London restaurant again named best pizzeria in Europe
London’s Napoli on the Road, by Michele Pascarella, has claimed top spot at the 50 Top Pizza Europa Awards for a second consecutive year.
The awards ceremony, held in Madrid, is widely regarded as the most prestigious global ranking for pizzerias.
Michele and his team were celebrated for their dedication to Neapolitan pizza, from meticulous attention to the dough and for a careful balance of traditional and modern toppings.
As well as receiving first place, Michele added another accolade to his collection, with his signature pizza, Ricordi d’Infanzia, slow-cooked ragu with beef, topped with Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, fondue, and basil, recognised as Pizza of the Year 2025.
“Winning for a second year means more than I can say,” said Michele.
“This award belongs to the entire team, who share my commitment and passion every day.
“Taking first place at the 50 Top Pizza Europa in 2024 changed my life and it’s an honour to receive this recognition once again.”
Bring a taste of Naples to London
Michele’s journey began in Maddaloni, a town near Naples.
After moving to the UK at the age of 19, he launched Napoli on the Road from a three-wheeled Ape Piaggio van with a wood-fired oven, serving pizzas at farmers’ markets and outdoor events across London.
Nearly a decade later, Napoli on the Road has grown into two restaurants in Chiswick and Richmond.
The 50 Top Pizza Europa award adds to Michele’s growing list of honours, including being named World Pizza
Maker of the Year 2023 by 50 Top Pizza and Best International Pizza Maker 2024 by the Accademia Nazionale Pizza DOC.
Taking to Instagram after winning 50 Top Pizza Europa Awards for a second time, Michele simply posted: “I’m overwhelmed with emotions.”
Napoli on the Road will now be entered into the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World competition, which will be awarded at a ceremony in Naples in September.
The entire Europa 2025 guide, consisting of 193 pizzerias, saw Spain as the most represented nation with 31 pizzerias, followed by France with 22 and England and Switzerland, both with 16. The most represented city is Paris with 16 pizzerias followed by London with 11.
There were four more England-based restaurants inside the Top 50, in fourth-placed 50 Kalò (London), Stile Napoletano (Chester, 13th), L'Antica Pizzeria (London, 25th) and Buon Appetito (Burgess Hill, 31st).
Michele's new book launch
In March 2025, Michele released his first book, titled Napoli on the Road, with recipes and photos of his award-winning pizzas, as well as antipasti, desserts and drinks.
Upon release, he said: “This book is more than just recipes, it’s a collection of stories from my life in Italy, the people, places, and ingredients that have shaped who I am today.
“I can hardly put into words what this moment means to me, it’s a mix of excitement, pride, and so much emotion. I’m beyond thrilled to finally share it with you!”
(Pics: Steven Joyce)
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London restaurant again named best pizzeria in Europe
