Last night (September 13) saw the return of The World’s 50 Top Pizza Awards, an annual event that recognises the best pizzerias and pizza chefs in the world (it does what it says on the tin, really), and a pizza chef in London came out on top. Hip hip hooray!
Founder and head chef of Napoli On The Road, Michele Pascarella, was named the best pizza chef in the world as he scored the coveted prize of Global Pizza Maker of the Year 2023. The 50 Top Pizza Awards have become one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary scene and is based on a rigorous selection process involving anonymous visits by experienced pizza critics. So, it’s a pretty big deal.
Earlier this year, Pascarella was crowned the best pizza maker in Europe and he seems to just keep getting better and better. Michele Pascarella commented, “Winning Pizza Maker of the Year is a testament to pushing the boundaries of flavour and innovation within pizza. It’s not just about crafting the perfect dough or finding the finest ingredients; it’s about the artistry and passion that goes into every slice.”
Napoli On The Road
The flagship site is well regarded for Pascarella’s innovative approach to toppings and techniques, and a willingness to experiment. They’re renowned for putting their truly unique twist on the much-loved dish and the ever-changing menu focuses on seasonality, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients are used. And the same approach has now been applied in Richmond, to ensure the best pizza experience for all guests.
Previous favourites have included the likes of the ‘Cheesewick‘ with buffalo mozzarella DOP, ricotta cheese, stracciatella di bufala, blue stilton, parmesan chip, and piennolo cherry tomato jam. Another much-loved pie was the ‘Ricordi D’infanzia’ (or ‘childhood memories’) topped with a slow-cooked ragu Napoletano, and 24-month parmigiano reggiano cream. They even made a ‘Carbonara‘ pizza topped with truffle! Fan of the classics can rest easy, though, as they still do serve up traditionally-topped pizzas like the ‘Margherita‘.
And if you’re not in the mood for pizza? Perhaps you were outvoted with where to have dinner? Fret not, because there are plenty of non-pizza options to choose from. We’ve got our eyes on their delicious-looking croquettes!
Napoli On The Road Richmond can be found at 12 Red Lion Street, Richmond, TW9 1RW. The nearest station is Richmond. Napoli On The Road can also be found in Chiswick at 9A Devonshire Road, Chiswick, W4 2EU. The nearest station is Turnham Green.