New Jersey Pizzeria Finishes 1st in the Northeast and 7th in the World at 2026 Pizza Expo Las Vegas
- Anthony Pizzi
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
At the 2026 Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, one of the most competitive stages in the pizza industry, a New Jersey pizzeria delivered a result that placed both the shop and the state on the global map. Owner Anthony Lomonaco of Amano Pizza finished 1st place in the Northeast region and 7th place in the world in the Non-Traditional Pizza category, competing against hundreds of pizza makers from across the country and around the world.
From the Classroom to the Competition
Lomonaco’s entry into Pizza Expo began at Pizza University, where he continued developing his craft. While there, he stood out not only for his experience, but for how he approached the environment — helping others, asking questions, and staying engaged.
His instructor, Vitangelo Recchia, took notice. “He told me I should go out and compete and that he would sign me up,” Lomonaco said. “I don’t shy away from challenges, so I went for it.” That decision led him to Las Vegas, stepping into a competition environment built on precision, preparation, and high-level execution.
Built Through Experience and Persistence
The foundation behind the result was built long before the competition. Lomonaco first worked in the South Amboy pizzeria he now owns at 17 years old. Years later, when the opportunity to take over the business became available, he stepped in. The early stages were far from easy. “There were times I regretted it,” he said. “I was by myself, running between the kitchen and the front. I couldn’t afford help. It was tough.”
Instead of stepping away, he stayed consistent. He focused on improving operations, refining the product, and building relationships with customers. Over time, the business grew. A visit from Dave Portnoy brought additional visibility, but the foundation had already been built through daily work and steady improvement. The shop continued to gain traction through competition and community involvement.
In 2024, they competed at the NJ Pizza Festival at Monmouth Park Racetrack, earning 1st Place for Editor’s Choice. Since then, Amano Pizza has returned annually to NJ Pizza Jam hosted by 24/7 Restaurant Equipment and the NJ Pizza Alliance, continuing to test themselves against other top operators in the state.
More recently, the pizzeria was invited by Pepsi to participate in Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Festival at Randall’s Island, representing its 7.9 score and further establishing its presence on a national stage.
Navigating the Pressure of Pizza Expo
Heading into Pizza Expo, expectations were measured. “I thought maybe I’d finish somewhere around 30th or 40th and come home happy,” Lomonaco said. The reality of the competition quickly set in.
On the morning of his round, he navigated a large convention space, locating ingredients, equipment, and supplies with limited time. At one point, he was minutes away from competing without a key ingredient. “I couldn’t find basil anywhere,” he said. “I had about ten minutes left.” With help from another competitor, he was able to complete his setup just in time. Once everything was in place, the focus shifted entirely to execution.
The Pizza That Earned Global Recognition
Lomonaco’s entry was an untraditional interpretation of a Margherita. The dough was a 96-hour cold ferment, developed to create deeper flavor and structure. The build included provolone as a base, followed by tomato sauce, Sicilian extra virgin olive oil, Asiago, Rosa Grande pepperoni, stracciatella infused with hot honey, and fresh basil added after baking. Each component was intentional, designed to balance flavor, texture, and finish. “I made the pizza, gave it to the judges, and that was it,” he said.
The Moment the Results Landed
The results did not come in the competition arena. They came later that evening. “I saw my name, but I didn’t understand what I was looking at,” Lomonaco said. “Then I was told I got 7th place.”
At first, the reaction was mixed. Finishing outside the top five meant he would not advance to the next round. Then the perspective shifted. “Everyone around me said, ‘You got 7th place in the world,’” he said. “Then I found out I finished 1st in the Northeast. That changed everything.” What initially felt uncertain quickly became one of the most significant milestones of his career.
What This Means for New Jersey Pizza
This outcome goes beyond just one pizzeria. New Jersey remains one of the most competitive and diverse pizza markets in the nation. Securing a top-10 spot on a global scale underscores the talent present in the state. For independent operators, it also emphasizes the potential achievable through consistency, product innovation, and a long-term dedication to the craft.
Looking Ahead
For Lomonaco, this result is not a finish line. “I’m going back next year,” he said. “I’m going every year until I win.” After finishing 7th in the world, the expectation has changed.
The next step is to go further.
About Amano Pizza
Amano Pizza is located in South Amboy and Matawan, New Jersey, and is known for its NY-style pies and commitment to quality, consistency, and continuous improvement.
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