Best Pizza Places in Taipei: Where to Go for a Proper Slice

I have spent the better part of six years chasing down the best pizza places in Taipei, and I can tell you that this city has quietly built one of the most exciting pizza scenes in East Asia. What started as a handful of expat-run spots in the early 2010s has grown into a full-blown movement, with Taiwanese chefs training in Naples, New York, and Tokyo before coming home to open their own shops. If you are wondering where to eat pizza Taipei has to offer, this guide covers the spots I keep returning to, the ones that locals actually line up for, and the hidden corners of the city that most visitors walk right past.

1. Alleycat's Pizza — Zhongshan District, Lane 133, Minsheng East Road

Alleycat's Pizza was one of the first places in Taipei to take Neapolitan-style pizza seriously, and it still holds up. The original location in Zhongshan District sits in a narrow lane off Minsheng East Road, and the space is small, loud, and always packed after 7 PM on weekends. I went last Thursday and the Margherita DOC was as good as I remembered, with a properly charred cornicione and a sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes that actually tastes like real tomatoes. The owner trained in Naples and insists on using a wood-fired oven imported from Italy, which you can see glowing through the open kitchen window.

What most tourists do not know is that Alleycat's runs a weekday lunch special from 11:30 AM to 2 PM where you can get a personal-sized pizza and a drink for around NT$280. Almost nobody from outside the neighborhood knows about this deal, so the midday crowd is mostly office workers from the surrounding buildings. The outdoor seating area gets brutally hot in July and August, so if you are visiting in summer, grab a seat near the back wall where the air conditioning actually reaches.

Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the 'Alley Special' off-menu item, a white pizza with truffle oil and wild mushrooms that they only make when the truffle shipment comes in, usually mid-week. The staff will know what you mean if you mention you read about it from a local food writer."

This place connects to Taipei's broader story of how the city absorbed global food culture and made it its own. Alleycat's opened in 2012 when most people in Taipei still thought pizza meant a thick-crusted Domino's delivery. It helped kick off the artisan pizza wave that defines the top pizza restaurants Taipei has today.

2. P.M. Twice — Da'an District, Section 2, Xinsheng South Road

P.M. Twice is the kind of place that makes you forget you are in Taipei. Tucked along Xinsheng South Road in Da'an, it serves New York-style slices that are large, foldable, and properly greasy in the best way. I stopped by on a Saturday afternoon around 3 PM and the pepperoni slice had the right amount of oil pooling in the little cupped pepperoni cups. The cheese blend stretches and pulls exactly the way it should, and the crust has that slightly crispy bottom that tells you they are using a proper deck oven.

The shop is tiny, maybe six tables, and the owner is almost always behind the counter, chatting with regulars. What most visitors miss is that P.M. Twice does a late-night window from 10 PM to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, where you can grab a slice to go without waiting in the dinner line. This is when the after-bar crowd shows up, and the energy on the street feels more like a Brooklyn block party than a Taipei neighborhood.

Local Insider Tip: "Order the 'Everything Bagel' crust option if they have it that week. It is not on the printed menu, but they rotate specialty crusts every few weeks and the everything bagel seasoning on a classic cheese slice is unreal."

P.M. Twice represents the younger generation of Taipei pizza makers who grew up eating abroad and came back wanting to recreate what they missed. It sits in Da'an, the neighborhood most associated with Taipei's café and brunch culture, and fits right in with the area's obsession with imported food concepts executed with local precision.

3. Pizza Cutie — Xinyi District, near Taipei 101

Pizza Cutie is the answer to the question of where to eat pizza Taipei style near the tourist center of the city. Located in Xinyi District within walking distance of Taipei 101, this spot does individual-sized pizzas with a slightly thicker, almost focaccia-like crust that appeals to local tastes. I visited on a Tuesday evening and the truffle mushroom pizza was rich without being heavy, and the portion was generous for the price point, around NT$350 per person with a drink.

The interior is bright and Instagram-friendly, which is no accident, the owner clearly designed it for the social media crowd. But the food backs up the aesthetics. The dough is made in-house daily, and you can taste the fermentation. What most tourists do not realize is that Pizza Cutie offers a take-and-bake option where you can buy a raw pizza to bring back to your hotel if you have access to an oven. This is perfect for Airbnb stays and is advertised only in Chinese on their LINE account.

Local Insider Tip: "Follow their LINE official account before you go. They post weekly discount coupons and sometimes flash deals that are not on any English-language platform. The Wednesday coupon usually gives 20% off."

Pizza Cutie reflects Xinyi District's character as Taipei's most commercial and international neighborhood. It is the kind of place that bridges the gap between local dining expectations and foreign pizza traditions, and it does so without compromising on either side.

