Best Pizzerias In The World: Top 5 International Pies Most Recommended By Experts

From the colorful, fresh flavors of Spain and Greece to the zesty, mouthwatering dishes of Italy and France, the world is full of extraordinary cuisine! Pretty much all food is great, but when it comes to versatile dishes, only one comes to mind — pizza! From ancient Italian pizzerias that have been around for centuries to cutting-edge specialty pizza joints, each one has its own unique style, flavors, and recipes. So, what sets the best pizzerias in the world above the rest? Let’s take a look!

When it comes to pizza, there are a few key factors that make it truly delicious. Firstly, the crust must be perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The sauce should be flavorful but not overpowering, and the cheese should be melted to perfection. However, the toppings are what truly make a pizza stand out. Whether it’s classic pepperoni, fresh vegetables, or unique combinations like prosciutto and arugula, the toppings should be high quality and complement each other well.

Considering the origin of pizza, Italy, freshness is a key ingredient to great pizza pies! In a recent article about some of the best food in the world, Yonderbound wrote, “It’s hard to speak about Italian food, it’s better to enjoy it. The traditional colors of Italian cuisine — red, green and yellow always create a great mixture of flavor and taste. Usually all the dishes are based on tomato, bread and olive oil. The secret of the cuisine is not in a sophisticated preparation process, it is more in the freshness of the products.” And don’t worry about your health! According to one study, pizza may be the key to losing weight! Personal trainer Ryan Mercer, 34, says he ate pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and managed to lose roughly 7.7 pounds during the 30-day challenge. What?!

Another reason why everyone loves pizza! In fact, a poll of about 3,000 Americans revealed that 24 percent consider pizza to be one of the “safest” date night meals. Another study shows at least two in three Americans consider themselves “pizza experts.” A poll of 2,000 pizza-loving U.S. adults finds that 79 percent claim they can even point out the best places to get a slice in the town they live in. In fact, many places in the U.S. serve some of the best pizza! From Joe’s pizza, considered a staple in New York, to the Gino’s East in Chicago, you can get a taste of what many travel cross-country to get their hands on.

Now that we are all craving some great pizza, let’s take a look at where you can get your hands on the perfect slice! StudyFinds consulted 10 expert ‘pie’ sites to determine the top five best pizzerias in the world. Have another suggestion? Add it in the comments below!

pizza on brown wooden table
Hand-tossed Pizza in Front of a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven (Photo by Nik Owens)

The List: Best Pizzerias in the World, According to Experts

1. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele – Naples, Italy

If you’re a pizza lover, then you must visit L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples, Italy. This pizzeria has been serving delicious pizza pies for over 150 years, and it’s known as one of the best pizzerias in the world. “Opened in 1870 and still run by the founding Condurro family, this pizzeria is often dismissed as a tourist trap – a situation hardly improved by the fact that Julia Roberts scarfed down a slice here in the movie ‘Eat Pray Love.’ In fact the restaurant controls crowds by handing out numbers, deli-style,” says 24/7 Wall St. “Nonetheless, da Michele is known the world over for its quintessential Neapolitan-style, wood-oven pies, and they may well be the platonic ideal of what Neapolitan pizza should be. Don’t look for contemporary takes here. There are only two pizzas available – the classic Margherita, topped with tomatoes, fior di latte, fresh basil, and a drizzle of soybean oil (in place of the traditional extra-virgin olive oil), and the Marinara with tomatoes, garlic, and oregano (no cheese). But enjoying one (or both) in this venerable establishment will tell you definitively what pizza is really all about.”

The secret to their success lies in the simplicity of their ingredients and the traditional methods used to make their pizzas. They only use San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, flour, water, salt, and yeast to make their pizzas. The dough is left to rise for 24 hours, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven for 90 seconds. The result is a crispy and delicious pizza that will leave you wanting more. Big 7 Travel adds, “Talk to anybody who has been here or read the reviews and you’ll see plenty of people calling it the best pizza they’ve eaten in their lives. The queues are always long, but the atmosphere among fellow customers waiting is buzzing, because everybody knows this is close to a religious experience. If you thought you were happy waiting you should see how happy you are leaving.”

Though this pizzeria has many branches spanning from London to California, the cuisine is held to the same fantastic standards as the original Naples pizza joint! “If you too have a deep love for pizza, you might want to check out the London spot and try their signature Margherita. Or,  branch out and divulge in Truffle Mushroom Pizza or the Salsiccia e Friarielli. Cap off the evening with traditional Neapolitan desserts like Cioccolotta and Baba,” adds Six-Two. So, whether you’re planning a trip to Naples, London, or California, make sure to add L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele to your itinerary!

