# European artisanal pizza culinary events

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-artisanal-pizza-culinary-events
> Updated: 2026-10-04T18:55:17.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

European culinary events focused on artisanal pizza are expanding through interactive public participation and professional industry recognition.

In early September, the Pizza a Vico festival in Italy introduced a system allowing ticket holders to vote for the best pizza via QR codes. Concurrently, preparations were announced for the Pizza Week Paris Edition in France, scheduled for October 2026, which aims to showcase top-rated pizzerias through exclusive gastronomic experiences.

By late September and early October, the focus centered on the fifth edition of the Pizza Maxima awards in Rome. Organized by E20-Events Factory and RistorAgency, the ceremony involved a jury of approximately 200 gastronomic journalists and experts evaluating 150 nominated pizzerias based on criteria including ingredient quality, dough technique, menu, and service.

At the event, held at Spazio Novecento, Pepe in Grani, led by master pizzaiolo Franco Pepe, retained the title of ‘Miglior Pizzeria d’Italia 2026’ and was also named the best pizzeria in the Campania region. SEU Pizza, owned by Pier Daniele Seu in Rome, secured second place nationally, was named ‘Miglior Pizzaiolo dell’anno’, and was recognized as the best pizzeria in Lazio. Diego Vitagliano of Naples took third place and received a special award for the best pizza menu.

Other notable winners included Francesco Capece of Confine in Milan, named ‘Miglior Pizzaiolo Under 35’ and best pizzeria in Lombardy, and Roberta Esposito of La Contrada di Aversa, who won ‘Miglior pizzaiola dell’anno’. In the Marche region, Mezzometro, led by Alessandro Coppari, was named the best pizzeria, ranking 65th in the overall national standings.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Pizza Maxima 2026 names top Italian pizzerias

The Pizza Maxima 2026 awards named Pepe in Grani the best pizzeria in Italy, while Mezzometro was ranked as the top pizzeria in the Marche region.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pizza-maxima-2026-names-top-italian-pizzerias

### 2026-09-28: Pepe in Grani wins best pizzeria in Italy at Pizza Maxima 2026

Pepe in Grani has been named Italy's best pizzeria for the second consecutive year at the Pizza Maxima 2026 awards held in Rome.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rome-hosts-pizza-maxima-2026-awards-for-italian-pizzerias

### 2026-09-03: European pizza festivals introduce public voting and major city events

Culinary festivals are highlighting artisanal pizza in Europe, with public voting at Pizza a Vico in Italy and the return of Pizza Week Paris in France scheduled for October 2026.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-pizza-festivals-introduce-public-voting-and-major-city-events

---
Cite as: European artisanal pizza culinary events. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-artisanal-pizza-culinary-events