The best pizza you can eat in the UAE

Blu Pizzeria: A sourdough Neapolitan wood-fired pizza restaurant in Umm Suqeim

This homegrown pizza gem started life as a pop-up in Umm Suqeim Park in 2021. It quickly garnered a lot of attention thanks to its delicious pizzas, which are handcrafted with perfectly cooked sourdough bases in wood-fired ovens. Fast-forward to the end of 2021 and Blu Pizzeria opened its first proper restaurant – this gorgeous spot right on the Umm Suqeim marina.

Water-facing, the restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling glass windows for picture-perfect views even from the inside, and there are a variety of outdoor tables available too. A casual spot, Blu is the perfect place to head with family or friends, and be warned – pizzas are only available until they sell out.

Insider Tip: The folks at Blu recently opened a second location in Al Khawaneej

Marmellata: A father and son led pizzeria in Abu Dhabi

Marmellata is a father and son-led neighbourhood pizzeria in Souq Al Mina. Charming and chintzy, this humble little restaurant first started life as a once-a-week pop-up, created by a New Yorker called Raj and his teenage son Sebastian. Intended as a family project to give his son some work experience, Marmellata quickly became the hottest pizzeria in the capital…

Now a quaint (and permanent) restaurant in Souq Al Mina, Marmaletta is open from Wednesdays through to Sundays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. (or sell out). Serving its coveted pizza and focaccia creations to those in the know, the long dining room offers a dozen or so tables for small-medium groups.

Za Za: A by-the-slice pizza bar in Al Satwa

After making its debut as a pop-up at Sole DXB 2023, Za Za Slice Bar opened its doors here in Jumeirah Garden City in Satwa in late December 2023. A homegrown artisanal pizza brand by one of the same founders behind Rascal's Deli, this pizza place serves delicious, freshly-made pizza by the slice in a sleek, NYC-inspired setting complete with an epic (hip hop) playlist.

Small and cosy, it is the ideal place for a casual weeknight dinner, and it's open for walk-ins daily from 6 p.m. The menu features six tempting pizza creations, which are available by the slice or in 20-inch pies. Plus three types of fries, dips, and (pizza) toppers. There are also three delicious desserts to choose from.

Franky’s JLT: A homegrown rooftop Pizzeria

Opened at the beginning of January 2024, Franky’s Pizzeria is a casual dining rooftop pizza joint by the folks behind The Guild and Byron Bathers (EatX). Located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) this is the perfect place to indulge in delicious, Neapolitan-style pizza, in a casual, fun setting with a licensed bar…

Compact and cosy, Franky's ambiance is casual yet refined, fun, and lively. The space encompasses a striking stripey tiled floor, bright yellow chairs, lots of lush green potted plants, and various seating arrangements for all group sizes – including outside.

There's a fully licensed bar with bar stools, which could be a destination in its own right (cocktails and antipasti anyone?), plus booth-style seating for larger groups. Open daily from 5 p.m. for dinner and drinks, Franky's is a great all-rounder, serving both as a casual weeknight spot and a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

Monno: A homegrown, Italian casual eatery in Jumeirah

Monno opened in the late Spring of 2021 and has been garnering a slew of loyal fans since.

Done in a muted colour palette of black, white, and earthy tones, the interiors are slick and cosy, we loved the Italian playlist, bespoke pizza oven, open kitchen, and potted olive trees. There are a few different table options for small and large groups, including an outdoor area.

Moon Slice Pizza: Local artisan pizza in a sleek setting

Debuting a brand new look and location in February 2024 (just a few doors down from its original home in Dar Wasl Mall), Moon Slice is an Emirati-owned Neapolitan pizza restaurant from the folks behind Origami Sushi and Drop Coffee.

Created to offer an “out of this world pizza experience” with a Naples-style twist, Moon Slice's menu encompasses hearty, Italian-inspired appetisers like arancini balls and truffle mayo (65AED), baby squid in ink batter with spicy aioli (56AED), antipasti dishes including aglioe olio shrimps (78AED), salads, pasta, and the coveted Naples-style pizza that uses a dough with added milk and a 48-hour fermentation period, plus antipasti and a couple of salads.

