Pizza is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beloved food items. Whether you enjoy a spicy salami, a controversial Hawaiian, or a classic margarita, there’s a topping for everyone. Being the birthplace of pizza, Italy is the country you think of when imagining a destination with the most delicious offerings. But, what if the reviews reveal otherwise?
Holidu, the holiday rental portal, has dug into Google Maps data to discover which cities in Europe are home to the absolute best-rated pizza. The study looked at the number of 4.5*+ restaurants in the city and revealed which cities have the most in relation to their inhabitants. Keep reading to discover the ultimate travel bucket list for pizza lovers!
The European Cities with the Best-Rated Pizza
1. Turin, Italy | 13.63 4.5*+ rated restaurants / 100,000 inhabitants
As expected, an Italian city is crowned as being home to the best-rated pizza spots in Europe. But, guess what? It’s not Naples! Turin, situated in the north of the country, is a city of elegance, culture, and history. It is also apparently home to some of the best pizza in Italy, perhaps thanks to its proximity to the Alps and the quality of its ingredients. Try the pizza al tegamino, a thick and fluffy pizza baked in a pan, or the pizza al padellino, a thin and crispy pizza cooked in a small skillet, both forms that hail from the city.
Recommended pizzeria 🍕: Pizzeria Fratelli Roselli. With thousands of reviews in Italian, you can be sure that this pizzeria is authentic and not just a tourist trap. Opt for one of the most popular pizzas “Bufala Campana” or one of the vegan options they offer too, such as “Pataveg”. Don’t forget to wash your pizza down with a shot of limoncello!
2. Nuremberg, Germany | 11.66 4.5*+ rated restaurants / 100,000 inhabitants
The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a city of contrasts, where medieval architecture meets modern art, and where traditional cuisine meets international flavours. Today, we can also tell you that it is a city of great pizza, thanks to its diverse and creative pizzerias! Nuremberg is home to more than 60 pizzerias that score 4.5* or more on Google. Whilst you’re there, try the pizza flammkuchen, a thin and crispy pizza topped with sour cream, bacon, and onions.
Recommended pizzeria 🍕: La Commedia Pizzeria Restaurant. If you’re looking to enjoy classic Italian wood-fired pizza in a cosy environment, look no further. This is a great choice for travellers with special dietary requirements as all of the pizzas on the menu can be made gluten-free. One reviewer claimed it to be the “absolutely undisputed best pizza in all of Nuremberg” – are you ready to try it for yourself?
3. Rome, Italy | 11.43 4.5*+ rated restaurants / 100,000 inhabitants
Rome, the Italian capital, is a city of history, art, and culture. It is also a city of amazing pizza, thanks to its centuries-old traditions and various styles. Try the pizza al taglio, a rectangular pizza cut into slices and sold by weight, or the pizza romana, a thin and crunchy pizza with a high crust. For a topping, you can choose a classic on all menus in Rome, the Capricciosa: topped with ham, mushrooms, olives, artichoke, an egg and tomato
Recommended pizzeria 🍕: Alice Pizza Trastevere. With over 1,600 reviews and an average of 4.9* rating, it’s clear that this pizzeria is not to be missed on your next trip to Rome. Whether you opt for a slice of “Cacio e Pepe” or “Mortadella”, this is a great spot if you want to grab a pizza to eat on the go as you explore the city.
4. Lyon, France | 11.30 4.5*+ rated restaurants / 100,000 inhabitants
Lyon is a city of gastronomy, culture, and innovation. It is also a city of delicious pizza, thanks to its fusion of French and Italian cuisines and its use of local products. If you’re keen to try some typical local flavours, try the pizza lyonnaise, a pizza topped with cream, cheese, and bacon, or the pizza savoyarde, a pizza topped with cheese, potatoes, and ham.
Recommended pizzeria 🍕: La Scala Siciliana. This family-run Italian restaurant in the heart of Lyon serves up pizzas as well as other much-loved dishes including Sicilian antipasti and traditional tiramisu, but its truffle-based dishes are its speciality! One of the best pizzas to try is the “Chèvre-Miel” topped with goat cheese and honey.
5. Dortmund, Germany | 10.74 4.5*+ rated restaurants / 100,000 inhabitants
In fifth place, we have Dortmund, our second German city that makes it into the top five. Dortmund is typically known for being a city of industry and football, but now we can add pizza to that list, too! Try the pizza döner, a pizza topped with Turkish-style meat, salad, and sauce, or if you fancy trying a local topping, go for mett, which is raw minced pork seasoned with salt and pepper.
Recommended pizzeria 🍕: 60 Seconds to Napoli. This restaurant boasts over 6,000 reviews and a strong average star rating of 4.5. We recommend you try the “Don Diablo” for lovers of spice, or perhaps the “Vegan Salami” if you’d rather have a meat-free option.