4. Napoli Pizza & Coffee — Songshan District, near Raohe Street Night Market

Napoli Pizza & Coffee sits just a few blocks from Raohe Street Night Market in Songshan District, and it is the perfect pre-market dinner stop. I went on a Sunday around 5:30 PM, right before the night market crowds hit, and the Diavola pizza had a proper spicy kick from actual chili flakes, not just a drizzle of hot sauce. The crust was thin and blistered, clearly from a high-temperature oven, and the mozzarella was fresh, not the pre-shredded kind.

The space is modest, maybe ten tables, and the owner is a Taiwanese chef who spent two years working in Naples before coming back to open this place. What most visitors do not know is that Napoli Pizza & Coffee closes on Mondays, and on Tuesdays they sometimes run a "chef's choice" pizza that is not listed anywhere, just written on a chalkboard near the entrance. If you see it, order it. Last time I got a nduja and honey combination that was one of the best things I ate in Taipei that month.

Local Insider Tip: "Sit at the counter if you can. The owner sometimes hands out small tastes of whatever he is experimenting with, and last month it was a burrata and prosciutto pizza that was not even on the menu yet."

This place ties into Songshan's identity as one of Taipei's older, more grounded neighborhoods. While Raohe Night Market draws the tourists, spots like Napoli Pizza & Coffee are where the locals actually eat, and the proximity to the market means you can have a proper sit-down meal before diving into the street food chaos.

5. Mr. Tom's Pizza — Shilin District, near Shilin Night Market

Mr. Tom's Pizza has been around longer than most of the places on this Taipei pizza guide, and it has a loyal following in Shilin District. Located near the famous Shilin Night Market, it serves a style that is closer to American chain pizza but done with noticeably better ingredients and more care than what you would get from a delivery app. I stopped by on a Friday night around 8 PM and the wait was about 20 minutes, which is normal, the turnover is quick because the space is no-frills and people do not linger.

The pepperoni and mushroom combo is the most popular order, and for good reason, the toppings are generous and the cheese coverage is thorough. What most tourists miss is that Mr. Tom's does a lunch set from 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays that includes a personal pizza, a side, and a drink for under NT$200. This is one of the best deals in the area and is almost entirely unknown outside the local office worker crowd.

Local Insider Tip: "If you are going to the night market afterward, park yourself at the small table by the window. The owner sometimes lets regulars order ahead by phone, and if you are friendly and come back a few times, he will remember you and hold a table during peak hours."

Mr. Tom's represents the older wave of pizza in Taipei, the places that existed before the artisan movement took over. It is unpretentious, affordable, and reliable, which is exactly what Shilin's working-class neighborhood character is all about.

6. Dough Zone — Zhongzheng District, near NTU campus

Dough Zone is a favorite among National Taiwan University students in Zhongzheng District, and it shows in the pricing and the vibe. I visited on a Wednesday afternoon around 1 PM and the place was full of students with laptops, which tells you everything about the Wi-Fi speed and the affordability. The classic cheese pizza runs about NT$180 for a personal size, and the crust has a nice chew that suggests a longer fermentation process than you would expect at this price point.

The owner is a former architecture student who dropped out to make pizza full-time, and the interior reflects that background, clean lines, good lighting, and a sense of intentional design. What most visitors do not know is that Dough Zone has a loyalty card system where every tenth pizza is free, and they honor it without question even if you lose the physical card, they keep a digital record if you give them your phone number.

Local Insider Tip: "The garlic knots are better than the pizza, honestly. Order a side of them regardless of what else you get. They come with a house-made marinara that has a slight sweetness from roasted garlic."

Dough Zone fits perfectly into Zhongzheng's identity as Taipei's academic and intellectual hub. It is the kind of place where students debate over slices, and the low prices make it accessible in a city where dining out can add up quickly.

7. Firenze Pizza — Ximending, Wuchang Street

Firenze Pizza sits in the heart of Ximending on Wuchang Street, Taipei's most chaotic and colorful pedestrian zone. I went on a Saturday around 6 PM and the energy outside was already at full volume, street performers, neon signs, and crowds of teenagers. Inside Firenze, it was surprisingly calm. The Quattro Formaggi was rich and properly balanced, with gorgonzola that actually tasted like gorgonzola, not just a generic blue cheese substitute.

The space is narrow and vertical, with seating on two levels, and the kitchen is visible from the ground floor. What most tourists do not realize is that Firenze does a "happy hour" from 3 PM to 5 PM daily where all pizzas are 15% off. This is posted only on their Instagram story, not on any menu, so you have to ask the staff directly.

Local Insider Tip: "Go upstairs if there is room. The second floor is quieter and has a small balcony overlooking Wuchang Street, which is one of the best people-watching spots in all of Ximending."

