Since opening its doors, Pizzeria Badiali’s corner joint in Toronto’s West End has gained local notoriety, home to a fiercely loyal following and lines that routinely stretch around the block (as well as a new sister location in Mirvish Village). And now, they’ve got yet another reason to celebrate.
At a glittering ceremony last week in Milan, Italy, the results of the 2026 Best Pizza awards were officially unveiled. and Badiali’s head chef and co-owner, Ryan Baddeley, has a major victory to write home about. Baddeley was named one of the top 100 pizza chefs in the entire world, sliding into the global rankings at number 59.
The Best Pizza Awards gala is a massive international celebration that brings together hundreds of the world’s most elite pizzaiolos to honour the absolute pinnacle of dough and sauce.
The international stage is old hat for Baddeley, though. This marks his third consecutive year making the prestigious global list, securing his spot as the only Toronto pizzaiolo to pull off the impressive three-year streak.
“At Badiali, Ryan and his team deliver a 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,” writes the website.
“Their dedication to quality ingredients, inventive flavor combinations, and technique has not only raised the bar for slice shops across the city — it’s helped redefine what a great slice can be. Pizzeria Badiali is more than a local favorite; it’s a creative force in Toronto’s evolving pizza scene.”
If you haven’t had the chance to try Badiali’s pies for yourself, there’s never been a better time to brave the wait. The menu focuses on a refined yet nostalgic approach to the humble slice, blending bold, comforting spirit with serious kitchen finesse.
You’ll find Pizzeria Badiali located at 181 Dovercourt Rd and 581 Markham St in Toronto.
