South Florida Pie Shop Named Best Pizzeria in the U.S.

More than a decade since opening as a tiny pizzeria in South Beach, one of Miami's most beloved pizza chains has just been awarded one of America's best.

According to PMQ Pizza Magazine’s 2025 Pizza Power Report, Mister O1 is the best independent pizzeria in the U.S., and for good reason.

The award, which is based on crowd-sourced reviews from Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook, was given to the Miami-based pizza chain for its star-shaped and authentic Italian pizzas, which have grown a cult following not only in Florida but also in Texas, where there are currently four locations. Its Grapevine, Texas, location has such rave reviews that they helped Mister O1 get this national title.
Owned and operated independently by Renato Viola of Agropoli, Italy, his family's passion for quality food nurtured his early fascination with pizza. His commitment to the craft earned him two Pizza World Championship titles in Monte Carlo, spotlighting his unique star-shaped "Star Luca" pizza, where fluffy ricotta is tucked into pouches along the edges, accompanied by tomato sauce, mozzarella, and spicy salami. This recognition secured him the O-1 Visa, a prestigious designation in the U.S. reserved for individuals of extraordinary ability, paving his way to Miami with a mission to create unparalleled pizza pies.

Now, there are 20 Mister O1 locations thriving across the entire state of Florida (and counting), where Viola's blend of resilience, skill, and innovative pizza crafting has silenced the doubters. When the original South Beach restaurant — affectionately dubbed the "hidden pizza spot" — celebrated its tenth anniversary this past October, Chef Viola reflected on the journey with New Times.

"When I first opened the restaurant, people thought that I was crazy. Today, they think I'm a genius," Viola says with a chuckle.
On Instagram, Mister O1 reflected on the big win with a post that goes, "To be named America’s best independent pizzeria is a dream, but you are the reason that dream comes true every day. Every pizza we serve, every table we set, and every memory we share wouldn’t be possible without our incredible guests. Grapevine, Texas, you’ve made this honor happen, and we can’t thank you enough for your support, your smiles, and your love for Mister O1. Here’s to many more extraordinary moments together – one pizza at a time!"

There are currently 20 Mister O1 locations in Florida, two in Georgia, and four in Texas.

Mister O1. Locations across Florida; mistero1.com.