The best pizza in the United States hails from a wood-fired oven on New York’s Lower East Side, according to an Italian pizza-ranking guide. For the second consecutive year, the Naples-based 50 Top Pizza has crowned Una Pizza Napoletana as the top pizzeria in its annual evaluation of American pizza artisans. The ranking focuses exclusively on Neapolitan-style pizza—the thin, round, and meticulously crafted variety originating from Naples, Italy, which many aficionados consider the quintessential pizza style.
In a double triumph for New York, the city also claimed the top individual pizza slice, with accolades going to L’Industrie Pizzeria, managed by Massimo Laveglia and Nick Baglivo. Last year, Una Pizza Napoletana was not only the best in the U.S. but also rated No. 1 globally. The global rankings are anticipated later this year. Owned by Anthony Mangieri, Una Pizza Napoletana has become a beacon of authentic Neapolitan pizza in America.
The Legacy of Anthony Mangieri
Anthony Mangieri, born and raised in New Jersey, opened his first pizzeria on the Jersey Shore in 1996. Known for his dedication to the Neapolitan style, Mangieri has been praised by Food and Wine magazine as “one of the country’s most skilled practitioners” and described by New York magazine as a “one-man Opus Dei” for authentic pizza.
The organization behind the ranking, 50 Top Pizza, highlighted the rich flavor of Mangieri’s pizzas and his straightforward approach, offering only a few dishes at a single location. Mangieri expressed that perfecting his technique has been his goal since he began making pizzas at age 15. “When we opened, no one was making the style of pizza that we make,” Mangieri told CNN Travel. He noted that the world of pizza has evolved significantly over the past 30 years, with quality Neapolitan pizza now accessible globally.
“It is not a concept restaurant—it is not one of 20 things that I’m doing. It’s a life’s work.” — Anthony Mangieri
Los Angeles and San Francisco Rise in the Ranks
While New York continues to dominate the pizza scene, Los Angeles and San Francisco are hot on its heels. Pizzeria Sei in Los Angeles, run by William Joo, claimed the second spot on the list, with Joo being praised as “very talented” by the ranking organization. Tony Gemignani’s Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco secured the third position, reinforcing the city’s reputation for culinary excellence.
Other cities known for their pizza also made appearances on the list, including New Haven, where Zeneli was singled out. California performed particularly well, with honors going to pizzerias in San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Berkeley. The influence of Neapolitan pizza has spread widely, with the ranking also featuring restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Implications for the Pizza Industry
The announcement of these rankings at the West Edge in New York’s Chelsea Market underscores the growing appreciation for Neapolitan pizza in the United States. As American diners increasingly seek out authentic culinary experiences, the demand for traditional pizza styles continues to rise. This trend is reflected in the expanding presence of high-quality pizzerias across the nation.
Looking ahead, the organization will announce the best pizzerias in Italy on July 15 and the world’s best pizzerias in September. These upcoming rankings are eagerly anticipated by pizza enthusiasts around the globe.
The Top 10 Pizzerias in the U.S. According to 50 Top Pizza
- Una Pizza Napoletana – New York
- Pizzeria Sei – Los Angeles
- Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – San Francisco
- Jay’s – Kenmore, New York
- Ribalta – New York
- Robert’s – Chicago
- Don Antonio – New York
- Ken’s Artisan Pizza – Portland, Oregon
- Truly Pizza – Dana Point, California
- La Leggenda – Miami
As the competition heats up, pizza makers across the country are likely to innovate and refine their offerings, striving to climb the ranks and capture the taste buds of pizza lovers everywhere. With the ongoing evolution of the pizza landscape, the future looks bright—and delicious—for America’s pizzerias.
