Most British people enjoy indulging in a quality pizza every now and then. Surprisingly, the title of the best pizza in the world was awarded to a pizzeria in the UK last year. Although pizza has ancient roots dating back to the 1500s, its modern form originated in Naples, Italy, with street vendors incorporating tomatoes into flatbreads, a new ingredient from the Americas once believed to be poisonous.
It’s no wonder that an Italian-run pizzeria in the UK, Napoli on the Road in London, claimed the prestigious title of ‘best pizza in the world’. Following its recognition as the pizza of the year in 2025, London resident Tasmin expressed her full agreement after visiting the outlet at Tottenham Court Road Station.
During her visit, Tasmin savored the award-winning Ricordi d’Infanzia pizza, topped with slow-cooked ragu, grated parmesan, parmesan fondue, basil, and evo oil. She also mentioned that the restaurant ranks as the fifth-best pizza place globally and recently opened a new branch in Soho, adding to its existing locations in Chiswick and Richmond.
Tasmin shared her experience on Instagram, showcasing the restaurant and its renowned pizzas, sparking enthusiasm among her followers. Comments flooded in, with one follower mentioning hearing great things about it and another expressing excitement to try it on their next visit to London.
Existing patrons of the pizzeria also chimed in, affirming the deserving nature of the award. One Italian individual confirmed the excellence of Napoli on the Road, while another rated it a perfect 10 out of 10.
Napoli on the Road claimed the title of Pizza of the Year 2025 for its signature offering, Ricordi d’Infanzia. In the 2025 rankings by 50 Top Pizza, a renowned pizza authority, the eatery secured the Best Pizzeria in Europe for the second consecutive year, distinguishing itself as the top pizzeria in Europe outside Italy.
The establishment also attained the fifth position globally among the world’s best pizzerias. The honor of World’s Best Pizzeria 2025 was shared by Una Pizza Napoletana in New York and I Masanielli in Caserta, Italy.
The fact that Napoli on the Road was founded by a pizzaiolo born in Naples who later moved to London at the age of 19 comes as no surprise. Michele Pascarella initiated the venture in 2016 as a street food operation, serving pizzas from a three-wheeled Ape Piaggio van at local markets. He has since developed the brand into an award-winning restaurant chain without external financial support.