Where is the Best Pizza in the World? Italy Dominates, but Japan and the USA Aren’t Backing Down!
Think the best pizza is only in Italy? Time to open your eyes and ears! According to the latest global Best Pizza Awards ranking, judged by 512 experts from 60 countries, top-notch pizza still comes from Italy, but Japan and the USA are slowly but surely making serious competition.
Italy – The Queen of Pizza
No surprises here: the best pizza in the world is in Caserta, Italy, at the Masanielli pizzeria. Chef Francesco Martucci, who has honed his skills for ten years, climbed to the top spot this year with his masterful preparation of beloved pizza. Last year he was fifth, now he’s king. Seven of the top ten pizza masters work in Italy, including popular spots in Rome, Fiano Romano, and Caiazzu.
Japan – Not Just Sushi!
Japan means business! Two Japanese chefs, Daniele Cason and Tsubasa Tamaki, hold the sixth and seventh spots on the list. Cason is known for blending traditional Italian cuisine with refined Japanese ingredients, while Tamaki uses innovative techniques and 30-hour fermented dough. Their pizzerias in Tokyo prove pizza isn’t just an Italian story.
USA – The American Pizza Dream
Though no American pizzeria made the top 10, fourteen made the list, which is no small feat. Anthony Mangieri from New York took 17th place, while Razza Pizza Artigianale from New Jersey ranked 22nd. Even from the American South, Leña pizzeria in Mississippi scored 77th, led by chef Marisol Doyle, who learned traditional pizza in Naples.
What Does This Mean for Pizza Lovers?
This list isn’t just a competition; it’s a guide for anyone wanting to enjoy real pizza. Italy still holds the throne, but Japan and the USA show that boundaries are shifting. Planning a trip? Maybe consider Tokyo or New York as your next destination for top-tier pizza.
Conclusion
Pizza is a global phenomenon, but Italy remains the epicenter. Still, innovations from Japan and the USA show that tradition can blend with modern approaches, creating new flavors and experiences. Who knows, maybe next year someone from Asia or America will take the top spot!
What about you? Which pizza do you think is the best? Are you all about traditional Italian, or do you like to try something new and unusual? Share your thoughts — maybe your favorite pizzeria deserves a spot on the list!
Source: Index.hr, Food & Wine, Best Pizza Awards
