If you want to start a controversial conversation amongst expats in Shanghai, just ask them what restaurant has the best pizza. Thin or thick crust, sweet or savory tomato sauce, wood-fired grill or old-fashioned oven: the options are seemingly endless. And everyone has a favourite. Luckily, Shanghai is one of those magical places where there is literally something for everyone. Below are the best pizza places in the city when considering freshness, price, and that indescribable satisfaction one gets from digging in to a cheesy slice.

Let's start out with the best, shall we? Pizza Marzano, a British import originally called Pizza Express, is all about the toppings. A perfectly cooked crispy thin crust is piled high with quality ingredients. Stick with the classic pepperoni and sausage, both thickly cut and seasoned with Italian herbs, or try something different, like their artichoke hearts and goat cheese. Either way, you've never tasted pizza like this in Shanghai. The only downside is the price (expect to pay between 75 RMB and 125 RMB depending on your toppings and size) and how quickly the pizza seems to disappear!

Pizza Marzano (branch) View In Map
Add: Xintiandi South Block, Lane 123 Xingye Lu, near Madang Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市新天地南里, 兴业路123弄，近马当路
Tel: 021 5383 3999
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 11.30- 23:00; Sat-Sun, 11:00-23:00

For a bit of true Shanghai flavor with your pizza, you can't beat Cucina, the buttoned-down Italian restaurant on the 56th floor of Jin Mao Tower. As you would expect, the conglomerate of restaurants on that floor is quite expensive, but Cucina is by far the most reasonable of the bunch, especially when you stick to their pizzas and calzones. Prices are similar to Pizza Marzano, but keep in mind that the sizes are much smaller - consider them generously portioned individual pizzas. And of course, the view is out of this world. If you're going with a group of seven or eight people, try to request table number eight – it's the one wedged in the corner between two glass windows, making you feel like you're enjoying your pizza while floating on air.

CucinaView In Map
Add: 56/F, Jin Mao Tower, 88 Century Avenue, near Dongtai Lu
地址：上海市世纪大道88号 金茂大厦56楼, 近东泰路
Tel: 021 5049 1234
Open: Daily, 11.30-14.30, 17.30-22.30

If heights isn't your thing, try one of Pasta Fresca de Salvatore's four locations around the city. My favorite is the one on Hengshan Lu, where they do a great job of making you feel as though you just walked into a quaint Italian bistro (not an easy feat on this expat bar street!). Their pizza is capable of becoming a personal sized one, but I suggest you go for the large, mix and match, and let everyone try something new. Keep in mind that you pretty much have to be a fan of the thin crust, as their cracker thin crusts are virtually non-existent. All the better to taste the generous toppings!

Pasta Fresca de Salvatore (branch)View In Map
Add: 4 Hengshan Lu, near Dongping Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市衡山路4号, 近东平路
Tel: 021 6473 0772

For those who are looking for a thicker, chewier crust than what I've included on my list, never underestimate the power of New York Style Pizza. Now, I know this isn't exactly what you'd call “sophisticated” pizza – you won't find fancy brie or truffle oil anywhere on the menu. But for the taste and price, New York Style Pizza offers plenty of gooey cheese, meaty toppings, and gigantic slices that would make a true New Yorker proud and satisfy anyone's pizza craving. Although they are located throughout the city, their Taikang Lu location seems to have the best tasting pies. Maybe it's the al fresco seating option or the general artsy atmosphere, but it's an enjoyable and cheap (you can order by the slice!) way to enjoy a slice.

New York Style Pizza(branch) View In Map
Add: Lane 248 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市泰康路248弄，近思南路
Tel: 021 5466 0969
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00-22:00

Bricco Cafe bills itself as an all around Italian joint, but I highly recommend skipping the pasta and going straight for the pizza. Some of the most reasonably priced pizzas you can get in the city, you can get most for between 55 RMB and 70 RMB. Their toppings are plentiful and hearty, like on my personal favorite, which comes with chicken, olives, salami, and loads of mozzarella. The salami is flavored as it should be, with just a bit of spice, while the chicken has always avoided that tragic chicken-topped-pizza fate of being dried out and flavorless. Their crust is thin but not overly so, giving you an excellent bread vs. topping ratio.

Bricco Cafe (branch) View In Map
Add: 158 Chengdu Nan Lu, near Huaihai Zhong Lu
地址：上海市成都南路158号近淮海中路
Tel: 021 6387 9188
Opening hours: Daily, 08:00-00:00 

Warning：The use of any news and articles published on eChinacities.com without written permission from eChinacities.com constitutes copyright infringement, and legal action can be taken.

Keywords: pizza restaurants Shanghai Best pizza Shanghai