Napoli on the Road Officially Serves the World's Best Pizza
Italian dominance of 'Oscars for Pizza' ended by Devonshire Road restaurant
Customers queueing for pizza on Devonshire Road. Picture: ChiswickW4.com
September 17, 2026
Napoli on the Road, the Devonshire Road pizzeria, has achieved what many in the industry thought impossible: it has been officially crowned World’s Best Pizzeria, becoming the first British entrant ever to beat Italy at its own game. The announcement was made in Naples at the Teatro Mercadante, the birthplace of pizza and home of the prestigious 50 Top Pizza awards, often described by chefs as the “Oscars for pizza”.
Its founder, Michele Pascarella, stood on stage in his home region of Campania, stunned by the result. “It’s so crazy I don’t know what to say,” he told reporters. “I’m in shock. I probably need to have a few drinks and a sit down to process this. I can’t explain how big this is. It’s like the Oscars but for pizza.” For Michele, who grew up in Caserta learning to make pizza in his parents’ restaurant, the victory carries particular emotional weight. His restaurant was competing directly against the best pizzerias in Italy, including those from his own hometown.
Napoli on the Road already had an impressive track record at the awards. It was previously named Best Pizzeria in Europe (outside Italy) and Pascarella himself was crowned World Pizza Maker of the Year in 2023. But the European ranking excludes Italy, meaning this year’s global title placed the London restaurant head-to-head with the giants of Neapolitan pizza culture. “I didn’t think we’d have a chance against all the Italian ones,” Michele said. “But we did it… this is the ultimate honour. I’m over the moon and so proud of all of my team.”
The win ends the long dominance of I Masanielli, a celebrated pizzeria in Caserta run by Francesco Martucci, which had taken the top spot six times in the past seven years. He was gracious in defeat, saying Pascarella’s success showed how chefs from Caserta had carried their skills abroad and continued to produce world-class pizza.
Napoli on the Road’s journey has been unusually modest for a restaurant now recognised as the best in the world. Michele began by driving around London in a three-wheel Ape Piaggio van fitted with a wood-fired oven, serving pizzas at markets. The business grew into three restaurants — with Richmond and Soho following Chiswick — but Michele insists he has no intention of expanding further. “I don’t want to become a chain, and believe me, we’ve had the chance,” he said. “I want to keep the quality of my pizza very, very high and I also want to talk to my customers. I want to know them and I want them to know me.”
His menu changes almost entirely every three months, reflecting seasonal ingredients and collaborations with local suppliers. Signature dishes include the classic margherita and the “Cheesewick”, a Chiswick-inspired creation topped with five Italian cheeses and homemade tomato jam. Earlier this year, the restaurant retained its title as Europe’s best pizzeria (outside Italy) and won “Pizza of the Year” for Ricordi d’Infanzia, a slow-cooked ragu pizza topped with Parmigiano Reggiano fondue and basil.
Italy still dominated the global list with 31 entries, followed by the United States with 22. But the top spot now belongs to a London restaurant founded by a Caserta-born chef who began his career at the age of eleven and built his reputation one pizza at a time.
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