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South Africans have always had strong opinions about food — especially when it comes to pizza.

Now, two local spots have official bragging rights after landing on Time Out’s list of the 18 Best Pizzas in the World.

Yes, the world.

One is tucked away in Woodstock, Cape Town.

The other sits in the heart of Braamfontein’s nightlife scene in Johannesburg.

Different cities, different vibes — but both delivering slices that have caught global attention.

 Pizza Connection Puts Woodstock on the World Map

Coming in at number 11 is Pizza Connection with its proudly local creation, “The Capetonian.”

At first glance, it sounds classic: San Marzano tomato base, creamy fior di latte, pancetta, red onion.

But then it leans unmistakably South African — avocado.

And somehow, it works.

Anyone who’s spent time in the Mother City knows avo on everything is practically a personality trait.

Here, it’s finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, tying together Italian tradition with laid-back Cape flavour.

The dough is where things get serious.

They use organic, chemical-free imported flour and natural yeast, leaving it to ferment for 48 hours through a multi-stage process.

The result? A Napoli-style crust that’s blistered, airy and just chewy enough to make you pause mid-bite.

Prefer a crunchier base? They’ve got a Roma-style option too. It’s pizza made with care, not shortcuts.

 Little Kitchener’s Pizzeria Brings Braamfontein Heat

Johannesburg didn’t just make the list — it ranked even higher.

Little Kitchener’s Pizzeria grabbed the number 6 spot with its Pepperoni & Hot Honey pizza.

It operates out of the iconic Kitchener’s Carvery Bar, long known for its buzzing nightlife and indie music scene.

The pizza itself? Bold.

San Marzano tomatoes again lay the foundation, topped with fior di latte and spicy pepperoni.

But the magic comes from the generous drizzle of locally made hot honey.

It hits you in layers — salty, sweet, spicy.

The crisp edges of the pepperoni meet that sticky heat in a way that feels indulgent but balanced.

It’s Joburg on a plate: energetic, unapologetic, and full of character.

Why This Matters for South Africa’s Food Scene

Global pizza rankings are usually dominated by Italy, the US and parts of Asia.

For two South African spots to break into the top 18 says something bigger than just “good dough.”

Cape Town has long been celebrated internationally for its wine farms and fine dining, while Johannesburg’s food culture has evolved into a melting pot of street food, fine dining and experimental kitchens.

This recognition signals that South Africa’s culinary scene isn’t just competitive locally — it’s earning serious global respect.

It also highlights how local chefs are blending authenticity with identity.

These pizzas aren’t copies of Naples.

They’re interpretations — proudly South African, but rooted in tradition.

A Closer Look at the Craft

San Marzano tomatoes, for example, are considered the gold standard for Italian pizza sauce, grown in volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius.

Using them signals quality and authenticity.

The 48-hour fermentation process used by Pizza Connection isn’t just foodie jargon either.

Long fermentation improves digestibility and flavour development, giving that slightly tangy depth that separates good pizza from unforgettable pizza.

Meanwhile, hot honey has become a global trend in recent years, popularised in the US before spreading worldwide.

Little Kitchener’s version taps into that trend but adds a local spin.

What’s Next?

For both pizzerias, this recognition is likely to mean busier tables and longer queues.

Food tourism is real, and travellers increasingly build itineraries around must-try restaurants.

Don’t be surprised if:

• Reservations become harder to snag on weekends

• Collaboration pop-ups start appearing

• More South African restaurants aim for international rankings

And perhaps most importantly, local diners might start looking at their neighbourhood pizza joint with a little more pride.

Summary

Two South African restaurants — Pizza Connection in Cape Town and Little Kitchener’s Pizzeria in Johannesburg — have earned places on Time Out’s list of the 18 Best Pizzas in the World.

Pizza Connection ranked 11th with its avo-topped “Capetonian,” while Little Kitchener’s placed 6th with its Pepperoni & Hot Honey creation served from Kitchener’s Carvery Bar.

The recognition highlights South Africa’s growing global culinary reputation and proves that local flavour, when done right, can compete with the world’s best.