Five Brazilian Pizzerias Among the World’s Best in 2024

In an exciting moment for the culinary scene, five Brazilian pizzerias have made it onto the prestigious list of the top 100 pizzerias in the world for 2024, as revealed by the annual 50 Top Pizza World ranking in Naples this September.

Leading the Brazilian contingent is Leggera Pizza Napoletana, which has impressively secured the 11th position. Under the leadership of André Guidon, this pizzeria operates two locations in São Paulo—one in Perdizes and the other in Jardins. This year’s ranking marks a significant leap from its previous 100th place, highlighting the establishment’s growing reputation.

Following closely is QT Pizza Bar, ranked 38th. Nestled in the Cerqueira César neighborhood of São Paulo, this pizzeria is spearheaded by entrepreneur Matheus Ramos, who is making waves with his exceptional culinary offerings.

Pizza da Mooca holds the 53rd spot, with two units located in São Paulo, specifically in Mooca and Pinheiros. The brand, led by Fellipe Zanuto, continues to impress pizza lovers with its delicious creations.

Also making the list is Unica Pizzeria, situated in Campo Belo, São Paulo, where authentic Neapolitan pizza takes center stage. It comes in at 87th on the global list.

Last but not least, Ferro e Farinha, the sole representative from Rio de Janeiro, claimed the 89th position. Guided by chef Sei Shiroma, this pizzeria boasts four locations across the vibrant city, with a fifth unit set to open in November at Shopping Leblon.

During the awards ceremony, several special accolades were presented. Notably, Matheus Ramos of QT Pizza Bar was honored with the title of “Pizzaiolo of the Year,” showcasing his exceptional skills and contribution to the art of pizza making.

Earlier this year, the regional branch of the awards recognized the best pizzerias in Latin America, featuring a total of 25 Brazilian establishments, with Leggera proudly taking the top spot.

The ranking process is thorough, with anonymous inspectors evaluating pizzerias without prior notice, ensuring an unbiased assessment.

For more information on the winners, visit:
@leggerapizzanapoletana
@qtpizzabar
@apizzadamooca
@unica.pizzeria
@ferroefarinha

Brazil is the Second Largest Pizza Consumer in the World

Brazil ranks as the second largest consumer of pizza globally, trailing only the United States. With over three million pizzas consumed daily, this translates to an impressive statistic: for every 10 people in the country, two enjoy at least one slice of pizza each day.

Pizza arrived in Brazil with Italian immigrants in the 19th century, establishing its first stronghold in Brás, a traditional neighborhood for the Italian diaspora in São Paulo. Over time, the dish evolved to cater to Brazilian tastes, resulting in unique creations that range from chicken with catupiry (a cream cheese-like cheese) to sweet options like brigadeiro and guava paste with cheese.

According to new data from Apubra – the Brazilian Association of United Pizzerias – approximately 3.8 million pizzas are produced daily across Brazil, with the state of São Paulo alone accounting for 870,000 pizzas per day.

Currently, there are around 90,000 pizzerias in operation in Brazil, as estimated in a 2023 market study. The most popular pizza flavor is calabresa, making up 38.2% of orders from participating pizzerias. The second most consumed flavor is muçarela, representing 16.2% of orders, followed by margherita in third place with 13.2%.