Toronto’s reputation as a world-class culinary destination has received another international boost after local pizza chef Ryan Baddeley earned a place among the Top 100 Pizza Chefs in the World for the third consecutive year.
The prestigious recognition was announced during The Best Pizza Selection 2026 awards ceremony held in Milan, Italy, one of the global pizza industry’s most respected annual events. The competition honours exceptional pizza makers from around the world who have distinguished themselves through outstanding craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to the art of pizza making.
Baddeley, the founder and culinary force behind Toronto’s hugely popular Badiali Pizzeria, secured the 59th position in this year’s global rankings. The achievement continues an impressive run of international recognition, following previous rankings of 32nd in 2024 and 51st in 2025, firmly establishing him among the world’s elite pizza chefs.
Since opening near Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood, Badiali has become one of the city’s most sought-after dining destinations. The pizzeria has built a devoted following, with customers regularly lining up around the block to enjoy its celebrated New York-style pizzas. Its growing popularity recently led to the opening of a second Toronto location in the historic Mirvish Village district, allowing even more pizza enthusiasts to experience its award-winning creations.
Among the restaurant’s signature offerings are the highly acclaimed Vodka Pizza and Burrata Marinara, both of which have attracted food lovers from across Canada and around the world. The restaurant’s reputation for quality ingredients, expertly crafted dough, and authentic flavours has made it one of Toronto’s standout culinary success stories.
Before dedicating himself to pizza, Baddeley spent years refining his culinary skills in several of Toronto’s leading restaurants, drawing inspiration from both Italian and Spanish cooking traditions. That diverse experience has helped shape a distinctive approach that combines classic techniques with contemporary creativity, earning praise from diners and international food experts alike.
The recognition highlights Toronto’s growing influence on the global culinary stage, where local chefs continue to earn acclaim for excellence, innovation, and craftsmanship. Baddeley’s continued presence among the world’s top pizza makers not only reflects his personal dedication to the craft but also reinforces Toronto’s reputation as one of North America’s premier destinations for exceptional dining experiences.
With three consecutive years among the world’s Top 100 Pizza Chefs, Ryan Baddeley has firmly established himself as one of Canada’s most accomplished pizza artisans and a leading ambassador for Toronto’s thriving food scene.