UK Pizza Scene Celebrates Global Triumph
The prestigious 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains 2025 Awards, curated by the renowned guide 50 Top Pizza, have been announced, and Britain has emerged as a dominant force in the global pizza landscape. The legendary Neapolitan brand Da Michele, which operates two restaurants in London and one in Manchester, has been officially crowned the Best Artisan Pizza Chain in the World.
This victory highlights London's status as a premier pizza destination outside of Italy. The capital is the most internationally represented city in this year's top 10 global ranking, with three more brands operating within its borders securing coveted spots. The French-owned Big Mamma Group, home to London favourites like Gloria and Circolo Popolare, placed second. British-born success story Pizza Pilgrims ranked sixth, while the Italian-created Berberè, known for its London neighbourhood pizzerias, came seventh.
Spotlight on the Champion and London's Finest
The world champion, Da Michele, is a pizza institution. Founded in Naples in 1870, it is famous for its iconic 'a ruota di carro' or wagon wheel pizza. From its humble beginnings, the brand has expanded to over 70 locations worldwide, including its successful UK outposts on Baker Street, in Soho, and in Manchester.
Reflecting on the cultural significance of this achievement, Inigo Lambertini, Ambassador of Italy to the UK, stated: 'Pizza is more than just food. It is culture, history, and identity. It is a symbol of conviviality, an ambassador in its own right of Italian lifestyle and craftsmanship all over the world.'
The success of homegrown Pizza Pilgrims is a particularly sweet victory for the UK. Founded by British brothers Thom and James Elliot, the chain is celebrated for bringing authentic Neapolitan dough and ingredients to the British high street. Their journey began in 2012 with a 4,500km pilgrimage across Italy to master the art of pizza-making before bringing their expertise back to London.
The Global Top 15 Pizza Chains Revealed
The awards showcase the international appeal of artisan pizza. Here is a closer look at the chains that made the top 15:
- Da Michele (Italy/UK) - The legendary world champion.
- Big Mamma Group (France/UK) - Known for its extravagant London restaurants.
- Grosso Napoletano (Spain) - Last year's winner, offering budget-friendly quality.
- Bráz (Brazil) - Features unique offerings like smoked turkey and pistachio pizza.
- Luigia (Switzerland) - Values tradition and quality ingredients.
- Pizza Pilgrims (UK) - A British-born success story.
- Berberè (Italy/UK) - Celebrated for its slow-fermented doughs.
- 400 Gradi (Australia) - Cooks Neapolitan pizza in just 90 seconds.
- Errico Porzio (Italy) - A Neapolitan pizza maker blending tradition and innovation.
- Gruppo Peppe (France) - Founded by acclaimed chef Giuseppe Cutraro.
- Eataly (UK) - A London-based chain bringing Italian delicacies to the capital.
- Sorbillo (Italy) - An historic Neapolitan pizzeria.
- Vincenzo Capuano (Italy) - Founded by the 'World Pizza Champion'.
- 1900 Pizzeria (Brazil) - A long-established chain from South America.
- Can Pizza (Spain) - A Barcelona chain famed for its 72-hour fermented dough.
The complete ranking of 50 chains confirms that the appetite for high-quality, artisan pizza is a truly global phenomenon, with the United Kingdom firmly established as a key player on the world stage.
