San Francisco's Tony's Pizza Napoletana has secured the third-best ranking among American pizzerias in 2025, cementing the Bay Area's position as a premier destination for world-class pizza. The prestigious recognition comes from 50 Top Pizza, an influential Italian organization that has been evaluating pizzerias globally since 2014.
The North Beach institution trails only Una Pizza Napoletana in New York City and Pizzeria Sei in Los Angeles.
California Dominates Top Rankings
This year's rankings showcase California's remarkable pizza renaissance, according to 50 Top Pizza. Una Pizza Napoletana, helmed by Anthony Mangieri, claimed the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, while Los Angeles newcomer Pizzeria Sei, run by "very talented" William Joo, secured second place. Tony Gemignani's San Francisco establishment rounded out the top three, with Robb Report calling him "a legend of American pizza."
The 50 Top Pizza organization, overseen by Italian curators Barbara Guerra, Luciano Pignataro, and Albert Sapere, announced the rankings at West Edge in New York's Chelsea Market on Tuesday. CNN reported that restaurants in Los Angeles and San Francisco claimed the next two spots after New York's victory, highlighting the growing influence of West Coast pizza culture.
Tony Gemignani's Pizza Empire
Tony Gemignani, a 13-time world pizza champion, has built his reputation through decades of dedication to the craft. His official biography reveals that he first fell in love with Neapolitan pizza during a trip to Italy and opened Tony's Pizza Napoletana in 2009 with partners Bruno DiFabio and Nancy Puglisi. The restaurant features seven different ovens capable of producing twelve distinct pizza styles, from Neapolitan to Detroit-style pies.
According to Wikipedia, Gemignani holds the prestigious title of official U.S. Ambassador of Neapolitan Pizza by the city of Naples, an honor bestowed upon only three people worldwide. His culinary empire now spans over 28 locations across Northern California and Las Vegas, including the Tony's flagship, Giovanni Italian Specialties, and multiple Slice House franchises.
Bay Area Pizza Scene Thriving
The recognition comes amid a broader trend of California pizzerias gaining national attention. SFGATE recently reported that Berkeley's Pizzeria da Laura, owned by Tony Gemignani protégé Laura Meyer, ranked 96th in the Best Pizza Awards' global list. Meyer, the first woman and American to win the best pan pizza category at the World Pizza Championship in 2013, opened her Berkeley restaurant to "lines down the block."
California's pizza dominance extends beyond the Bay Area, with Pizza Today's 2025 industry report noting that the state leads the nation with 7,281 pizza restaurants. The report highlights growing trends toward artisanal techniques, locally sourced ingredients, and innovative toppings that California pizzerias have championed.
The Competition
Una Pizza Napoletana's continued success reflects owner Anthony Mangieri's obsessive dedication to his craft. The restaurant's website describes how the New Jersey native has moved his operation from coast to coast before settling in New York's Lower East Side, where he makes all pizzas himself using naturally-leavened dough and a custom wood-fired oven imported from Naples.
Meanwhile, second-place Pizzeria Sei represents a new wave of innovation in American pizza. Time Out Los Angeles explains how chef William Joo combines fine-dining training with Tokyo-style pizza techniques to create unique offerings like his mala lamb sausage pizza. Despite operating from a sparse 18-seat space on Pico Boulevard, the restaurant already sells out daily and plans to expand to a larger location.
Industry Recognition and Global Impact
The 50 Top Pizza rankings carry significant weight in the culinary world, with PizzaBlab noting that the organization is often called "the Michelin guide for pizza." The rankings are determined through anonymous inspections by respected pizza experts who evaluate dough quality, ingredients, service, and overall dining experience.
This year's top 12 American pizzerias will automatically qualify for the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World ranking, to be announced at Naples' Teatro Mercadante on September 8th. Fine Dining Lovers reported that William Joo of Pizzeria Sei also received the Pizza Maker of the Year award, further cementing California's influence on the national pizza scene.
Continuing Legacy
Tony's Pizza Napoletana's third-place finish represents the latest chapter in a consistent track record of excellence. SFGATE previously reported that the restaurant has appeared in the top 50 American pizzerias every year since 2021, with placements ranging from second to fourth place. The restaurant also earned international recognition, ranking among the world's top pizzerias in both 2022 and 2023.
As San Francisco continues to establish itself as a pizza destination alongside traditional centers like New York and Chicago, Tony's Pizza Napoletana serves as both ambassador and innovator. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity—importing ingredients weekly from Italy while supporting local farmers—exemplifies the California approach to pizza that has captured national attention and elevated the entire region's culinary reputation.
