Two Canadian pizza chefs have been recognized on the prestigious 2026 Best Pizza Awards list in Milan, Italy. Ryan Baddeley of Pizzeria Badiali in Toronto ranked No. 59, and Cédric Toullec of Lou Pécou in Halifax placed No. 92 among the world's top pizza chefs.
Canadian Pizzaiolos Shine on Global Stage
The awards, produced by the same team behind The Best Chef Awards, celebrated 150 pizza chefs from 39 countries across five continents. The list includes a Top 100 and an additional 50 "Ones to Follow." For the second consecutive year, Francesco Martucci of I Masanielli in Caserta, Italy, was named the world's best pizza chef, followed by Roberto Davanzo of Bob Alchimia a Spicchi and Francesco Capece of Confine.
"As craft pizzerias continue to flourish coast to coast, these chefs are showing that Canada's pizza scene belongs in the global conversation," The Best Pizza Awards stated.
Recognition Amid Global Challenges
Toullec, owner of Lou Pécou, told National Post by email that he is honored by the recognition. "At a time when the world is facing significant economic, agricultural and ecological challenges, it gives us the opportunity to talk about something greater than pizza." His approach emphasizes local ingredients, heritage grains, regenerative agriculture, and "meaningful relationships" with producers. "As proud as I am of what we do every day at Lou Pécou, I hope this recognition also inspires the next generation of artisans," he added.
Award Ceremony and Industry Impact
The Best Pizza Awards launched its inaugural list virtually in 2023 and held its first live event in 2024. On June 24, the 2026 celebration brought together 300 pizza chefs and 200 journalists from around the world. Martucci, accepting his title, said, "Awards celebrate a moment. What matters is what happens the day after. Receiving this recognition again means carrying an even greater responsibility: to challenge ourselves, to break our own limits, to respect tradition without becoming prisoners of it."
Pizzeria Badiali, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary and now has two Toronto locations, is acclaimed for its "refined yet nostalgic approach to pizza by the slice, blending the bold, comforting spirit of New York-style classics with the finesse of Italian-inspired specialty pies," according to the awards. Baddeley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
