Top Pizza Restaurants in Europe: A Culinary Journey

There’s no denying that pizza is, down to its very soul, an Italian creation, with its rich ingredients and traditional names like Margherita, Quattro stagioni, and Marinara. While traveling to Italy might be an aspiration for many, numerous restaurants around the world serve authentic Italian pizza. Additionally, the 50 Top Pizza guide is an excellent resource to discover top-notch pizzerias.

Annual Contest for the Best Pizza

Each year, the 50 Top Pizza guide publishes an updated list of the 50 best pizza restaurants in Italy, Europe, and North America. The process is straightforward: customers nominate their favorite pizzerias, and a group of 50 Top Pizza “agents” visit these venues anonymously, ensuring objective evaluations. This year’s awards hold special significance, particularly as the hospitality industry strives to recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, these awards provide essential support to restaurants in need.

Top 10 Pizza Restaurants

A picture of a pizza on a table with the 50 kalò menu — The 50 kalò restaurant in London was declared the best pizzeria in Europe outside of Italy © 50 kalò

1. 50 kalò di Ciro Salvo, London, United Kingdom

For the second consecutive year, 50 kalò claims the top position. Situated in Trafalgar Square, this restaurant was opened by chef Ciro Salvo from Naples. With a rich pizza-making history learned from his grandmother, Ciro Salvo provides his London patrons with a blend of English and Mediterranean pizza styles. The restaurant’s menu features renowned options like the 50 kalò, Montanara, and Margherita, all prepared in an open kitchen. Chef Ciro Salvo was also honored with the prestigious Best European Pizza Chef of the Year award.

Francesco Calò, co- founder of Via Toledo ©Via Toledo Enopizzeria

2. Via Toledo Enopizzeria, Vienna, Austria

Ranked second, Via Toledo Enopizzeria offers authentically Neapolitan pizza in the heart of Vienna. Guests embark on a culinary journey through the exquisite menu that includes the montanara with tomato, basil, and pecorino cheese, concluding with traditional Neapolitan desserts like pasteria napoletana and sfogliatella. Furthermore, the restaurant received several honors, such as Performance of the Year 2020.

A picture of one of chef Gennaro Nasti's gourmet pizzas — This is the Antica, one of Bijou’s most famous pizzas created with ingredients from Chef Nasti’s childhood like ragù sauce, buffalo mozzarella and basil © Bijou

3. Bijou, Paris, France

Bijou, located in Montmartre, showcases creative Neapolitan pizzas crafted by chef Gennaro Nasti. Opened in November 2016, this restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients, ensuring the menu evolves throughout the year. Chef Nasti’s Tonno e Cipolle (Tuna and Onion) received the Pizza of the Year 2020 award, showcasing his culinary excellence.

A picture of a pizza being cut into slices with a pizza roller and arranged on a display plate — All ingredients used in BÆST’s pizzas are locally sourced but the taste is very much Neapolitan and Mediterranean © BÆST

4. BÆST, Copenhagen, Denmark

BÆST ranks fourth in the 50 Top Pizza list and was awarded for Innovation and Sustainability 2020. Since opening in 2014, this restaurant has established itself in the Nørrebro district, ensuring all pizzas are organic, featuring locally-sourced flour and ingredients. Moreover, the wood ovens used were custom-made in Naples, preserving the authenticity of pizza flavors.

5. La Pizza è Bella, Brussels, Belgium

La Pizza è Bella has earned acclaim for its genuine Neapolitan pizza and dishes, placing it fifth in the ranking. The restaurant provides a full Neapolitan experience, particularly noted for seafood dishes and expertly made pizzas in a wood-fired oven. Praised for excellent customer service, it offers a variety of Italian wines and beers.

6. Malafemmena, Berlin, Germany

Malafemmena secured sixth place and won awards for “Best Gluten Free Pizza 2020” and “Best Fried Food 2020.” Managed by Emmanuele Cirillo since 2017, this pizzeria brings a taste of Campania to Berlin, complemented by lively musical sessions and a vibrant drinks menu.

7. Lilla Napoli, Falkenberg, Sweden

Ranking seventh, Lilla Napoli embraces the Neapolitan tradition while adding unique twists to its pizzas. Situated in southern Sweden, the menu frequently changes based on the chef’s creative inspirations and seasonal ingredients. The ever-present Margherita caters to classic tastes.

8. nNea Pizza, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

nNea Pizza climbed from 13th to eighth place this year, recognized for its top-quality cheese, tomatoes, and exceptional pizza dough, which takes approximately 50 hours to prepare. This dedication has made it one of the most highly-rated pizza spots in Amsterdam.

9. Pizzeria Luca, Copenhagen, Denmark

Pizzeria Luca, a newcomer in Copenhagen that opened in March 2019, quickly gained recognition. The restaurant’s signature is its cold-raised dough, maintained for 72 hours before being baked into delicious pizzas, which has captured the attention of many pizza enthusiasts.

10. Fratelli Figurato, Madrid, Spain

Concluding the top ten list is Fratelli Figurato, acclaimed for its innovative take on Neapolitan-style pizza. Known for its light dough and well-structured crust, popular options are the margherita, white, and fried pizzas, complemented by a selection of beers and wines.

This article was first published on October 18, 2019 and updated on September 29, 2020.