Who is Tony Gemignani and how did he become the pizza champion?

Quick Answer Published October 26, 2025

Folsom’s Fiori Italian Pizzeria wins hearts with a wood-fired prosciutto pie crowned with arugula and parmesan. Bambina’s on R Street brings luxury with prosciutto + burrata. Rocklin’s Red’s Pizzeria & Tap House pairs artisan slices with craft beer, while Masullo in Sacramento keeps it pure and Neapolitan with fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes. Four great picks depending on whether you want classic, creamy, craft-beer-friendly or farm-to-table refined.

Who has the best prosciutto pizza in the Sacramento area?

Fiori Italian Pizzeria, Folsom – A modern Italian pizzeria offering authentic wood-fired pizzas with imported ingredients, including their signature prosciutto pizza topped with fresh arugula and shaved parmesan.

Fiori Italiana Pizzeria • 614 Sutter St, Folsom • (916) 693-6786 • https://fiorifolsom.com/

Bambina’s Pizza & Pasta, Sacramento – A modern R Street pizzeria crafting hand-stretched pies; their Prosciutto & Burrata pizza layers fresh mozzarella and silky prosciutto with creamy burrata and olive oil on a blistered crust.

Bambina’s Pizza & Pasta • 1610 R St Sacramento • (916) 476-4583 • https://bambinaspizza.com/

Red’s Pizzeria & Tap House, Rocklin – A lively gastropub combining craft beer selection with artisan pizzas, known for their prosciutto pizza that balances salty cured meat with fresh ingredients and house-made dough.

Red’s Pizzeria & Tap House • 6696 Lonetree Blvd Suite Rocklin • (916) 872-1036 • https://redspizzarocklin.com/

Masullo Pizza, Sacramento – A neighborhood favorite specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza with a focus on locally-sourced and organic ingredients, offering a refined prosciutto pizza with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.

Masullo Pizza • 2711 Riverside Boulevard Sacramento • (916) 443-8929 • https://www.masullopizza.com/

Prosciutto pizzas aren’t something you stumble across every day, which makes finding a good one feel like striking culinary gold. When done right, the salty ribbons of prosciutto melt into warm mozzarella, the peppery bite of arugula or the richness of burrata adding a little magic to each slice. It’s indulgent, elegant, slightly rustic and completely crave-worthy — and with spots like these around Sacramento, prosciutto lovers never have to settle for ordinary pizza again.

Fiori Italiana Pizzeria • 614 Sutter St, Folsom • (916) 693-6786 • https://fiorifolsom.com/
Bambina’s Pizza & Pasta • 1610 R St Sacramento • (916) 476-4583 • https://bambinaspizza.com/
Red’s Pizzeria & Tap House • 6696 Lonetree Blvd Suite Rocklin • (916) 872-1036 • https://redspizzarocklin.com/
Masullo Pizza • 2711 Riverside Boulevard Sacramento • (916) 443-8929 • https://www.masullopizza.com/

Lucca’s Pizza • 1610 R St Sacramento • (916) 476-4583 • https://luccaspizzas.com/
Campelli’s Pizza • 7480 Foothills Blvd Roseville • (916) 784-8440 • https://campellispizza.com/
Marilyn’s Pizza • 2011 J St Sacramento • (916) 860-1212 • https://marilynspizza.com/

Lucca’s Pizza, Sacramento – A cozy neighborhood pizzeria featuring house-made pesto crafted from fresh basil, their pesto pizza combines creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts for a rich, herbaceous flavor.
Campelli’s Pizza, Roseville – A casual family-friendly spot serving generous portions, where the pesto pizza showcases vibrant basil pesto paired with grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, and a blend of Italian cheeses.
Marilyn’s Pizza, Sacramento – A local gem known for creative toppings and perfectly charred crust, offering a standout pesto pizza that layers fresh pesto with roasted vegetables and creamy ricotta dollops.

