New Yorkers have long championed their city’s pizza, and now they have fresh evidence to back their claims. According to the 50 Top Pizza Awards, which released its 2024 global rankings this week, a Lower East Side establishment has claimed the top spot.
Una Pizza Napoletana, opened by pizza maestro Anthony Mangieri in March 2022, has not only outshone its American competitors but has also surpassed renowned pizzerias in Naples, Italy—the historic birthplace of pizza.
“It’s truly inspiring to be acknowledged after 30 years in the field, especially in Naples, where pizza originated,” Mangieri said in an email to CNN Travel.
New York City’s pizza scene further solidified its reputation with three other local pizzerias making the 2024 list, which features 101 establishments despite its name. Ribalta secured the 19th spot, Don Antonio was ranked 30th, and L’industrie Pizzeria came in at 80th.
Italy continued to lead the rankings overall, with 41 pizzerias making the list, while the United States had 15 entries. Naples itself secured five spots, including a tie for second place with Diego Vigtaliano Pizzeria.
The awards also highlighted the global nature of the pizza scene, with pizzerias from countries not traditionally known for their pizza—such as South Korea, Bolivia, and India—making the list.
Why Una Pizza Napoletana is the World’s Best Pizza for 2024
According to the 50 Top Pizza Awards, Una Pizza Napoletana earned the highest honor due to its commitment to the purest traditions of pizza-making. The awards explained on their website:
“Anthony Mangieri focuses on the essence of traditional pizza, using extraordinary ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, Amalfi wild oregano, buffalo mozzarella DOP, and Sicilian sea salt. His menu includes classic offerings like Marinara, Margherita, and Cosacca, along with a daily special based on market ingredients.”
Mangieri, originally from New Jersey, developed a deep passion for pizza at a young age. A representative from the restaurant shared with CNN Travel that his mother drove him to various renowned pizzerias across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut in his quest for the perfect slice.
Mangieri’s approach is centered on naturally leavened, wood-fired pizzas. He emphasizes the importance of dough, noting, “A truly great pizza starts with the dough. It’s about hydration, technique, and adaptability to different variables.” At Una Pizza Napoletana, the dough is made daily using a blend of Italian flours, is naturally leavened, highly hydrated, and never refrigerated.
The restaurant stands out by baking only three pizzas at a time in its wood-fired ovens, reflecting a “slow food” ethos. Located at 175 Orchard Street, just off Houston Street, this is actually the sixth iteration of Una Pizza Napoletana, which reopened in March 2022.
In addition to its pizza, Una Pizza Napoletana is also noted for its homemade ice cream and seasonal sorbets. Despite the accolades, Mangieri emphasizes that recognition is secondary to his passion for pizza-making. “The acknowledgment is appreciated, but it’s not the reason I started or continue to craft each dough ball. It motivates us to approach each day with renewed dedication and appreciation.”
As for his personal taste, Mangieri enjoys pasta, often having it for almost every meal, and his fiancée’s Mexican cooking.
If you’re planning a visit, be aware that Una Pizza Napoletana is temporarily closed while Mangieri and his team travel in Italy, reopening on October 4.
Top Pizzerias of 2024, According to the 50 Top Pizza Awards:
- Una Pizza Napoletana (New York, USA)
- (tie) Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria (Naples, Italy)
- (tie) I Masanielli – Francesco Martucci (Caserta, Italy)
- The Pizza Bar on 38th (Tokyo, Japan)
- Confine (Milan, Italy)
- Napoli on the Road (London, England)
- Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco, USA)
- I Tigli (San Bonifacio, Italy)
- Sartoria Panatieri (Barcelona, Spain)
- 50 Kalò (Naples, Italy)
- Seu Pizza Illuminati (Rome, Italy)
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