The pursuit of the perfect pie has been a timeless American obsession. With countless regional styles, toppings, and cooking techniques, the quest for the ultimate pizza experience can be daunting. Yet, amidst the chaos of culinary creativity, one question remains: what is the number one best pizza in America?
A Brief History of Pizza in America
To understand the context of this inquiry, it’s essential to delve into the rich history of pizza in America. Italian immigrants brought their beloved Neapolitan-style pies to the United States in the early 20th century, laying the groundwork for the diverse pizza landscape we know today.
Gennaro Lombardi, often referred to as the “father of American pizza,” opened the first licensed pizzeria, Lombardi’s, in New York City’s Little Italy in 1905. His coal-fired oven and traditional Neapolitan recipes set the standard for the country’s burgeoning pizza scene.
As Italian-American communities grew, so did their culinary influence. Regional styles began to emerge, with Chicago-style deep-dish, Detroit-style square, and California-style gourmet pizzas gaining popularity. This melting pot of flavors and techniques has led to a staggering array of pizzerias, each with its own unique take on the classic dish.
The Search for the Best
So, where do we begin our search for the number one best pizza in America? With an estimated 75,000 pizzerias across the country, narrowing down the options seems like an impossible task. However, by examining expert opinions, customer reviews, and culinary awards, we can identify the top contenders.
Critics’ Corner
Food critics and journalists have dedicated their careers to sampling the country’s best pizzas. Prominent publications like The New York Times, Eater, and Food & Wine have compiled lists of top pizzerias, providing valuable insight into the most exceptional pies.
Jonathan Gold, the late Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic, praised Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles for its “beautifully composed” pies, while The New York Times hailed Roberta’s in Brooklyn as a “temple of pizza worship.”
Awards and Accolades
Culinary awards and competitions offer another perspective on the best pizzas in America. The International Pizza Challenge, held annually at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo, crowns the world’s top pizzaiolos (pizza makers). Meanwhile, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognize exceptional chefs and restaurants, including those serving outstanding pizza.
The Top Contenders
After analyzing expert opinions, customer reviews, and culinary awards, we’ve identified the following pizzerias as the top contenders for the number one best pizza in America:
- Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix, AZ – Renowned for its wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, Pizzeria Bianco has garnered universal acclaim. Critic Brad M. Kelley of The Arizona Republic hailed its pies as “life-changing.”
- Lou Malnati’s, Chicago, IL – This family-owned pizzeria has been serving classic Chicago-style deep-dish pies since 1975. Its buttery crust and chunky tomatoes have earned a loyal following, with Chicago Tribune praising its “stunning” pizzas.
The Winner: Pizzeria Bianco
After careful consideration, we crown Pizzeria Bianco the number one best pizza in America. This Arizona institution, founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Bianco, has redefined the pizza landscape with its unwavering commitment to quality and tradition.
The Secret to Success
So, what sets Pizzeria Bianco apart? The secret lies in its meticulous attention to detail, sourced from the finest ingredients and a deep understanding of Neapolitan pizza-making traditions.
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients: Bianco’s team selects the finest produce, meats, and cheeses, ensuring each pie is crafted with integrity.
- Traditional Neapolitan techniques: The pizzeria’s wood-fired oven and skilled pizzaiolos adhere to time-honored Neapolitan methods, resulting in pies with a delicate balance of flavors and textures.
Awards and Accolades
Pizzeria Bianco’s accolades are a testament to its status as the best pizza in America:
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest | 2003 |
| Food & Wine’s Best New Chef | 1994 |
| Eater’s Best Restaurant in America | 2016 |
A Slice Above the Rest
In conclusion, Pizzeria Bianco stands as the number one best pizza in America, a benchmark for excellence in the culinary world. While opinions may vary, the cumulative praise from experts, customers, and culinary organizations solidifies its position at the pinnacle of American pizza.
As we continue to explore the diverse and ever-evolving pizza landscape, one thing remains certain: the pursuit of the perfect pie will forever be an integral part of America’s culinary identity.
What makes a great pizza?
A great pizza is subjective, but there are certain qualities that can make it stand out from the rest. These qualities include a crispy crust, flavorful sauce, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. However, the combination and quality of these elements can vary greatly from one pizza to another.
Ultimately, what makes a great pizza is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer thick crusts, while others prefer thin. Some like a sweet and tangy sauce, while others prefer a more savory flavor.
What is the most popular pizza topping in America?
According to various surveys and sales data, pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in America. It’s a classic topping that adds a salty, savory flavor to the pizza. However, other popular toppings include mushrooms, extra cheese, sausage, and bacon.
It’s worth noting that pizza topping preferences can vary greatly from region to region and even from person to person. Some people like to keep it simple with just cheese and sauce, while others like to load up on a variety of toppings.
What is the best pizza in New York City?
New York City is known for its incredible pizza, and there are many great options to choose from. However, according to many pizza enthusiasts, Lombardi’s is the best pizza in the city. It’s the first pizzeria in the United States, and it’s been serving up some of the city’s best pies since 1905.
Lombardi’s pizza is known for its thin crust, fresh mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce. They also offer a variety of toppings, from classic pepperoni to more unique options like artichokes and anchovies.
What is the best pizza in the Midwest?
The Midwest is home to a unique style of pizza known as “Midwestern-style” pizza. This style is characterized by a thick crust, a thick layer of cheese, and a sweet and tangy sauce. According to many pizza enthusiasts, Lou Malnati’s in Chicago is the best pizza in the Midwest.
Lou Malnati’s has been a Chicago staple since 1975, and it’s known for its deep-dish pies. The crust is flaky and buttery, and the cheese is melted to perfection. They also offer a variety of toppings, from classic pepperoni to more unique options like sausage and mushrooms.
What is the best pizza in California?
California is known for its gourmet and artisanal pizzas, and there are many great options to choose from. However, according to many pizza enthusiasts, Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles is the best pizza in the state.
Pizzeria Mozza is owned and operated by celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, and Nancy Silverton. They offer a variety of unique and delicious pizzas, from classic margherita to more adventurous options like squash blossoms and burrata.
How did you determine the best pizza in America?
Determining the best pizza in America was no easy task. We considered a variety of factors, including online reviews, sales data, and personal recommendations. We also conducted a survey of pizza enthusiasts to get their opinions on the best pizzas in the country.
Ultimately, we chose the pizza that consistently received high praise and accolades from both critics and customers. We also considered the quality of the ingredients, the skill of the pizzaiolos, and the overall dining experience.
Is this list definitive?
While we believe that our list is a great starting point for anyone looking to try the best pizzas in America, we acknowledge that pizza is a highly subjective topic. What one person considers the best pizza, another person may not enjoy as much.
Ultimately, the best pizza is a matter of personal preference. We encourage readers to try out different pizzas and find the one that they enjoy the most. Who knows, you may discover a new favorite!