Chicago Pizzerias Are 2022's Best, Italian Pizza Experts Say

CHICAGO — Chicago is no stranger to good pizza and there is no shortage of lists that have been compiled that give residents – and visitors alike – plenty of go-to-spots of where to go in the city to get the best in a variety of styles.

But now, the city’s pizza scene has taken on an international flavor after 50 Top Pizza, a pizza evaluation website based in Italy, recently released this year’s list of the 50 best pizza places in the United States. Two Chicago pizzerias made the list, including Spacca Napoli, which grabbed a Top 10 spot on the who’s who list, according to the new ranking.

Spacca Napoli, which is located at 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave., on the city’s North Side ranked No. 6 by 50 Top Pizza. The outlet said that owner Jonathan Goldsmith has managed to bring the real pizza of his hometown in unsuspecting times. The outlet characterized Spacca Napoli’s pizza offerings as being “delicious, well made, and digestible.”

The other Chicago eatery to crack the list came in at No. 31, where Forno Rosso landed. Forno Rosso is located at 3719 N. Harlem Ave. and, according to the review, the pizza features a soft and well-hydrated dough and has a “captivating” aroma while offering service that is both “very polite” and “welcoming.” The outlet was quick to point out that all of this deliciousness comes despite the fact that the Napololetana-style pizzeria is located at the end of a strip mall.

The world’s best pizzerias are selected each year with the help of more than one thousand anonymous inspectors, many of whom visit an enormous number of pizza places across the United States.

When determining whether a pizzeria makes the 50 Top Pizza list, inspectors consider the quality of the dough and the ingredients used for toppings. They also take into account the restaurant’s service, the wine, and beverage lists, and the attention and care given to customers.

New York City came out on top this year with nine of the best pizzerias. Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco came in second place with five eateries each.

Una Pizza Napoletana, located on New York City's Lower East Side and owned by Anthony Mangieri, was named the best pizzeria in the United States in this year’s ranking.

In second place this year is Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco, and in third place is Ribalta NYC in New York.

Rounding out the top 10 are:

4) Razza Pizza Artigianale - Jersey City, New Jersey

5) ‘O Munaciello - Miami, Florida

6) Spacca Napoli Pizzeria - Chicago, Illinois

7) Song’ E Napule - New York City

8) La Leggenda Pizzeria - Miami, Florida

9) Pizzana - Los Angeles, California

10) Kesté Fulton - New York City

50 Top Pizza also awards numerous special distinctions as part of its annual list. Pizza Maker of the Year went to Tony Gemignani from Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. Best Service went to Ribalta NYC, and Pizza of the Year went to Pizzana in Los Angeles for their Diavola pizza.

The top 15 pizzerias in the United States are also in the running to be named one of the 100 best pizzerias in the world. 50 Top Pizza will announce that list at an event in Naples on Sept. 7.

See the full 50 Top Pizza USA list.