Shango reveals where he has eaten the best pizza in the world

When I first noticed a line a few months ago outside that one not particularly attractive address in the neighborhood where I have recently moved back to living (yes, I have come full circle), I had no idea what was going on. A bit more information later, and it became very clear what people were waiting for. As cars sat illegally parked with all four hazard lights on (because, as in the rest of Zagreb, it is a constant battle here too), I realized that I live near one of the best pizzerias in the city. Tomislav Šango, a film director by profession, is a passionate pizza enthusiast, a devotee of fermentation (which is why his pizzas come with fermented tomatoes, full of deep, evocative flavors), and one of the most creative pizzaioli, the kind whose pizza people will cross the city for if needed.

At the end of last year, at 30 Krčelićeva Street in Zagreb, he opened a small gourmet pizzeria called Shango, driven by a genuine desire to offer more than just ordinary pizza. (This is my favorite alternative oasis in the city!) He has gathered a young team around him, including the wonderful Katarina Boltužić, and they now regularly treat us to combinations you will not find elsewhere (and that are well worth waiting in line for), all at more than fair prices.

The dough is thin and light, the ingredients top quality, and their guiding principle is simple: “quality always comes from the source.” Since I already know where to find outstanding pizza in Zagreb, I was curious to hear what Šango had to say about the rest of the world. Born and raised in the United States, where he lived until the age of thirteen before returning to Croatia with his family, he immediately warned me that two of the places would be from there. And the rest? He revealed them below.

Joseph’s Bakery, San Pedro, California

Address: 1027 S Meyler St, San Pedro, CA 9073, USA

A small Italian family bakery two streets away from the house where I grew up, and this was the pizza. It cost 0.10 a slice and was made with love. Fifty years later, they are still there, and the recipe is still the same.

L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele, Verona, Italy

Address: Stradone Porta Palio, 20, 37122 Verona VR, Italy

The pinnacle of simplicity. This is pizza, no debate. You simply enjoy the pizza and then order a double grappa as a digestif. Perfect.

El Secreto Trinidad Cuba

Address: 367 Boca, Trinidad, Cuba

The Cuban “vision” of pizza. Cubans really love pizza and you can find it on every corner. This one in Trinidad stayed with me in particular because I talked about pizza with the cooks in the kitchen and we drank rum together.

Noel Bread and Deli, Pizza Festival Zagreb

The pizza al taglio from their menu is a personal favorite of mine. From the very first bite, you can tell the dough is made with excellent flour, light yet full of character. The entire concept is well thought out, and the value for money is truly excellent. There are also different, unexpected combinations you do not see every day, and you can taste that in every slice.

D10’s Pizza Fantasista, Pag Island, Croatia

Address: Prosika 51a, Pag

Finally, a truly interesting pizza concept in central Dalmatia. Top quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. The owner, Ivan Šetka, has devoted his life to pizza, and the love for his craft can be felt in every bite.