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Southern California Pizza Makes Global Waves: A Glimpse into the 2025 Best Pizza Awards
Three exceptional pizzerias in Southern California have recently gained international recognition, landing spots among the top 100 pizzerias in the world. This honor comes from the prestigious 2025 Best Pizza Awards, announced in Milan, Italy. Let’s take a closer look at these culinary gems that are redefining pizza in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence
The Best Pizza Awards, now in its third year, shine a spotlight not just on pizza restaurants, but on the talented chefs behind them. Founded in 2015 by a Polish neuroscientist and an Italian gastronomist, the awards prioritize a unique “chef-led” selection system. This model emphasizes culinary craftsmanship and transparency in evaluations, ensuring that the awards reflect true excellence in the pizza-making craft.
Pizzeria Sei: A Minimalist Marvel
Ranked No. 44, Pizzeria Sei in West Los Angeles is a minimalist haven that offers a Tokyo-inspired twist on traditional Neapolitan pizza. Opened in 2022 by husband-and-wife duo William Joo and Jennifer So, this establishment has become a local favorite thanks to its airy and charred crusts paired with the freshest ingredients.
Located at 8781 W. Pico Blvd., it’s not uncommon for Pizzeria Sei to sell out by midday, prompting customers to place pre-orders. This recognition isn’t new for the restaurant, as it was also recently featured in the 2025 Michelin Guide. According to a Yelp reviewer, the highlight is undoubtedly the dough: “The crust was puffy and soft, with the right amount of char underneath.”
Apollonia’s Pizza: Bold and Flavorful
Taking the No. 58 spot is Apollonia’s Pizza, located at 5176 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Under the skilled guidance of chef Justin De Leon, this pizzeria is renowned for its bold and thick-crust slices with crispy edges. Apollonia’s has now made the global list for two consecutive years, previously ranking 51st in 2024.
The menu offers both signature pies and customizable options, allowing patrons to craft their perfect pizza. One delighted Yelp reviewer praised the experience as “not just any pizza—we’re talking thick, hot, crispy-on-the-edges, soft-in-the-middle, flavor-packed magic.”
Truly Pizza: Craftsmanship and Community
Orange County’s Truly Pizza has successfully secured a spot at No. 42 on the global list. Located in Dana Point at 24402 Del Prado Ave., this restaurant is the brainchild of a talented team that includes Las Vegas hospitality veteran Donna Baldwin and World Pizza Champions Chris Decker and Michael Vakneen. Decker, known for his exceptional pizza-making skills, leads the kitchen with a commitment to crafting artisanal pies.
Truly Pizza places a strong emphasis on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, evident in their artisanal dough preparation. A Yelp reviewer highlighted that “the star of the show here is really the dough… it has a thick, chewy texture, yet comes off very light on the palate. The ingredients they use are all or mostly local which is something I can support and come across as very premium.”
In Summary
These three Southern California pizzerias have not only garnered local acclaim but have also earned a prestigious place on the world stage. With their unique offerings, attention to detail, and commitment to quality ingredients, they exemplify the evolving pizza landscape in the region. Each pizzeria mentions shared values of craftsmanship, creativity, and community engagement, attributes that resonate deeply with the modern dining experience. Whether it’s the airy dough of Pizzeria Sei, the bold flavors of Apollonia’s, or the artisanal craftsmanship at Truly Pizza, there’s something for every pizza lover to savor in Southern California.
