Best Pizza Places in El Nido Palawan

# Best Pizza Places in El Nido Palawan When you’re exploring the stunning limestone cliffs and pristine beaches of El Nido, sometimes you just need a comforting slice of pizza to recharge after a day of island hopping. While El Nido is primarily known for its Filipino cuisine and fresh seafood, the town has developed a surprising variety of pizza options that cater to international visitors. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita or a creative local twist with tropical toppings, these pizza places deliver satisfying results that will keep you coming back for more. ## Altrove: The Italian Corner Located in the heart of El Nido town, Altrove has become a go-to spot for pizza lovers seeking authentic Italian flavors. This casual restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizzas made with imported Italian ingredients that travel across the ocean to reach this remote paradise. The dough is fermented for 48 hours, creating that perfect balance of chewy crust and crispy edges that pizza enthusiasts crave. Their Margherita pizza, featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella di bufala, and fragrant basil, remains a customer favorite that never disappoints. For those wanting to explore local flavors, try the El Nido pizza topped with local seafood including shrimp, squid, and Manila clams—the combination of Italian technique with Filipino ingredients creates something uniquely delicious. Prices range from 400 to 700 PHP per pizza, making it a reasonable splurge after days of budget street food. ## Marco’s Pizza Marco’s Pizza offers a different approach, focusing on New York-style slices that are perfect for a quick lunch between adventures. Located near the main beach in the town center, this takeout-oriented spot serves generous slices that hit the spot when you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for a full sit-down meal. Their pepperoni pizza is particularly popular among repeat visitors, with crispy, slightly spicy pepperoni cups that caramelize beautifully on the melted cheese. Marco’s also offers whole pies for groups and families, and their garlic knots make an excellent sidekick to any pizza order—warm, buttery, and garlicky in all the right ways. ## Little Italy Eco Lodge Restaurant For a more upscale pizza experience that combines Italian culinary traditions with El Nido’s stunning natural surroundings, Little Italy Eco Lodge Restaurant stands out from the crowd. Their wood-fired oven produces pizzas with a distinctly smoky flavor that you simply can’t replicate with conventional equipment—the combination of real wood fire and proper oven temperature creates a crust that rivals pizzerias in Naples itself. The restaurant uses organic, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting local farmers while ensuring maximum freshness. Their pizza menu features creative options like truffle mushroom and prosciutto, as well as simpler classics for traditionalists. The setting—nestled among tropical gardens with views of the surrounding limestone formations—makes this an ideal spot for a romantic dinner. ## Other Pizza Options in El Nido Beyond the dedicated pizza restaurants, several other establishments in El Nido offer satisfying pies that deserve attention. Beach clubs along Las Cabanas and Corong-Corong beaches sometimes feature wood-fired ovens, producing surprisingly excellent pizzas alongside their seafood-focused menus. These hidden gems can sometimes offer better quality than standalone pizza restaurants, especially if they’re using fresh local ingredients that arrive daily from the market. The added bonus of beachfront seating makes these alternatives worth exploring. ## What to Expect from El Nido Pizzerias It’s important to note that El Nido’s pizza scene is relatively limited compared to larger Philippine cities like Manila or Cebu. Most restaurants serve pizza primarily to cater to international tourists, and prices tend to be higher than what you’d find in metropolitan areas due to the logistics of importing ingredients. Expect to pay 350-800 PHP for a medium-sized pizza, with premium toppings adding to the cost. The quality varies significantly between establishments—some places use pre-made dough shipped frozen from Manila, while others make everything fresh on-site using traditional methods. Always ask about the dough preparation method if crust quality is important to you, as the difference between fresh and frozen can be quite noticeable. ## Tips for Pizza Lovers Visiting El Nido The best time to enjoy pizza in El Nido is during off-peak hours, typically between 2-5 PM, when restaurants are less crowded and can focus on cooking your pizza properly rather than rushing to serve large groups quickly. Many places run out of fresh ingredients by evening, so lunch is often the safest bet for the best quality pizza of the day. If you’re staying at a resort outside town, most restaurants offer delivery services, though delivery times can be longer due to El Nido’s sometimes challenging traffic conditions on the main roads. ## Making the Most of Pizza in El Nido Combining pizza dining with other activities creates memorable experiences that go beyond just satisfying your hunger. Many visitors enjoy pizza for lunch after a morning of island hopping, then explore other local cuisines for dinner to maximize their culinary adventure. Sharing pizzas among groups provides economic efficiency while allowing parties to sample different topping combinations—you might order one classic Margherita, one local seafood special, and one with creative toppings to share and compare. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a pizza craving after days of Filipino food, El Nido’s pizza scene has evolved to meet the needs of its international visitors while maintaining its own unique character. Don’t expect authentic Neapolitan perfection from every establishment, but do expect satisfying pies that hit the spot after a day of exploring one of the Philippines’ most beautiful destinations. The combination of fresh local seafood, Italian technique, and tropical atmosphere creates a pizza experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.