Two California pizzerias are among the world's best, according to a recent report from 50 Top Pizza.
The Italy-based industry group released its 2026 Guide to the Best Pizzerias, highlighting about 100 standout pizza destinations across the globe, with two California pizzerias tying for fifth place.
“We saw not only growth in the number of pizzerias and professionals involved, but also the consolidation of an international community that is increasingly aware of the value of quality," 50 Top Pizza curators said in a news release announcing its annual rankings. "We are proud of the journey we have taken and, once again, of the stories we have had the privilege of encountering and sharing.”
Here’s what to know about how California pizzerias performed
in the rankings.
Pizzeria Sei, Los Angeles
Pizzeria Sei, opened in 2022 by Chef William (Sang Woo) Joo and his wife and partner Jennifer So, "is known for its take on Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza in Los Angeles," according to the shop's website.
"The setting is modern, essential, with a minimalist layout that highlights the oven and work counter as central elements," 50 Top Pizza says.
The dough, made with carefully chosen flours and shaped by long fermentation and high hydration, delivers a crust that is remarkably light, airy and crisp, according to 50 Top Pizza.
"The toppings balance high-quality Italian ingredients with Japanese influences, with carefully crafted and clean pairings," 50 Top Pizza says.
Through careful technique and thoughtful flavor combinations, the restaurant offers a fresh, contemporary take on pizza, the industry group says.
Joo was born in South Korea and raised in Los Angeles, with a love of pizza, the eatery's website says.
"While he was inspired by the rise of Japanese interpretations of Neapolitan pizza, what drew him in was how expressive it could be while still staying grounded in tradition," the website says. "The pizzas are rooted in a Neapolitan foundation, cooked at high heat with a quick bake, then shaped using a crimping technique that creates more variation in texture, with soft, airy sections, crisp edges, and charred bubbles that add a light smokiness."
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, San Francisco
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana was founded by Tony Gemignani, who was inspired by a pizzeria in Naples, Italy, the pizza shop's website says.
"To understand pizza around the world, you have to come to this historic corner location in the heart of the Californian city, because at the core of the pizzeria's success is the passion that Tony has been cultivating since he was a young boy: seven different types of ovens and eleven varieties of pizza are the numbers that best explain his vision," 50 Top Pizza says.
According to 50 Top Pizza, every style of pizza features top-quality ingredients and reflects techniques Gemignani has refined over more than 30 years.
"The service is efficient even under stress, the pizzeria maintains a popular and family-like character where everyone feels comfortable when they walk in," 50 Top Pizza says.
Top pizzerias in the world, according to 50 Top Pizza
Here are the top 10 from 50 Top Pizza's 2026 Guide to the Best Pizzerias:
- No. 1: Napoli on the Road (London, England)
- No. 2: Una Pizza Napoletana (New York, USA)
- No. 3: Confine (Milan, Italy)
- No. 4: Masanielli – Francesco Martucci (Caserta, Italy)
- No. 4: Seu Pizza Illuminati (Rome, Italy)
- No. 5: Pizzeria Sei (Los Angeles)
- No. 5: Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco)
- No. 6: Leggera Pizza Napoletana (São Paulo, Brazil)
- No. 7: RistoPizza by Napoli sta ca (Tokyo, Japan)
- No. 8: Baldoria (Madrid, Spain)
- No. 9: The Pizza Bar on 38th (Tokyo, Japan)
- No. 10: Razza (Jersey City, USA)
A full list of 50 Top Pizza's global rankings can be found here.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 2 California pizzerias named among the world's best
