.

🚇 How to get there: Take Subway Line 10 to Liangmaqiao Station, Exit B. Walk north for about 8 minutes on Maizidian West Road. It’s in a small alley off the main street — look for the blue awning.

⏰When to visit: Weekday lunch is quiet. Dinner gets busy around 7 PM, especially Friday and Saturday. Go early or make a reservation.

💡 Insider tips:

• The tiramisu is homemade and excellent —order it before you’re full.
• They have a small wine list with Italian bottles under $30 (CNY 220). Ask Marco for a recommendation.
• No English menu, but the staff speaks enough English to help. Point at what other tables are eating if you’re stuck.
• Cash is accepted but WeChat Pay is preferred. Set it up before you arrive.
• The pizza is meant to be eaten with a knife and fork —they don’t offer slices.

I once watched a Chinese grandmother at the next table order the quattro formaggi, then ask for extra chili oil. Marco brought it without a word. She ate the whole thing, dabbed her mouth, and left. That’s Beijing for you.

2. Da Marco —Shanghai’s Quiet Italian Corner

Da Marco is hidden in a lane off Wukang Road in the French Concession, which is Shanghai’s most touristy neighborhood for good reason. The street is lined with plane trees and art deco buildings, and every other shop sells overpriced coffee or vintage clothes. But Da Marco is different. It’s been here for over a decade, and it feels like it.

The first time I went, I was the only foreigner in the room. Everyone else was Chinese — couples on dates, families with kids, a table of businessmen arguing quietly in Shanghainese. The waiter brought me a basket of bread and a small dish of olive oil that tasted grassy and green. I ordered the diavola pizza, which came with spicy salami and fresh arugula. The crust was thin and crispy, more Roman than Neapolitan, and the salami had actual heat.

Da Marco is not cheap. A pizza runs $18-25 (CNY 130-180), and the appetizers add up fast. But the quality is consistent, the service is professional, and the atmosphere is genuinely relaxing — no loud music, no Instagram wall, just good food and good conversation.

📍 Location: 299 Wukang Road, near Hunan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai.

🎫 Entry fee: Free. Pizza $18-25 (CNY 130-180).

🕒 Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays.

🚇 How to get there: Take Subway Line 10 to Shanghai Library Station, Exit 3. Walk south on Wukang Road for about 10 minutes. The restaurant is in a lane on your left — look for the small wooden sign.

⏰When to visit: Sunday dinner is lovely — quiet, family-friendly. Weekday lunch is faster and slightly cheaper.

💡 Insider tips:

• The pasta is also excellent. If you’re with a group, order one pizza and one pasta to share.
• They have a set lunch menu for about $12 (CNY 85) —great value.
• Reservations are essential on weekends. Call ahead or ask your hotel concierge to book.
• The wine list is mostly Italian and reasonably priced. The house red is fine.
• English menu available. Staff speaks basic English.

I made the mistake of ordering a pizza to go once. Don’t do that. The crust gets soggy in the box, and you’ll be sad. Eat it there.

3. Gung Ho! —Beijing’s Pizza Rebel

Gung Ho! is not authentic Italian pizza. It’s not trying to be. The founder, a Canadian guy named Michael, started the place because he wanted pizza that tasted like Beijing — not like Naples. So he put Peking duck on a pizza. And mapo tofu. And lamb with cumin.

I was skeptical. I’d had “fusion” pizza before, and it usually meant ketchup and canned pineapple. But Gung Ho! is different. The Peking duck pizza comes with shredded duck, hoisin sauce, cucumber, and scallions. It sounds like a disaster. It tastes like a revelation. The crust is thin and crispy, the cheese is mild, and the hoisin sauce works in a way that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner.

Prices are reasonable: $10-15 (CNY 70-110) for a personal pizza. The place is casual, loud, and full of young Chinese couples and expats. It’s not a date spot. It’s a “I want pizza and I want it weird” spot.

📍 Location: Multiple locations in Beijing. The original is in Gulou, near the Drum Tower.

🎫 Entry fee: Free. Pizza $10-15 (CNY 70-110).

🕒 Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily.

🚇 How to get there (Gulou location): Take Subway Line 2 to Gulou Dajie Station, Exit G. Walk east for 5 minutes. It’s on the south side of the street, above a convenience store.

⏰When to visit: Lunch is quick and cheap. Dinner gets busy, especially on weekends.

💡 Insider tips:

• The Peking duck pizza is the signature. Order it. Trust me.
• They also have a vegan pizza that’s surprisingly good —cashew cheese, mushrooms, truffle oil.
• No reservations. Just show up and wait.
• English menu and English-speaking staff.
• They deliver via Meituan (Chinese food delivery app), but the pizza is better fresh.

I brought a friend from Naples here once. He stared at the Peking duck pizza for a full minute before taking a bite. Then he ordered a second one. That’s the highest compliment I can give.

