Pizza has long outgrown its humble beginnings in Naples to become one of the most celebrated foods on the planet.
But with thousands of pizzerias claiming to serve the “best slice,” it can be hard to know where to go.
Luckily, global food critics and expert panels regularly rank the top pizzerias in the world, offering a reliable guide for anyone chasing the perfect pie.
This list is based on the prestigious 50 Top Pizza World 2025 rankings and the Best Pizza Awards, where hundreds of expert food writers and chefs weighed in with their opinions.
1. Una Pizza Napoletana – New York, USA
This Lower East Side gem, led by Anthony Mangieri, has been repeatedly hailed as one of the finest pizzerias outside Italy.
Mangieri is known for his obsessive attention to detail, from carefully sourced ingredients to dough that undergoes a long fermentation process.
Critics point to its blistered crust, fresh mozzarella, and San Marzano tomatoes as reasons why this spot has become legendary. The result is a pizza that feels simple, yet unforgettable.
1. I Masanielli – Caserta, Italy
Sharing the number one spot, I Masanielli is helmed by Francesco Martucci, a chef who blends tradition with bold experimentation.
His pizzas are celebrated for their light and airy crusts, topped with inventive yet balanced ingredients.
Food critics often describe this restaurant as a benchmark for Neapolitan pizza, placing it at the heart of Italy’s modern pizza revolution.
Dining here is considered a pilgrimage for pizza lovers.
2. The Pizza Bar on 38th – Tokyo, Japan
Yes, some of the best pizza in the world is in Japan.
Nestled inside the Mandarin Oriental hotel, this exclusive counter-service pizzeria offers just eight seats per sitting, making the experience intimate and precise.
Each pizza is made before your eyes with the care and discipline of Japanese culinary tradition.
Critics rave about the artistry in balancing authentic Neapolitan style with Japanese craftsmanship, resulting in a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
3. Leggera Pizza Napoletana – São Paulo, Brazil
Brazil’s deep Italian heritage makes São Paulo a hotspot for pizza, and Leggera stands out among the city’s many options.
Known for sticking closely to Neapolitan tradition while embracing fresh Brazilian ingredients, it offers an experience that feels both authentic and unique.
Critics emphasize the lightness of the dough and the bold, fresh flavors that set this pizzeria apart in South America’s culinary capital.
4. Confine – Milan, Italy & Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria – Naples, Italy
Two Italian heavyweights share the fourth spot.
Confine in Milan impresses with its contemporary approach, creating pizzas that feel modern yet rooted in tradition.
Meanwhile, Diego Vitagliano’s Naples-based pizzeria celebrates heritage while experimenting with innovative toppings.
Critics see both restaurants as leaders in redefining the boundaries of what pizza can be, each offering a unique perspective on Italy’s most famous export.
5. Napoli On The Road – London, UK
London might not be known historically for pizza, but Napoli On The Road is changing that narrative.
Celebrated by critics as one of Europe’s rising stars, it delivers pies with chewy crusts and traditional toppings while catering to a diverse, international audience.
Its ability to maintain Neapolitan authenticity while thriving in the UK market has quickly made it a must-visit destination for pizza lovers.
6. Seu Pizza Illuminati – Rome, Italy
Rome has its own pizza tradition, but Seu Pizza Illuminati dares to mix influences, creating something entirely new.
Critics admire its playful use of toppings, blending Roman crispness with Neapolitan softness.
Its modern, artistic atmosphere adds to the overall experience, making it one of the most exciting and creative pizza destinations in Italy’s capital.
7. I Tigli – San Bonifacio, Italy
Run by Simone Padoan, I Tigli is often described as a pioneer of gourmet pizza.
Here, pies are treated like fine dining dishes, showcasing unexpected ingredients like truffle, seafood, or seasonal vegetables.
Critics often note that dining at I Tigli goes beyond pizza—it feels like a full gastronomic experience where tradition meets haute cuisine.
8. Baldoria – Madrid, Spain
Baldoria is Spain’s rising star, leaping from 26th place in 2024 to 8th in 2025.
Critics credit its bold use of Spanish flavors combined with Italian technique.
From spicy chorizo toppings to creative vegetarian combinations, Baldoria represents a new wave of pizza innovation in Spain.
Its rapid rise is proof of how exciting and competitive the global pizza scene has become.
9. Pizzeria Sei – Los Angeles, USA
Los Angeles has always been a melting pot of food cultures, and Pizzeria Sei embodies this spirit while staying true to Neapolitan roots.
Critics point to its perfectly blistered dough, delicate balance of flavors, and California-inspired freshness. For many food experts, Sei has put LA firmly on the map as a serious pizza city.
10. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – San Francisco, USA
Tony Gemignani’s legendary San Francisco restaurant continues to capture the imagination of pizza enthusiasts worldwide.
Critics admire his mastery across multiple styles—whether it’s Neapolitan, Sicilian, Detroit, or New York. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana offers variety without compromising on quality, making it a must-stop destination for anyone serious about their pizza journey.
The bottom line
These rankings highlight a truth every pizza lover already knows: pizza is global.
From Naples to Tokyo, São Paulo to San Francisco, the world’s best pizzerias share a passion for dough, quality ingredients, and a commitment to craft.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of a Margherita or the inventiveness of a gourmet pie, these restaurants represent the pinnacle of pizza artistry.
So the next time you’re planning a food trip, maybe your destination shouldn’t be a country—it should be a pizzeria.
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Dining and Cooking