2. I Masanielli – Caserta, Italy

 Masanielli in Caserta, Italy should definitely be on your bucket list, whether you love pizza or not! This pizzeria is known for its traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, which is made with high-quality ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven. The crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. 

Francesco Martucci continues his personal evolution in his gastronomic initiative applied to pizza, an internationally popular dish.  His establishment has become a highly-frequented destination for gourmet pizza enthusiasts that arrive from all over Italy,” says 50 Top Pizza. “The menu demonstrates the extensive research done into doughs, precise bakings, and interesting combinations of top-quality raw materials. They illustrate experimentation in an expert kitchen in service of a pizza that is still the unchallenged protagonist at the table.  The growth of the proposals can be seen in the tasting menu, a Pindaric journey suspended between the elegance of the flavors and the concrete representation of the local territory that Francesco Martucci conjugates with the balance of a master.  The desserts have been entrusted to the talent of Lilia Colonna.  The service is professional and the wine and beer lists are both excellent.” 

The chefs here are passionate about their craft and take pride in creating the perfect pie every time. From the dough to the sauce to the cheese, everything is made in-house and with care. And the result is a pizza that is truly unforgettable. En-Vols adds, “In Caserta, a little Italian Versailles bordering Naples, Francesco Martucci’s I Masanielli pizzeria is a smash hit. The dough for the ‘Futuro di Marinara’ is first steamed at 100°C, then plunged into the fryer at 180°C, and finally browned in an oven at more than 400°C. This futuristic cooking in three acts won the ‘Pizza of the Year’ award in 2020 from the 50 Top Pizza guide. What about toppings? Purée of roast tomatoes, dark olives from Caiazzo, Sicilian anchovies and Salina capers. All of Italy with no fuss.”

“I Masaneilli is in Caserta, north of Naples. It has been operated by Francesco Martucci since 2001. He makes his pizzas by three different methods: steamed (at 212º F), fried (at 355º F), and baked (at 750º F). The Margherita pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and Madonna dell’Olivo Core’ngrato extra-virgin olive oil. The Nero di Corbara uses salt-packed Corbarino tomatoes and pork sausage with fennel seeds, with smoked caciocavallo and extra-virgin olive oil added after baking,” says 24/7 Wall St. So if you find yourself in Caserta, make sure to stop by I Masanielli and experience one of the best pizzerias in the world for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you.

3. Peppe Pizzeria – Paris, France

Adding to our list of best pizzerias in the world in Peppe Pizzeria in Paris, France. This pizzeria serves up some of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas in the city, and it’s no surprise why it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. “Peppe Cutraro, former chef for the local Big Mamma restaurant group, makes his mark with his Neapolitan-style pizza – including the variation called the Montanara, in which the dough is fried before the toppings are added. Also worth trying are the pizzas with mortadella and pistachio or truffles and hazelnuts. A favorite for one Yelp reviewer was the Campione del Mondo, with yellow tomatoes, prosciutto, bufala mozzarella, grilled almonds, provolone, and fig jam,” adds 24/7 Wall St.

The dough is made in-house and cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it that perfect crispy crust and chewy texture. The toppings are fresh and flavorful, and the menu offers a variety of options to choose from, including classic Margherita and more unique combinations like the “La Peppe” with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, and olives. This beloved pizzeria was also listed in Food and Wine’s Top 10 list of best pizzerias in the world.

Sortir A Paris adds, “The restaurant Peppe, of the chef Giuseppe Cutraro, in the district Saint-Blaise of the 20th district of Paris, was crowned best pizzeria of Europe 2022. You can go there to enjoy delicious pizzas in front of the Saint-Germain de Charonne church. Peppe is the nickname of the chef who in 2019-2022 won the title of World Champion of the best pizza in Naples. Chef Peppe carefully selects his ingredients, so there’s nothing but quality in this pizza. The yellow tomato is sweeter and less acidic than the red one, the cheeses and the ham are not too salty, just the right amount, the fig jam brings a touch of sweetness to the pizza, and the almonds, a little crunch. From the very first bite, you can see why this recipe was voted best in the world.”

