La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana on Española Way tied for No. 47 on the 2026 50 Top Pizza world ranking. It is the only Miami Beach restaurant on the 100-best list.

The annual ranking was unveiled Sept. 16 at the Teatro Mercadante in Naples, Italy. Four Miami-area pizzerias made the global top 100, Miami New Times reported. Francesco Martucci Miami in Wynwood claimed the highest local spot at No. 27. 'O Munaciello tied with La Leggenda at No. 47, and Miami Slice rounded out the group at No. 100.

Ranking reflects a steady climb for Española Way spot

For La Leggenda, the ranking caps a steady climb. The restaurant placed No. 73 in the world in 2023 and rose to No. 45 in 2024, according to Time Out Miami. This year's No. 47 tie is a slight dip from that 2024 peak but keeps the Española Way spot firmly in the top 50.

Naples-born chef earned his nickname back home

Naples-born chef Giovanni Gagliardi runs the kitchen at 224 Española Way. His pizza-making earned him the nickname "La Leggenda," meaning "the Legend," back in Italy. The name stuck.

City commission recognized co-owner's competition win

Co-owner Loredana Passariello received a certificate of recognition from the Miami Beach City Commission on May 6 for winning the Neapolitan Division at the 2026 International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas.

Inspectors praised the dough, ingredients and service

Inspectors from 50 Top Pizza called the restaurant an authentic benchmark for traditional Neapolitan pizza, citing its well-hydrated dough, high-quality Italian DOP ingredients including buffalo mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes, and seamless service during peak hours.

How the annual list evaluates pizzerias worldwide

The guide uses anonymous inspectors who evaluate pizzerias over the course of a year. Dough quality and topping ingredients weigh heaviest, according to PMQ Pizza Magazine. The 2026 list spanned 36 countries, with Italy leading at 31 restaurants and the United States second with 22.

Signature Margherita anchors the Neapolitan menu

Gagliardi's domed, wood-fueled oven turns out Neapolitan pies in a small space near the eastern end of Española Way. The signature Margherita STG features mozzarella di bufala campana and fresh basil.

La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana is at 224 Española Way, Miami Beach; 305-763-8566; laleggendapizzeria.com.