Firenze Pizza captures Ximending's spirit of mixing global influences with local youth culture. It is the kind of place where you might see a group of high schoolers sharing a pizza after shopping, and that casual, unpretentious energy is exactly what makes the neighborhood special.

8. Salvo Pizza — Neihu District, Section 3, Chenggong Road

Salvo Pizza is the outlier on this list because it is in Neihu, the tech and industrial district on the eastern side of Taipei that most tourists never visit. I made the trip on a Thursday evening and was glad I did. The owner trained at a pizzeria in Brooklyn before returning to Taipei, and the New York-style pies reflect that. The plain cheese slice had the right ratio of sauce to cheese, and the crust had that slightly crispy, slightly chewy texture that is hard to get right.

Neihu is not a destination neighborhood, it is where people work and live, and Salvo feels like a neighborhood joint in the best sense. The space is simple, the service is fast, and the prices are fair. What most visitors do not know is that Salvo delivers within Neihu for free with a minimum order of NT$500, which makes it a solid option if you are staying in the area for business.

Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the chili oil on the side. They make it in-house and it is significantly spicier and more flavorful than anything you will find at the other places on this list. A few drops on a cheese slice changes the whole experience."

Salvo Pizza represents the quieter, more residential side of Taipei that does not make it into travel guides. Neihu is where a huge portion of the city's population actually lives and works, and having a proper pizza spot there says something about how deeply pizza culture has embedded itself in daily Taipei life.

When to Go and What to Know

Taipei's pizza scene operates on its own rhythm. Weekday lunches, between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, are when you will find the best deals and the shortest lines at most of the places listed above. Dinner rush starts around 6:30 PM and peaks at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, so if you want a table without a wait, aim for 5:30 PM or after 9 PM. Sunday afternoons are surprisingly quiet at most pizza spots because families tend to cook at home or go to traditional Taiwanese restaurants.

Payment is another thing to keep in mind. While most of the top pizza restaurants Taipei has to accept credit cards, a few of the smaller spots, especially in Shilin and Neihu, are cash-only or prefer LINE Pay. Always carry at least NT$1,000 in cash as a backup. Tipping is not expected or customary in Taipei, pizza places included, so do not feel pressured to leave anything beyond the bill.

The summer months, June through September, are brutally hot and humid, and outdoor seating at places like Alleycat's becomes nearly unbearable after noon. Winter, from December to February, is mild by most standards but can be rainy, so having a covered or indoor spot in mind is wise. Spring and fall are the sweet spots, comfortable temperatures and lower humidity make walking between neighborhoods actually enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the one must-try local specialty food or drink that Taipei is famous for?

Beef noodle soup is the dish most associated with Taipei, and the city takes it seriously enough to hold an annual Beef Noodle Festival. A bowl typically costs between NT$100 and NT$250 depending on the shop, and the rich, braised version with tendon and marrow is the most popular style. Bubble tea also originated in Taiwan, and Taipei has some of the original shops still operating, with prices starting around NT$50 for a basic milk tea.

Is the tap water in Taipei safe to drink, or should travelers strictly rely on filtered water options?

Taipei's tap water is treated and meets national safety standards, but most locals and long-term residents still boil it before drinking or use filtered water dispensers. The older pipe infrastructure in some buildings can affect taste and quality, so using the free water refill stations found in MRT stations and public buildings is the most practical option. Bottled water is widely available at convenience stores for around NT$20 to NT$30 per bottle.

Is Taipei expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.

A mid-tier daily budget in Taipei runs roughly NT$2,500 to NT$4,000 per person. This covers a hotel or quality Airbnb for around NT$1,200 to NT$2,000 per night, meals at local restaurants and mid-range spots for NT$600 to NT$1,000 per day, and MRT or bus transportation for about NT$100 to NT$200. Adding activities, coffee, and occasional taxi rides brings the total closer to NT$3,500 to NT$4,000.

Are there any specific dress codes or cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting local spots in Taipei?

Taipei is generally casual, and most pizza places and restaurants have no dress code beyond basic neatness. Shoes should be removed only if you see a shoe rack at the entrance, which is common in some traditional homes and a few older restaurants but rare in modern dining spots. Tipping is not practiced, and loud conversation in small spaces is considered impolite by older generations, though the younger crowd is more relaxed about it.

How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Taipei?

Taipei is one of the easiest cities in Asia for vegetarian and vegan dining, largely due to the influence of Buddhist vegetarian culture. There are over 600 vegetarian restaurants in the city, and most pizza places offer at least one cheese-only or vegetable option. Dedicated vegan pizzerias are still rare, but many of the spots listed in this guide can accommodate plant-based requests if asked, and the staff at places like Dough Zone and Firenze are familiar with the concept.