An Auckland-based pizzeria has been named among the top 50 in the world.
In a list of the top 100 restaurants spanning the globe, Dante’s Pizzeria Napoletana has secured its spot at number 47, a jump of 18 places since the 2022 rankings were announced. The only New Zealand-based spot on the list, the pizzeria has also recently been named the seventh best in the Asia and Pacific region.
Founder Kevin Morris started the business in 2003 from a pop-up show in Kumeu. Named after his grandfather, Dante’s Pizzeria Napoletana has expanded to three locations across Auckland, in Ponsonby Central, Eastridge Eatery, and Takapuna.
The menu contains artisan sourdough pizzas made from flour imported from Italy. All pizzas are made in the authentic and traditional Napoletana style and are baked fresh to order in a wood-fired oven containing cured meats, olives, cheese, and tomatoes shipped in direct from Italy. Chef, Enis Bacova, said that by blending high-quality ingredients such as flour, soft cheese and cherry tomatoes with specifically artisan products made in New Zealand, the pizzas automatically have an edge when judged internationally. The panel evaluated Dante’s Pizzeria Napoletana as an excellent pizza that is more and more becoming a contemporary Neapolitan-style product with a typically pronounced crust, to be enjoyed in the relaxed environment and with a lot of smiling from the waitstaff.
The top spot was awarded to 10 Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria of Naples, Italy. Its bright and inviting restaurant has become a local favourite hot spot, producing traditional and perfectly balanced pizza options on the menu. The on-site wine cellar and elegant service are paired with exquisite tastings from chef Diego Vitagliano. The judges described his culinary ability as being in a league of its own.
As well as Italy, other pizzas in the top 10 came from major international cities, including New York, Barcelona, Tokyo and Beijing.