Antonia: A homegrown pizzeria on Mamsha Al Saadiyat

Looking for incredible pizza in Abu Dhabi? Look no further than Antonia – a homegrown, Italian restaurant with a charming backstory. First opened on Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Antonia can also be found in Al Zeina, at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, and another branch is set to open at the Galleria Mall very soon.

Antonia is the creation of Italian chef Simone Federici – the former head chef at Mare Mare. Named after his beloved grandmother (or “Nonna” in Italian) of the same name (Antonia), the Roman-style square pizza is crafted out of his Nonna's 50-year-old sourdough starter.

A sourdough bar crafting just 40 pizzas a day

If you love soft, sourdough pizza with premium ingredients, handmade with love, Local Foundry is your spot. Housed within a food truck at Alserkal Avenue when the HUNTR last visited, here you will find delicious pizzas and a team baking just 40 of them to perfection every day (when they sell out, they sell out). Run, don't walk…

Pitfire, Various Locations

Founded by husband and wife duo Bill and Michele Johnson, Pitfire is one of the region’s most loved pizza brands, and for good reason… With its perfect crust and flavourful toppings, this homegrown pizza joint first started life in Dubai’s JLT.

Particularly popular for its home delivery pizza service, Pitfire now has six locations and will soon open its first licensed outpost in Dubai Hills.

Pizzeria Funkcoolio: NYC-inspired Italian-Japanese pizza in Motor City

Tucked within the bustling Neighborhood Food Hall in Motor City, Pizzeria Funkcoolio brings a slice of New York's vibrant pizza culture to Dubai with an unexpected Italian-Japanese (Itameshi) twist. The creation of Chef Akmal Anuar, this compact pizza joint delivers bold, chef-driven interpretations alongside traditional favourites. While the space itself is modest—sharing communal seating with other vendors in the food hall—the pizzas command attention with their inventive toppings and authentic approach. Whether grabbing a quick slice on the go or settling in with a whole pie, Pizzeria Funkcoolio offers a refreshing departure from Dubai's often overwrought Italian dining scene.

Forma Dubai: Artisanal pizza hidden inside a library in Jumeirah

At the doorstep of Jumeirah's public library, Forma brings together handcrafted pizzas and specialty coffee in a space inspired by its bookish neighbour. This Belhasa Hospitality venture combines artsy decor with thoughtfully placed books to create an intellectual yet approachable atmosphere. The concise menu impresses with both classic and inventive pizza combinations, including the surprisingly complex meatless Miso Corn option that challenges expectations. Whether you're a bookworm stopping in for a coffee or crossing town specifically for their Six Cheeses pizza, Forma delivers quality without pretension in Jumeirah 3.

Napo Pizzeria Al Qana: Authentic Neapolitan dining with canal views in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's pioneering Neapolitan concept has evolved from its original Al Bateen location into this confident waterfront space at Al Qana. The founders' immersive travels through Naples inform every detail, from proper dough fermentation to the wood-fired cooking that produces pizza with genuine Italian character. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame canal views whilst the open kitchen creates theatre around the famous flaming cheese wheel pasta preparation.

The Diavola pizza showcases their approach: N'duja and spianata with buffalo mozzarella and San Marzano sauce on a thin, crisp base that demonstrates why this venue revolutionised Abu Dhabi's pizza landscape. The space handles everything from solo lunches to group dinners, with service that understands both quick business meals and leisurely weekend gatherings. Pizza orders during peak evening hours require patience, so consider ordering quickly or visit at the earliest dinner seating for a quieter vibe.

Gusto Restaurant & Cafe: Intimate Italian dining in DIFC

This 42-cover Italian hideaway tucked within DIFC's Waldorf Astoria transforms dramatically from morning café to evening destination, but the pizza remains consistently excellent throughout. Chef Paola from Sicily treats the wood-fired oven with proper respect, turning out pizzas that transport you to trattorias worth remembering. The space feels deliberately intimate, with vintage murals and thoughtful design creating an atmosphere that enhances rather than distracts from the food.

