Who doesn’t love a great slice of pizza now and then? It’s one of the most popular fast-food delivery items in the country, and for good reason. That’s why pizza has an entire day dedicated to it with National Deep Dish Pizza Day taking place April 5th.
Now that your mouth is watering and your brain is focused on pizza, why not celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day the way it’s meant to be – by having a big thick slice?
Here we’ll look at the 10 best cities in the world to get a fabulous slice of pizza. You may want to put these destinations on your bucket list of places you need to travel to.
Chicago, USA
Chicago instantly comes to mind when discussing pizza. It’s known for the Chicago-style deep dish pizza that is in a pizza category all its own. Its crust is known for being thick and dense, and it goes overboard where cheese is concerned. And not to worry, it’s not just cheese and crust, the Chicago style also has its take on marinara sauce, and you can add big, thick slices of pepperoni.
The Chicago deep-dish pizza isn’t for those on a diet – this is meant for someone who wants to go all out where calories are concerned and enjoy an iconic meal.
Naples, Italy
We’ve discussed the birthplace of deep-dish pizza, but what about where pizza was first created? We’ve got Italy to thank for this tasty dish, as pizza was first created in Naples. What continues to help Naples stand out in the world of great pizza is the variety offered. No matter your taste preferences, you’ll find it here in Naples.
Tourists are recommended to get off the beaten path and visit authentic Italian eateries, as you’ll likely find better quality pizza in these locations.
Rome, Italy
Even though pizza was invented in Naples, it’s not the only spot in Italy offering authentic slices. Rome also has a large number of pizzerias that boast incredibly tasty pies. All you need to do is follow your nose and let your sense of smell guide you.
Thanks to how easy a slice is to fold and eat on the go, it’s also the ideal snack to enjoy while doing sightseeing in the city.
New York City, NY, USA
Chicago can’t be the only city in the United States to offer incredible pizza, as New York City also gets a mention on this list. New York City offers an eclectic blend of cuisine styles from just about everywhere in the world. You’ll encounter a pizza place on just about every corner, but remember not all are equal.
Finding the best places for pizza in NYC requires a little digging. Try asking friends or family for recommendations, or if you’re staying in a hotel, you can ask the concierge.
The great thing about NYC is that some of the smallest, most basic-looking restaurants and shops might just serve the best quality pizza you’ll ever come across.
Tokyo, Japan
Searching for the best pizza places in the world, you may not expect to see Tokyo on the list but it is. Food critics have ranked Tokyo quite high in terms of the number of pizza shops with excellent quality offerings. There’s something really fun about traveling across the world, exploring an exotic country, only to find the same food item that you know and love at home. It’s almost comforting.
Be sure to step outside your comfort zone, however, and try some of the more authentic recipes and ingredients. It’s common to find pizza toppings such as seafood, mochi, mayonnaise, corn, boiled eggs, mentaiko (cod roe), picked fish fillets, seaweed, and many more.
Barcelona, Spain
Italy’s next-door neighbor Spain has also mastered the art of pizza with Barcelona standing out. Spanish-style pizza looks similar to that of Italian but you’ll also find varieties such as tapas pizza. Even the cheese and meat are a bit different, reflecting the ingredients and cuisine of Spain. The pizzas here tend to have a lot of flavor and spice if you’re into that.
Worth noting, Madrid also has an incredible selection of top-notch restaurants specializing in pizza.
London, England
People often think of fish and chips when visiting London, England, but that’s not the only thing you’ll find here. London also does a very good job where pizza is concerned. Here you’ll find pizza that looks more similar to the styles you find in the United States and Canada. Popular toppings include pepperoni, sausage, peppers, Canadian bacon, and pineapple.
The crust can be dense and thick, or light and thin depending on the restaurant. All in all, London does a great job of delivering authentic if not a little more common options.
Ontario, Canada
Yes, Ontario is a province in Canada, not a city, but the problem is that you can’t just pick one city or town offering good pizza. What many don’t realize is a small town in Ontario by the name of Chatham is where Hawaiian pizza was first created. It was developed by Sam Panopoulos who owned a restaurant called Satellite. Panopoulos was an immigrant from Greece who arrived in 1954. The main cuisine served at his restaurant was classic American-style dishes, but he wanted to add some unique items.
One day he decided to combine ham and pineapple on a pizza to see what people would think. He got the name from the can of pineapples used on the pizza. It turns out his experience was a wild success as Hawaiian pizza has now caught on in many other countries.
Bangkok, Thailand
What Bangkok offers to pizza lovers is a fusion-style creation; a mix between authentic Italian ingredients and flavors, combined with traditional Thai ingredients. The result is something that packs a lot of flavor and often heat.
Pizzerias in Bangkok do a great job of making each creation unique and memorable, and it’s typically one of the more budget-friendly meals you can have.
Hong Kong, China
It’s all about the thin crust when you grab a slice of pizza in Hong Kong. Traditional Napoli-style pizza is the top choice here, and you’ll find the crust is a replica of that of Italy. If you like that crunch when you bite into a slice, be sure to grab some while in Hong Kong.
For those feeling a bit more adventurous, try some of the Hong Kong gourmet toppings that can include pork belly, pistachios, ricotta, mortadella, sweet potato, black mushrooms, and even bananas.