Thinking about your next pizza order? You can never go wrong with Alberto's Pizza!
Photo courtesy of Alberto's Pizza Facebook page
Dan Avery of CNET wrote that inflation has greatly affected the prices of pizza around the world. (2023)
Some ingredients are more expensive than ever, and this world-renowned delicacy has become less affordable for average consumers.
Luckily, some restaurants specialize in affordable pizzas with distinct flavors.
In Cebu, Alberto’s Pizza is known for just that. It’s become a staple in the local food scene, opening multiple branches around the island, and eventually around the country.
Established in 2008, this popular pizza chain offers home-style pizza for under Php 300. With branches all over the country, it may just be the cheapest pizza in the Philippines.
Today, there are branches in almost every neighborhood, and they remain a popular food choice for parties and company functions.
But did you know that this homegrown brand had its humble beginnings?
HISTORY OF ALBERTO’S PIZZA
Alberto’s Pizza initially opened in Cebu City along B. Rodriguez Street, directly across from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).
The restaurant aims to stand out in the local food industry by offering delicious and affordable pizzas that feel nostalgic and familiar to Cebuanos.
Because of their lack of space, Alberto’s only catered to deliveries and takeouts, becoming somewhat of a hidden gem in its first few months of operations. Their most loyal customers were mostly doctors, nurses, and even patients from VSMMC.
A few months later, more people heard about Alberto’s through word of mouth, and the Alberto’s Pizza menu became Cebu’s go-to for budget-friendly pizzas.
They then opened a second branch in Mabolo, expanding their reach to other parts of the city.
In 2024, they now have over a hundred branches around the island.
The company also expanded its brand by opening branches in other areas in Visayas and Mindanao, partnering with renowned Cebuano band Missing Filemon as their brand ambassadors.
After almost two decades, their pizza remains affordable for the public. The same can be said about their nostalgic, home-style cooking that Cebuanos have come to love.
HOME-STYLE PIZZA
Alberto’s Pizza caters mostly to the Cebuano palate, so foreigners may feel that it’s an acquired taste. However, the pizza parlor has so many flavors to choose from that you will surely find something to your liking.
Each flavor comes in nine or 11 inches in diameter, with the option to use Quickmelt or Mozzarella cheese.
Yummy.ph clarifies that both cheeses differentiate in texture, with quick-melting cheese being more creamy and mozzarella being stretchy. (2021)
Their pizza has a thin and crunchy crust, with a hint of smoky char. Thin crust is said to be the preferred choice if you want to enjoy the toppings to the fullest.
Their choice of having a thin crust makes sense, as many of their pizzas are filled to the brim with toppings.
Some of their bestsellers include their signature Pizza Supreme, which has pepperoni, bacon, mushrooms, onions, pineapple tidbits, black olives, and green bell peppers.
Their version of Hawaiian Pizza is similar to the Supreme, but with no olives. And instead of pepperoni, they use ham.
The All Pepperoni is their best-selling version of the classic pepperoni pizza, doused in their signature hot sauce. Aside from that, spice lovers will also enjoy Buffalo Chicken, Sisig Twist, and the new Royal Rumble, which has a total of 18 toppings.
One thing that makes Alberto’s Pizza unique from other brands is their selection of kid-friendly flavors, with toppings that kids are sure to enjoy. Ham Delight is the most popular of these options, topped with cheese and thinly sliced pieces of ham.
Alberto’s Pizza also expanded its menu to include non-pizza items like desserts and silog meals. Their meals are very affordable, with the cheapest going for as low as Php 45.
Aside from enjoying a pizza at any of their physical stores, you can have it delivered right to your doorstep. All branches offer free delivery, with no minimum order required in certain areas.
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Alberto’s Pizza is arguably the best pizza in Cebu when you’re in a pinch or don’t want to overspend. For a Php1,000 budget, you can already buy several boxes of their pizzas, making it great for parties and social gatherings.
There are so many branches around the island that you will most likely have one close to where you’re staying. When you find one, take note of their phone number so you can make a call whenever your pizza cravings kick in.
As their tagline says, Alberto’s Pizza is a taste you will surely miss.
Avery, Dan. 2023. “The Price of Pizza Has Gone Up. Here’s Why.” CNET.
https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/the-price-of-pizza-has-gone-up-not-just-inflation/.
Miranda, Roselle. 2021. “What’s The Difference: Quick-Melting Cheese Vs. Mozzarella Cheese.” Yummy.ph.
https://www.yummy.ph/lessons/prepping/quick-melting-cheese-vs-mozzarella-cheese-difference-a00249-20211001#:~:text=While%20both%20melt%20quickly%20once,turn%20crispy%20instead%20of%20stretchy.
