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Every year, Italian judging panel 50 Top Pizza decides which slices of 'za from around the world are the best in the business (talk about a dream job). The 2023 results for the greatest pizzas in the Asia-Pacific region have just dropped, and we're stoked to see a handful of our local dough slingers make the list.
Coming in at fourth, we have Elsternwick-based 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar (also voted best in Australia). As 2021's numero uno in Oceania, it's definitely fallen down a few slots globally, but this local Italian joint (it also has an outlet in South Yarra) is clearly still impressing the most discerning of pizza judges. Back in 2019, it was also recognised as having the best pizza in Australia at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy.
The judges of 50 Top Pizza have praised 48h's balance in combining both tradition and creativity, as well as chef and co-owner Michele Chirchirillo's focus on quality dough baked into a soft but crunchy base. It's described as a faithful indication of a "true Neapolitan-style pizza," but whether you've been to Italy or not you'll taste from the first bite that it's worth the buzz. Go for the pizza, but get a side of the bar's famous gnocchi too, which also gets a well-deserved mention.
Other pizzerias in Melbourne that made the top 50 list in Asia-Pacific this year include +39 Pizzeria, Shop225 and Il Caminetto. It's safe to say we're spoiled for choice, and we couldn't be happier.