Margherita vs Pepperoni Pizza: Which to Order in Side?

At Hawaii Restaurant & Bar in Side, the Margherita is topped with tomato and cheese, while the Pepperoni comes with pepperoni, mushroom and cheese. Both are thin-crust, 33 cm, Italian style. Pick Margherita for a mild, meat-free classic that children love; pick Pepperoni for more savoury, gently spicy flavour.

Side by side

The Margherita: the benchmark

The menu lists the Margherita simply as tomato and cheese. It is the pizza by which many people judge a pizzeria, because with so few ingredients there is nothing to hide behind: the base, the tomato and the cheese have to do all the work. On a thin 33 cm crust, it is light enough to share as part of a bigger meal or to eat on its own after a beach day. More on the dedicated Margherita pizza page.

The Pepperoni: more going on

Hawaii's Pepperoni is topped with pepperoni, mushroom and cheese. The mushroom is worth noticing: not every pepperoni pizza has it, and it adds an earthy softness that balances the salty, slightly spicy sausage. In general, pepperoni is a cured, paprika-seasoned sausage that crisps at the edges in the heat, so expect more punch than a Margherita, though most people would call it mild rather than hot. See the full Pepperoni pizza page.

Is pepperoni beef or pork?

In general, it varies by maker. Classic American pepperoni is traditionally pork, or a pork and beef mix, while beef-only and chicken-based versions are widely made, especially in countries where halal food is the norm. So the honest answer is that the word alone does not tell you.

At Hawaii, all meat and chicken is halal-slaughtered, and pork is served only on request and prepared separately. For the specific pepperoni used on the pizza, please ask your server; they can tell you exactly what it is made from on the night. If you want a meat pizza with a clearly stated filling, the Mexicana (mince meat, onion, paprika, jalapeno) is another option. Our halal meat pizza guide covers this in more detail.

Which is better for kids?

For most children the Margherita wins: no strong flavours, nothing unfamiliar, and it is easy to pick up. Children who like salami or sausage often enjoy the Pepperoni, though some will pick off the mushroom. There is also a Kids Pizza on the children's menu, with tomato, cheese, ham or salami, plus alcohol-free kids' cocktails such as Barbie, Spider Man, Redkiss and the Hawaii Cocktail. Our family pizza night page has more ideas.

Which is better for sharing?

If you are ordering for a group, the classic move is one of each. The Margherita is the pizza every guest will eat; the Pepperoni gives the table something more savoury. With a 33 cm thin crust, two pizzas cut into slices go a long way, especially alongside starters or a salad. For a bigger spread, the menu has plenty of other toppings, including the Hawaii (ham, pineapple, cheese), the Funghi (mushroom, cheese) and the Vegetarian (tomato, paprika, onion, mushroom, olives).

What to drink with each

Hawaii is a restaurant and a bar, so both pizzas are easy to pair. A simple Margherita goes well with a light, cold beer or a glass of white or rosé, which keep the tomato tasting fresh. The saltier, spicier Pepperoni stands up to a fuller beer or a soft red. Children can order an alcohol-free kids' cocktail, and the daily Happy Hour runs from 19:00 to 20:00 if you want to start early.

Quick decision guide

• Vegetarian, or want it simple: Margherita.
• Want flavour and a little spice: Pepperoni.
• Fussy eaters at the table: Margherita.
• Do not like mushrooms: Margherita, or ask whether the Pepperoni can be made without them.
• Two or more people: order both and share.

Practical details

Hawaii Restaurant & Bar has been in Side old town since 2000 and is open daily 10:00–02:00. Takeaway is available, with delivery nearby. Free round-trip pickup runs from selected hotels. Prices for both pizzas are on the live menu. Book a table or message WhatsApp +90 533 930 12 83.