Art of pizza celebrated in Milan

The Best Pizza Awards return to Milan next year.

In its fourth year, there will be “The Best Pizza Party”, masterclasses, and an awards gala evening.

More than 500 chefs will take part on June 24, 2026. (Or “pizzaiolos”, to be more local, as this is the Italian term for a pizza maker.)

Across the northern Italian city, guests can expect pizza-based events, which organisers say will further establish Milan as the epicentre of global pizza culture.

Even though the invention of pizza is generally attributed to Naples, Milan is a major hub for it. There are lots of classic, local and high-end pizzerias which are taking the humble pizza pie to new heights as an art form.

Milan’s pizza culture is a mix of traditional styles like Neapolitan and Roman.

And, of course, Milanese — locally called “pizza al trancio”. It has a high edge and a thick crust that is soft and airy inside but with a crispy bottom. The crust is often cooked in an oiled pan at a high temperature before toppings are added.

The Best Pizza Awards will include:

Best Pizza Party A big festival celebration with global pizza chefs cooking side by side.

Pizza Show Masterclasses These interactive events led by world-renowned pizzaiolos will reveal the specialist pizza makers’ techniques, regional traditions and innovation in the pizza world.

Pizza Talks Leading pizza chefs will join the conversation about the craft, identity, sustainability and the future of the industry.

Best Pizza Awards Gala

The highlight of the evening, honouring the 2026 Top 100 and spotlighting excellence across the craft.

Awards include the best pizza experience, the best pizza identity, the best pizza fried, and the best pizza social impact.

“The Best Pizza Awards has always been about more than ranking,” says Cristian Gadau, CEO of the 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.”

A spokesperson for the awards adds: “The Best Pizza Awards has rapidly evolved into the world’s independent, based on meritocratic criteria, pizza accreditation platform.

“It is 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.”

MY MILAN

The starting point has to be the symbolic heart of the city, its cathedral — Duomo di Milano. We’re going to start with breakfast in one of the square’s many cafes. Then, as the shops open, we might go to the top floor of chain store La Rinascente for coffee. There’s a view from its beautiful terrace over the spires of Milan.

Then we’re heading inside the cathedral — a Gothic epic dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary. Construction began in 1386 and took nearly 600 years. It was only completed in 1965. There are guided tours and audio guides in English. The cathedral’s museum tells the story of the Veneranda Fabbrica (Old Building).

We’re also going to visit the Museum of the 20th Century (Museo del Novecento) in Piazza Duomo. We’ll see the work of Modigliani, De Chirico, Morandi and Fontana — and Picasso, Klee, and Kandinskij.

Time for lunch. For something quick, there are many places around the cathedral, where we’ll will mix with the Milanese who snack here, too. There are bistros, bakeries and bars. Or try a delicatessen with a kitchen — very representative of the city.

Replete, we’re going to stroll on towards the fashionable fashion district of San Babila. Here we can window-shop and browse garments by Italian designers and visit the (unmissable) Fashion Museum in Palazzo Morando and Bagatti Valsecchi Museum — one of the best-preserved Neo-Renaissance houses in Europe, and certainly one of the best house-museums in Europe.

We like to join a morning walking tour around the Brera district (and there are plenty to book locally). This is a lively area, with designer furniture and accessories.

We’ll also visit Sforzesco Castle — built in the 14th century and one of the most notable landmarks in Milan. There are nice places to eat near the castle.

Certainly on our list is The Vertical Wood — two residential towers designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti with more than 20,000 plants on their facades. They have won awards for innovative green architecture — and the story is told in the Library of Trees Park.

On our list, too, is the Leonardo Da Vinci National Science and Technology Museum where, as well as models showing the work of this Italian genius, there is a submarine and multi-sensory experiences with augmented reality, full immersion and workshops that children (big and small) will surely enjoy.

And for an evening stroll, we’re heading along the Navigli canals. This is where the Milanese enjoy trattorias, restaurants, pubs and bistros.