The fourth edition brings new masterclasses, deeper industry conversations, and a blockbuster gala honouring the world’s leading pizzaiolos.
A global culinary hub, Milan takes centre stage once again as The Best Pizza Awards returns for its most ambitious and internationally resonant edition to date. Hosted on 24th June 2026 at the iconic Studio Novanta, East End Studios, the 2026 celebration is set to welcome more than 600 guests, including 500 pizza chefs, over 200 international journalists and leading figures from the global hospitality community.
Powered by The Best Chef Awards, The Best Pizza Awards has rapidly evolved into the world’s independent based on meritocratic criteria pizza accreditation platform, committed to spotlighting authentic craftsmanship, bold innovation and the diverse voices shaping the future of pizza. Free from commercial influence and guided exclusively by a global panel of culinary experts, the platform continues to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and excellence.
“The Best Pizza Awards has always been about more than ranking,” says Cristian Gadau, CEO of The Best Pizza Awards. “It is a movement built by pizza chefs, for pizza chefs, celebrating the heritage of pizza while driving it fearlessly into the future. This year, that spirit feels stronger than ever.”
Since its founding, The Best Pizza Awards has worked to break down barriers within the pizza world, championing pizzaiolos across regions, styles and traditions. What began as a virtual celebration in 2023 grew into a groundbreaking live event in 2024, followed by the largest edition to date in 2025, a year that generated more than 527 global articles, a reach of over 3.8 billion and an AVE of $32.4 million.
In 2026, the platform expands even further, with strengthened international representation, new opportunities for emerging talent and a renewed focus on the artistry, science and identity of pizza as a global cultural symbol.
The 2026 Programme:
Interactive masterclasses led by world-renowned pizza chefs offering rare access to signature techniques, regional traditions and cutting-edge culinary innovation.
Thought-provoking conversations uniting leading pizza chefs, journalists and pizza authorities to explore identity, craft, sustainability and the future of the industry.
The highlight of the evening, honouring the 2026 Top 100 and spotlighting excellence across the craft.
A vibrant late-night celebration where global pizza chefs cook side by side, creating an immersive and joyful end to the festival.
Milan 2026
This year’s Special Awards honour the creativity, expertise and distinctiveness of the pizza world across ten categories:
These awards celebrate both mastery and imagination, recognizing pizza chefs who push boundaries while staying true to the craft.
