New York pizzaiolo Anthony Mangieri’s reign at the top of the pizza world is over—for this year anyway.
Una Pizza Napoletana, Mangieri’s single-unit New York eatery, tied for No. 1 in 50 Top Pizza’s annual ranking of the world’s best pizzerias last year. For 2026, however, the international pizza guide’s experts bumped it all the way down to…No. 2.
Not exactly a precipitous fall, and knowing Mangieri, he might be back in the No. 1 spot again in 2027.
Meanwhile, though, there’s a new No. 1: Michele Pascarella’s Napoli on the Road, a London, England brand with three locations. Pascarella’s company, by the way, took 5th place in 2025.
50 Top Pizza unveiled its worldwide list in a ceremony held at the Teatro Mercadante in Naples, Italy, on Tuesday. The event was broadcast live on social media and hosted by well-known Spanish journalist and influencer Verónica Zumalacárregui
Two Americans tied for fifth place in this year’s list: Chef William Joo’s Pizzeria Sei in Los Angeles and Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, Tony Gemignani’s flagship restaurant in San Francisco. Pizzeria Sei finished 9th last year while Tony’s claimed the 10th spot, so that was a notable jump for both California pizza spots.
Dan Richer’s Razza, located in Jersey City, made the biggest leap for an American pizzeria, jumping all the way up to No. 10 from last year’s No. 69 spot.
All told, four of the top 10 pizzerias on 50 Top Pizza’s international list are American this year.
Meanwhile, this year’s list added another chapter to the remarkable saga of Leña Pizza & Bagels, the increasingly famous little shop that could in tiny Cleveland, Mississippi. Leña, owned by pizza chef Marisol Doyle and her husband Rory, debuted on this year’s list at the No. 38 position, ahead of legendary spots like Ken’s Artisan Pizza and L’Industrie. Leña got its first taste of 50 Top Pizza fame when it was named 38th in the U.S. last year, then leapt to No. 9 in 2026.
Taking third place was Confine in Milan by Francesco Capece and Mario Ventura, while fourth place ended in a tie between I Masanielli by Francesco Martucci in Caserta, Italy, and Seu Pizza Illuminati in Rome by Pier Daniele Seu and Valeria Zuppardo.
Sixth place went to Leggera Pizza Napoletana in São Paulo, Brazil, while RistoPizza by Napoli sta ca in Tokyo took the No. 7 spot. Eighth place was claimed by Baldoria in Madrid, and ninth place went to The Pizza Bar on 38th in Tokyo.
50 Top Pizza said the No. 1 pizzeria, Napoli on the Road, “represents one of the most dynamic and influential realities of contemporary pizza in the world. The project, led by Michele Pascarella, has been able to build a strong identity, capable of evolving without losing technical precision and stylistic clarity.”
The guide said Napoli on the Road’s dough “is one of the most successful elements: light, airy and designed to support often original but never excessive toppings….More than just a pizzeria, Napoli on the Road is now a reference point for those looking for a modern interpretation of Neapolitan tradition, built with talent, ambition and vision.”
Other American pizza restaurants that made the list include:
Truly Pizza, Dana Point, CA—No. 26
Francesco Martucci Miami, Miami, FL—No. 27
Don Antonio, New York, NY—No. 30
Jay’s, Kenmore, NY—No. 32
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co., Chicago, IL—No. 35 (tied)
Ribalta, New York, NY—No. 35 (tied)
Ken’s Artisan Pizza, Portland, OR—No. 44
La Leggenda, Miami, FL—No. 47 (tied)
O’ Munaciello, Miami, FL—No. 47 (tied)
L’Industrie, New York, NY—No. 71
Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Madison, AL—No. 86
Stretch Pizza, New York, NY—No. 90
Audace, New York, NY—No. 92
Pasquale’s, Wakefield, RI—No. 95 (tied)
Pizza Secret, New York, NY—No. 95 (tied)
Slice & Pie, Washington, D.C.—No. 96
Miami Slice, Miami, FL—No. 100
With American pizzerias in bold type, here’s a look at this year’s Special Awards winners:
• Pizza Maker of the Year – Ferrarelle Award: Daniel Semrani from gigi’s, Sydney
• Pizza of the Year – Latteria Sorrentina Award: “Pomodori” from QT Pizza Bar, São Paulo
• Best Pasta Proposal – Pastificio Di Martino Award: Pasquale’s, Wakefield, RI
• Best Cocktail List – Sei Bellissimi Award: Audace, New York
• Made in Italy – Salumi Coati Award: Sapori Italiani U Taliana, Bratislava
• Performance of the Year – Robo Award: Palazzo Petrucci Pizzeria, Naples
• Pizza Maker Mentor – Solania Award: Giulio Adriani from Slice & Pie, Washington, D.C.
• Best Marketing – Mammafiore Award: Baldoria, Madrid
• One to Watch – Orlando Foods Award: Stretch Pizza, New York
• Best Dessert List – Latteria San Salvatore Award: IMperfetto, Puteaux
• Best Fried Food – Il Fritturista – Oleificio Zucchi Award: 50 Kalò, London
• Best Customer Satisfaction – Fedegroup Award: La Fenice, Pistoia
• Green Oven – Goeldlin Award: Seba’s, Uvita
Thirty-six countries were represented in the 2026 world ranking. Italy led with 31 restaurants, followed by the U.S. with 22 and Brazil with six. The most represented cities were New York (seven), Naples (six) and São Paulo (five).“2026 was a particularly significant year for 50 Top Pizza,” the guide’s three curators, Barbara Guerra, Luciano Pignataro and Albert Sapere, said in a joint statement. “We saw not only growth in the number of pizzerias and professionals involved, but also the consolidation of an international community that is increasingly aware of the value of quality. We are proud of the journey we have taken and, once again, of the stories we have had the privilege of encountering and sharing.”
