This past month, the 2025 Best Pizza Awards annouced their rankings for the top pizzerias worldwide. Returning for its third year, this ceremony took place in Milan this year. Made up of a global voting panel of 512 pizza experts hailing from 60 different countries, it is no suprise that this award takes pizza very seriously. The Best Pizza Awards was established in 2015 by a Polish neuroscientist and an Italian gastronomist. Dedicating to preserving the art of pizza-making, this award truly spotlights the chef—not just the restaurant—and strives to reward both skill and creativity. From New York to Dubai, this award seeks out pizza artistry indiscriminately from pizzerias located all over the world. This year, three Southern California pizzerias were recognized—two located in Los Angeles, and one in Orange County.
Pizzeria Sei—West Los Angeles, Ranked No. 44Founded by Chef William Joo, this Tokyo-Neapolitan style pizzeria is known for their lofty and chewy mochi-like crusts, as well as their pizza omakases. From bluefin tuna belly and squid ink aioli to egg with prociutto cotto and moliterno al tartufo (sheep’s milk cheese with black truffle), this pizzeria combines both masterful technique with artful innovation.
Apollonia’s Pizza—Central LA, Ranked No. 58Chef Justin De Leon opened this pizzeria in 2012; since then, his pizzeria has become acclaimed for its signature square pizzas hemmed with lacy, cheesy edges and a thick, foccacia-like crust. Popular choices include their pepperoni, burrata, and Mike’s hot honey, as well as their acapulco gold, with garlic, tomato, and arugula with truffle drizzle. No doubt an LA classic, these pizzas reflect the vibrant food scene found in this bustling city…