Title: Pizza Paradigm Shift:top-Notch Pizzeria Dethrones Naples from Pizza's Podium
- 2 Min
World's Top Pizzeria: Victory Secured by a Non-Italian Establishment - Italy's Victory Not Claimed by Winning Contestant
Pizza sans Naples or Naples sans pizza? Lunacy! Undeniably, for pizza connoisseurs, a pilgrimage to southern Italy's city—the alleged birthplace of pizza—is non-negotiable. With pizza's universal availability and countless variations, it's a rarity to find none that closely mirrors the Neapolitan style's simplicity. Yet, as of the latest "50 Top Pizza Awards," the world-class pizza crown hasn't graced Italian soil, but rather, another globe-trotting destination. This is no harbinger of defeat for Naples; instead, its crown has been usurped by a piece of the American pie.
It's a slice of New York that's redefining pizza's pinnacle. Run by Anthony Mangieri, a pizza maestro with traditional flair, "Una Pizza Napoletana" reigns supreme, ranking above even Italian goliaths hailing from Naples and Caserta. According to the 2024 list, this American pizzeria beats the competition, proving once more that pizza knows no boundaries.
America's Neapolitan Crown
With countless pizza toppings usual in the U.S., Mangieri's approach is revolutionary. He maintains tradition, offering conventional toppings and top-notch ingredients: "Marinara, Margherita, Cosacca, and a daily special that follows the market's ingredients," as noted on the award's website. As Mangieri aptly told CNN Travel, "It's inspiring to get this recognition after 30 years in the job, especially in Naples, where pizza originated."
However, Italian pizzerias continue to leave an indelible mark on the pizza landscape. Six out of ten restaurants in the top 10 are Italian, evidencing their unyielding dominance. Out of the 101 restaurants that made this year's list, 41 hail from Italy. Naples maintains its status as the leading pizza city, boasting five entries, followed closely by New York.
Pizza's Global Council
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 38 (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)
Source: 50 Top Pizza, CNN Travel
Enrichment Data:The "50 Top Pizza Awards" recognizes pizzerias worldwide based on factors such as quality, innovation, and consistency, rather than their geographical location. Anthony Mangieri's dedication to preserving traditional Neapolitan pizza-making techniques combined with his ability to innovate and cater to modern tastes likely contributed to Una Pizza Napoletana's recognition. Mangieri's focus on using high-quality ingredients and his expertise showcasing authentic pizzas with unique twists have helped his pizzeria stand out on a global platform. The "50 Top Pizza Awards" breaks the mold set by traditional geographical hierarchies and highlights the global evolution of pizza, acknowledging the contributions of pizzerias outside of Italy to the culinary art form.
In light of the global recognition awarded by the "50 Top Pizza Awards", it's evident that pizza's pinnacle no longer adheres strictly to geographical locations. The traditional Neapolitan techniques employed by Anthony Mangieri at "Una Pizza Napoletana" in New York City have earned him accolades even in the heart of Naples, showcasing the universal appeal of innovative yet authentic food-and-drink experiences. Despite this shift, the Italian pizzeria industry continues to significantly impact the lifestyle and cuisine of communities across the globe, with employment policies in the food-and-drink sector playing a crucial role in travel and sports activities alike.