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends or a romantic date night. “The energy of Peppe Cutraro transpires here, in the style as well as in the welcoming Italian hospitality, friendliness, and attentiveness. The pizza, with its pronounced crust, is topped with the best of Italy. The environment is quite attractive, the sofas, the wooden tables, the large majolica counter, and the personalized serving plates. Do not miss the unique taste of the Montanare: the fried pizzas typical of the Neapolitan street food; also to try is the pizza with mortadella and pistachio or the one with truffle and hazelnuts. The simpler pizza Margherita, too, brings joy at first sight: large and fragrant, it shows off the colors of the sun and the scent of summer. Among the desserts, the tiramisu is a must. When it comes to the wines, there is a really nice selection of Campania labels,” says 50 Top Pizza. So, if you’re in the city of love and craving some delicious pizza, make sure to stop by Peppe Pizzeria and indulge in their mouth-watering pies.

4. Gino e Toto Sorbillo – Naples, Italy

When it comes to the best pizzerias in the world, Gino e Toto Sorbillo in Naples, Italy, is a must-visit. This family-owned pizzeria has been serving up delicious pies for nearly a century, and they have certainly perfected the craft. “Often touted as the ‘best pizza makers’ in Naples, Gino and Toto Sorbillo’s flagship restaurant has been open since 1935. They’re known for their wood-fired pizzas made with organic flour and fresh ingredients – we’d recommend trying the iconic Margherita al Filetto,” says Six-Two. “You can also try their legendary pizza in Sorbillo’s ever-growing branches around the globe in Milan, Rome, New York and the newly opened spots in Tokyo, Miami and Genova.”

The secret to their success lies in their use of high-quality ingredients, including San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and extra-virgin olive oil. But what sets Gino e Toto Sorbillo apart from other pizzerias is their commitment to tradition. They still use a wood-fired oven that has been in the family for generations, and they follow the same recipes and techniques that their ancestors did. The result is a pizza that is crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Whether you opt for a classic Margherita or a more adventurous pie with toppings like smoked buffalo mozzarella and zucchini flowers, you won’t be disappointed. 

Big 7 Travel adds, “The great Gino Sorbillo has locations in Naples, Milan and New York, so you’re never too far away from one of these simply perfect charred Neapolitan pizzas. Pizza toppings are designed around 10 Italian regions, so you can taste the specialty ingredients from across the country.”

“This is the talk of the town for its huge pizzas made from organic products of Campania. It is so much liked that it may take up to 1 or 2 hours to secure a table. However, you can devour your prey hassle-free if you reach early because as the saying goes it is the early bird who gets the worm,” says Holidify. So if you’re in Naples, make sure to stop by Gino e Toto Sorbillo for a taste of the best pizza in the world.

5. Una Pizza Napoletana – New York, USA

And last but certainly not least, is Una Pizza Napoletana in New York. This pizzeria is one of the best in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. The owner, Anthony Mangieri, is a master of his craft and has been making pizzas for over two decades. “On a side street of Houston Street, we find Anthony Mangieri’s ‘shop’. Anthony is a true pioneer of the Neapolitan style pizza in New York; he brought a real change in the panorama of the city: the attention to the leavening and therefore the improved digestibility, the selection of fresh and quality products, the impeccable service which is repeatedly mentioned by critics; all this is ‘Una Pizza Napoletana’, a true Neapolitan embassy in the Big Apple. The pizza is similar to the contemporary style pizza, which is the ‘dinghy’ (the canotto), to describe the thick crust, but it uses a smaller dough loaf. Among the proposals, there are also cold cuts served on a chopping board as well as, of course, the unmissable Neapolitan pastiera.” says 50 Top Pizza.

Robb Report writes, “The Lower East Side’s Una Pizza Napoletana has been a longtime favorite for stateside pizza connoisseurs and tourists alike. Mangieri brought Neapolitan pies to the city at a time when most places were selling classic, floppy NYC slices. He left for San Francisco in 2010 but came back to America’s pizza capital in 2018, where he’s been slinging up pies ever since.” 

“At Una Pizza Napoletana on the Lower East Side, owner-pizzaiolo Anthony Mangieri espouses Neapolitan-style pizza, of which he is considered a master – even by Neapolitans. The pizzas set a standard with their incredibly light, tall, ‘dinghy’-rim crusts, making them one of the more iconic pizzas in New York City. Yelp reviewers rave about the airy cornicione and the natural sweetness of the Margherita sauce,” adds 24/7 Wall St. So, If you’re in New York, make sure to add this pizzeria to your list of must-visit places. You won’t regret it!

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Sources

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations

 

Comments

  1. In my humble opinion Neapolitan style pizzas are not the preferred style of pizza for most pizza eaters in the world and yet here we are with another list of best pizzas that 100% of the pizzas are Neapolitan style. Is it a case of the emperor wears no clothes but nobody has the courage to say what everyone is thinking?

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