Manchester-born pizzeria, Forbici, has been recognised as a creator of one of the world’s best pizzas with its master chef recognised as one of the world’s greatest pizza chefs

Manchester-born pizza concept Forbici has been named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas with its master chef recognised as one of the world’s greatest pizza chefs. Forbici is the only pizzeria in Northern England to feature in the prestigious global ranking.

The recognition places Forbici alongside some of the most celebrated names in international pizza making and makes it one of just two UK pizzerias to secure a place in the coveted top 100 list, with the remaining British restaurants located in London.

The accolade marks a major milestone for the rapidly growing brand, which opened its first pizzeria in Manchester in 2024, followed by a sister pizzeria in Sheffield in 2026, and has quickly earned a reputation for authentic Neapolitan pizza craftsmanship. Forbici will soon be opening its third pizzeria in Manchester’s Trafford Centre this summer.

Forbici boasts a cult following in Manchester from locals and celebrities alike. With Marco Pierre White naming Forbici as ‘the very best pizza’ he’s had in his life, celebrity visits have followed including Example and rapper Aitch.

Forbici combines traditional techniques, only ever using carefully sourced Italian ingredients, with innovation. Crafted by head baker Davide Argentino, Forbici’s biga dough pushes the boundaries of fermentation, developing at 24 degrees to produce a uniquely light base and towering crusts. Inspired by the pizzerias of Napoli, Forbici pizzas are cut four-ways with scissors, always. Bringing a true taste of Italy, Forbici serves up its own signature lemonade alongside a menu of Italian soft drinks, Italian beers and wines plus guest ales.

The ranking provides further evidence of Manchester’s emergence as one of Europe’s most exciting food destinations and demonstrates that world-class hospitality experiences are increasingly being created outside London.

Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.

Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world. Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.”
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”

Signature pizzas include the Marinara, Margherita and American, alongside Italian-inspired creations like the Provola e Pepe, topped with San Marzano tomato, smoked provola, black pepper and fresh basil, as well as indulgent white-base pizzas such as the Porcini e Tartufo, loaded with Fior di latte, porcini mushrooms, Italian truffle sauce and chives.

The global recognition further strengthens the growing reputation of both Forbici and Manchester’s hospitality scene, highlighting the city’s ability to compete with some of the world’s leading food destinations.