Surat’s Cucina Marinara ranked among top 50 Pizza restaurants in Asia-Pacific

Surat-based restaurant Cucina Marinara has secured a place in the Top 50 Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026 list, marking a major achievement for the city’s food scene. The restaurant, run by Chef Harmeet, has been ranked 47th in the Asia-Pacific region and 3rd in India.

Notably, the pizzeria achieved this recognition within just five months of opening, becoming the first pizzeria from Gujarat to feature on the prestigious list.

Sharing the milestone on its Instagram page, the restaurant wrote, “A proud moment for us. Cucina Marinara has been ranked 47° in the 50 Top Pizza Asia–Pacific 2026 list and 3rd in India. In just five months of opening, this recognition makes us the first pizzeria ever from Gujarat to be on this list.”

Chef Harmeet also spoke about the journey behind the restaurant. He said the idea was to bring authentic Italian pizza to a market largely dominated by multinational chains such as Domino’s and Pizza Hut.

“When I opened Marinara, I knew the market was dominated by big brands. I wanted to focus on a smaller audience that appreciates authentic pizza. I wanted people to sit, eat and truly enjoy the flavours of Italian cuisine,” he said in a video shared by the restaurant.

Reflecting on the early days, the chef said he kept reminding himself that the journey would be challenging but that people would eventually appreciate the effort and authenticity.

When asked about his personal favourite dish at the restaurant, Chef Harmeet said his go-to choice is Marinara pizza topped with burrata and chilli oil, calling it the perfect combination.

The recognition places Surat on the Asia-Pacific culinary map, highlighting the growing demand for authentic international cuisine in Gujarat.