NJ Pizza Chef Ranked Among Best In The World, New List Says

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Once again, the Garden State is getting some global recognition for our pizza, specifically for the talented New Jerseyan chefs who create it.

The 2026 Best Chef Awards’ list of the world’s best pizza chefs has been released, and one New Jersey pizzaiolo made the top ten.

Dan Richer, owner and head chef of Razza Pizza Artigianale in Jersey City, placed tenth on the international list.

The list is created by nearly 400 pizza chefs and a panel of more than 150 international restaurant professionals, including critics, journalists, and foodies.

This is the fourth time the Matawan-native has made the annual list, placing 22nd in 2025, 16th in 2024, and 8th in 2023.

“Widely regarded as one of America’s most obsessive and visionary pizzaioli, Dan Richer is the chef and owner of Razza in Jersey City, NJ — the only pizzeria in the United States to earn an illustrious three-star review from The New York Times,” the list reads.

A six-time James Beard Award nominee and bestselling author of “The Joy of Pizza,” Richer has spent more than 20 years perfecting every aspect of pizza-making through a meticulous, science-driven approach. His focus on ingredient sourcing, dough, and technique has made him one of the country's most respected and influential pizzaioli.

Razza has been open for 14 years and is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Click here to view menus and dining options.

The list is filled with acclaimed pizzaioli from all across the world, including Japan, Greece, and of course, Italy. Also making the cut in seventh place is New Jerseyan Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana in New York.

To see the full list of the world’s best pizza chefs, click here.