18 Oct Where Is the Best Pizza in the World? Lets Find Out
Pizza, one of the most beloved and universally enjoyed foods, has a special place in nearly every culture’s culinary heart. Whether it’s a thin, crispy crust from Naples, a deep-dish sensation from Chicago, or an innovative fusion slice from Tokyo, pizza has evolved into a global phenomenon. But the ultimate question remains: where is the best pizza in the world?
To answer this, we must look at the birthplace of pizza, modern innovators, and iconic styles that have captivated food lovers everywhere. Let’s take a journey across the globe to explore some of the top contenders.
1. Naples, Italy: The Birthplace of Pizza
If you’re on a quest for the world’s best pizza, there’s no better place to start than where it all began—Naples. The southern Italian city is the birthplace of pizza, specifically the Neapolitan pizza, which dates back to the 18th century.
Why Naples?
- Authenticity: The Neapolitan pizza is renowned for its simplicity and strict adherence to tradition. The dough is made with just flour, water, salt, and yeast, and it’s topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella di bufala, and basil.
- Wood-fired Ovens: The true magic of Neapolitan pizza comes from cooking it in a wood-fired oven at around 900°F (485°C). The result? A soft, slightly charred, and bubbly crust that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
- Top Pizzerias:
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Often hailed as the best pizzeria in the world, this humble spot in Naples serves only two types of pizza: Margherita and Marinara. Both are masterpieces of simplicity, showcasing the perfect balance of flavors.
- Pizzeria Sorbillo: A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Sorbillo offers an extensive menu with more innovative toppings, but its classic Margherita is still the highlight.
2. Rome, Italy: Thin Crust and Crunchy Appeal
Rome offers a different style of pizza compared to Naples. Roman pizza (pizza al taglio) is typically thinner and crunchier, often sold by the slice, making it perfect for a quick bite as you wander the ancient streets.
Why Rome?
- Crispy Crust: Roman pizza is baked at a lower temperature for a longer time, resulting in a cracker-thin crust that is crunchy and sturdy enough to hold a variety of toppings.
- Variety: Roman pizzerias often focus on pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), where you can mix and match toppings and customize your pizza to your heart’s content.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Pizzarium: Located near the Vatican, Pizzarium is famous for its creative toppings and artisan ingredients. Owned by Gabriele Bonci, this pizzeria is celebrated for its thick slices, innovative flavors, and high-quality ingredients.
- La Gatta Mangiona: Known for its exceptional Roman-style pizzas with gourmet toppings, La Gatta Mangiona blends tradition with creativity.
3. New York City, USA: The Global Icon
New York City is often hailed as the pizza capital of the United States. The New York-style pizza is known for its large, thin slices that you can fold in half and enjoy on the go, making it a favorite of fast-paced city dwellers.
Why New York City?
- Unique Crust: The crust is thin but slightly chewy, with a crisp edge that’s achieved by baking the pizza in gas-powered ovens. The high-gluten flour used in the dough gives it a unique texture and taste.
- Generous Toppings: New York-style pizza often comes with a more generous amount of toppings compared to its Italian counterparts, with mozzarella cheese being a key player.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Di Fara Pizza: Located in Brooklyn, Di Fara is a legendary institution where pizza has been crafted by Domenico DeMarco for over 50 years. People wait hours for a slice of his pizza, known for its perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and fresh basil.
- Joe’s Pizza: A classic slice joint in Greenwich Village, Joe’s Pizza is an iconic spot for those looking to experience a quintessential New York slice.
- Lucali: A Brooklyn gem that focuses on wood-fired pizzas with a perfect blend of cheese, sauce, and a slightly charred crust, Lucali is often ranked as one of the best in the world.
4. Chicago, USA: The Deep-Dish Delight
For pizza lovers who crave more substance, Chicago offers the deep-dish pizza, an indulgent creation that is more of a pizza pie than a slice. With its thick crust and layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, it’s a completely different experience from the thin-crust pizzas of Italy.
Why Chicago?
- Deep-Dish Excellence: Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is baked in a round, deep pan that creates a tall crust to hold a generous amount of cheese, tomato sauce, and toppings.
- Hearty and Filling: Unlike other pizzas that you can fold and eat quickly, deep-dish pizza requires a knife and fork. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for those who love a rich, comforting meal.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Lou Malnati’s: One of the most famous pizzerias in Chicago, Lou Malnati’s offers the classic deep-dish experience with a buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and layers of gooey mozzarella cheese.
- Giordano’s: Known for its stuffed pizza, Giordano’s takes the deep-dish experience to another level, with an extra layer of dough on top of the cheese and toppings before being finished with sauce.
5. Tokyo, Japan: Unexpected Excellence
You might not associate Japan with pizza, but Tokyo has developed a reputation for crafting some of the world’s best pizzas. Inspired by traditional Neapolitan techniques, Japanese pizzaiolos have perfected their craft to create pizzas that rival those found in Italy.
Why Tokyo?
- Meticulous Craftsmanship: Japanese chefs are known for their precision and dedication to perfection, and this applies to their approach to pizza-making as well. They often import ingredients from Italy and use wood-fired ovens to create authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
- Fusion Innovation: In addition to traditional pizzas, Tokyo also offers creative, fusion-style pizzas that incorporate local ingredients like seafood, miso, or wasabi.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Savoy: Known for its minimalist approach, Savoy focuses on just two types of pizza: Margherita and Marinara. Their commitment to authenticity and simplicity has earned them international acclaim.
- Seirinkan: This Tokyo-based pizzeria is often considered one of the best in the world, with a focus on traditional Neapolitan techniques and premium ingredients.
Conclusion: Where Is the Best Pizza?
The search for the best pizza in the world is as diverse as the pizza styles themselves. For purists, Naples remains the gold standard with its rich history and dedication to tradition. New York City offers an iconic experience with its foldable, cheesy slices, while Chicago’s deep-dish is perfect for those who crave an indulgent meal. And don’t underestimate Tokyo, where pizza has been elevated to an art form.
Ultimately, the best pizza is subjective—it depends on your personal taste, whether you prefer thin and crispy or thick and gooey. But one thing is clear: no matter where you go, pizza continues to captivate taste buds around the world, and the hunt for the perfect slice is always worth the journey.