There’s something so charmingly Italian about Motorino. Whether you’re watching the world go by on the SoHo escalators, or are tucked away in its Wan Chai location; there is a warmth and a homeliness to this establishment that feels truly authentic. It also serves some of the absolute, hands-down best pizza in the city! Literally anything on the menu is delicious (we even rate the salads), but if you’re looking for something savoury and substantial, we love the Bresaola ($198) with arugula, fior di latte, pecorino and extra virgin olive oil.

If you’re a cheese lover, then don’t miss the Quattro Formaggi ($178), with gorgonzola, provolone, fior di latte, pecorino, parsley and chilli oil. Motorino is fab for any occasion, from date night to girls nights and perfect for crowds and families. With a sauce that must have been passed down through generations (it’s that good!), a thin yet robust crust, and a vast selection of toppings to choose from, Motorino is no doubt a top pick. Everything the restaurant sources is of the best and most genuine quality, and the service is always spot on.

Motorino, 14 Shelley Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2801 6881

Motorino, 15 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2520 0690, www.motorinohongkong.com

There’s a very rock ‘n’ roll feel to this New York-inspired Kennedy Town joint, with NYC iconography perfectly complimenting the giant red pizza oven – which is very lovingly referred to as the “Big Red B*tch”. It’s dimly lit, but still feels family friendly (maybe because of all the tiny toy dinosaurs lining the walls), plus it serves a mean pizza.

Alvy’s has a great selection of starters on the menu, and the pizza options range from the tried-and-tested, to something a little different. The Fort Greene ($158), features basil pesto, shaved asparagus, sautéed mushrooms and bocconcini, while the unmissable Bak Gwei ($128) is laden with gruyere béchamel, char siu, mozzarella, and geung yeong. Or for a classic take, diners can opt for A La Vodka ($128), topped with a subtly sweet tomato vodka sauce, bocconcini mozzarella and pecorino

Alvy’s is a classic American-esque pizza place with a twist – everything is fresh, of great quality and packed with rich flavours, and with a huge selection of local and international craft beers on offer, it’s the perfect weekend spot. Do yourself a favour and check it out if it’s not already on your rotation.

Sassy Tip: Alvy’s has recently started offering a vegan-friendly pizza made with entirely plant-based ingredients, so there’s no need to miss out on this comfort food favourite.

Alvy’s, 8 Holland Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2312 2996, www.facebook.com/AlvysHK

Swap the big city hustle for the chilled-out scenes of Repulse Bay at Amalfitana Artisan Pizza. The thin crust pizzas here have the stamp of approval from a few people who really know their pizza: Italians. The crisp thin base, freshly-made sauce and quality toppings make this seaside spot an absolute must for pizza lovers in the city. Drawing inspiration from the Italian coastline and headed by an Italian-born chef, Amalfitana is steeped in traditional methods and ingredients, but has developed a menu to tantalise the modern palette (and those craving something a little more creative and unique in their food consumption).

With about 20 pizzas on offer, including ever-changing specials, there really is something for everyone. We love the signature Amalfitana ($250, with mozzarella, buffala mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, porcini mushroom, parma ham and rocket), along with the Napoli ($180, with mozzarella, anchovies, capers, black olives and oregano). The restaurant also serves a Calzone (folded pizza) and a pizza inspired by Carbonara ($180), served with mozzarella, pork cheek, pecorino, parmesan and egg.

Sassy Tip: Looking for something sweet? Don’t miss the Nutella Pizza ($90), topped with Nutella, strawberry and banana.

Amalfitana, Shop 105, G/F, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, 2388 7877, www.amalfitana.hk

Read more: The Best Beachside Restaurants And Bars In Hong Kong

Emmer Pizzeria & Café may be one of the new kids on the block, but this Pacific Place pizzeria is already making waves for its signature pies and fantastic prices. Brought to us by the team behind Beef & Liberty, Emmer takes its name from an ancient, organic heritage grain which is used in all its doughs and bread panini. Freshly baked in the restaurant’s impressive rotating steel pizza oven, the result is a fantastically light pizza base – the perfect blend of chewy and crispy, with just the right amount of crunch from the crust.

Toppings-wise, Emmer tends towards classic combos. Favourites include the Parma ($168, with prosciutto di parma, rocket and D.O.P. mozzarella), and the Diavola ($148, featuring salami, basil and red chilli). Paired with one of the restaurant’s great value wine options, it’s the perfect recipe for pizza success.

Sassy Tip: Looking to indulge an early morning pizza craving? Emmer has a breakfast menu featuring a selection of Emmer Bread Panini made from the same light and crispy pizza dough!

Emmer Pizzeria & Café, Shop 407, 4/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 2780 1110, [email protected], www.emmerpizza.com

208 is one of those places that ticks so many boxes – it’s the perfect date place, an awesome spot for after-work drinks, it serves a fabulous weekend brunch, and even offers a bang-for-your-buck lunch set. But it’s the certified Napoletana pizzas that steal the show. Fired up in an oven shipped from Naples, the pizzas here are definitely worth a try.