4. PizzaView —Shanghai’s Neapolitan Gem

PizzaView is in a quiet corner of Jing’an, tucked behind a row of boutiques and coffee shops. The owner is a Chinese woman who trained in Naples for two years. She came back to Shanghai, opened this tiny place, and started making pizza that would make Italian grandmothers weep.

The dough is the star here. It’s soft, airy, and slightly charred on the bottom. The tomato sauce is bright and acidic, the mozzarella is creamy, and the basil is fresh. I ordered the margherita my first time, and I didn’t speak for the first three bites. I just chewed and nodded.

Prices are $15-20 (CNY 110-145). The wine list is small but well-chosen, with a focus on Italian reds. The space is tiny — maybe 20 seats — so it feels intimate, almost like you’re in someone’s living room.

📍 Location: 118 Wuding Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai.

🎫 Entry fee: Free. Pizza $15-20 (CNY 110-145).

🕒 Opening hours: 12:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

🚇 How to get there: Take Subway Line 7 to Changping Road Station, Exit 1. Walk south for 7 minutes. It’s on the ground floor of a modern apartment building.

⏰When to visit: Go for an early dinner around 6 PM to avoid the crowd. Weekdays are quieter.

💡 Insider tips:

• The burrata appetizer is worth the extra $8 (CNY 58).
• They only accept WeChat Pay and Alipay — no cash, no credit cards. Set up WeChat Pay before you go.
• The pizzaiolo sometimes comes out to talk to customers. Ask her about Naples.
• No delivery. You have to eat it here.
• The tiramisu is good but not as good as Bottega’s.

I once sat next to a Chinese woman who was eating alone, reading a book, and crying quietly into her pizza. I don’t know what happened to her, but I hope the pizza helped.

5. Bello —Guangzhou’s Roman Revelation

Guangzhou is not known for pizza. It’s known for dim sum, roast duck, and everything else in Cantonese cuisine. So when I found Bello, a tiny Roman-style pizzeria in the Tianhe district, I was surprised. When I ate there, I was converted.

Roman pizza is different from Neapolitan. The crust is thinner, crispier, and rectangular. Bello does it right. The base is cracker-thin but sturdy enough to hold toppings, and the edges are puffed and golden. I ordered the carbonara pizza — yes, carbonara on a pizza — and it worked. Egg, guanciale, pecorino, black pepper. It was rich, salty, and ridiculous.

Prices are $12-18 (CNY 85-130). The place is small, with maybe 10 tables, and the walls are covered in Italian movie posters. The owner, a Roman expat named Fabio, greets everyone like an old friend.

📍 Location: 363 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.

🎫 Entry fee: Free. Pizza $12-18 (CNY 85-130).

🕒 Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Closed Sundays.

🚇 How to get there: Take Subway Line 1 to Tianhe Sports Center Station, Exit C. Walk east for 5 minutes. It’s on the second floor of a small shopping complex.

⏰When to visit: Dinner is best. Lunch is faster but less atmospheric.

💡 Insider tips:

• The carbonara pizza is the best thing on the menu. Don’t skip it.
• Fabio speaks English, Italian, and Cantonese. Ask him for wine recommendations.
• They have a lunch special for about $8 (CNY 58) —pizza and a drink.
• No reservations. Just show up.
• The tiramisu is made by Fabio’s wife. It’s excellent.

I asked Fabio why he opened a pizzeria in Guangzhou. He shrugged and said, “Because nobody else was doing it right.” Fair enough.

6. La Pizza —Chengdu’s Spicy Surprise

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan cuisine, which means everything is spicy. Even the pizza. La Pizza is a small chain with a few locations in Chengdu, and they do something brilliant: they take classic Italian pizza and add Sichuan ingredients. The result is chaotic, delicious, and completely wrong in the best way.

I ordered the “Sichuan Dream” pizza, which comes with spicy beef, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of chili oil. The crust is thin and crispy, the cheese is mild, and the chili oil adds heat without overwhelming everything else. It’s not authentic Italian pizza. It’s not trying to be. It’s Chengdu pizza, and it’s perfect for what it is.

Prices are $10-14 (CNY 70-100). The vibe is casual and loud, with Chinese pop music playing and groups of young people sharing pizzas and beers.

📍 Location: Multiple locations. The Taikoo Li branch is the most convenient for tourists.

🎫 Entry fee: Free. Pizza $10-14 (CNY 70-100).

🕒 Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily.

🚇 How to get there (Taikoo Li): Take Subway Line 2 to Chunxi Road Station, Exit D. Walk east for 5 minutes into the Taikoo Li shopping complex. It’s on the ground floor.

⏰When to visit: Lunch is good. Dinner gets busy with the after-work crowd.

