NYC Pizzeria Claims #6 Spot in National Rankings

Don Antonio, the Midtown Manhattan pizzeria helmed by Giorgia Caporuscio, has secured the #6 ranking in the 2026 50 Top Pizza USA Guide. The announcement came May 27th at an awards ceremony at the Morris W. and Fannie B. Haft Theater.

Caporuscio, an Italy-native pizzaiola, represents a rare presence in the U.S. pizza industry. She was named "Pizza Maker of the Year" in 2024 and is the only woman pizza maker featured in the 2025 Michelin Guide selection. Globally, Don Antonio ranks #29 on the 50 Top Pizza World list.

Neapolitan Tradition at Scale

Don Antonio's menu features more than 20 thick-crusted pizze napoletane, each undergoing a strict 48-hour fermentation before finishing in a wood-burning oven. The restaurant's signature offering—pizza fritta, a lightly deep-fried pie rooted in Neapolitan street food tradition—remains uncommon in New York City, with Caporuscio among the few local experts preparing the dish.

Advocacy Beyond the Kitchen

Beyond her pizzeria operations, Caporuscio serves as Ambassador for "Women in Pizza," a movement advocating for greater representation of women in the pizza industry. She is also a mother of two.

Why It Matters

As fine-dining validation increasingly filters into casual dining—and Michelin recognition extends into pizza-focused establishments—Don Antonio's top ranking signals market appetite for authentic, technically rigorous Neapolitan pizza in major U.S. markets. For operators, Caporuscio's visibility and advocacy highlight growing industry focus on gender diversity and craft credentials as competitive differentiators.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors