5Upper IntermediateGeneralCulture

London Pizzeria Named the Best in the World for 2026

A London restaurant called Napoli on the Road has been crowned the world's best pizzeria. The 50 Top Pizza ranking for 2026 features restaurants from 36 countries, sparking debate about where to find the perfect slice.

2 min readLevel 5September 19, 2026

By Flalingo Editorial Team

Vocabulary

Study these words before reading the article. Click the audio button to hear pronunciation.

ranking

/ˈræŋkɪŋ/

noun

An ordered list that shows how good something is compared to others

“The university improved its position in the global ranking this year.”

claimed

/kleɪmd/

verb

Won or took something, especially a prize or title

“The young athlete claimed the gold medal after years of training.”

remarkable

/rɪˈmɑːrkəbl/

adjective

Very unusual or surprising in a way that causes admiration

“Her recovery from the illness was truly remarkable.”

dominated

/ˈdɒmɪneɪtɪd/

verb

Had the most power, influence, or presence in a situation

“The home team dominated the match from start to finish.”

anonymous

/əˈnɒnɪməs/

adjective

Not known by name; keeping one's identity secret

“The donation was made by an anonymous supporter of the charity.”

evolved

/ɪˈvɒlvd/

verb

Changed and developed gradually over a period of time

“Technology has evolved rapidly over the past twenty years.”

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Article

Click on any underlined word to see its definition. Highlighted words are from the vocabulary section.

A small London pizzeria has just been named the best in the world. Napoli on the Road claimed the top spot in the 50 Top Pizza ranking. The annual list reveals the 100 best pizzerias across the globe. This year, the ranking includes restaurants from 36 different countries. Food lovers everywhere are now debating who truly makes the best pizza.

The story behind the winner is truly remarkable. Chef Michele Pascarella moved from Italy to London at age 19. He founded Napoli on the Road in 2016 with a tiny van. He sold pizzas from a three-wheeled truck with a wood-fired oven. A decade later, his business has grown into three London restaurants.

Italy still dominated the overall list with 31 pizzerias in the ranking. The United States came second with 22 entries on the list. New York led all cities worldwide with seven ranked pizzerias. Una Pizza Napoletana in New York was ranked second in the world. Meanwhile, cities like Naples, Tokyo, and São Paulo also performed well.

Nearly 1,000 anonymous inspectors helped determine the final ranking. They evaluated each restaurant based on quality, service, and setting. If a pizzeria wanted to win, it would need excellence in every area. The results suggest that great pizza is no longer limited to Italy. Pizza has evolved from simple fast food into serious culinary territory.

Comprehension Quiz

Test your understanding of the article with these multiple-choice questions.

1
Which city is Napoli on the Road located in?
2
How did Michele Pascarella start his pizza business?
3
How many countries were represented in the 2026 ranking?
4
Which country had the second most pizzerias on the list?
5
What did the article say pizza has evolved into?

Discussion

Answer these comprehension questions about the article.

1
Which pizzeria was named the best in the world for 2026?
2
How did Michele Pascarella start his pizza business in London?
3
Which country had the most pizzerias on the list?
4
How many anonymous inspectors helped determine the ranking?
5
Why does the article suggest that great pizza is no longer limited to Italy?

Further Discussion

Share your opinions on these open-ended questions.

1
What is the best pizza you have ever eaten, and where did you have it?
2
Do you think food rankings like this one are fair and reliable? Why or why not?
3
If you could open a restaurant anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
4
Have you ever tried a dish from another country that surprised you? What was it?
5
Do you think street food can be as good as food from expensive restaurants?

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