These are the best pizzas in the world according to Time Out (and Italy is not in first place in the 2026 ranking)

The international magazine Time Out has published the 2026 ranking dedicated to the best pizzas on the planet, comparing establishments spread across different continents and very distant interpretations of the symbolic dish of Italian tradition. What emerges is a ranking destined to cause discussion, especially in Italy, since the top does not belong to a pizzeria on the Peninsula, and it could already be closed here, but duty calls, so let’s move on.

The selection takes into consideration places from cities that are very different in terms of gastronomic culture, history and style, for a broad and questionable insight into the international evolution of pizza.

First place in New York

On the top step of the podium we find New York, awarded for the Cacio e Pepe pizza from Mama’s Too. This is the proposal that takes first place overall, surpassing all the other brands on the list.

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The Cacio e Pepe that convinced the magazine’s editors is made with whipped mascarpone, matured mozzarella, pecorino romano, parmigiano reggiano and ground black pepper. The review highlights the soft and enveloping consistency of the seasoning, an element that contributes decisively to the success of the dish.

A combination that recalls a great classic of Roman cuisine, transformed into a pizza version with a studied balance between flavor and creaminess.

Rome in second place

Italy obtains second position thanks to the capricciosa pizza from 180 grams Pizzeria Romana in Rome. The place owes its name to the choice to prepare each pizza with a dough weighing 180 grams, a figure that represents the signature of the house.

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The capricciosa proposed by the Roman pizzeria thus manages to establish itself as the best Italian expression in the 2026 ranking, keeping the national flag flying high despite not reaching the top.

London closes the podium

London comes in third place with Short Road Pizza’s marinara. The recipe combines tomato, garlic puree, spicy chimichurri, burrata and Sicilian anchovies, building a whole with marked and contemporary contrasts.

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A proposal that reinterprets tradition with less conventional combinations and which allows the British capital to get on the podium alongside New York and Rome.

Naples only fourth

The first Neapolitan brand only enters the rankings in fourth place. This is the Pizzeria da Attilio, a business that has been active since the Second World War and awarded for its margherita.

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A surprising placement, considering the historical role of Naples as the homeland of pizza, but which testifies to the growing international competition around one of the most famous gastronomic symbols in the world.

The ranking criteria

The ranking was born from the collection of opinions expressed by Time Out writers and editors on the pizzas tasted in various countries. The magazine therefore built the list on the basis of internal evaluations by the editorial staff, without resorting to public votes or prizes awarded by external juries.

The complete ranking

Below is the complete list of pizzerias selected for 2026:

  1. Mama’s Too, New York
  2. 180 grams Pizzeria Romana, Rome
  3. Short Road Pizza, London
  4. Pizzeria da Attilio, Naples
  5. Pizza Marumo, Tokyo
  6. Little Kitchener’s Pizzeria, Johannesburg
  7. Civerinos, Edinburgh
  8. Kalis, Buenos Aires
  9. Spree, Madrid
  10. Bella Ugly, Sydney
  11. Pizza Connection, Cape Town
  12. Milly’s Pizza in the Pan, Chicago
  13. Diamond Slice, Copenhagen
  14. Oobatz, Paris
  15. Officina Local, Rio de Janeiro
  16. Lupita, Lisbon
  17. Fiata by Salvatore Fiata, Hong Kong
  18. November 20th Market, Oaxaca