Sydney and Melbourne Pizzerias Named Among World's Top 50
Gigi's in Sydney ranks as Australia's highest, with its owner also honored as Pizza Maker of the Year.
Two Australian pizzerias have earned spots on the prestigious 50 Top Pizza World list for 2026, with Sydney's Gigi's recognized as the highest-ranked establishment in Australia.
Gigi's, a neighborhood restaurant in Sydney's Balmain, secured the 16th position overall. Its owner and pizzaiolo, Daniel Semrani, was also awarded Pizza Maker of the Year for 2026. Melbourne's SHOP225 in Pascoe Vale South also made the global ranking, placing 42nd.
Semrani expressed his elation, stating he had achieved beyond his wildest imagination. He received his awards at a ceremony in Naples, where he also had a conversation he described as life-changing with renowned pizzaiolo Francesco Martucci.
The 50 Top Pizza World list assesses pizzerias based on a comprehensive dining experience, including ingredient quality, service, atmosphere, cleanliness, and customer treatment, rather than favoring a specific pizza style. Napoli on the Road in London claimed the top spot on the list.
For diners at Gigi's, the classic Margherita, featuring San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, and basil, is recommended. The menu also offers innovative options such as the Spicy Botox with vodka sauce and spicy salami, and the Chilli Crab with crab and fermented chili. Semrani's butter chicken pizza has also gained significant attention.
SHOP225, founded in 2016 by Lorenzo Tron and Roberto Davoli, has established a reputation for its Neapolitan-style pizza and its commitment to accommodating dietary needs, offering gluten-free and vegan options. The restaurant also received the Best Pasta Proposal award for the Asia-Pacific region earlier this year.
Notable dishes at SHOP225 include the Zio Pino pizza with fior di latte, mushrooms, and truffle oil, and the 2807, topped with fior di latte and porcini mushrooms. The restaurant's cacio e pepe arancini and pasta dishes were also praised.
A third Australian establishment, 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar in South Yarra, Melbourne, also appeared on the wider top 100 list at number 79. This restaurant, run by Michele Circhirillo and Fabio Biscaldi, ferments its dough for 48 hours and blends traditional Italian techniques with Australian native ingredients. Their kangaroo pizza, featuring kangaroo salami and macadamia pesto, is a distinctive offering.