Pocofino has always been the place where people slow down for life’s small, fine pleasures. For years, its Italian coffee shaped its identity—creamy espresso, warm service, and that familiar ritual of pausing before the day rushes in again. Now, the brand enters an ambitious new chapter with the Pocofino Greenhills Mall soft opening. It brings another iconic taste of Italy to Manila: authentic Verace Pizza Napoletana.
With this launch, Pocofino becomes the first AVPN-certified pizzeria in Metro Manila, a milestone that bridges Filipino hospitality with Italy’s strict culinary tradition. It’s where crema meets crust, and where the city’s go-to coffee stop evolves into Manila’s next essential pizza destination.
A New Benchmark for Authenticity
This flagship location anchors its menu on precision. Every pizza follows the standards set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) in Naples. Dough is made with Italian 00 flour, a 24-hour fermentation, and a blistered crust born from a 485°C wood-fired bake.
With guidance from Chef Matteo Minante, the country’s only AVPN-certified master pizzaiolo, Pocofino aims to introduce a level of Neapolitan rigor rarely seen in Manila. Chef Matteo’s experience in Italy and the Philippines gives the menu both discipline and local resonance. His pizzas carry the delicate balance of authenticity and adaptability. This balance respects tradition but speaks naturally to Filipino diners.
The Pizza Lineup: Simple, Honest, and Full of Character
The Greenhills menu offers two main categories: Neapolitan Pizza and Pizza Fritta, both executed with the lightness and structure AVPN standards demand.
The classics lead the way. The Margherita brings bright tomato, creamy mozzarella, and basil on a soft, airy center. The Marinara strips everything down to essentials—garlic, oregano, and tomato. This allows its rustic character to shine.
For richer flavors, the Quattro Formaggi blends mozzarella and gorgonzola. It then finishes with ricotta and a parmesan chip. There’s also a Vegetarian option with roasted vegetables. An all-meat option is available for hearty eaters. In addition, a spicy Corned Beef Mala exists, and a fresh, nutty Chicken Pesto.
The menu expands into regional inspiration, too. The Sardines Pizza channels Mediterranean notes—briny, aromatic, and balanced with herbs and olive oil.
Pizza Fritta brings the playful side of Naples. The Pistachio, Nutella, and Ube varieties create a bridge between Italian technique and Filipino dessert cravings. This shows how Pocofino’s creativity extends beyond the savory.
A Global Moment in Greenhills
The soft opening drew notable international guests, underscoring Pocofino’s commitment to authenticity and cultural exchange.
Flying in from Naples, AVPN President Antonio Pace—one of the foundational figures behind the modern Neapolitan pizza movement—joined the launch. His presence reinforces that Pocofino’s accreditation is more than a title; it’s a relationship with the organization that turned pizza into a UNESCO-recognized heritage.
He was joined by AVPN Marketing Director Gianluca Liccardo, who has helped expand the AVPN network across the world and continues to support certified pizzerias in telling their story with accuracy and pride.
From the APAC side, Gloria Girardi of Smart Iting, an Italian exporter of regional specialties, attended to highlight the commitment to sourcing and Italian craftsmanship. Her work ensures that the ingredients behind each pizza—flour, tomatoes, cheeses—retain the integrity of Italian regional cuisine, even as they travel across continents.
A Filipino-Italian Story Worth Watching
What makes the Pocofino Greenhills Mall soft opening so compelling is how naturally it fits into Manila’s evolving dining landscape. Filipinos already love pizza, coffee, and stories about craft. Pocofino now brings these passions together under one roof, offering something familiar yet elevated.
It’s not just another import. It’s a collaboration between Italian mastery and Filipino warmth—an invitation to try a slice of Naples with the same ease you enjoy an afternoon latte.
As Pocofino continues its soft opening, it offers Manila a delicious promise: true Neapolitan pizza crafted with intention, served with heart, and rooted in a shared love for good food done right.
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