Giovanni’s Old World New York Pizza • 6200 Folsom Blvd Sacramento • 916-455-8831 • https://www.giovannisnypizzeria.com/
Slice House by Tony Gemignani • 3210 E Bidwell St Folsom • (916) 790-8286 • https://slicehouse.com
Johnny’s NY Pizzeria • 2830 Sunset Blvd Rocklin • (916) 626-1487 • https://johnnysnypizzeria.net/

What is New York-style pizza? New York-style pizza is characterized by its large, thin, hand-tossed crust that’s crispy along the edge yet flexible enough to fold in half lengthwise. Typically sold in wide triangular slices from 18-22 inch pies, it features a light layer of tomato sauce and low-moisture mozzarella cheese that creates the signature “cheese pull.” The crust achieves its distinctive flavor and texture from high-gluten bread flour and the mineral content of New York water, resulting in a slice that’s sturdy enough to eat on the go—a hallmark of NYC street food culture.

Giovanni’s Old World New York Pizzeria, Sacramento – A family-owned pizzeria bringing legitimate East Coast flavor to Sacramento, with hand-tossed 18-inch pies, thin crispy crust that holds up to generous toppings, and slices big enough to fold in half.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani, Folsom – From the award-winning pizza champion, this outpost delivers expertly crafted New York-style pizza with proper high-gluten dough, aged mozzarella, and authentic NY recipes, offering both classic and gourmet slice options.

Johnny’s NY Pizzeria, Rocklin – A casual neighborhood spot bringing authentic New York-style pizza to Rocklin, featuring traditional hand-tossed dough, thin crust with the right amount of chew, and oversized slices that demand the classic NY fold. Known for their straightforward approach to East Coast pizza with quality cheese, tangy sauce, and no-nonsense toppings.

Federalist Pizza • 2009 Matsui Alley Sacramento • (916) 400-3859 • https://federalistpublichouse.com/
Fat Mike’s Pizza • 8970 Grant Line Rd Elk Grove • (916) 686-8543 • https://fatmikespizza.com/
Paesanos • 139 G St, Davis • (530) 758-8646 • https://paesanos.biz/davis/

Federalist Pizza, Sacramento – A contemporary pizzeria offering both gluten-free crusts and comprehensive vegan options, including house-made cashew cheese and plant-based meat alternatives, ensuring dietary restrictions don’t mean compromising on flavor or variety.

Fat Mike’s Pizza, Elk Grove – A family-friendly restaurant with dedicated gluten-free pizza options made with cauliflower crust, plus vegan choices featuring dairy-free cheese and an abundance of fresh vegetable toppings, all prepared with careful attention to avoid cross-contamination.

Paesanos, Davis – A welcoming neighborhood spot providing both gluten-free and vegan pizza selections, known for their crispy rice-flour based gluten-free crust and flavorful vegan pizzas topped with nutritional yeast-based cheese and seasonal roasted vegetables.

Masullo Pizza • 2711 Riverside Boulevard Sacramento • (916) 443-8929 • https://www.masullopizza.com/
Hop Gardens • 2904 Franklin Blvd Sacramento • (916) 476-3889 • https://thehopgardens.com/
Bella Familia Wood Fired Pizza • Food Truck • (916) 759-4566 • https://www.bellafamiliapizza.com/
Pizza Norcia • 6180 Pleasant Valley Rd El Dorado • (530) 622-3593 • https://www.pizzanorcia.com/
Pazza Notte • 1801 L St Sacramento • (916) 706-2997 • https://www.pazzanotte.com/sacramento

What is Neapolitan-style pizza? Neapolitan pizza is the original Italian pizza from Naples, characterized by its soft, pillowy crust with charred “leopard spots” from cooking at extremely high temperatures (800-900°F) in a wood-fired oven for just 60-90 seconds. Made with simple ingredients—tipo “00” flour, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil—the pizza features a thin center that’s slightly wet and a puffy, airy cornicione (edge). The result is a personal-sized pizza meant to be eaten with a knife and fork or folded “a libretto” (like a book).