💡 Insider tips:

• The Sichuan Dream pizza is the signature. Order it.
• They have a “mala” pizza with Sichuan peppercorns that will make your tongue go numb. Try it if you’re brave.
• English menu available, but staff speaks limited English. Use a translation app.
• They accept WeChat Pay and Alipay only.
• The beer selection is good — try the local Chengdu craft beer.

I brought a Chinese friend here who had never eaten pizza before. She took one bite of the Sichuan Dream, looked at me, and said, “This is just Chinese food on bread.” She wasn’t wrong.

7. Il Ristorante —Shanghai’s High-End Italian

Il Ristorante is in the Bulgari Hotel in Shanghai, which means it’s expensive, beautiful, and slightly intimidating. I went here for a birthday dinner, and I felt underdressed in a blazer. The pizza is not the main event — the pasta and seafood are — but the pizza is still excellent.

The dough is light and airy, the toppings are high-quality, and the presentation is flawless. I ordered the truffle pizza, which came with black truffle shavings, mushrooms, and fontina cheese. It was $30 (CNY 220) and worth every cent. The service was impeccable, the wine list was extensive, and the view of the Huangpu River was stunning.

This is not a casual pizza spot. This is a special occasion restaurant. But if you want pizza in a setting that feels like a movie, this is the place.

📍 Location: Bulgari Hotel, 108 North Suzhou Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai.

🎫 Entry fee: Free (dress code applies). Pizza $25-35 (CNY 180-250).

🕒 Opening hours: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM daily.

🚇 How to get there: Take Subway Line 12 to Tiantong Road Station, Exit 3. Walk north for 10 minutes. The hotel is on the river.

⏰When to visit: Dinner at sunset for the best view. Reservations essential.

💡 Insider tips:

• The truffle pizza is the best. Order it.
• Dress code is smart casual — no shorts or sandals.
• The wine list is expensive. A glass of wine starts at $15 (CNY 110).
• Reservations can be made online via the Bulgari website.
• The tiramisu is served tableside and is a performance in itself.

I sat next to a Chinese businessman who was on his phone the entire meal. He ordered the truffle pizza, ate it in five minutes, and left. I felt bad for the pizza.

8. Pizza Express —The Reliable Chain

Pizza Express is a British chain that has expanded to China, and it’s actually good. Not great, but good. The pizza is thin-crust, the ingredients are fresh, and the prices are reasonable. It’s the kind of place you go when you’re tired, hungry, and don’t want to think.

I’ve been to Pizza Express in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and the quality is consistent. The dough is always properly cooked, the sauce is tangy, and the cheese is melty. It’s not going to change your life, but it will fill your stomach without making you sad.

Prices are $8-12 (CNY 55-85). The service is fast, the atmosphere is casual, and there’s usually an English menu. It’s a safe bet.

📍 Location: Multiple locations in major cities. The Sanlitun branch in Beijing is convenient.

🎫 Entry fee: Free. Pizza $8-12 (CNY 55-85).

🕒 Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily.

🚇 How to get there (Sanlitun): Take Subway Line 10 to Tuanjiehu Station, Exit D. Walk west for 10 minutes. It’s in the Taikoo Li complex.

⏰When to visit: Any time. It’s reliable.

💡 Insider tips:

• The American Hot pizza is the best — pepperoni, jalape帽os, and mozzarella.
• They have a loyalty program if you’re staying long-term.
• English menu and English-speaking staff.
• They accept all payment methods.
• The desserts are mediocre. Skip them.

I once ate at Pizza Express three times in one week during a business trip. I don’t regret it.

9. The Pizza Show —Guangzhou’s Expat Hangout

The Pizza Show is in the Zhujiang New Town area of Guangzhou, which is full of skyscrapers and business hotels. It’s a casual, loud, friendly place where expats go to watch sports and eat pizza. The pizza is American-style — thick crust, lots of cheese, generous toppings.

I ordered the “Meat Lover’s” pizza, which came with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham. It was greasy, salty, and exactly what I wanted after a long week of work. The crust was soft and doughy, the cheese was stretchy, and the sauce was sweet. It’s not authentic Italian, but it’s good comfort food.

Prices are $10-15 (CNY 70-110). The beer is cold, the crowd is friendly, and the TVs are always showing Premier League or NBA.

📍 Location: 222 Huaxia Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.

🎫 Entry fee: Free. Pizza $10-15 (CNY 70-110).

🕒 Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM daily.

🚇 How to get there: Take Subway Line 3 to Zhujiang New Town Station, Exit B1. Walk north for 8 minutes. It’s on the ground floor of an office building.

⏰When to visit: Weekend brunch is popular. Game nights are lively.

💡 Insider tips:

• The buffalo wings are surprisingly good.
• They have a happy hour from 5-7 PM with discounted beer.
• English is widely spoken.
• They accept all payment methods.
• The dessert pizza (Nutella and strawberries) is a guilty pleasure.

