There is an old saying that nothing brings people together quite like a passion for great food, and for many of us, a truly exceptional slice of pizza is the ultimate culinary love language. While Italy will always remain the spiritual and historic homeland of this beloved dish, the art of pizza-making has long since transcended borders. Today, passionate artisans across the European continent are proof that you do not need to be in Naples to experience pizza perfection. This vibrant, evolving landscape is beautifully captured in the 2026 Top Pizza Europa awards. Curated by industry experts Barbara Guerra, Luciano Pignataro, and Albert Sapere, this year’s guide has expanded its prestigious list to feature the top 60 pizzerias in Europe outside of Italy, drawn from an extensive research pool of 200 outstanding establishments across 35 different countries.
The sheer scale of this year’s guide reflects a golden age for European pizza, with several countries stepping up as major culinary powerhouses. Spain leads the charge with an impressive 29 pizzerias on the list, closely followed by France with 24 and England with 22. Unsurprisingly, major metropolitan hubs have become the epicenter of this delicious revolution, proving that world-class dining often thrives in diverse, multicultural cities. Paris boasts 17 of the ranked spots, London claims 15, and Madrid shines with nine. These numbers highlight how local chefs are embracing the rigorous traditions of Italian baking while infusing their own local flair, creating a dynamic pizza culture that keeps hungry travelers and locals coming back for more.
Claiming the coveted number one spot for an incredible third consecutive year is London’s very own Napoli on the Road. Founded by visionary chef Michele Pascarella, this wildly successful venture had humble beginnings, starting as a simple three-wheeled truck equipped with a wood-fired oven that wandered through London’s bustling street markets. Today, Pascarella operates three thriving permanent locations in Chiswick, Richmond, and the heart of Soho. According to the guide’s inspectors, the secret to his success lies in a flawless, signature dough that is remarkably light, airy, and structured perfectly to support inventive yet balanced toppings. It is a true testament to how dedication, consistency, and a bit of street-food grit can turn a simple dream into the finest pizzeria on the continent.
Just across the Bay of Biscay, Madrid’s Baldoria gracefully claims the silver medal as Europe’s second-best pizzeria. Located in the city’s upscale Golden Mile neighborhood, Baldoria—which translates to “a big celebration”—lives up to its name by offering a lively, festive dining experience rooted in authentic Italian heritage. Chef Ciro Cristiano imports premium ingredients directly from Italy, crafting a menu that seamlessly blends traditional Neapolitan pizza with elevated Italian classics, such as their unique cured sea bream Tiradito alla Puttanesca. The guide’s curators praised not only the restaurant’s exquisite, melt-in-your-mouth Margherita pizza but also its vibrant, colorful decor, exceptionally warm and attentive service, and the soulful live music that transforms every meal into a joyous Italian fiesta.
Rounding out the top three is the cozy and intimate IMperfetto, tucked away in the quiet Parisian suburb of Puteaux. Securing the bronze award, this charming neighborhood gem prioritizes quality over quantity, offering limited indoor seating but delivering massive flavors. Known for its meticulous balance of fresh ingredients and deep respect for Neapolitan traditions, IMperfetto has captured the hearts of local foodies and international inspectors alike. A standout recommendation from the creators of the guide is the Margherita Pop, a masterful creation that elevates the humble classic with rich provolone, a touch of black pepper, and intense, 60-month aged Parmesan cheese. It is a comforting, beautifully constructed slice that shows how simplicity, when executed with passion and precision, can rival the grandest gourmet feasts.
The excitement does not end with these three celebrated champions; the entire top 20 list represents a diverse map of European gastric excellence. From the cozy historic streets of Chester, England, where Stile Napoletano serves up masterpieces, to the bustling neighborhoods of Lisbon, Vienna, and Copenhagen, exceptional pizza is closer than ever. For these top twenty establishments, the recognition carries an extra layer of prestige: they have earned automatic qualification for the highly anticipated 100 Best Pizzerias in the World ranking, set to be announced on September 15, 2026, at the historic Teatro Mercadante in Naples. As these talented pizzaiolos prepare to represent their adopted home countries on the global stage, one thing is certain—the future of European pizza has never looked brighter, or tasted more delicious.
