Budget

Good Italian food does not have to be expensive. The budget tier covers restaurants where a satisfying dinner costs under about US$25 a head before drinks, and several of them are among the most loved places in the guide.

In Phuket Old Town, Marni's wood-fired pizzas feature in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific rankings at very fair prices. Hong Kong's Pici serves handmade pasta in Soho for less than most cafés, Positano Risto in Kuala Lumpur is fully halal-certified, and Massilia in Jakarta makes award-winning pizza with a pork-free, alcohol-free menu. On the islands, ARTE in Canggu and Mama Pizza and Pasta Pojok in Lombok keep surfers and families well fed.

Budget places tend to be casual and busy, and some prioritise walk-ins, so arrive early at weekends or message ahead where a WhatsApp number is listed.