Guide highlights the best pizzerias in Italy

Two pizzerias share the title of best in Italy in the "Gambero Rosso" guide, a kind of Michelin Guide for the country, whose 13th edition was presented this Monday (22) at an event in Naples.

The houses I Tigli, by Simone Padoan, (San Bonifacio), in the northern province of Verona, and Pepe in Grani (Caiazzo), by Franco Pepe, in the southern province of Caserta, received a score of 97/100 and won first place.

Next in line are the pizzerias I Masanielli, also in Caserta, and Confine, in Milan, both with 96 points. Overall, the number of pizzerias that won the award in the "Tre Spicchi" category increased, reaching 100.

In the "Tre Rotelle" award, which recognizes pizzas by the slice and to go, "Pizzarium", by Gabriele Bonci, in Rome, remains at the top of the list, with 96 points.

In total, the number of pizzerias awarded in this category increased from 16 last year to 18, with two new establishments: Ruver Teglia Frazionata and Frumentario, both in the capital of Italy.

The guide evaluates 816 establishments, including 133 new ones, and awards nine special prizes. "Pizza is joy, culture, and human connection," declared Lorenzo Ruggeri, editor of Gambero Rosso.

"It's not a point of contention, but a universal language that unites. There are more than 35,000 pizzerias in Italy: the future will depend on the ability to connect the product to the local area, seasonality and sustainability," he concluded.