Pizza is universal. It’s the most celebrated dish in the world. It can be as simple as a Margherita or as exotic as a BBQ Chicken pie. Pizza is unique, it brings people together. It’s one of those dishes that belong at the center of the table, that’s how it’s always been. So, let’s get to know the most famous pizzerias around the world, ones to add to your bucket list.
Pizzeria Mozza, LA
Today no one makes the traditional Neaopolitan pizza better than L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, in Napeles itself . Their secret? Simplicity and love for the historic ways. Michele Condurro opened his first pizzeria in 1906. Five generations later, the Condurro family remains firm to the old practices and merely offers the Marinara and Margherita styles. They source the best ingredients within the province and have been called The Holy Temple of Pizza. Can it be better than this? After all, simple is beautiful.
Italian Immigrants came to New York full of dreams and ambition, they carried with them their fondness for pizza. Anthony Totonno disembarked in 1903 and learned the restaurant business working at Lombardi’s, one of the first Italian restaurants in town. In 1921 he was ready to open his own shop, and Totonno’s was born. The first licensed pizzeria in America in the heart of Coney Island.
Totonno brings his ingredients from Italy and makes fresh dough every day. Although a few fires and even a hurricane have tried to end its legacy, Totonno’s still stands.
Pizzeria Uno, Chicago
A Texan businessman dreamed about an unusual style of pizza. The year was 1943 when Issac “Ike” Sewell opened Pizzeria Uno, in Chicago, featuring the now-iconic Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza. The dish was unlike anything heard before. A high rimmed pan used to bake the pizza created a steep edge, suitable for generous amounts of chunky sauce and cheese.
Traditionalists will scowl, but this pizza style has earned the respect of the pizza world. Unlike the New York’s pizza, sausage, and not pepperoni, is the most requested topping.
It was the 70s, and California cuisine was waking up. A few cooks, including Wolfgang Puck and Nancy Silverton, were setting the bar high using local ingredients and sophisticated cooking techniques. Innovation and passion evolved in a pizza style that would change everything.
California pizza is anything but traditional, Pucks signature dish: the smoked salmon pizza was the first stone of a new era. Creative chefs used everything to top their exotic pies, from arugula and feta cheese, to teriyaki chicken. Nancy founded Pizzeria Mozza after decades of perfecting her crust, and her toppings are always fresh and local. Don’t be surprised if your pizza has goat cheese, squash blossoms or potatoes in it.
You need not travel the world for a good slice of pizza. Whether you like traditional pizza, new-world interpretations or eccentric pies, there’s always a pizzeria near you. Local shops, that grow roots in the community are usually the best choice, and some of them are climbing the ranks fast!