Last October 24, 2025, Pocofino officially marked a new chapter in its story with the grand opening of its Greenhills Mall branch, now recognized as Metro Manila’s first AVPN-certified pizzeria. The event also celebrated the awarding of its certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), recognizing Pocofino’s place among the select few worldwide serving true Neapolitan pizza, crafted according to the strict standards set in Naples, Italy.
Located on the Ground Floor of Greenhills Mall (beside Charriol, across OB Montessori), Pocofino’s flagship store welcomed guests, partners, and members of the Italian community to an afternoon filled with freshly baked pizza, authentic Italian coffee, and the warm, familiar buzz of good company — a fitting reflection of Pocofino’s name, derived from the Italian words poco (small) and fino (fine), symbolizing the beauty found in life’s small pleasures.
From Coffee to Crust
Known for its premium Italian coffee, Pocofino has long been a haven for those who appreciate slow, intentional living. But for Managing Director Tuesday Angliongto, the move from coffee to pizza was more than just an expansion. It was a dream that had been quietly rising for years.
“For the association that we are part of now, which is AVPN, we took their class when we were tourists around six years ago. It was a one-day course on how to make pizza. Since then, it was in the back of our minds that maybe this is something we can bring to the Philippines,” Angliongto shared.
What began as a coffee brand now extends its story “from crema to crust,” bridging Italian culinary tradition with Filipino warmth. “In terms of the Filipino warmth, it’s actually not far from the Italian warmth. There are so many similarities between us and them: being family centric, food centric, and having that deep sense of hospitality. The bridge wasn’t very difficult in terms of culture,” she added.
Certified True Neapolitan Pizza
Pocofino’s certification from AVPN is more than a badge of honor.
It’s proof of their dedication to authenticity. The AVPN, founded in Naples in 1984 by Antonio Pace, safeguards the art of Neapolitan pizza-making through strict standards on ingredients, preparation, and technique.
Representing the AVPN delegation during the awarding was Gianluca Liccardo, Marketing Manager for Pizza Napoletana, who expressed pride in the partnership: “We are very proud to be here in Manila to certify the first AVPN pizzeria in the country, which is Pocofino.
We are working with them to produce not only true Neapolitan pizza but also fried pizza, a traditional method and concept in Neapolitan cuisine.”
When asked how Pocofino maintains AVPN’s strict standards locally, Liccardo explained, “It’s easy to respect the standard because we are an international standard. We have strict rules on how to make the dough and how to cook the pizza.”
For those trying authentic Neapolitan pizza for the first time, his advice was simple yet insightful: “The first message is to try. I try to understand different cultures and concepts. After that, you get to discover different flavors and tastes.”
Crafted the Italian Way, Served the Pocofino Way
The grand opening also welcomed Chef Matteo Minante, AVPN-certified Maestro Pizzaiolo based in the Philippines, and Gloria Girardi, Director of Smart Iting and Italian Taste Exporter. Both highlighted how Italian craftsmanship can thrive and adapt in new culinary landscapes while staying true to its roots.
Pocofino’s Greenhills branch now stands as a testament to that harmony, where Italian precision meets Filipino passion. With every wood-fired pizza baked, Pocofino brings a taste of Naples to local diners, crafted with imported Italian 00 flour and slow-fermented dough that captures the true Neapolitan spirit.
The newly launched Napoletana menu features a variety of classic and creative choices, from the Margherita (₱500) and Marinara (₱450) to indulgent favorites like Quattro Formaggi (₱850), All Meat (₱850), and Chicken Pesto (₱750). Those seeking something new can try the Corned Beef Mala or Vegetarian variants, both at ₱750.
Pocofino also introduces the Pizza Fritta, a traditional Neapolitan-style fried pizza that’s lighter yet full of flavor, available in options like Margherita, All Meat, Sardines, and even sweet renditions such as Nutella, Pistachio, and Ube, each thoughtfully priced between ₱120 and ₱250.
As the brand opens its doors for soft opening starting October 25, guests can look forward to a menu that celebrates the pairing of Pizza + Coffee as a symbol of Pocofino’s Italian heart and Filipino soul.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of their espresso or a first-time visitor curious about authentic Neapolitan pizza, Pocofino invites you to drop by and discover their Pizza Napoletana — crafted the Italian way, served the Pocofino way.
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