Three U.S. brands have been singled out as some of the world’s “excellent pizza chains” in a new unranked list from 50 Top Pizza, the Italian guide to the world’s best pizzerias.
Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria, Roberta’s Pizza and Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana earned spots on the prestigious list.
A total of 30 pizzerias made the list, which circles the globe from Naples to London, Montreal to Stockholm, and Dubai to Dusseldorf. The list serves as a supplement to 50 Top Pizza’s ranking of the world’s 50 top artisan pizza chains, announced at an awards ceremony held December 4 during the World Pizza Summit at the European Pizza Show in London.
Pupatella has 10 locations in the Washington D.C. region. The brand was founded in 2007 by Enzo Algarme, who moved from Italy to the United States to study medicine. What started as “a small food truck in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia…has become a true cult [favorite] for lovers of good Neapolitan pizza,” 50 Top Pizza reports. “Certified by the AVPN, Pupatella offers its Neapolitan-style pizzas with fresh and high-quality products. The dough is fragrant [and] well-leavened, and the menu includes pizzas divided between red and white, all topped as tradition dictates….The take-out service is excellent, one of the strengths of this artisanal chain with an Italian heart in the United States.”
“This achievement is more than an award—it’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to preserving the art of Neapolitan pizza-making,” said Jim Biafore, CEO of Pupatella, in a press release. “Our team’s passion and dedication ensure that even as we grow, the heart of Italy remains at the core of every Pupatella location.”
Settebello, which 50 Top Pizza hails as “a standout destination for Neapolitan pizza in the United States,” has stores in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Pasadena, Oxnard, California, and Henderson, Nevada. Founder Brad Otton studied with Enzo Coccia, one of the undisputed masters of Neapolitan pizza, before launching Settebello in 2005. “The venues are comfortable and modern in style, the dough adheres to Neapolitan tradition, the ingredients are high-quality, and the classic marinara is a must-try for an incredible dive into the spirit of Naples,” 50 Top Pizza reports. “Another highlight is the Special Pizza, which changes weekly based on ingredients found at the market. Their gluten-free pizza is also of excellent quality.”
Roberta’s, meanwhile, “is a true institution in New York,” 50 Top Pizza notes. “The very unique hipster atmosphere, with a rustic design and communal tables, offers a vibrant energy that attracts the younger crowd and creates a unique and personal environment that has inspired many restaurants, not only in America. There are few pizzas on the menu, served on a metal tray, with the possibility of adding various ingredients from a separate list. Among the favorites are the one with guanciale and egg and the Famous Original with tomato, mozzarella, Parmesan, caciocavallo, oregano and chili.”
Click here to view the full list of 50 Top Pizza’s excellent pizza chains for 2024.