The signature Prosciutto e Rucola ($218, with mozzarella, cherry tomato, rocket, parma ham and scamorza) is an easy winner. For the slightly more adventurous pizza lovers, there are a few that stand out: the Calabrese ($208, with a tomato base, mozzarella, scamorza, eggplant, salami, ‘nduja, basil), the Tuscan ($208, with mozzarella, goat’s cheese, semi-dried tomato, crispy bacon and garlic) and, for those who love a little seafood on their pie, the Gamberi ($208, with a tomato base, mozzarella, prawn, chilli, riesling and salsa verde). There is no doubt that the pizzas at 208 are top quality, and with a drinks menu, décor and atmosphere to match, it’s certainly a top pick from us!

208 Duecento Otto, 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2549 0208, www.208.com.hk

The Pizza Project opened in January 2020 and is the latest concept from city-favourites, Pirata Group. Renowned for the success of pasta bar Pici, the group has high hopes to recreate the laid-back, casual ambience and high-quality yet comforting fare of its sister restaurant. Boasting a one-page menu that is easy to digest, The Pizza Project serves handmade pizzas that are fluffy on the inside while remaining crispy on the outside. Kick off your feast with a range of antipasti, before moving onto “Le Pizze”, which includes the classic Margherita ($70), along with creative renditions like the Carbonara ($120) topped with pancetta, quail eggs, tomato sauce and fior di latte, and The Rustica ($95), with pancetta, baked potato and rosemary.

The Pizza Project, G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.thepizzaproject.hk

Read more: The Pizza Project: A 70’s-Style Pizzeria From The Guys That Brought Us Pici

Opening its doors at the end of 2019, this Happy Valley pizza shop is well worth a visit. The small space is best suited to takeaway, with only a few outdoor seats available, but the sourdough pizzas make up for what the space lacks in size. Not only are the hand-rolled pizzas made using premium ingredients, but the prices are super affordable with all pizzas ranging between $88 and $128. For a simple slice, opt for The Classic (with tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil), or go a little fancy with The Sophisticated (featuring tomato, mozzarella, goat’s cheese, caramelised onions, pickled peppers and sweet peppers). Dough Bros is not only drawing in the crowds for its perfect pizza, but also its selection of local and international craft beers. Add to that its artisan doughnuts and you’re onto a real winner.

Dough Bros, Shop 5, G, 38-42 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/doughbroshk

FINI’S can be found in Wan Chai and SoHo, with both locations serving up a mean pizza. Originally housing Linguini Fini and Stone Nullah Tavern, the restaurant rebranded as FINI’s in 2019, but kept Linguini Fini’s classic New York-style pizzas on the menu. Cooked up in a custom-built copper wood-fired oven, the pizzas here are topped with everything from the classic mozzeralla, red sauce and oregano, to fried eggplant, sausage and pepperoni. Be warned, its signature 18-inch pizzas are best for sharing!

Sassy Tip: On Saturday, Sundays and public holidays you can add on two-hours of free-flow Prosecco or Asahi beer for just $99 with the order of any a la carte item at FINI’s Wan Chai branch. Pizza and prosecco? Sounds like a perfect weekend to us.

FINI’s, 69 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

FINI’s, 49 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/finis.hongkong

If you’re someone who places pizza, beer and cool spaces together, then you’re going to love neon-lit, rock n roll poster-lined Homeslice in Sai Ying Pun. Opened in early 2019, Homeslice serves up artisanal pizzas and delicious food, along with a range of milkshakes. It’s a trendy space (those bright pink pizza boxes are super Instagrammable) and the pizzas are big and tasty. We recommend the Spicy Sausage ($180, with spicy sausage, fermented chilli sauce and crème fraiche), or the sweet and savoury Gorgonzola ($165, with gorgonzola, walnut, pear and honey). Be sure to finish your meal off with one of its delectable shakes. We love The Salty Dog ($80) with salted caramel and peanut butter.

Homeslice, Shop 3, 321 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.homeslice.com.hk

Say what you will, but we think that there’s a time and a place for a Paisano’s pizza. Whether that’s at 3am or later on the next day, these giant, cheese-laden pizzas are sure to hit the spot. From the Bacon Cheeseburger to the classic Pepperoni, Paisano’s is the place you go to when you just need a huge slice of cheesy goodness. Or a giant 24” monster pizza. Same thing on a hangover, no? It’s simple, it’s easy and it gets the job done. Plus, it’s tasty, filling and super affordable.

Paisano’s, multiple locations across Hong Kong, www.paisanos.com.hk

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2018 by Nina Brooklyn Brown and was most recently updated on 7, February 2020 by Team Sassy.