Pizza in the City: Quick serves of Pepperoni in Araneta City

Ciao! Buona Giornata Mondiale del Peperoncino! (Hello! Happy World Pepperoni Day!)

In case you missed it, Pepperoni, the world’s well-loved Italian-American pal in every pizza for over a century, has its special day every 20th September.

Every red, smoky, meaty chip in pizza slices made from cured pork and beef seasoned with paprika and chili peppers comes with the fact that it originated in New York by Italian-American immigrants in 1919, and it became a staple ingredient in pizzerias and other Italian specialties. Nearly three decades later, pizza ovens came out to market, which paved the way for more people worldwide to embrace the magic of pepperoni and pizzas on their dining tables.

As most pepperoni lovers come together to celebrate the chip behind every pizza’s success, the City of First hosts a variety of pizza parlors and other restaurants dedicated to decorating their dishes with the savoury taste brought by this meaty wonder on top of cheesy elasticity in every crust.

Continue the celebration of World Pepperoni Day with the variety of pepperoni bounty in Araneta City:

Pizza Hut

Gateway Mall 1 & 2, New Frontier Theater, Ali Mall, Cyberpark 2, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Farmer’s Plaza

Of course, who doesn’t love this American pizza parlor?

A brainchild of brothers Dand and Frank Carney, this ‘hut’ never failed to make every slice great with their pepperoni-powered pizza favourites enjoyed by millions of diners worldwide through its 16,000+ branches in 100 countries, including the Philippines, whose franchisee is Philippine Pizza, Incorporated (PPI Holdings, Inc.) with 140 Pizza Hut stores nationwide.

Within the City of Firsts, Pizza Hut is everywhere, guaranteeing that every shopper tastes the tenderness of pepperoni in every pizza slice wherever they go in Araneta City – in the concerts, at the sporting events, while shopping or walking around.

PPI Holdings, Inc. is part of the Araneta Group.

Cibo

Coliseum Plaza, Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2

Cibo will always be one of our local staples in Italian cuisine. Born out of Chef Margarita Araneta Fores’ inspiration from Milan and Rome, she made her first branch in 1997. A modern Italian caffé-paninoteca, this resto chain has been thriving in serving authentic Italian dishes to every Filipino taste buds—antipasti, zuppe, insalate, paste, pizze, secondi piatti, dolci and bevande.

Cibo also offers its one-of-a-kind Pizza Romana, which anybody can get from the groceries and enjoy quality pizza from the comfort of their couch at home. It is also available at Shopwise on the Ground Floor of Gateway Mall 2.

Parmigiano

Upper Ground Floor B, Gateway Mall 2

Nothing but the best of Italy – that’s the mantra of Parmigiano in its cuisine as they brought the spirit of the green-white-and-red flag to the dining tables of Araneta City. The distinction of pepperoni in its menu depends on the three categories of pizza they have on the list: Pizze Romane (flatbread pizza), Pizze Rosse (red pizza), and Pizze Bianche (white pizza).

The authenticity of each recipe in this restaurant will make it clingy to leave your dining table as they operate until 11:00 PM every Friday to Sunday.

a mano

Restaurant Collection, Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2

Pizzas made by a mano are under Napoli’s tradition of tossing and stretching the dough every morning, filled with toppings made of spices and meaty ingredients, including pepperoni. Some of their dishes are evident enough to prove the presence of pepperoni in some of their prized recipes.

Apart from their pizzas, this restaurant offers something everyone must have at home: Olio de Pepperoncino. This house-made Italian chilli and pepperoni oil in a bottle is the best partner for pizza, pasta, or other dishes compatible with something spicy-kicking taste and aroma.

Sbarro

Upper Ground Floor, Ali Mall

Home to the original extra-large New York pizza and its notable thickest crust ever, Sbarro is one of the most popular go-to chains in Ali Mall.

Their NY Pepperoni pizza will give their diners an overload experience with the best salami recipe made by Italian New Yorkers a century ago on top of their cheesiest crust that will make us order many times. Aside from the best of New York, this chain also hosts some of America’s favourite takes on Italian cuisine, including Chicago-style pizza.

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen

Level 2, Gateway Mall 1

The signature brand of the restaurateur couple Crystal and David Sison, who hail from the south of Metro Manila, this kitchen puts a family-loving touch in all their servings. Their iconic Cupper Pepperoni pizza is a must-try treat whose taste reflects the strong bonds of the owners, especially with Crystal’s mother and the namesake of the kitchen, Ms. Malou Tremblay.

Subway

Upper Ground Floor A, Gateway Mall 2

Skywalk, Ali Mall

The world’s favourite sandwich bar after the game also delights in pepperoni!

Aside from their iconic customised sandwiches like BLT, Italian BMT, and Chicken Teriyaki, they also have a Pepperoni and Cheese Toaster at their most affordable price suitable for on-the-go snacks.

strEATs at ibis Styles Hotel

5th Level, Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, Quezon City

Who says anybody must check in at the hotel to enjoy its exclusive menu?

Worry no more, as Ibis Styles Hotel has its eating corner open for shoppers and mallgoers without booking a room. Enjoy the presence of pepperoni in its four pizzas exclusively curated for your pleasure: Margherita, Spinach Cream Cheese, Truffle Cheeses, and Mortadella Pistachio.

Opened last March 2024 and powered by Accor Hotels, Ibis Styles Hotel is more than about giving luxurious comfort from anything happening within Araneta City. It is also making its exclusive dining experience inclusive to everyone.

What are you waiting for? Celebrate your wackiest Pepperoni weekend at the City of First, and look forward to a smoky and juiciest taste of slices in every red chip bite in most pizza and other dishes! Buon appetito!

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