Pizza remains one of the world's most beloved and universally enjoyed dishes, from the classic simplicity of a margherita to the bold flavours of pepperoni or more adventurous toppings. It serves as a culinary comfort food for millions across the globe. In exciting news for food enthusiasts, Time Out has just released its authoritative ranking of the world's best pizzas for 2026, and the results have delivered some surprising revelations.
Global Pizza Rankings: Unexpected Winner
In a remarkable turn of events, the coveted top position in this prestigious global ranking has been claimed not by an Italian establishment, as many might expect, but by a restaurant in the United States. This represents a significant shift in the international pizza landscape and demonstrates how exceptional pizza craftsmanship has become a truly global phenomenon.
British Success Stories
There is particularly good news for British pizza lovers, as two UK restaurants have secured prominent positions on this exclusive list of just 18 pizzerias worldwide. This achievement highlights the growing sophistication and quality of Britain's pizza scene, which continues to gain international recognition alongside traditional pizza powerhouses.
The World's Top Pizza Destinations
1. Mama’s Too, New York
The definitive winner of this global ranking is the Cacio e Pepe pizza from Mama's Too in New York. This exceptional creation has been hailed for its extreme creaminess, achieved through a sophisticated combination of whipped mascarpone, aged mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, parmigiano reggiano, and cracked black pepper. With branches in both the West Village and Upper West Side, this pizzeria has earned critical acclaim from the New York Times and consistently positive reviews on Tripadvisor, cementing its reputation as a world-class destination for pizza enthusiasts.
2. 180grammi Pizzeria Romana, Rome
Securing second place is the Pizza Capricciosa from 180grammi Pizzeria Romana in Rome. This substantial dish builds upon a classic margherita foundation, generously laden with artichokes, ham, olives, mushrooms, and often featuring a perfectly cooked egg. The pizzeria derives its name from the precisely weighed 180 grams of dough used for each pizza, demonstrating their commitment to consistency and quality. Food lovers frequently make special journeys to experience this Roman culinary treasure.
3. Short Road Pizza, London
London's Short Road Pizza claims the impressive third position with its marinara pizza, featuring Pomodoro, garlic puree, spicy chimichurri, burrata, and Sicilian anchovies. With branches in Bethnal Green and Leyton, this restaurant was also voted National Pizza of the Year in 2025. The pizzeria has developed a strong reputation for its specialty crispy, thin-crust pizzas that have captured both local and international attention.
4. Pizzeria da Attilio, Naples
Number four goes to the classic Pizza Margherita at Pizzeria da Attilio in Naples, Italy's veritable foodie hub. This establishment has been serving authentic Neapolitan-style pizza since the Second World War, maintaining traditional techniques in a homely, intimate setting. The enduring appeal of this classic pizza demonstrates that sometimes simplicity executed to perfection creates the most memorable culinary experiences.
5. Pizza Marumo, Tokyo
Breaking culinary boundaries, the Japanese Umami pizza at Pizza Marumo in Tokyo takes the fifth spot. This unique creation features dried shiitake mushroom cream sauce, mozzarella, pecorino, mackerel, bonito flakes, kombu, green onions, sesame, and soy sauce. Representing an innovative Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine, this pizzeria has become a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tokyo's vibrant food scene.
Global Pizza Excellence
The remaining establishments on this prestigious list demonstrate the remarkable diversity and creativity found in global pizza culture today:
6. Little Kitchener’s Pizzeria, Johannesburg: Their Pepperoni & Hot Honey Pizza combines salty pepperoni with sweet honey flavours in a distinctly traditional Italian setting.
7. Civerinos, Edinburgh: Featuring New Haven style pizza with Italian sausage, marinara, burrata, pepperoni, rosemary, black pepper, parsley and garlic oil, this Scottish pizzeria offers both thick and thin crust options.
8. Kalis, Buenos Aires: Specialising in artisan New York–style pizza sold by the slice, this vibrant Argentinian spot maintains a short menu with everything made in-house.
9. Baldoria, Madrid: The Búfala Fest pizza features San Marzano tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella DOP, confit cherry tomatoes, crispy parmesan, basil and lemon pesto in Spain's culinary capital.
10. Bella Brutta, Sydney: Rounding out the top ten with a unique clam pizza featuring surf clams, Pecorino, fermented chilli, garlic, parsley and lemon, reflecting Sydney's innovative food scene.
Additional Notable Entries
The complete list continues with exceptional pizzerias from around the world:
- 11. Pizza Connection, Cape Town: Their 'Capetonian' pizza features San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, pancetta, red onion, avocado, and EVO Oil with Naples-style or Roma-style base options.
- 12. Milly’s Pizza in the Pan, Chicago: Representing Chicago's famous deep-dish tradition with intriguingly named options including 'Clickbait' and 'Only Pans'.
- 13. Diamond Slice, Copenhagen: The ‘Nbluja pizza combines spicy ‘Nduja, Danish blue cheese and red onion in a cool outdoor setting.
- 14. Oobatz, Paris: Offering a unique 'surprise' pizza where the chef chooses toppings, providing a different experience with each order.
- 15. Officina Local, Rio de Janeiro: Their Umbria pizza features mushrooms, black garlic, and a white cheese base with a powerful truffle flavour kick.
- 16. Lupita, Lisbon: A controversial pineapple pizza with bacon, various cheeses, pickled onion and pineapple that ranked among Europe's top 50 pizzas in 2023.
- 17. Fiata by Salvatore Fiata, Hong Kong: The A’Salcissa pizza blends onion cream, fior di latte cheese, caramelised red onions, and fresh Italian sausage, ranking third in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025.
- 18. Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Oaxaca: The Tlayuda pizza brings Mexican flavours to life with refried beans, Oaxacan cheese, mushrooms, red peppers, avocado, and surprisingly, cactus toppings.
A New Era of Global Pizza Excellence
This comprehensive ranking from Time Out demonstrates how pizza has evolved from its Italian origins to become a truly global culinary phenomenon. The list showcases remarkable diversity in styles, ingredients, and cultural influences, while maintaining the fundamental appeal that makes pizza universally beloved. From traditional Neapolitan classics to innovative fusion creations, these 18 establishments represent the pinnacle of global pizza craftsmanship for 2026, offering inspiration and destinations for pizza enthusiasts worldwide.
