STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — According to Time Out, New York has reclaimed the pizza crown, surpassing Italy in a global “best pizza” ranking — a result New Yorkers might say comes as no surprise.
The outlet’s network of editors and writers trekked the globe to determine which popular pizzeria had the best slice. Coming out on top was the widely known pizzeria Mama’s TOO! on Bleecker Street.
Time Out New York food and drink editor Morgan Carter said the Cacio e Pepe slice was “all she could ask for.”
The slice is topped with whipped mascarpone, aged mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano and cracked black pepper, a pasta-inspired pie created by Frank Tuttolomondo, owner of Mama’s TOO!.
In her review, Carter said the Cacio e Pepe slice’s “flavors sang in perfect harmony,” with “creamy and light mascarpone, a bit of funk from the aged mozzarella and all the tangy, stretchy cheesiness.”
Beyond the Cacio e Pepe, the pizzeria also offers unique slices, including the Bufalina, featuring beer-battered fried chicken and gorgonzola crema.
According to Columbia Spectator, Tuttolomondo got his start in pizza decades ago when he left college to work in his family’s pizzeria. Now, his Cacio e Pepe slice has earned the top spot in the global ranking.
Beyond Mama’s TOO! Time Out named 17 other pizza spots to its “best pizza in the world” list with 180grammi Pizzeria in Rome coming in second, and Short Road Pizza in London coming in third.
The only other pizzeria in the United States that made the list was Milly’s Pizza in the Pan in Chicago.
Time Out Chicago editor Jeffy Mai ranked the spot’s Untitled #1 thick-crust slice 12th. The slice features zesty pepperoni and chunks of fresh mozzarella.
For the full list, see Time Out.