Food News
The Somerville pizzaiolo was the only New England pizzeria chef to make the global list.
Margherita Pizza with mozzarella, olive oil, basil and sea salt at Posto. Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe
A Somerville pizzaiolo was named one of the best in the world in this year’s Best Pizza Awards hosted in Milan, Italy.
Juan Gabriel Perez, the executive chef at Assembly Square’s Posto, landed in spot No. 54 on a list of 100 pizza chefs from all over the world. He was the only chef from New England to earn this recognition, while chefs from other American locales like New York and California made the list as well.
It was the third year the Best Pizza Awards were held, with many Italian pizza chefs among the best of the best, along with chefs from Japan, the Netherlands, Mexico, and El Salvador.
Voters who help make the list every year include food journalists, gastronomy experts, restaurant industry professionals, and even some pizza chefs.
Perez has made the best of list all three years, but this year’s recognition is his best standing yet at No. 54.
“As Executive Chef at Posto Boston, he’s praised for his creative flair, seasonal ingredients, and dough innovation,” said the Best Pizza Awards. “With over a million followers worldwide, Juan blends tradition and modernity, earning a global reputation for craftsmanship and passion that honors pizza’s authentic roots.”
Posto, which recently relocated to the mixed-use center Assembly Square after more than a decade in Davis Square, is no stranger to “best of” lists, like the 50 Top Pizza USA ranking. Its menu of pies includes several red and white pizzas with various seasonal and classic ingredients for toppings, cooked in a wood-fired oven.
For those looking for something other than award-winning pie, Posto also serves some classic Italian pastas dishes, entrees, and antipasti.
Katelyn UmholtzFood and Restaurant Reporter
Katelyn Umholtz covers food and restaurants for Boston.com. Katelyn is also the author of The Dish, a weekly food newsletter.
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