Two pizzerias from opposite ends of Italy have been named the best in the country by the latest edition of the Gambero Rosso “Pizzerie d’Italia 2026” guide.
Franco Pepe’s Pepe in Grani in Caiazzo, near Caserta, and Simone Padoan’s I Tigli in San Bonifacio, in the province of Verona, both achieved a score of 97 out of 100, securing the top position in the “Tre Spicchi” category, which recognises traditional, plate-served pizzerias.
Close behind with 96 points were I Masanielli by Sasà Martucci, also in Caserta, and Confine in Milan. The number of pizzerias awarded the prestigious Tre Spicchi distinction has grown to 100, highlighting the continuing rise in quality across Italy’s pizza scene.
The “Tre Rotelle” awards, reserved for pizza by the slice and takeout, once again saw Gabriele Bonci’s celebrated Pizzarium in Rome at the top with 96 points. This year the category expanded to 18 winners, up from 16, with two new Roman entries: Ruver Teglia Frazionata and Frumentario.
In total, the 13th edition of the guide reviews 816 establishments, including 133 new entries, and assigns nine special prizes.
“Pizza is joy, culture, and human connection,” said Lorenzo Ruggeri, editor at Gambero Rosso, during the presentation in Naples. “It is not a point of contention, but a universal language that unites.”
With more than 35,000 pizzerias across Italy, Ruggeri noted that the future of the dish lies in strengthening links to local produce, respecting seasonality, and embracing sustainability.
The guide’s results confirm what many Italians already know: pizza remains a cornerstone of national identity and a symbol of culinary excellence recognised worldwide.
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