Upstate NY pizza shop is one of the best in the world, according to Italy

Italy knows a thing or two about great pizza and now some Upstate New York pizzas are gaining global recognition, earning a spot among the world’s best in a recent Italy-based ranking.

Jay’s Artisan Pizzeria in Kenmore, just north of Buffalo, has been named on the Guide to the 50 Best Pizzerias in the World for the third year in a row.

The list, published by Italy’s 50 Top Pizza, names Jay’s among pizza city giants like Naples, Barcelona, Rome, New York City, and more. Each spot is scouted out by inspectors who rate on pizza, drink menu, service and ambiance.

This year, the Western New York pizzeria has secured the 28th position globally and is ranked sixth in America. Their rise has been impressive; in 2021, they held the 28th spot in the U.S., and in 2022, they were recognized as the 71st best pizzeria worldwide.

The 50 Top Pizza feature notes what makes Jay’s stand out and that includes something they take pride in: their fresh, local ingredients. From their locally-sourced mozzarella to the fresh basil and microgreens and produce, many of the ingredients you will find on your pie come right from Upstate NY.

Joe Powers is the current owner and pizza mastermind behind Jay’s Artisan Pizzera. Powers originally worked there part-time throughout college. In 2019 he immersed himself in the art of making Neapolitan-style pizza during a trip to the fabled birthplace of pizza, Naples. When he returned home, Jay’s then-owner offered Powers the keys to his pizza kingdom.

At just 22, Powers took the reins and continued to build Jay’s reputation as a local hotspot for pizza lovers serving everything from classic light and tender Neapolitan pies, as well as thicker, Detroit style pies, baked in a pan for perfect crispy cheese edges.

Now at age of 25, Powers will be continuing to improve Jay’s Kenmore, USA footprint with a dining room renovation this winter, he told WIVB.

Make your trip to Jay’s a real pizza tour by adding a stop at another Upstate New York pizza contender. Pizzeria Florian made its first appearance this year on the 50 best list of top pizzerias in the United States. But when you learn its roots, it may be no surprise how it ended up on the ranking.

Located in East Aurora, the shop is about 40 minutes southeast of Buffalo and 50 minutes from Jay’s Artisan Pizza. It is owned by Jay Langfelder, the same Jay who opened Jay’s Artisan and sold it to Powers.

He and his partner Amanda Jones said goodbye to Buffalo and moved to Savannah, Georgia. The couple moved back to Western NY and opened Pizzeria Florian in February of this year.

Five months later, they earned spot number 44 on the 50 Top Pizzas in the USA 2024 list.

Pizzeria Florian bakes up contemporary classic Neopolitan-style pizzas and 50 Top Pizza list features their toppings on offer like Margherita, mushrooms and parmesan and cacio e pepe.

The wood-fired pizza shop also offers small plates and vegan options on their menu.