Amare La Cucina in Makati: Neapolitan Wood-Fired Pizza at Its Finest
Amare La Cucina, a beloved Italian restaurant originally founded in Baguio by Edmark Bustos, has become a nationwide sensation with multiple branches across the Philippines, including one in Makati. What started from humble beginnings in a small space at the ancestral home of founder Edmark has since flourished into a premier destination for authentic Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza.
IMAGE from Amare La Cucina Makati’s Facebook page
The story behind its creation is just as inspiring. While on holiday with his wife in 2013, Edmark found inspiration from a fellow restaurateur to craft hand-stretched, flavorful dough that would become the base of the pizzas served today. Prepared the old-school way through a traditional wood-fired brick oven, each pizza is cooked at precise temperatures that create the signature lightly charred crust, airy texture, and rich flavor that define Amare La Cucina’s Neapolitan-style pizzas.
IMAGE from Amare La Cucina Makati’s Facebook page
Among the restaurant’s popular offerings is Alvin’s Pizza (Php 430, Media/Php 635, Grande), topped with homemade basil sauce, bacon, mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil, delivering a balanced mix of savory and herbaceous flavors.
Alvin’s Pizza (Php 430, Media/Php 635, Grande)/IMAGE from Amare La Cucina Makati’s Facebook page
Another standout is the Quatro-Formaggi Spinach (Php 470, Media/Php 665, Grande), made with spinach and a rich blend of four cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, pecorino, and Parmigiano Reggiano—finished with oregano and extra virgin olive oil for added aroma and depth.
Quatro-Formaggi Spinach (Php 470, Media/Php 665, Grande)/ IMAGE from Amare La Cucina Makati’s Facebook page
Beyond pizza, Amare La Cucina also serves pastas made with fresh ingredients, along with hearty dishes prepared in the same wood-fired oven. The Wood-Fired Ribs (Php 620, Sharing/Php 3,045, Tray)—brick-oven grilled pork ribs served with vegetables and homemade garlic yogurt sauce. Slow-cooked and flame-kissed, the dish delivers smoky, tender bites packed with bold flavor.
Wood-Fired Ribs (Php 620, Sharing/Php 3,045, Tray)/IMAGE from Amare La Cucina Makati’s Facebook page
For pasta lovers, the Supreme Meatballs Pasta (Php 515, Sharing/Php 1,020, Family/ Php 2,050, Tray) is a must-try, featuring wood-fired baked meatballs paired with marinara sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano, and basil.
Supreme Meatballs Pasta (Php 515, Sharing/Php 1,020, Family/ Php 2,050, Tray)/ IMAGE from Amare La Cucina Makati’s Facebook page
With its dedication to traditional cooking techniques, fresh ingredients, and comforting Italian flavors, Amare La Cucina continues to be a go-to destination for diners looking to enjoy authentic wood-fired pizzas and hearty Italian dishes across the Philippines.