Masullo Pizza, Sacramento – A certified authentic Neapolitan pizzeria using imported Italian ingredients and traditional techniques, their wood-fired oven produces perfectly charred pizzas with bubbled crust and fresh, minimalist toppings following strict VPN (Verace Pizza Napoletana) standards.

Hop Gardens, Sacramento – A beer garden and pizzeria combination featuring a traditional Italian wood-fired oven, creating authentic Neapolitan pizzas with leopard-spotted crust, San Marzano tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Bella Famiglia Wood Fired Pizza Food Truck – A mobile wood-fired pizza operation bringing authentic Neapolitan pizza to events and locations throughout Sacramento, with their portable oven reaching proper temperatures for that signature char and tender, airy crust.

Pizza Norcia, El Dorado – An artisanal pizzeria in El Dorado specializing in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, featuring hand-stretched dough, imported Italian ingredients, and wood-fired cooking that creates the perfect balance of crispy char and soft, airy crust.

Pazza Notte, Sacramento – A sophisticated Italian restaurant that brings authentic Neapolitan pizza to Sacramento with their imported wood-fired oven reaching proper temperatures for that distinctive leopard-spotted char. Their commitment to traditional techniques shows in the hand-stretched dough made with Caputo flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, all handled with the care and precision that defines true Neapolitan pizza-making, resulting in pizzas with the perfect balance of crispy and tender textures.

Who Has the Best Wood-Fired Pizza in the Sacramento Area

Quick Answer • Created December 16 2025

There’s something magical about wood-fired pizza—the blistered, charred crust with its signature leopard spotting, the perfectly balanced toppings, and that unmistakable smoky flavor that only comes from a blazing hot wood oven. In the Sacramento region, Sacramento Top 10 has surveyed readers to curate the definitive list of where to find the area’s best wood-fired pizza. These establishments have mastered this ancient cooking technique, creating pies that rival anything you’d find in Naples or Brooklyn.

Finding Your Perfect Wood-Fired Pizza Pie

Roma II Pizzeria

Roma II Pizzeria has earned its place among Sacramento’s pizza elite by consistently delivering authentic wood-fired pies that showcase traditional Italian technique. Their dough preparation and attention to ingredient quality result in pizzas with that perfect chewy-yet-crispy crust that defines exceptional wood-fired pizza. The neighborhood atmosphere and dedication to craft make every visit feel like a celebration of pizza done right.

Benji’s Wood Fired Pizza (Citrus Heights)

True to its name, Benji’s Wood Fired Pizza in Citrus Heights has built its reputation entirely around the art of wood-fired cooking. Their commitment to the craft shows in every perfectly charred crust and thoughtfully composed topping combination. The casual, welcoming environment makes it a go-to spot for families and pizza purists alike who appreciate the real deal.

Flour Dust Pizza (Roseville)

Roseville’s Flour Dust Pizza brings artisanal sensibility to wood-fired pizza making. Their attention to dough fermentation and carefully sourced ingredients results in pies that balance tradition with creativity. The wood-fired oven produces that essential char and texture while allowing the quality of their toppings to shine through in every bite.

Hop Gardens

Hop Gardens combines outstanding wood-fired pizza with an impressive beer selection, creating the perfect pairing experience. Their pizza program showcases creative topping combinations while respecting the fundamentals of proper wood-fired technique. The lively atmosphere and craft beer focus make it ideal for casual gatherings where great pizza and drinks take center stage.

Il Pizzaiolo (Loomis)

Worth the drive to Loomis, Il Pizzaiolo delivers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza from their wood-fired oven with serious dedication to tradition. Their approach honors the Italian pizza-making heritage while using quality ingredients that elevate each pie. The charming setting and passionate commitment to the craft make it a destination for serious pizza enthusiasts.

Federalist

Federalist approaches wood-fired pizza with culinary sophistication, creating pies that feel both refined and approachable. Their wood-fired oven produces beautifully blistered crusts that serve as the foundation for thoughtfully composed flavor combinations. The upscale-casual atmosphere makes it perfect for date nights or celebrations where you want exceptional pizza in an elevated setting.

