Want to try one of the best pizzerias in the world? Plan a trip to Wakefield

A Rhode Island pizzeria has made the prestigious ranking of the 50 Best in the United States. Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana in Wakefield was No. 12 on the list that was released last week by 50 Top Pizza USA. Last year, owner and pizzaiolo (pizza maker) Pasquale Illiano was No. 33 and he rose substantially higher on the rankings this year.

By virtue of being in the top 15, his restaurant at South County Commons will now be added to 50 Top Pizza’s ranking of the 100 best pizzerias in the world. Illiano is invited to be in Naples, Italy, on Sept. 13 for the unveiling of that international list. He wouldn't miss it.

"I’ve been doing this all my life and every day it’s a good day to get better and present an outstanding product to our customers," he said. "Delivering a true Neapolitan experience is what I live for."

Illiano opened his pizzeria in 2015. The accomplished pizzaiolo not only has VPN certification from Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which is not easy to get, but he is also on the board of the association.

Here's how Pasquale’s Pizzeria's chef made it to the United States

Like so many of Rhode Island's wonderful chefs and restaurateurs, Illiano, 50, came to America as an immigrant. It's hard not to notice that as the U.S. just celebrated its 247th birthday.

He was born in Naples where he learned to cook on a little barbecue at his home. He got his first restaurant job at 15.

He came to the United States in 1995 to visit friends on Long Island. He said he was in the right place at the right time when he was hired as a cook in Virginia and was sponsored by the restaurant owner for U.S. citizenship. His next stop was a restaurant in Connecticut, which led to Pasquale opening his first market in Westerly. He left that partnership to open his Wakefield pizzeria.

"I feel very emotional being inducted among USA and world best pizzerias," Illiano said. "I want to dedicate it to all the great pizzerias and fellow pizzamen from Rhode Island with the hope that this is not only my achievement, but every other pizzeria in the state.

"Little Rhody deserves to be on top of the table when it comes to pizza. We do know pizza in this state more than anyone recognizes," he added.

The Italian organization 50 Top Pizza describes itself as "the most influential guide in the world of pizza."  They have more than 1,000 anonymous inspectors worldwide helping with the rankings. They launched the first list in 2018. They consider such criteria as the quality of pizza dough and topping ingredients as well as customer service, and the wine and beer lists. New York and San Francisco pizzerias dominate the list but not as much as they did a few years ago.

Illiano respects 50 Top Pizza which he described as an organization of culinary journalists and inspectors from Italy and around the world.

What 50 Top Pizza had to say about the Wakefield restaurant

Here's what they wrote about his restaurant: "Pasquale’s pizza is authentically Neapolitan. It is light because it is well-leavened and masterfully baked in a wood-fired oven that was built professionally by a Neapolitan master craftsman. Among the pizzas, we recommend you try the New York style; like the very special “Grandma,” it is very tasty."

Find the pizza menu, with photos, on their website at pasqualespizzeriari.com.

Leading the 2023 list, for the second year in a row is New York City's Una Pizza Napoletana and chef Anthony Mangieri. New York led the rankings with 10 restaurants of the 50.

Ranking No. 2 is Razza Pizza Artigianale in Jersey City, New Jersey. Owner Dan Richer also scored the Pizza Maker of the Year 2023 – Ferrarelle Award. No. 3 is Ken’s Artisan Pizza in Portland, Oregon, which also received the only Green Oven award in the guide that recognizes environmental sustainability. No. 4 is Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco, which also won the Performance of the Year 2023 – Robo Award as the only business with two pizzerias among the 50. Their Pizza Rock in Las Vegas, was at No. 18. No. 5 is Chris Bianco and his Pizzeria Bianco, in Phoenix, Arizona.

RI dining: Explaining the Rhode Island pizza strip: What is it and why does it exist?

Only two other New England restaurants made the list. Zeneli in New Haven is at No. 37 while Posto in Somerville, Massachusetts is at No. 47.

Illiano opened a second business, Neapolis, a food emporium, across from his pizzeria in 2020. There you can buy his pizza dough, sauce and grated cheese to make a pizza at home. You can also get slices of his Roman pizza, buy prepared dinners, fresh bread, gelato, desserts and more.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Pasquale's Pizzeria in South Kingstown named top pizza place in US