What sets Gusto apart is its understanding that great pizza doesn't require theatrics, just quality ingredients, proper technique, and the confidence to let simplicity shine. The restaurant operates across three distinct menus throughout the day, with pizza available from late morning through evening service. Standing espresso at the bronze bar before or after your pizza captures that authentic Italian café culture rarely replicated successfully in Dubai.

KONA Pizza House: Japanese-inspired pizza with Dubai skyline views

Chef Reif Othman brings serious pizza credentials to this 24th-floor food hall concept at One&Only One Za'abeel, where Japanese flavours meet Italian traditions with impressive results. Here Othman crafts pizzas on perfectly charred sourdough bases that balance substance with delicacy.

The Magic Mushrooms pizza impresses with truffle espuma, grated seasonal truffle, and chestnut mushrooms, whilst the aptly named Vampire Away proves that garlic butter cream and melted mozzarella on quality dough needs no further justification. Signature creations demonstrate genuine innovation: the Diavolina with gochujang tomato sauce and marinated wagyu ribs, or the Ama Ebi combining spicy tomato with red yuzu kosho and fresh shrimp. The open kitchen allows counter seating where you can watch meticulous pizza craft unfold against panoramic Dubai skyline views. Walk-in only, no reservations.

Organic Cafe SZR Dubai: Fresh breakfasts and wholesome meals in Al Quoz

Inside an independent organic supermarket in Al Quoz sits this no-frills cafe delivering quality pizza at prices that make regular visits impossible to resist. Tuesday's buy-one-get-one pizza deal attracts savvy diners who appreciate thin-crust options made with organic ingredients sourced from the adjoining shop. The industrial-meets-farmhouse aesthetic of subway tiles, exposed pipes, and rustic wooden tables creates comfortable surroundings where the focus remains firmly on honest food rather than performative presentation.

Whilst the weekend breakfast deal draws morning crowds, the all-day pizza menu provides reliable options for lunch and dinner. Quality toppings on properly cooked bases demonstrate that exceptional pizza doesn't require theatrical flourish or premium postcodes. Free WiFi makes this a practical choice for remote workers seeking proper food between meetings.

FALCONE: Hong Kong-born Neapolitan pizza in Al Barsha

Chef Roberta De Sario learned her craft walking the dough-scented streets of Naples before opening her cult pizza restaurants in Hong Kong. Lucky for us those serious Neapolitan credentials made there way to Dubai here in Al Barsha. At FALCONE, a custom Pavesi brick oven fires pizzas that honour tradition whilst embracing creative freedom, operating at lower temperatures for extended periods to create signature textural contrast – characteristic charred crust with added satisfying crunch. The single-page menu reflects Italian philosophy: when ingredients are exceptional, simplicity shines brightest. Simple Marinara with tomato and oregano sits alongside specialty Italia with basil pesto and Polpette topped with meatballs, whilst the Margherita delivers exactly what this classic should.

Executive Chef Fabio adapts recipes thoughtfully for local preferences, with spicy salami now featuring beef rather than pork, without compromising flavour integrity. The Neapolitan Pizza Fritta lives up to its Hong Kong reputation with extraordinary textural contrast, whilst the open kitchen allows diners to watch skilled hands stretch dough and slide pizzas into precisely calibrated flames.

Otaku Al Qana: Ceremonial matcha, specialty coffee and Japanese fusion food in Abu Dhabi

Whilst specialty coffee and ceremonial matcha take centre stage at this waterfront Abu Dhabi cafe, the truffle cheese pizza deserves recognition beyond its supporting role. Crafted with alfredo truffle sauce, mozzarella, fresh black truffle, and rosemary across four slices of sourdough base, it delivers aromatic comfort that pairs unexpectedly well with Otaku's specialty beverage programme. The minimalist Japanese-influenced design creates serene surroundings where pizza becomes part of a broader culinary experience rather than the sole focus.

The menu spans Japanese-fusion dishes from wagyu teppanyaki to sushi rolls, but the kitchen demonstrates proper attention to sourdough base preparation and quality toppings. Consider it for occasions when your group includes both pizza enthusiasts and those seeking alternative options, all delivered against Al Qana's waterfront views.