A pizzeria from Surat, Gujarat has earned a place in one of the world’s most respected pizza rankings. Cucina Marinara, led by pizzaiolo Chef Harmeet, secured the 47th position on the list The 50 Best Pizzas in Asia Pacific 2026 list indicating primacy for the state.
The ranking was announced at an awards ceremony in Tokyo on March 9, where 50 Top Pizza, widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential pizza guides, unveiled its annual list of the best pizzerias in the Asia-Pacific region.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy because Cucina Marinara has earned recognition within just five months of opening. Sharing the news on Instagram, the restaurant wrote that the ranking makes it “the first pizzeria from Gujarat to appear on this prestigious list”.
Chef Harmeet on the idea of Marinara
For Chef Harmeet, the restaurant started with a simple goal – to bring authentic Italian flavors to a market dominated by global chains.
“When we opened Marinara, the market was dominated by multinational brands like Domino’s, Pizza Hut and others,” he said in a recent Instagram video.
“I wanted to focus on a small group of people who really appreciate the authentic taste of Italy. The goal was to create a place where people could experience the true flavors of Italian cuisine.”
Looking back on the early days, he says persistence was key.
“If I could go back to day one, I’d say – keep going. It’s going to be a bumpy ride, but people will enjoy your work.”
The pizza that defines the restaurant
When asked which dish best represents the pizzeria, Chef Harmeet has a straightforward answer: Marinara.
His personal order, however, is a little different – marinara topped with burrata and chili oil, which he calls “the best combination.”
Experimentation was also part of the journey. One dish that didn’t work at first but was later perfected was the Love Triangle.
There is also one detail that customers would like to pay more attention to: enjoying pizza the traditional way.
“One thing customers don’t notice but I’m very interested in is cut your own pizza,” he said.
Another Indian pizzeria on the list
India had two more entries on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026 list. da Susy in Gurugram took the 11th spot, while Leo’s Pizzeria in Delhi secured the 41st spot.
Chef Susanna Di Cosimo from da Susa also won a special Pizza Maker of the Year 2025 award.
Topping the Asia-Pacific rankings this year was Napoli Sta Ca’s RistoPizza in Tokyo, followed by The Pizza Bar in 38th place, also in Tokyo.
