Tony's is ranked No. 3 for best pizza in the U.S.
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Chef Tony Gemignani, a Bay Area native, opened his flagship North Beach restaurant 16 years ago. He's since become a 13-time World Pizza Champion. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios
Tony's Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco has been ranked as the third best pizza in the U.S., per 50 Top Pizza, a prestigious Italian pizza guide.
The big picture: Run by chef Tony Gemignani, the flagship North Beach restaurant has consistently racked up pizza awards since opening in 2009.
- Tony's slipped to No. 3 this year in the U.S. category, edged out by second-place winner Pizzeria Sei in Los Angeles, known for its unique Tokyo-style pies.
- New York City's Una Pizza Napoletana — formerly based in San Francisco — remained the first-place winner for the third year in a row.
What they're saying: "Tony Gemignani has been the prodigy of American artisanal pizza ... His best quality is constantly challenging himself and traveling the pizza world without ideological constraints," 50 Top Pizza wrote in its ranking of the local pizzaiolo.
Zoom in: Tony's pizzas are baked in Stefano Ferrara Forni wood-burning ovens. The menu includes everything from American favorites like New York and Detroit to Italian staples like Sicilian and Neapolitan.
Nadia's thought bubble: Lines to dine at the highly coveted spot had already started forming before its noon opening on Tuesday when I stopped to look at the menu. The number of options was almost too much to take in for a lone weekday lunch diner, so I popped by the Slice House next door for a bite.
- The fast-casual spinoff is the go-to hack — ideal for a quick slice or ordering takeout from the Tony's menu when the restaurant is too packed or you don't want to wait.
- I ordered the special — Webb's Double Sausage ($7.50) — with tomato sauce, mozzarella, two types of sausage, crispy pepperoni and red onions. Not only was it delicious, but part of the proceeds also benefit children in palliative care.
Shawna's thought bubble: I loved going to Tony's as a kid with my family and trying all the different pizzas there. It was truly my introduction to quality Italian fare.
Claire's thought bubble: I've tried lining up for Tony's plenty of times with no luck. Knowing they make some of the best pizza in the world, now it's my mission. (But maybe I'll start with the Slice House!)
If you go: Tony's is open daily, hours vary at 1570 Stockton St. Find the Slice House at 1556 Stockton St.