Discover the best pizzas around the world
What are the most popular types of pizza around the world? The debate is never-ending. Pizza has a universal appeal that crosses borders and generations. While it was first crafted in its modern form in 18th-century Naples, Italy, there are even records of the ancient Etruscans baking flatbreads topped with cheese and honey long before the Roman Empire. Today, pizza has evolved into countless variations, each offering a different spin on this timeless dish. Yet, only one pizza has earned an official designation of origin. In this food tour of the best pizzas in the world, we’ll dive into its story, share some of the best recipes, and explore a few fun facts about this beloved Italian creation that has truly become a global favorite.
The most popular pizzas around the world
Carbonara Pizza
Some pizzas are so popular they can be enjoyed any time of day, from brunch to dinner. One standout is carbonara pizza, made with guanciale (a type of cured pork similar to bacon but unsmoked), beaten egg yolk, and Pecorino Romano cheese. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper elevates the flavors. Occasionally, Pecorino is swapped for Parmigiano-Reggiano. However, if you ask an Italian, they’ll insist that carbonara pizza should never include cream—though outside of Italy, it’s common to find cream added, along with ingredients like onions or mushrooms.
Margherita Pizza
They say you can judge a pizzeria by its margherita, one of the simplest yet most delicious pizzas. This classic combination of tomato, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil is a near-perfect dish. When done right, its flavors shine in their simplicity. For a top-quality experience, order a margherita pizza at the Portofino restaurant during your stay at Iberostar Selection Anthelia, a five-star resort on the Costa Adeje in Tenerife. You can enjoy live cooking shows where you can watch a margherita being freshly prepared, alongside other delights like homemade pasta and focaccia. It's a perfect way to enjoy the artistry behind this timeless pizza.
Barbecue Pizza
To an Italian, barbecue might be one of the strangest pizza toppings. The idea of adding barbecue sauce to pizza originated in the United States, giving this dish an unconventional twist. Typically, it includes ground beef, sautéed tomatoes, onions, green peppers, oregano, and mozzarella. In some variations, bacon or chicken breast is added. While it may not be traditional, barbecue pizza is increasingly showing up on menus worldwide. Embracing less conventional combinations can open up new ways of experiencing food—and perhaps even life. And with today’s variety of options, there’s something for everyone, including gluten-free crusts for those with dietary restrictions.
Four Cheese Pizza
The classic quattro formaggi pizza traditionally features a blend of mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, and fontina cheeses. It can be made with a tomato base or as a white pizza (bianca) and is often garnished with Mediterranean herbs like oregano or basil, along with a touch of black pepper. This popular pizza is a staple in many pizzerias around the world, including those at Iberostar’s resorts, loved for its rich and indulgent flavor. Wherever you go, especially in places known for great Italian cuisine, you can find delicious versions of this cheesy favorite, often made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and baked to perfection in wood-fired ovens.
Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian pizza is one of the most divisive pizzas out there, sparking strong opinions from both fans and critics alike. Its controversial ingredient, pineapple, tends to stir emotions, much like any beloved or polarizing food. Interestingly, Hawaiian pizza isn’t Italian at all (in fact, ordering it in Italy might get you some puzzled looks). Its origins trace back to Germany, where chef Clemens Wilmenrod created "Hawaii toast"—a dish featuring a slice of bread topped with rings of this tropical fruit, ham, and melted cheese. Over time, this creation evolved into the pizza we know today.
Different types of pizza around the world
Neapolitan pizza
The iconic Neapolitan pizza is often considered one of the best pizzas in the world, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and protected by the European Union with a designated origin status. One place keeping the tradition alive is Una Pizza Napoletana in New York, run by chef Anthony Mangieri, which was named "Best Pizzeria in the World 2024". According to experts, the secret lies in the dough—soft, light, and perfectly crispy around the edges. Want to enjoy top-quality pizza in a stunning island setting? Treat yourself to a stay at Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace, where you can savor a perfect blend of international and local cuisine while relaxing by the beach.
Chicago-style pizza
With a thick, deep, and crispy crust as its base, Chicago-style pizza isn’t topped—it’s filled. It can be made with ground beef and vegetables or just packed with melted cheese and a creamy tomato sauce, which, in this case, isn’t just on top but is also layered inside. This unique pizza, created in the early 20th century by the Italian-American community in the U.S., is one of the most unusual pizzas in the world. It’s proof that when cultures meet, they create some astounding combinations.
Mexican pizza
Another unique type of pizza found around the world is the Mexican pizza, which is thought to have originated in Tijuana. Mexico’s culinary diversity goes far beyond traditional dishes like mole or tacos al pastor, branching out into creative options like pizza. Picture the explosion of flavors on a pizza crust topped with beans, shredded chicken or beef, corn, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, and cheddar cheese. At Iberostar Waves Tucán, a five-star resort in the heart of the Riviera Maya, you can dive into this rich culinary variety. Whether you're dining at the Mexican restaurant Uxmal, the Italian spot La Góndola, or the international buffet, there are endless ways to have fun with food.
Turkish Lahmacun
Literally meaning "meat with dough," lahmacun is a thin, oval-shaped flatbread also known as Turkish pizza. It’s topped with a mix of tomato, ground meat, onion, garlic, carrot, pepper, and spices like parsley and cumin, then baked until crispy but tender. Served with lemon wedges and fresh sumac (a Middle Eastern herb), it’s typically eaten by hand, rolled up like a wrap. Cheese is usually not included, and sometimes vegan versions are made using only vegetables.
Argentinian Pizza
Argentinian pizza holds a special place among the best in the world. It differs from Neapolitan pizza with its thicker crust and the generous amount of mozzarella cheese covering the entire surface. Traditionally served with Moscato wine and fainá (a chickpea flour flatbread), some popular varieties in Argentina include ham and roasted bell pepper, the "calabresa" with Argentinian sausage, or the "de cancha," which is similar to a marinara pizza with tomato, garlic, and olives but no cheese. The Italian pizza culture and local influences are just part of the universal appeal of this dish that brings people together across borders.
