Napoli on the Road, a London-based pizzeria with locations in Chiswick, Richmond, and Soho, has been named the world's best pizzeria at the 50 Top Pizza awards. The restaurant's founder and chef, Michele Pascarella, expressed his "surreal joy" and "immense pride" at receiving the accolade in Naples, the birthplace of pizza.
This victory marks the first time a British establishment has secured the top spot in the competition's ten-year history, surpassing numerous Italian contenders. The awards are often referred to as the "Oscars for pizza."
Pascarella, 34, who was named global pizza maker of the year in 2023, began his culinary journey with Napoli on the Road in 2016, operating from a small three-wheeled food truck. He recalled selling 27 pizzas and earning £154 on his first day of business. "To be here today, with the number one pizzeria in the world, is something I’m still trying to take in," he told The Daily Mail. "And finally, it’s come home! I’m Italian and very proud of where I come from, but London gave me the opportunity to become who I am today."
He added that he is "incredibly happy" that London is now recognized globally for its pizza and that the city is "the best city in the world for me."
Napoli on the Road is known for its classic Margherita and innovative creations such as the "Cheesewick," which features five Italian cheeses and a homemade tomato jam. The restaurant distinguishes itself by being the first in the UK to use seasonal ingredients, updating its menu every three months to reflect nature's offerings and prioritize freshness and flavor.
Pascarella, who learned to make pizza in his hometown of Caserta, near Naples, moved to the UK at age 19. He emphasized that while Italy is celebrated for its authentic cuisine, excellent Italian food and pizza can be found worldwide, with many international chefs taking pride in high-quality offerings. This global appreciation, he noted, has led to a diverse range of flavors and styles.
Pascarella also shared insights into crafting the perfect pizza, stressing the importance of balancing ingredients and avoiding excessive toppings that can detract from the base. He advised against using a knife and fork, opting instead to eat pizza with hands, and suggested pairing it with a suitable beverage. He also cautioned against the overuse of chili oil, as it can overpower other flavors. Embracing seasonal ingredients and avoiding overworking the dough are also key to achieving supreme quality.
Napoli on the Road's victory ended the seven-year dominance of I Masanielli in Caserta, run by Francesco Martucci, which dropped to joint fourth place this year. Martucci expressed no hard feelings, stating, "Pizza today is a child of the world, you don't have to be in Naples or Caserta to produce the best."
Two other British pizzerias were recognized in the rankings: 50 Kalò in Westminster secured 23rd place, and Stile Napoletano in Chester was ranked 74th. 50 Kalò is noted for being one of only six pizzerias included in Italy's Michelin Guide. Stile Napoletano, founded by Giacomo Guido, is praised for its "tasty and light Neapolitan style pizzas using pure, organic ingredients from Italy."
Globally, Italy had the most restaurants on the list with 31 entries, followed by the U.S. with 22. New York was the most represented city with seven entries, followed by Naples and São Paulo. Restaurants from 36 countries were featured on this year's list.