Ready to set sail in search of your perfect slice? Set your course to these top 10 pizza destinations.

Set sail for your perfect slice

With an estimated 250,000 pizzerias scattered across all corners of the Earth and roots dating back to ancient Greece, pizza is truly a global language. And with World Pizza Day fast approaching on February 9th, what better excuse to raise a slice to the best pies on the planet.

Whether you’re a classic Neapolitan, Margherita or even Hawaiian kind of pizza person, you’ll find something to tickle your tastebuds on this list of the top 10 pizza destinations in the world. Order up!

1. Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba

Location: Naples, Italy
Google Maps link: Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba

Widely considered to be the world's oldest pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba has been serving its signature Neapolitan-style pies since 1738. The restaurant is renowned for its use of fresh ingredients and traditional methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Its classic Margherita pizza with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala was even granted the prestigious title of Vera Pizza Napoletana by the Italian government in 1984, making it an official symbol of Naples’ culinary culture. Famous for being one of the oldest types of pizza, Neapolitan originated in Naples and is even recognised by UNESCO as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list!

2. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Location: Naples, Italy
Google Maps link: L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele

A visit to just one pizzeria in Naples is never enough, so why not also grab a slice from L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele while you’re in town? Opened in 1870, this other famous pizzeria quickly became a favourite amongst locals for its unique wood-burning ovens, which remain in use today.

For tourists, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele became a must-visit after being featured in Julia Roberts’ smash hit Eay Pray Love. With only two items on the menu, pizza Margherita and pizza Marinara, you won’t have to think too hard before enjoying one of the best pies of your life.

3. Bonci Pizzarium

Location: Rome, Italy
Google Maps link: Bonci Pizzarium

For the final Italian pizzeria on this list, it’s hard to look past the more contemporary Bonci Pizzarium in the country’s capital. Founded by Chef Gabriele Bonci, lovingly known as the “Pizza Hero”, Bonci Pizzarium offers all of the classics you’ll find in Naples alongside more inventive creations, such as the Pizza al Tartufo, featuring a truffle cream sauce.

Bonci’s keen focus on quality, seasonal ingredients combined with his creative take on the classic pie makes the Pizzarium one of Rome’s foremost restaurants.

4. Lombardi's Pizza

Location: New York City, USA
Google Maps link: Lombardi's

Located in New York City’s Little Italy since 1905, Lombardi's Pizza is credited as being America's first-ever pizzeria. It was founded by Gennaro Lombardi who brought his authentic Neapolitan recipes over from his Italian homeland before setting up shop on Spring Street NYC, where he served some of the most mouthwatering slices in town at a time before pizza was a staple of American menus.

Lombardi’s has been operated by four generations of family since opening, and serves their original coal-fired brick oven pies using only simple but high-quality ingredients – all cooked perfectly within 90 seconds at 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

The restaurant was awarded a Certificate of Authenticity from Naples' Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in 1984, declared a New York City landmark in 1994, and rose to further fame after former US President Barak Obama visited in 2009.

5. Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitana

Location: New York City, USA
Google Maps link: Totonno's

Opened almost 100 years ago, Totonno's remained one of Brooklyn's best-kept secrets until recent decades, when it became a regular pitstop for travelling foodies and celebrities in search of the perfect slice. Totonno’s founder, Antonio “Totonno” Pero, was in fact the apprentice of Genarro Lombardi.

Totonno’s history, original decor and undisputable quality make this another New York City institution, which should be high on the list for any true pizza fan.

6. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Location: Chicago, USA
Google Maps link: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

No list of world-famous pizzas would be complete without including the deep dish pie - Chicago’s beloved pizza style known for its thick, crunchy crust. And arguably nobody in Chicago does deep dish quite like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, making it a worthwhile pitstop on your USA road trip.

Founded by Lou Malnati in 1971 and now with over 50 locations around Chicago, Malnati’s is not your average pizza chain like Domino's or Pizza Hut. Malnati’s is now run by Lou’s sons and is famous for signature pizzas with a buttery crust, fresh mozzarella cheese, and mouth-watering sausage or pepperoni.

7. 50 Kaló di Ciro Salvo

Location: London, UK
Google Maps link: 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo Pizzeria London

The creation of third-generation pizzaiolo, Ciro Salvo, the renowned pizzeria at 50 Kaló proves you don’t have to fly to Italy to taste the best of the best. The award-winning establishment is one of only a few pizzerias featured in the Michelin Guide, and regularly named London’s best pizza by those in the know.

In fact, in 2015, 50 Kaló was officially recognized as one of the World’s Best Pizza Restaurants by Gambero Rosso – Italy’s leading food guidebook that awards restaurants based on their quality ingredients, preparation techniques and overall dining experience. With Neapolitan-style classics alongside more modern takes, Kaló has something to delight all pizza fans.

8. El Celler de Can Roca

Location: Girona, Spain
Google Maps link: El Celler de Can Roca

True aficionados know that pizza is a universal language and one that has been adapted by cultures around the world. One such example is the Spanish Coca pizza, which is a traditional Catalan dish with a flat oval dough base with savoury and sometimes sweet toppings.

If you’re looking to expand your pizza horizons, the culinary minds at El Celler de Can Roca in Girona are renowned for their modern takes on traditional Catalan cuisine. Founded by the Roca brothers, Joan, Josep and Jordi, the restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars and attracts foodies from around the world.

They’ve featured coca pizza on their tasting menus before, so check before your visit to see if you have a chance at this unique pizza experience.

9. Baest

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Google Maps link: Bæst

Copenhagen has an international reputation as a fine-dining mecca, with no shortage of Michelin-star restaurants, funky bars and bistros, cozy cafes and bustling markets. Thankfully for pizza people, the city is also home to some of Europe’s most succulent slices, at Baest.

Located in the heart of the city, Baest is a cozy Italian eatery serving dishes inspired by traditional Neapolitan cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features an array of wood-fired pizzas with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and ethical farming and production. The restaurant also has a strong focus on sustainability, with leftover meat scraps being intelligently repurposed into charcuterie or cured meats, and bones used in soups and sauces.

10. The Pizza Bar on 38th

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Google Maps link: The Pizza Bar On 38th

A classic Neapolitan pizza may not cross your mind when thinking about food in Japan, but the Land of the Rising Sun isn’t all about sushi. In fact, Netflix star chef David Chang believes Tokyo is home to the world’s best.

Four Tokyo-based eateries featured on the renowned annual 50 Top Pizza list, with the Pizza Bar on 38th boasting the best in Japan. The restaurant serves classic Neapolitan-style pizzas so simplicity, texture and freshness are the order of the day. The Naples tradition doesn’t extend to the decor however, with Pizza Bar serving their dishes on a luxe 8-seat marble bar for an exclusive atmosphere.

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