Toronto’s pizza game has just received some serious global love, and one beloved establishment is at the forefront.
The Best Pizza Awards 2025 have just released their annual rankings, and for the third year in a row, the event has brought together the top names in the pizza world.
An independent global voting panel of 512 experts from 60 countries made the top picks, and Canada had two spots among the global top 100.
Coming in at #51 on the prestigious Top 100 list is Ryan Baddeley of Pizzeria Badiali, putting Toronto on the international pizza map in a significant way. Known for its New York-style slices and retro vibes at 181 Dovercourt Rd., Badiali has been a go-to for locals since opening in 2021, but this honour proves it’s now playing in a whole new league.
The Best Pizza Awards said, “Their dedication to quality ingredients, inventive flavour combinations, and technique has not only raised the bar for slice shops across the city — it’s helped redefine what a great slice can be. Pizzeria Badiali is more than a local favourite; it’s a creative force in Toronto’s evolving pizza scene.”
Also repping Canada on the global stage is Lou Pécou Artisanal Pizzeria in Halifax, which nabbed the #93 spot thanks to Cédric Toullec. Safe to say, Canadian dough is rising!
Italy, of course, dominated the top of the worldwide ranking. Francesco Martucci of I Masanielli in Caserta took the #1 spot, followed by legends Franco Pepe of Pepe in Grani in Caiazzo and Gabriele Bonci of Pizzarium in Rome, who is also known as the “Michelangelo of pizza.”
But this year’s awards weren’t just about rankings — they celebrated the full artistry of pizza, from food science to social media. Yes, there’s even a category for Best Fried Pizza (shoutout to Naples!).
With over 500 votes cast by pizza pros from 60 countries, these rankings aren’t just hype — they’re the real deal. And having two Canadian pizzerias featured proves that we’re more than just poutine and maple syrup.
So, if you haven’t tried Badiali yet, what are you even doing? Run, don’t walk, and bring a friend to share (or don’t).
You can find the full global pizza awards here.
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