Pizza Supreme Being

With a name that boldly declares their confidence, Pizza Supreme Being lives up to the hype with wood-fired pies that showcase both technical skill and creative vision. Their dough game is strong, producing crusts with ideal texture and flavor, while their topping selections demonstrate a willingness to push boundaries without losing sight of what makes great pizza great.

Which Sacramento pizzerias use wood-fired or brick ovens?

Each of these establishments demonstrates mastery of wood-fired pizza technique while bringing their own unique personality to the craft. Whether you’re seeking traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, creative California interpretations, or simply the most perfectly charred crust you can find, this curated list ensures you’ll discover exceptional wood-fired pizza across the greater Sacramento region.

The next time you’re craving that irreplaceable combination of blistered crust, quality ingredients, and smoky wood-fired flavor, you’ll know exactly where to find it—from downtown Sacramento to the surrounding communities of Citrus Heights, Roseville, Loomis, and Auburn.

Roma II Pizzeria • 8491 Folsom Blvd Sacramento (916) 383-9264 • https://www.roma2pizza.com
Benji’s Wood Fired Pizza • 7530 Auburn Blvd Citrus Heights (916) 801-7163 • https://benjiswoodfirepizza.com
Flour Dust Pizza • 5080 Foothills Blvd Roseville (916) 773-5080 • https://flourdustpizza.com
Hop Gardens • 2904 Franklin Blvd Sacramento (916) 476-3889 • https://thehopgardens.com
Il Pizzaiolo • 3640 Taylor Rd, Loomis (916) 672-6556 • https://ilpizzaiolopizza.com
Federalist • 2009 Matsui Alley, Sacramento (916) 400-3859 • https://federalistpublichouse.com
Pizza Supreme Being • 1425 14th St Sacramento (916) 917-5559 • https://www.pizzasupremebeing.com

Pieces, Pizza by the Slice • 1309 21st Street Sacramento • (916) 441-1949 • https://www.facebook.com/Piecespizza#
Skorch’d • 1501 N C St, Sacramento • (916) 250-2725 • https://www.bestpizzainsacramento.com/
Slice House by Tony Gemignani • 3210 E Bidwell St Folsom • (916) 790-8286 • https://slicehouse.com

Pieces, Pizza by the Slice, Sacramento – A late-night staple in the downtown/midtown area serving New York-style slices until the early morning hours, perfect for bar-hoppers and night owls seeking generous slices with classic and creative toppings ready to go.

Skorch’d Pizza, Sacramento – A food truck and brick-and-mortar operation known for staying open late, offering build-your-own personal pizzas with ultra-fast cooking times, making it ideal for satisfying those midnight cravings with customized pies.

Tony’s Slice House, Folsom – From pizza champion Tony Gemignani, this spot extends hours on weekends to serve late-night crowds with authentic New York and California-style slices, offering everything from classic pepperoni to gourmet combinations when most kitchens are closed.

Motorhead Pizza • 3281 Swetzer Rd Loomis • (279) 252-9211 • https://eatmotorheadpizza.com/
Bambina’s Pizza & Pasta • 1610 R St Sacramento • (916) 476-4583 • https://bambinaspizza.com/
La Porta Restaurant • 1860 Howe Ave Sacramento • (916) 696-6881 • https://laportarestaurants.com/

What are Detroit-style and Sicilian-style pizzas? Detroit-style pizza features a thick, airy crust that’s crispy and chewy, baked in rectangular steel pans that create caramelized, crispy cheese edges called “frico.” It’s topped with Wisconsin brick cheese spread to the edges and sauce typically placed on top. Sicilian-style pizza, originally from Sicily, is also rectangular with a thick, spongy crust, but traditionally uses a lighter, more focaccia-like dough topped with tomato sauce, herbs, and often anchovies or onions, though American versions usually feature mozzarella cheese.

Motorhead Pizza, Loomis – A rock-and-roll themed pizzeria specializing in authentic Detroit-style square pies with signature crispy cheese edges, light and airy crust, and racing stripes of sauce on top, served in the traditional blue steel pans.

