Is there really any dish that can parallel the universality and versatility of pizza? With it’s amazing doughy crusts, gooey delicious cheese, and variety of possible toppings, there’s no surprise that it is the choice comfort food of many.
And with chains like Smoking Joe’s, Dominos and Pizza Hut plying us with high-calorie (and admittedly tasty) pies at good prices, the dish is more accessible than ever. But in the midst of this delivery food craze, has India disconnected itself from the beauty of authentic and artisanal pizza?
We say, no - the trade gourmet pizzas alive and kicking in India, and on World Pizza Day, we rounded up eight of Mumbai’s best artisanal places to gorge on this classic dish.
Pizza By The Bay
One of Mumbai’s most iconic eateries, it would be blasphemous to leave Pizza By The Bay off this list. Started in 1969, this establishment has gone through many changes - from being an up-and-coming Mumbai pub as Talk of The Town, to its legendary days as the city’s coolest live music destination as Jazz By The Bay (and later, Not Just Jazz By The Bay). In its latest iteration, Pizza By The Bay is home to some of Mumbai’s most legendary and unique gourmet pizzas, and one of the best views of the Arabian sea. With their amazing doughy crusts, dripping cheeses, and fresh toppings, there really is no way to be disappointed at Pizza By The Bay.
HG Recommends: The Pollo Arrabiata and Quattro Formaggi are classics.
Check out the place here.
Gustoso
Initially named Pizza Metro Pizza, Gustoso started out as a small, standalone pizzeria in Kemps Corner, but has since rebranded and expanded, with a new look and a second restaurant in Khar. Priding itself on its authenticity, Gustoso’s menu is inspired by the cuisine of Naples, and their menu is designed by award-winning pizza chef Giulio Andriani. Andriani’s hope with Gustoso has been to introduce genuine Italian flavours and techniques to the world of Mumbai’s pizzas, and the dishes at Gustoso are a true testament to his success.
HG Recommends: The Pesto E Pollo and classic Margherita will give you a taste for genuine neapolitan pizza.
Check out the place here.
Ray's Café & Pizzeria
This adorable little spot feels like an authentic New York pavement cafe in the middle of busy Bandra. Tucked away in a corner of the city, there’s no denying the amazing ambience of this quiet, gorgeous spot. Pair that with their delicious, New York style pizzas and a side of delicious garlic bread, and you have one of the best pizza experiences in Mumbai. Started in 2010 by Hemant and Rashmi Mehta, this eatery’s menu of artisanal pizzas is at once homely and gourmet, and features a great range of home-baked desserts for after the pizza is over.
HG Recommends: The African Peri Peri Chicken and Mumbai Masala are among some of the pizzeria’s most unique pies.
Check out the place here.
Mag St. Toppings
Mag St. Toppings, an extension of Mag St. restaurant by Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf, offers a variety of thin, thick, and sourdough crust pizzas delivered throughout Mumbai from the kitchens of Mag St. Cafe in Colaba and Mag St. Cafe in Lower Parel. With a vibrant "Think Pink! Think Pizza!" mantra, you can select from 12 vegetarian and 10 non-vegetarian pizza options, customize their toppings, or go for a half-and-half style.
HG Recommends: The Tex Mex Chipotle Pizza will turn your pizza night into a flavor rodeo. Try the Chargrilled Vegetables Pizza for a veggie bash.
Check out the place here.
CinCin
CinCin, situated in the prime area of Bandra Kurla Complex in Bandra East, Mumbai, is a renowned Italian restaurant offering delectable hand-rolled pastas, Napoli-style pizzas, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian-inspired cocktails. The vibrant vintage decor and skillful bartenders contribute to a distinctive and enjoyable casual dining experience at CinCin. The restaurant is celebrated for its high-quality Italian and European dishes crafted from fresh ingredients.
HG Recommends: Try the mushroom truffle pizza & the fiery Diavola pizza for the Napoli experience.
Check out the place here.
Cecconi's
Cecconi's, situated on the ground floor of the sophisticated Soho House Hotel in Mumbai, is an inclusive Italian restaurant with breathtaking views of Juhu beach. The European-style wooden interiors provide a charming vintage ambiance, complemented by a gentle sea breeze. Their wood-fired pizzas boast an ideal crust, adorned with flavorful marinara and generous portions of buffalo mozzarella. For non-vegetarians, adding pancetta to your pizza is highly recommended for a delightful culinary experience.
HG Recommends: Their black truffle, mushroom and ricotta is the most indulgent pizza you could ever find.
Check out the place here.
Baking Bad
Another delivery-only pizza joint, Baking Bad first opened in Delhi as India’s (and maybe the world’s) first Breaking Bad-themed pizza restaurant. All the names of this eatery’s dishes are Breaking Bad puns and references. The pizzeria is known for the amazing wafer-thin crusts on its pies, and the pizzas are all inspired by Neapolitan cuisine. Started by siblings Saniya and Sahib Puniani, and their fellow Breaking Bad fan and close friend Arjun Jaiswal, Baking Bad’s pizzas are wonderful, delicious, and extremely filling, with their large pizzas clocking in at an impressive 17.5 inches.
HG Recommends: The Piggy Bank and Skinny Pete will have you daydreaming about pizza for days after.
Check out the place here.
14° 41° Pizzeria
Though last on this list, 1441 Pizzeria is far from least. At this unique pizzeria, rather than picking from a set menu, you can craft your own, one of a kind pizza. After choosing a classic or gourmet base, you get to pick your own sauce, cheeses, and toppings, to create your ideal pie. The pizzas are then baked in a wood-fired pizza oven, in classic Italian fashion. The chefs at this pizzeria have been trained by Italian pizza masterchef Renato Viola, making each possible pizza combination at once unique and authentic. And 1441 Pizzeria offers an amazing Nutella dessert pizza to bring a sweet ending to a hearty meal.
HG Recommends: Though it offers non-vegetarian toppings, 1441 Pizzeria is more well-known for its vegetarian options.
Check out the place here.
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