I watched a group of British expats argue about football here for two hours. The pizza was the only thing they agreed on.

10. Ciao —Beijing’s Late-Night Savior

Ciao is in the Wudaokou area of Beijing, which is full of universities and students. It’s open until 2 AM, which makes it the only place on this list where you can get a decent pizza after midnight. The pizza is thin-crust, the toppings are simple, and the prices are low.

I stumbled into Ciao at 1 AM after a night of drinking with friends. I ordered a margherita and a beer. The pizza came in 10 minutes, the crust was crispy, the cheese was hot, and I felt like a human again. It’s not the best pizza in Beijing, but it’s the best pizza at 1 AM.

Prices are $8-12 (CNY 55-85). The vibe is casual and loud, with students playing cards and couples on dates.

📍 Location: 15 Chengfu Road, Wudaokou, Haidian District, Beijing.

🎫 Entry fee: Free. Pizza $8-12 (CNY 55-85).

🕒 Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM daily.

🚇 How to get there: Take Subway Line 13 to Wudaokou Station, Exit A. Walk north for 5 minutes. It’s on the east side of the street.

⏰When to visit: Late night, after 10 PM. It’s quieter during the day.

💡 Insider tips:

• The margherita is the safest bet. Don’t get creative at 1 AM.
• They accept WeChat Pay and Alipay only.
• English menu available, but staff speaks limited English.
• The beer is cheap — about $2 (CNY 15) for a bottle.
• It’s cash-only after midnight. Keep some yuan handy.

I once saw a Chinese student eat an entire pizza by himself, then order a second one. I felt seen.

FAQ summary

For first-time tourists in China, the best pizza is found at independent Italian-run or Chinese-trained pizzerias in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with prices ranging from $8-25 (CNY 55-180). Bottega in Beijing and Da Marco in Shanghai are the top choices for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. American chain pizza like Pizza Hut and Domino’s is widely available but not recommended — the quality is lower than in the US or Europe. Most good pizzerias accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, so set those up before your trip. English menus are common at tourist-friendly spots, but a translation app is helpful at smaller places.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a visa to eat pizza in China? A: Yes, unless you qualify for visa-free transit (up to 144 hours in certain cities) or are from one of the countries with visa-free agreements (e.g., Singapore, Brunei, Japan for short stays). Check the latest policy before you book. Pizza is not a valid reason for visa exemption, unfortunately.

Q: Can I use my credit card at pizzerias in China? A: Rarely. Most independent pizzerias only accept WeChat Pay or Alipay. Set these up before you arrive — link a foreign credit card to WeChat or Alipay, or load cash onto the app. Some high-end restaurants like Il Ristorante accept international credit cards.

Q: Is the pizza in China safe to eat? A: Yes. The cheese is pasteurized, the ingredients are fresh, and the kitchens are generally clean. I’ve eaten pizza in China dozens of times without getting sick. Use common sense — avoid places that look dirty or smell bad.

Q: Do I need a VPN to find pizza in China? A: You’ll need a VPN to access Google Maps, Instagram, and most Western websites. Download a VPN app before you leave. For finding pizzerias, use Dianping (Chinese Yelp) or Meituan — they work without a VPN and have user reviews and photos.

Q: Will the pizza taste different from what I’m used to? A: Yes and no. At authentic places like Bottega and Da Marco, the pizza is nearly identical to what you’d get in Italy. At chains like Pizza Express, it’s similar to the UK version. At fusion places like Gung Ho!, it’s completely different — and that’s the point.

Q: Is English spoken at pizzerias in China? A: At tourist-friendly spots and chains, yes. At smaller local places, probably not. Download a translation app (Pleco or Google Translate) and learn a few phrases: “pizza” is pronounced the same in Mandarin, and “margherita” is “ma-ge-li-ta.”

Q: What’s the best pizza for a first-time visitor to China? A: Start with Bottega in Beijing or Da Marco in Shanghai for a classic Neapolitan experience. If you’re adventurous, try the Peking duck pizza at Gung Ho! in Beijing. If you’re on a budget, Pizza Express is reliable and cheap.

The Honest Wrap-up

This list is for people who love pizza and don’t want to compromise on quality while traveling in China. It’s not for people who think Pizza Hut is fine — if that’s you, you’ll survive, but you’ll miss out on something special.

My final piece of advice: don’t be afraid of Chinese pizza. The best places are run by people who genuinely care about dough, cheese, and tomatoes. They’re not trying to trick you. They’re trying to feed you something good. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find a place like Bottega, where the owner comes out of the kitchen, wipes his hands on his apron, and asks where you’re from. And you’ll say America. And he’ll nod and say, “Good. You’ll understand pizza.”

Go eat. You’ll be fine.