São Paulo Pizzeria Named Best in Latin America

São Paulo, often heralded as a global pizza capital second only to New York, has added another feather to its cap.

Leggera Pizza Napoletana, one of its local treasures, has been honored as the finest pizzeria in Latin America.

This prestigious recognition came during the 50 Top Pizza Latin America 2024 awards on April 17 in Rio de Janeiro.

Located in São Paulo’s Pompeia and Jardim Paulista districts, Leggera Pizza Napoletana is renowned for its exquisite marinara pizza.

Priced at R$ 58 ($11), this fan favorite is crafted from a dough that undergoes a lengthy fermentation process and is topped with a rich blend of tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic, and olive oil.

Brazil led the charge at the awards, boasting 25 pizzerias on the list, more than any other nation.

Argentina and Chile were also well represented, securing second and third place with eight and six spots respectively.

Moreover, the event highlighted the international acclaim awaiting the top ten Latin American pizzerias as they earned spots in the upcoming 100 Best Pizzerias in the World competition.

This global showdown is set for September 10 at the Mercadante Theatre in Naples, Italy.

Among other notable winners was Matheus Ramos, the owner and chef of QT Pizza Bar, which secured the second position.

Ramos was also awarded the prestigious Pizzaiolo of the Year 2024 – Ferrarelle Award.

He shared his immense pride and joy in the recognition, emphasizing that pizza transcends the realm of fast food to become a gourmet dish worthy of passion and craftsmanship.

The selection process for the awards is rigorous, originating in Italy in 2017 and now encompassing entries from several continents.

Judging criteria include the quality of the pizza, the synergy of ingredients, and their origins.

Additional aspects such as service, customer interaction, ambiance, and efficient management of waiting lines are also critically evaluated.

This year’s ranking showcased a diverse array of pizzerias across Latin America, with São Paulo’s QT Pizza Bar and Ti Amo from Adrogué, Argentina, completing the top three.

The competition remains exclusive to artisanal and independent pizzerias, sidelining chains to ensure a spotlight on authentic, handcrafted pizza making.

São Paulo Pizzeria Named Best in Latin America

Check out the top pizzerias in Latin America:

1. Leggera Pizza Napoletana – São Paulo, Brazil
2. QT Pizza Bar – São Paulo, Brazil
3. Ti Amo – Adrogué, Argentina
4. A Pizza da Mooca – São Paulo, Brazil
5. Allería – Providencia, Chile
6. Ardente – Mexico City, Mexico
7. Unica Pizzeria – São Paulo, Brazil
8. Imilla Alzada – La Paz, Bolivia
9. Ferro e Farinha – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
10. Atte. Pizzeria Napoletana – Buenos Aires, Argentina
11.  Flama – Miraflores, Peru
12.  Veridiana – São Paulo, Brazil
13. Grazie Pizzeria Napoletana – Maceió, Brazil
14. 400 Pizzeria – Las Condes, Chile
15.  Chichilo’s – Santa Fe, Argentina
16. Siamo nel Forno – Buenos Aires, Argentina
17. Baco Pizzeria – Brazil
18. Grazie Napoli – Santo André, Brazil
19.  Capricciosa – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
20. Domani – Pizza Napoletana – Providencia, Chile
21. Coltivi – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
22. Davvero Pizzeria – Ñuñoa, Chile
23. Luigia – Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
24. Ciao Pizzeria Napoletana – Porto Alegre, Brazil
25. Núvola – Buenos Aires, Argentina
26. Otto e Mezzo Pizza Verace – Bento Gonçalves, Brazil
27. Cincinnati – Buenos Aires, Argentina
28. Locale Pizza – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
29. Capri – Lo Barnechea, Chile
30. Quintal 333 – Governador Valadares, Brazil
31. ST Giovanni’s – Las Condes, Chile
32. Frasca – Carlos Barbosa, Brazil
33. Vinny’s – Brasilia, Brazil
34. Carlos – São Paulo, Brazil
35. Francisca del Fuego – Buenos Aires, Argentina
36. Pizzaiolo – Medellín, Colombia
37. Portarossa – Pampatar, Venezuela
38. Paradiso – Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay
39. Pizzeria La Clásica – San Salvador, El Salvador
40. L’Incanto – Punta del Este, Uruguay
41. Di Bari Pizza – São Paulo, Brazil
42. Il Caminetto – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
43. Seba’s – Uvita, Costa Rica
44. Dopodomani – Naguanagua, Venezuela
45. Pizza di Casabona – Santos, Brazil
46. Piccola Fattoria – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
47. L’Aperó Pizza – Guatemala City, Guatemala
48. Wilma’s Pizza – São Paulo, Brazil
49. Vallino Pizzeria Napoletana – Domingos Martins, Brazil
50. La Nonna – Aguascalientes, Mexico