Pizza Maxima 2026 names top Italian pizzerias

The fifth edition of the Pizza Maxima awards, held in Rome, has announced the top rankings for Italian pizzerias for 2026. Franco Pepe’s Pepe in Grani, located in Caiazzo, Campania, secured the title of ‘Best Pizzeria in Italy’ and ‘Best Pizzeria in Campania’.

In the Marche region, Mezzometro, led by Alessandro Coppari, was named the best pizzeria, ranking 65th in the overall national standings. This represents an improvement from the previous year when the establishment placed 66th nationally and second in the region.

Other notable winners include SEU Pizza of Rome, which was named ‘Best Pizzeria in Lazio’ and ‘Best Pizzaiolo of the Year’. Francesco Capece of Confine in Milan received the ‘Best Pizzaiolo Under 35’ award and was named the best pizzeria in Lombardy. The competition involved approximately 200 gastronomic journalists and experts evaluating 150 selected establishments based on criteria such as ingredient quality, dough technique, menu, and service.