A group of Italian pizza experts has named Tampa Bay-based pizza company Fabrica one of the 50 best pizzerias in America. 50 Top Pizza is an online guide curated by a team of anonymous and hand-selected inspectors, who travel Italy and the globe in search of the best pizzerias around.
Their guide for 2026 just came out, and local favorite Fabrica (142 S Meridian Ave) checked in at No. 24 overall. The Neapolitan pizza spot first opened in Tampa in 2015, and later began slinging its hand-stretched dough in St. Pete, too, after the initial success in Downtown Tampa.
Photos via Fabrica
Fabrica offers a variety of specialty pizzas, as well as a build-your-own option. The pizzeria also features small plates such as oven roasted meatballs and cheesy bread, as well as salads, desserts (including a Nutella pizza!), and wine and beer on tap. Reviewers specifically called out the Funghi Pizza as their favorite.
In their review, 50 Top Pizza gave Fabrica extra points for its “unbeatable” value, citing a cost-to-quality ratio that outstrips the competitors. Here’s their review, translated from Italian:
“We are in the center of Tampa, on the Gulf coast of Florida in Hillsborough County, for this pizzeria that year after year, more than ten years since its opening, confirms the excellent product it serves, with prices that are absolutely competitive for the area,” 50 Top Pizza says. “A simple and clear menu, with some small side dishes and then the pizzas, along with a selection of desserts to finish the meal beautifully. The dough is in the Neapolitan style, with a very quick cooking in a very high temperature oven, as tradition dictates. The mushroom pizza is a must-try, we particularly liked it for the balance of ingredients and the particularly bold flavor, or you can create your own pizza choosing from the available ingredients. The restaurant is simple and well-kept, as is the service that will make you feel at home. The drink selection between beers and ‘on tap’ wine is simple but consistent with the project. Unbeatable in terms of quality/price ratio.”
Rankings rate more than just the pies
For their rankings, 50TopPizza relies on the team of inspectors to rate and report on the entirety of an experience at any given pizzeria. While the pizza itself is obviously a primary factor, inspectors are also taking notes on the level of service, the aesthetics and atmosphere of the restaurant, and the beverage programs. Even factors like restroom cleanliness are considered. Though of course, pizza quality is No. 1.
“It must be, above all, good and digestible regardless of the style adopted by the pizzeria,” Top50Pizza explains online. “There is a further evaluation which takes into consideration how the different elements have been combined. The quality of the products used is important and decisive.”
Following the pizza quality, rankings are then based on service, ambience, wait time, wine, and beer.
“The inspectors of the guide are invited to consider the pizzeria as a whole, and to judge it on the basis of its capacity to guarantee the well-being of the patron based on his or her ability to make an informed choice,” the website explains. “This begins with the service and is followed by the opportunity to choose wines and beers. It also includes cleanliness, and considers the aesthetics of the space and its décor. The condition of the restrooms is also considered. Furthermore, the physical well-being of the patron is also important, so the evaluation of the pizza based both on the flavor and on food hygiene.”
Learn more about Fabrica and see their full menu here.
