This DC Eatery's Pizza Named 2nd Best In The Southeast

WASHINGTON, DC — A Washington, D.C. pizzeria was honored among the world's best at the recent International Pizza Challenge, which brought together the premier pizza makers from around the globe for an intensively judged, category-specific competition.

Some 550 competing eateries participated in the event, which was part of the Pizza Expo celebrations in Las Vegas.

Grazie Nonna, located in downtown D.C., placed second in the traditional preliminaries for the Southeast region.

To compete in the category, pizza makers had to whip up a pie with tight restrictions. Competitors could only use two traditional toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms or olives. Once the pizza entered the oven, only a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil could be added.

Founded in 2022, Grazie Nonna is featured in the D.C. Michelin Guide.

"Chef Gerald Addison and Casey Patten are behind this spot that's long on nostalgia and short on shortcuts," according to the guide. "This is hearty food that uses quality ingredients while channeling the memories of Mr. Patten's nonna's cooking."

Other winners in the traditional preliminaries for the Southeast region were The Nona Slice House in Safety Harbor, Florida (1st), and Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Madison, Alabama (3rd).

The International Pizza Expo bills itself as the world's premier pizza judging competition. The world-renowned three-day competition saw 550 competitors from around the world competing to have their pizzas proclaimed the world’s best non-traditional pizza, traditional pizza, pan pizza, pizza Napoletana and cheese slice. Winners included first, second and third places in each division as well as the top 3 in each region.

Ryan Ososky of DTown Pizzeria in Los Angeles was named 2025's Pizza Maker of the Year World Champion, while Anthony Cerimele of New Columbus Pizza Co. in Pittston, Pennsylvania, nabbed the Best of the Best Champion title for 2025.

See the full list of winners at PizzaToday.com.