Top 8 Best Pizzas of 2025
- Hawaiian Pizza (Pineapple and Ham) – The best pizza according to the 2025 INSEE survey
- Margherita – Classic simplicity with fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomato sauce
- Quattro Stagioni – Divided into four sections with various toppings representing each season
- Capricciosa – Ham, artichokes, olives, and mushrooms in a rich tomato base
- Barbecue Chicken – Smoky barbecue sauce with grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro
- Prosciutto e Rucola – Thin slices of prosciutto topped with fresh arugula and parmesan
- Four Cheese – A decadent blend of mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, and ricotta
- Vegetarian Deluxe – An array of roasted vegetables, spinach, and feta cheese
In the vast universe of pizza varieties, one contentious creation stands out as both loved and loathed worldwide – the pineapple pizza. This controversial topping has sparked debates, divided families, and even prompted diplomatic comments from world leaders. Yet beneath all the controversy lies what many consider to be the pinnacle of pizza perfection: a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury that challenges traditional notions of what belongs on a pizza. Let’s delve into why this tropical twist might indeed be the best pizza in the world.
The undeniable reign of pineapple pizza
The journey of the Hawaiian_pizza began not in Italy or Hawaii as many might assume, but in the unlikely location of Canada. In 1962, Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos created this revolutionary combination at his Satellite Restaurant in Chatham-Kent, Ontario. Inspired by Chinese cuisine’s successful marriage of sweet and sour flavours, Panopoulos decided to experiment with canned pineapple on pizza, adding ham to complete what would become an iconic pairing. The name ‘Hawaiian’ actually derived from the brand of tinned pineapple used rather than any connection to the Pacific islands.
A sweet and savoury symphony
What makes the pineapple pizza truly exceptional is its perfect balance of contrasting flavours. The sweet, juicy bursts of pineapple create a delightful counterpoint to the salty, umami notes of ham or bacon. This interplay of flavours creates a complexity that many other pizza varieties simply cannot match. The tomato sauce provides a tangy foundation, while the melted mozzarella brings everything together in a creamy embrace. Each bite offers a different sensation, making the eating experience far more interesting than more one-dimensional pizza options.
Why traditionalists are missing out
Pizza purists who dismiss pineapple as an inappropriate topping are truly missing out on a culinary adventure. Their rigid adherence to tradition blinds them to the evolution of food. Even renowned pizza chef Franco Pepe has embraced pineapple, creating a gourmet version with fresh pineapple served cold and wrapped in prosciutto. Despite the controversy, the popularity of Hawaiian pizza speaks volumes about its appeal. In 1999, it claimed the title of most popular pizza in Australia, accounting for 15% of sales. By 2015, it had become the most common pizza at takeaways across the United Kingdom. When Iceland’s president jokingly suggested banning pineapple on pizza in 2017, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came to its defence, proudly stating his appreciation for this Canadian invention.
The perfect tropical topping
The versatility of pineapple as a pizza topping extends beyond the classic Hawaiian combination. Creative chefs worldwide have incorporated this tropical fruit into numerous innovative recipes. Take Lupita in Lisbon, featured in Time Out’s ‘The 19 best pizzas in the world’ list for 2025. Their pineapple pizza masterpiece combines pineapple with mozzarella, Viso cheese, bacon, pickled red onion, and coriander. This sophisticated approach demonstrates that pineapple on pizza can transcend its humble origins to become a gourmet delicacy.
Juicy brilliance meets melted cheese
The textural contrast that pineapple brings to pizza cannot be overstated. While the crust provides a firm base and the cheese offers creaminess, pineapple adds a juicy element that transforms each bite. When baked, the pineapple caramelises slightly, intensifying its natural sweetness and creating delicious charred edges. This caramelisation process enhances the overall flavour profile of the pizza, creating a more complex taste experience. The slight acidity of pineapple also helps cut through the richness of cheese and meat toppings, cleansing the palate between bites and preventing flavour fatigue.
Health benefits hidden in every slice
Beyond its flavour contributions, pineapple brings unexpected health benefits to what is often considered an indulgent food. Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that can aid digestion. They’re also rich in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. While no one would claim pizza is a health food, the addition of pineapple certainly adds nutritional value that pepperoni or extra cheese cannot provide. For those seeking to enjoy their pizza with a slightly lighter conscience, pineapple offers a topping that brings both flavour and modest health benefits to the table.
Despite a 2017 YouGov poll showing that only 53% of people who like pineapple actually enjoy it on pizza, with 29% actively hating the combination, the Hawaiian pizza has demonstrated remarkable staying power. Its controversial nature seems only to have cemented its place in pizza history. Whether you’re preparing one in your home pizza oven or ordering from your favourite pizza restaurant, the pineapple pizza represents culinary fusion at its most divisive and delicious. The debate may continue, but for those who appreciate this sweet and savoury masterpiece, there’s simply no better pizza in the world.
