Bottega doesn't shy away from proclaiming the authenticity of their Neapolitan pizzas, and why shouldn't they?
They have been named the 8th Best Pizzeria in the World 2023, Asia's Best Pizzeria 2021 by 50TopPizza, and Pizzeria of the Year 2024 by Gambero Rosso, with the prestigious Three Slices recognition in 2024, which says pizza-making is obviously a serious business at Bottega.
The story of Bottega began with a deep passion rooted in the Salvo family, passed down through brothers Daniele and Paolo Salvo.
Paolo and Daniele Salvo are founders of Bottega, both of whom grew up surrounded by the sights and smells of authentic Neapolitan pizza.
"My journey with pizza began in my grandfather's pizzeria, where I grew up surrounded by the sights and smells of authentic Neapolitan Pizza. For me, it was like stepping into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory — every day was magical," said Daniele. "That childhood passion led me to bring a taste of Napoli to Shanghai."
After successfully operating its first location in Sanlitun, Beijing, the team had been eyeing opportunities beyond the Chinese capital. Bottega's first location in Shanghai was opened at K. Wah Center on Xiangyang Road N. in 2023, followed by the second outlet on Shaanxi Road N. in Jing'an District.
Bottega's first location in Shanghai was opened at K. Wah Center on Xiangyang Road N.
The second outlet of Bottega is tucked on Shaanxi Road N. in Jing'an District.
"Shanghai, with its vibrant international community and love for diverse cuisines, was the perfect place to expand, " Daniele explained. "The city embraces global cultures, and the demand for high-quality, authentic food is huge. The support for entrepreneurs, combined with a curious and sophisticated customer base, makes it an exciting place to grow a business."
Challenges included sourcing authentic ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes or Mozzarella di Bufala but Shanghai's infrastructure and growing import networks helped the team overcome this. "Building trust with local customers also took time — they needed to understand why a 'simple' Margherita pizza is special," Daniele said.
But all these efforts paid off. A growing number of local customers appreciate both quality and authenticity from Bottega.
The 3-ton brick pizza oven customized in Naples occupies the center of the open kitchen.
To make a true Neapolitan Pizza, the dough must be made with "00" flour.
"We designed Bottega to feel like a traditional 'Bottega' (workshop) in Napoli — warm, lively, and unpretentious," he noted.
The K. Wah Center venue features a hip vibe with eye-catching photography, fun graphics, ceilings decorated with disco balls, a corner of respectful remembrance of Diego Maradona (the Argentinian football icon who won the Italian Serie A title for club Napoli and is revered by Neapolitans as the savior of their city). Plates are made in Naples, southern Italy, and many more details to be noted for a fun dining experience.
The 3-ton brick pizza oven customized in Naples occupies the center of the open kitchen and Daniele joked about it as their "Ferrari." The star oven churns out exceptional Neapolitan pizzas at a breathless pace.
The authentic Neapolitan pizzas are especially memorable and even beautiful to look at.
To make a true Neapolitan Pizza, a strict set of guidelines must be followed. The dough must be made with "00" flour and fresh yeast, the sauce has to use San Marzano tomatoes from Mount Vesuvius and the cheese must be mozzarella from Campania.
The "DOP Pizza" with imported Italian ingredients truly shines but their "Shanghai Surprise" (with local spicy honey) is a fun twist. The burrata and homemade limoncello are also crowd pleasers.
Last month, Bottega welcomed Michele Fernando from Bangkok's Massilia, one of the top-ranked pizzerias in Asia-Pacific by 50TopPizza. Among the specials, Massilia presented the "Norma Not Normal," which won the Pizza of the Year 2025 Latteria Sorrentina Award.
Vesuviana is a special pizza presented on the exclusive night of "Pizza Legends."
Bottega recently launched the "Pizza Legends" event series to celebrate Naples' pizza history, giving Shanghai diners unique chances to savor the flavors of award-winning, authentic Neapolitan pizzas crafted by top pizzaiolos around the world.
"This event series is on a mission: to bring the world's best pizzaiolos — straight from the 50TopPizza rankings — face to face with pizza lovers in Shanghai," Daniele said.
Last month, Bottega welcomed Michele Fernando from Bangkok's Massilia, one of the top-ranked pizzerias in Asia-Pacific by 50TopPizza. On that exclusive night, Paolo Salvo and Michele Fernando worked side by side for 4-hands pizza experience, crafting two to three brand new, never-before-seen pizzas for one night only in Shanghai. Among the specials, Massilia presented the"Norma Not Normal," which won the Pizza of the Year 2025 Latteria Sorrentina Award.
Shanghai has already had a taste of legends. But this is only the beginning.
Next stop? Stay tuned. The world's best pizza is just getting started.