Is This Barcelona Pizzeria Really The 3rd Best On Earth?

Much has been made in recent years about the influential “World’s 50 Best” lists. Love them or hate them (the organization’s 1100 voters are allowed to accept free meals and other perks), the lists generate much buzz, fanfare, and serve as inspiration for meal bookers across the globe. In 2023, Sartoria Panatieri, which has two locations in Barcelona, was ranked the third best pizza in the world (and the best in Europe). Barcelona is a city that is known for its culinary offerings… but pizza? I had to swing by to see what the hype was all about.

What’s Unique? Both of Sartoria Panatieri’s locations are centrally located — one just a few blocks from Gaudi’s Casa Mila (which is the location I visited) — and a second about a 20 minute walk away. The restaurant takes up a massive footprint with multiple dining rooms. Yet tables were often spread out, a shock to a New Yorker who is accustomed to eating on top of the diner beside him. While I suggest making a reservation, we were quoted a 30 minute wait on a Sunday evening in late June.

What To Eat? Although Sartoria Panatieri is known for its pizza, the restaurant has a full menu. There is a “Local Farmers” section which presumably changes seasonally (we had a roasted leek dish with hazelnuts, which tasted like leeks covered in nutella – it was delicious). There is also a section labeled “Cannot Miss” (spoiler, we missed it all). Sample dish: pork tartare. Their pizza menu is divided into two sections: “Just Depends On The Season” and “Classics” – I love this breakout and it really speaks to how seasonal and locally sourced the menu is (“From Farm To Pizza” isn’t just a decal, after all).

We ordered two pies: a burrata, tomato and pesto pie from the “Classics” section and a pie from the seasonal section featuring: applesauce, Blau Cereta cheese, sweet and sour celery, caramelized almonds, mozzarella, and freeze dried apples. I mean… how fun is that combination? And the best part is that the freeze dried apples are served on the side — you need to crush them on the pie yourself. I love an interactive food experience (as did my 6 year old). The pies were unique, delicious, and photogenic. They were extremely thin and — dare I say — really required utensils to eat.

What To Know Before You Go? Is Sartoria Panatieri one of the best pizzerias in the world? Nah. But is it a fun dining experience? Absolutely. The toppings are creative and seasonal (some other toppings on the menu in June included marinated dewlap, homemade BBQ sauce, crackling fish, and Cream of Padron pepper cream). I wish I could have tried more pies. Barcelona is a city known for its food and many of the most delicious meals I had there weren’t tapas or traditional Catalan cuisine. This was among the best.

Is This Barcelona Pizzeria Really The 3rd Best On Earth?

Much has been made in recent years about the influential “World’s 50 Best” lists. Love them or hate them (the organization’s 1100 voters are allowed to accept free meals and other perks), the lists generate much buzz, fanfare, and serve as inspiration for meal bookers across the globe. In 2023, Sartoria Panatieri, which has two …