By Beth Rush
If pizza is your favourite food, why stop at just your local slice? Whether you love a classic Margherita or want to try something completely out of your comfort zone, culinary food tours will introduce you to some of the best slices across the globe.
From the birthplace of pizza to cities known for reinventing the dish, these international pizza tour spots belong on your food bucket list.
1. Naples, Italy
You can’t talk about pizza without starting in Naples. This is where Margherita pizza was born, and it’s the gold standard for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. Made with just a few simple, high-quality ingredients—San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil—Neapolitan pizza is a true masterpiece.
For a classic experience, visit L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele — a century-old institution known for its minimalist approach, as they only serve Margherita and Marinara pizzas. It’s also the spot where Julia Roberts savoured a slice in Eat Pray Love. Sorbillo is another must-visit, offering wood-fired perfection in a lively setting.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentinians have their own take on pizza, and it’s a game-changer. Buenos Aires-style pizza is thick, loaded with mozzarella and often accompanied by faina—a chickpea pancake you place on top of your pizza slice.
Head to Guerrin, an iconic pizzeria where you can try the local favourite fugazzeta—a stuffed pizza with caramelized onions and an almost absurd amount of cheese. Another great food tours stop is El Cuartito, where football memorabilia covers the walls, and the slices are a gooey, cheesy delight.
3. Sao Paulo, Brazil
Unlike in Naples, Brazilian pizzas come with generous toppings, often paired with creamy Catupiry cheese. Visit Braz Pizzaria—a beloved institution serving perfectly balanced wood-fired pies.
For something a little different, check out Carlos Pizza, which offers creative toppings like fresh corn and hearts of palm. Don’t be surprised if your pizza comes with a knife and fork—Paulistas rarely eat pizza with their hands.
4. New York City, USA
New York-style pizza is an entirely different experience—thin, foldable, and designed for eating on the go. It rose to popularity in the early 18th century and is a variation of the traditional Neopolitan-style pie. The high-gluten dough creates a crispy yet chewy crust, while a generous layer of tomato sauce and mozzarella completes the classic.
Stop by Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village for a quintessential NY slice. For a more old-school experience, check out Lombardi’s—America’s first pizzeria—which has served coal-fired pies since 1905. If you’re willing to wait, Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn is legendary, with its handcrafted pies made by the late Dom DeMarco himself.
5. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo deserves a top spot on any culinary food tours list. Its food scene is all about perfection, and pizza is no exception. Japanese pizzaiolos have mastered the art of Neapolitan-style pizza while adding their own creative spin.
For an authentic experience, visit Savoy—a tiny but legendary spot serving only Margherita and Marinara, executed to perfection. If you feel adventurous, head to Pizza Studio Tamaki, where Italian techniques meet Japanese precision. Expect fresh, local ingredients on a mind-blowing crust.
6. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has a vibrant pizza scene thanks to its large Italian community. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Neapolitan pizza or a modern twist, this city has it all in terms of food tours.
Visit 400 Gradi, where master pizzaiolo Johnny Di Francesco serves award-winning Neapolitan-style pizza. For a more laid-back vibe, DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar offers high-quality Italian ingredients in a stylish setting.
7. Istanbul, Turkey
While it’s not exactly pizza, lahmacun deserves a spot on this list. This thin, crispy flatbread is topped with spiced minced meat, onions, and parsley, then rolled up and eaten with fresh lemon juice.
For the best lahmacun in Istanbul, visit Halil Lahmacun—a tiny but famous spot near the Bosphorus. If you want something heartier, try a pide, which is a boat-shaped Turkish flatbread loaded with cheese and meats.
8. Rome, Italy
Rome often does pizza a little differently. While you do find round, wood-fired pies, you’ll also find pizza al taglio—rectangular slices sold by weight and topped with everything from classic tomato sauce to figs and potatoes.
One of the best places to experience this Roman specialty is Pizzarium by Gabriele Bonci, where the toppings are seasonal, inventive, and always delicious.
9. Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s international food tours scene is booming, and pizza is a huge part of it. Here, you’ll find everything from authentic Neapolitan pies to creative Turkish-German hybrids.
For a classic experience, visit Zola, where they bake pizzas in a scorching wood-fired oven. If you’re in the mood for something different, try Konak Grill, where you can get a Turkish pide stuffed with cheese, spinach, or spicy meats.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa has embraced pizza with a twist, blending Italian traditions with bold local flavours. While you can easily find classic Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, what really sets South African pizza apart is its creative toppings.
Col’Cacchio is a gourmet pizza chain that elevates the dish with inventive toppings like sweet peppadews, pineapple, Italian sausage, and peri-peri chicken. The bold ingredients create a fusion of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavours. Bacon, avocado, and feta is another popular combination in the country.
The Ultimate Culinary Food Tours for Pizza Lovers
Whether you’re exploring the birthplace of pizza in Naples or tasting a unique local twist in Tokyo, these culinary food tour spots offer unforgettable experiences for any food lover. If you’re serious about pizza, international pizza tours will take your taste buds on an adventure.