It’s not every day a quiet neighborhood pizza joint ends up in the same breath as Italy’s most legendary pizzerias. But at this year’s Best Pizza Awards, held in Milan on June 25 and packed with the biggest names in the global pizza scene, Miami had a seat at the table.
Javier Ramirez, co-founder of Little River’s La Natural, has ranked No. 35 on the list of the World’s Top Pizzaioli (pizza chefs). He now stands shoulder to shoulder with dough gods like Gabriele Bonci (aka the “Michelangelo of Pizza”) and Franco Pepe, whose Caiazzo pizzeria has been a shrine for dough pilgrims for more than a decade.
From Backyard Pizza to Global Acclaim
What started as backyard dinners among friends has transformed into one of Miami’s most celebrated restaurants, and now one of the world’s most recognized pizza destinations. At the Best Pizza Awards 2025, which gathered more than 500 culinary leaders at Milan’s Spazio Antologico, Ramirez was honored alongside pizza legends from around the world.
“So, this happened last night in Milan, and I’m still in a strange state of disbelief and happiness,” Ramirez posted on Instagram. “Thank you, the Best Pizza Awards, and all those who voted. The company I was in last night at the gala was unreal…. Legends and truly the best at this craft. The amazing people who have worked with me at La Natural over the past five years are fundamental to this, and I’m lucky to have had and continue to have some truly passionate, talented, and hard-working humans. Looking forward to celebrating when I get back! Huge thanks to all the people fundamental to making La Natural a reality over the years.”…