The Best Neapolitan Pizza Is Not From Naples

Italy is the birthplace of pizza, but the best Neapolitan pizza in the world? It now comes from entirely different countries. This is confirmed by two renowned rankings, one of which is by Italian experts.

World's Best Neapolitan Pizza: Poland and the USA at the Top

In recent years, two international pizzerias have claimed the title of the best Neapolitan pizza in the world – and both are not located in Italy. In 2023, the Polish restaurant "Zielona Górka" in Pabianice was crowned the number 1 Neapolitan pizzeria worldwide. Then, in 2024, "Una Pizza Napoletana" in New York took the top spot.

These awards come from two prestigious organizations: The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana(AVPN) named "Zielona Górka" the best authentic Neapolitan pizzeria. Meanwhile, the independent ranking "50 Top Pizza" awarded the New York "Una Pizza Napoletana" the title of the best pizzeria worldwide.

Craftsmanship Over Origin

Both pizzerias share a common trait: Their owners rely on traditional methods, carefully selected ingredients, and absolute perfection. Polish pizzaiolo Jędrzej Lewandowski started in a garage with no windows, and his pizzeria became an unexpected winner. In New York, Anthony Mangieri spent decades perfecting the art of neapolitan pizza – with great success. "It's inspiring after 30 years in the job to get the recognition for it, especially in Naples, where pizza has its origin," Mangieri told CNN Travel.

Both pizzerias follow the strict rules of neapolitan pizza-making: The dough is made only from flour, water, salt, and yeast, slowly fermented, and baked in a wood-fired oven at over 400°C. The ingredients must also meet the highest standards – including San Marzano tomatoes and Fior-di-Latte mozzarella.

Pizza Perfection Knows No Boundaries – But Italy Still Dominates

The success stories show that true neapolitan pizza is not tied to a specific place, but to passion and skill. While Naples preserves the tradition, it is being globally developed and perfected in Poland and the USA. However, Italy remains the undisputed pizza powerhouse: 6 of the top 10 pizzerias in the "50 Top Pizza" ranking of 2024 are located in Italy, and a total of 41 Italian restaurants made it onto the list of the 101 best pizzerias worldwide. With 5 entries, Naples remains the leading pizza city, closely followed by New York.

Here are the Top 10 Pizzerias of 2024

(according to „50 Top Pizza”)

1. Una Pizza Napoletana (New York, USA)
2. Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria (Naples, Italy)
2. I Masanielli – Francesco Martucci (Caserta, Italy)
3. The Pizza Bar on 38th (Tokyo, Japan)
4. Confine (Milan, Italy)
5. Napoli on the Road (London, England)
6. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco, USA)
7. I Tigli (San Bonifacio, Italy)
8. Sartoria Panatieri (Barcelona, Spain)
9. 50 Kalò (Naples, Italy)
10. Seu Pizza Illuminati (Rome, Italy)

Want to try your hand at the art of Neapolitan pizza? Click here for our recipe!