2 Western New York pizzerias named among 50 best in U.S.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Not one, but two of the best pizza slices in the country can be found in Western New York.

That's not a local spin from someone here in Buffalo. That's according to 50 Top Pizza, an Italian media company that held its annual rankings of the U.S. best pizzerias on Tuesday night in New York City's Chelsea Market.

Ranking sixth on that list was Jay’s Artisan Pizza in Kenmore.

"The pizza styles served here are Neapolitan and Detroit. In both cases, the result is truly amazing, with excellent rising and flavor," 50 Top Pizza said. "The pizza flavors are not many, as the ingredients are fresh and of excellent quality."

Also making the cut, at No. 44, was Pizzeria Florian in East Aurora.

"The soft dough is topped with a soft and crispy crust that encloses typical Italian toppings: Margherita, Funghi e Parmigiano, Cacio e Pepe, and a whole list of ingredients to add upon request," 50 Top Pizza said. "The wood-fired oven cooking is of great skill."

Jay's and Pizzeria Florian helped New York State dominate this year's rankings. In fact, of the 19 pizzerias in the state that made the cut, the only two not in New Your City itself were those found here in Western New York. California (14) and Illinois (7) trailed New York in the state tally.

All seven Illinois pizzerias are found in Chicago. Portland, Ore., fared well in rankings with six. 

Here's the complete list:

1. Una Pizza Napoletana, New York
2. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, San Francisco
3. Pizzeria Beddia, Philadelphia
4. Ribalta, New York
5. Ken’s Artisan Pizza, Portland
6. Jay’s Artisan Pizza, Kenmore
7. Don Antonio, New York
8. Pizzeria Sei, Los Angeles
9. La Leggenda, Miami
10. Robert’s, Chicago
11. ‘O Munaciello, Miami
12. Partenope Ristorante, Dallas
13. Razza Pizza Artigianale, Jersey City
14. Pasquale’s, South Kingstown
15. Song’ E Napule, New York
16. Kesté, New York
17. Ops, New York
18. Fabrica Pizza, Tampa
19. Pizza Secret, New York
20. Flour House, San Luis Obispo
21. Mission Pizza Napoletana, Winston-Salem
22. Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana, Darnestown
23. Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, Chicago
24. Il Forno, San Antonio
25. Coals Artisan Pizza, Louisville
26. Nardò, Huntington Beach
27. GRANA, Portland
28. Pizza Rock, Las Vegas
29. Bricco Coal Fired Pizza, Haddon Township
30. Nostrana, Portland
31. Valentina’s, Madison
32. Craft 64, Scottsdale
33. Spark Pizza, Redmond
34. Salsa, New York
35. Antico Pizza Napoletana, Atlanta
36. Tribute Pizza, San Diego
37. Zeneli, New Haven
38. Pizza Delicious, New Orleans
39. Pasquale Jones, New York
40. Pomo, Scottsdale
41. Posto, Somerville
42. Truly Pizza, Dana Point
43. Pizza Baby, Charlotte
44. Pizzeria Florian, East Aurora
45. DØUBLE ZERØ PIE & PUB, Las Vegas
46. Penelope Pizza, Tucson
47. Coda di Volpe, Chicago
48. Si Cara, Cambridge
49. Marco’s Coal Fired, Denver
50. San Matteo, New York

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