A new ranking has listed three Belgian establishments among the 50 best pizzerias in Europe. Two are located in Brussels and one in Antwerp.
There are plenty of pizzerias to pick from in Belgium, but some are noticeably better than others. To help you know where to look, the renowned '50 Top Pizza' guide has compiled its list of the best pizzerias in Europe – three of which are in Belgium. Find out which ones feature below.
For those familiar with the top 50 ranking, it will come as no surprise that the famous La Piola once again makes an appearance on the list, this time in 11th place. It has moved up four spots since last year's ranking. Experts noted that La Piola – with its two joints in Saint-Josse and Wolf food hall in the city centre – stands out for its "modern and constantly evolving approach".
Credit: La Piola
"While remaining faithful to Neapolitan tradition, the restaurant demonstrates a remarkable capacity for innovation, regularly updating its techniques, dough and offerings to provide a unique experience. The dough strikes a perfect balance between lightness and structure, while the care taken with the ingredients is reflected in every detail," they said, adding that the atmosphere is "dynamic and refined".
In 21st position is La Pizza è Bella, which has also long featured on the list. Last year, it came in 19th place. The restaurant's Antwerp branch won over the jury with "its authentic Neapolitan pizza made with high-quality ingredients imported directly from Italy and its constant search for new ideas beyond classic recipes."
The panel remarked on its "high quality" pasta dishes and service. However, it lost points on its drinks menu: "while there are many aperitifs available, there is little choice of beer and wine."
Credit: La Pizza è Bella
To round off Belgium's top three, Brussels pizzeria naPizzà was ranked in 44th place. Judges say "simplicity and authenticity" are at the heart of naPizzà's mission. While the restaurant "doesn't offer anything particularly new" and offers all the traditional pizzas, naPizzà is more flexible when it comes to orders and lets its customers make changes to their dish. The quick service and scope of Italian ingredients were also praised.
Credit: naPizzà
Best in Europe
To the surprise of many, the best pizzeria in Europe (outside of Italy) is found in England. The country isn't exactly famed for its food among Europeans, however London-based Napoli on the Road "symbolises a new era for Neapolitan pizza in the United Kingdom," the panel noted.
"Run by the talented Michele Pascarella, awarded Best Pizza Chef in Europe in 2023, this project has revolutionised the concept of the contemporary pizzeria. Every detail is designed to offer a dynamic and constantly evolving gastronomic experience: the menu changes every three months, depending on the season and the excellence of the ingredients selected." The dough was particularly praised for its "lightness, aroma and flavour."
Top ten best pizzerias in Europe
- Napoli on the Road (London, England)
- Baldoria (Madrid, Spain)
- Via Toledo (Vienna, Austria) and Sartoria Panatieri (Barcelona, Spain)
- 50 Kalò (London, England)
- IMperfetto (Puteaux, France)
- Pizza Zulu (Fürth, Germany)
- NNea (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
- Fratelli Figurato (Madrid, Spain)
- Sapori Italiani U Taliana (Bratislava, Slovakia)
- Forno D'Oro (Lisbon, Portugal)