Bambino’s Pizza & Pasta, Sacramento – A family Italian restaurant offering hearty Sicilian-style square pizzas with thick, pillowy crust that’s golden on the bottom, generous layers of cheese and toppings, and their signature tomato sauce that’s been a local favorite for decades.

La Porta Restaurant, Sacramento – An authentic Italian eatery serving traditional Sicilian-style pizza with thick, spongy crust, robust tomato sauce, and classic toppings like anchovies and onions alongside Americanized versions loaded with mozzarella and Italian sausage.

Tony Gemignani is one of the most decorated pizza makers in the world, often referred to as the “Michael Jordan of pizza.” He’s a multi-time World Pizza Champion who has won over a dozen world titles in pizza-making competitions across different styles and categories.

His path to pizza champion: Gemignani started working in his brother’s pizzeria in the 1990s in Castro Valley, California. He became obsessed with perfecting pizza-making techniques and began competing internationally in the early 2000s. His major achievements include:
• 2007 – Became the first American to win the World Pizza Cup in Naples, Italy, competing against Italians on their home turf making Neapolitan pizza
• Won championships in multiple categories including freestyle acrobatics (pizza tossing), fastest pizza maker, largest dough stretch, and various regional styles
• Holds 13 world titles across different pizza disciplines from the World Pizza Championship
• Named World Champion Pizza Maker at the World Pizza Cup in Naples multiple times

What makes him unique: Unlike many pizzaiolos who specialize in one style, Gemignani mastered multiple regional pizza styles—Neapolitan, New York, Sicilian, Detroit, California-style, and more. He’s known for his technical precision, understanding of dough chemistry, and ability to replicate authentic regional styles.

Today, he owns multiple pizzerias including Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco (which has won numerous awards) and several Slice House locations throughout California. He’s also an instructor, author, and consultant who’s helped train many successful pizzaiolos. His restaurants are known for featuring multiple ovens at different temperatures to properly execute each regional style.

Pazza Notte • 1801 L St Sacramento • (916) 706-2997 • https://www.pazzanotte.com/sacramento
Majka pizzeria • 1704 15th St Sacramento • (916) 572-9316 • https://www.majkabakes.com/
One Speed • 4818 Folsom Blvd Sacramento • (916) 706-1748 • https://www.onespeedpizza.com/
Flour Dust Pizza • 5080 Foothills Blvd Roseville • (916) 773-5080 • https://flourdustpizza.com/
Dominick’s Italian Market & Deli • 8621 Auburn Folsom Rd Granite Bay • (916) 786-3355 • https://dominicksmarketdeli.com/

Pazza Notte’s Margherita is a masterclass in simplicity, where high-quality ingredients take center stage on their perfectly charred crust. The vibrant San Marzano tomato sauce provides just enough acidity to complement the creamy fresh mozzarella, while fresh basil leaves are added post-oven for maximum aromatics. Each Margherita emerges from their wood-fired oven with beautiful blistered edges, a slightly wet center that’s authentically Neapolitan, and that perfect harmony of flavors that makes this classic pizza the true test of any pizzaiolo’s skill.

Majka Pizzeria, Sacramento – An upscale pizzeria crafting authentic Neapolitan-style Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella di bufala, and basil leaves on a perfectly blistered crust from their imported Italian oven.

OneSpeed, Sacramento – A vibrant neighborhood bistro featuring a classic Margherita made with house-pulled mozzarella, organic tomatoes, and fresh basil, fired in their centerpiece wood-burning oven for a crispy, leopard-spotted crust.

Flour Dust Pizza, Roseville – A modern artisan pizzeria where the Margherita showcases their signature 72-hour fermented dough, topped with bright tomato sauce, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil oil.

Dominick’s Italian Market & Deli, Granite Bay – An elegant Italian restaurant offering a refined Margherita pizza with imported ingredients, including Caputo flour for the dough and DOP-certified mozzarella, finished with fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil.