NYC Pizzeria Claims #6 Spot in Prestigious National Rankings Don
Antonio, the Midtown Manhattan pizzeria helmed by Italy-native Giorgia Caporuscio, has been ranked #6 in the 2026 edition of the 50 Top Pizza USA Guide. The announcement was made May 27th at an awards ceremony at the Morris W. and Fannie B. Haft Theater.
The recognition places Don Antonio among the country's elite pizza destinations. Globally, the restaurant holds the #29 spot in the 50 Top Pizza World ranking. Caporuscio herself earned "Pizza Maker of the Year" in 2024 and is the only woman pizza maker in the 2025 Michelin Guide selection.
Menu and Technique Don Antonio's menu features 20+ thick-crusted pizze napoletane that
undergo strict 48-hour fermentation and are finished in a wood-burning oven. A signature offering is Caporuscio's pizza fritta—a lightly deep-fried pie that draws from traditional Neapolitan street food but remains rare in U.S. establishments.
Advocating for Women in Pizza Beyond the kitchen, Caporuscio serves as Ambassador
for "Women in Pizza," a movement advocating for greater female representation in the pizza industry. As one of the few prominent women pizzaiolas operating at this level in the country, she represents a growing but still limited demographic in professional pizza-making circles.
Why It Matters For operators, Don Antonio's ranking underscores sustained consumer demand
for authentic, technique-driven Italian cuisine and the commercial viability of heritage food preparation methods. The pizzeria's success also signals industry momentum around diversity initiatives—a competitive advantage as younger diners increasingly value founder stories and mission-driven hospitality.
---
For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.
Written by FBM Publications Editors