New Yorkers often boast about their pizza, claiming it to be the best in the world. Historically, this claim has been supported by a rich tradition of pizza-making that has defined the city’s culinary landscape. Recent accolades from the Italy-based 50 Top Pizza Awards have just strengthened this assertion, with Una Pizza Napoletana clinching the top spot on their prestigious 2024 worldwide list. This Lower East Side restaurant, spearheaded by pizza virtuoso Anthony Mangieri, has not only outshined domestic rivals but has also eclipsed renowned pizzerias in Naples, Italy – the very epicenter of pizza culture.
Anthony Mangieri’s journey is a testament to passion meeting precision. “It’s inspiring to be recognized 30 years into my career, especially in Naples where pizza originated,” he remarked in a correspondence with CNN Travel. It’s a notable acknowledgment for a chef who has meticulously honed his craft to achieve excellence. Besides Una Pizza Napoletana, three other New York establishments made their mark on the 2024 list, including Ribalta at No. 19, Don Antonio at No. 30, and L’Industrie Pizzeria at No. 80. The competition was fierce, but New York managed to showcase its vibrant pizza scene once again.
Despite New York’s strong showing, Italy continues to dominate the pizza landscape with a staggering 41 entries on the list of 101 globally recognized pizzerias. Proudly, Naples holds a significant share with five establishments featured and a tie for the second position, reflecting the city’s timeless dedication to authentic pizza-making. It’s noteworthy that countries typically less distinguished for their pizza, such as South Korea, Bolivia, and India, were also represented, showcasing the awards’ inclusivity and the global fascination with this beloved dish.
The unique recognition of Una Pizza Napoletana is grounded in its dedication to pure, high-quality ingredients and adherence to traditional methods. The award’s representatives highlighted how Mangieri’s approach offers “the purest tradition in toppings,” emphasizing their devotion to simplicity with ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, Amalfi wild oregano, and buffalo mozzarella. This devotion is critical in understanding why their pizzas stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Much of Una Pizza Napoletana’s acclaim pivots on its meticulous approach to pizza preparation, particularly the dough. Mangieri stresses that the foundation of any great pizza begins with this essential ingredient. “What makes a really good pizza is first the dough,” he explained in an interview. Rather than adhering to a strict recipe, he emphasizes the importance of hydration and the skill involved in manipulating the dough. Each day, fresh dough is crafted from a blend of various Italian flours, steering clear of refrigeration to maintain its integrity.
Operating within the ethos of the “slow food” movement, Una Pizza Napoletana takes an unhurried approach to pizza-making. The restaurant’s wood-fired oven hosts only three pizzas at a time, ensuring each dish receives the attention it deserves. Located at 175 Orchard Street since its reopening in March 2022, this iteration of the restaurant showcases Mangieri’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Beyond the sophisticated pizza offerings, Una Pizza Napoletana also garners praise for its artisan ice creams and seasonal sorbets. This dedication to quality transcends beyond traditional expectations, appealing not only to pizza lovers but also dessert aficionados.
Despite his mastery in the culinary arts, Mangieri maintains humble intentions. Recognition, while appreciated, isn’t the primary motivation behind his endeavors. “It fuels us to give more love and focus,” he recounted, underscoring a dedication to enhancing the dining experience, rather than seeking accolades for their own sake.
When not crafting pizza, Mangieri indulges in his own culinary preferences, favoring pasta and his fiancée’s Mexican cuisine—an acknowledgment of the diverse flavors that fuel his passion for cooking.
Una Pizza Napoletana is currently closed for a brief hiatus as Mangieri and his team travel in Italy but is set to reopen on October 4. Enthusiasts eager for a taste of the acclaimed pizza will need to exercise patience until then, as this culinary hotspot continues to shape the narrative of New York’s pizza legacy.
In a world adorned with numerous culinary traditions, the triumph of Una Pizza Napoletana at the 50 Top Pizza Awards affirms not just the quality of pizza but the evolution of pizza culture, where passion, tradition, and innovation unite on a plate. As New Yorkers continue to celebrate their beloved food, the honor bestowed upon this singular restaurant shines a spotlight on the city’s ongoing love affair with pizza.
Leave a Reply