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.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors