Forget Naples. Forget New York. For 2026, the absolute best Margherita pizza on the planet is being tossed and baked right in Athens, Greece!
At The Best Pizza Awards—the culinary world’s most prestigious ranking for pizza excellence—held last Friday in Milan, a local Greek establishment took home the coveted global crown for The Best Pizza Margherita. Furthermore, its mastermind was named the 16th top pizzaiolo (pizza chef) in the world, earning a spot alongside the industry’s most legendary figures.
The honors go to Francesco Granata of Napul’e located in the coastal Athens suburb of Vari. Granata can now officially hang the “The Best Pizza 2026” plaque at his entrance, boasting the definitive title for the world’s finest Margherita.
“Italy gave me roots, Greece gave me wings”
The Italian chef, who has made Greece his home for several years, shared an emotional statement following his historic win:
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me, and even those who had to tolerate me during the tough times, because this journey wasn’t always easy. Italy gave me my roots, but Greece gave me the opportunity to express them. This recognition belongs to the Greek people, who welcomed me, believed in me, and allowed a Neapolitan cook to bring his vision of Italy to Athens. Today, I feel proud, grateful, and hungrier than ever.”
Granata’s rise to global pizza royalty has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2024, he ranked 68th on the global list. By 2025, he climbed to 61st. This year, he pulled off a massive leap to secure the #16 spot worldwide, knocking on the door of the global top ten.
In addition to his flagship restaurant Napul’e in Vari, Granata also brings a taste of his homeland to the heart of the city with Focacceria Napul’e by Francesco Granata in downtown Athens.
Related: Did the Ancient Greeks Create the First Pizza?
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