Another year, another national honor for one of South County Commons’ most celebrated restaurants!
Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana has once again earned a place among the best pizzerias in the country, ranking No. 15 in the United States in the prestigious 50 Top Pizza USA 2026 guide.
The honor recently put Pasquale’s back in the local spotlight, with The Providence Journal highlighting the South Kingstown restaurant among the country’s top pizza destinations.
And pizza isn’t the only thing earning national attention this year.
One of America’s Top 15 Pizzerias
Led by Naples native and pizzaiolo Pasquale Illiano, Pasquale’s has become a familiar name on the 50 Top Pizza rankings.
The international pizza guide praised Pasquale’s for something Commons regulars know well: its ability to excel across distinctly different styles of pizza.
From traditional Pizza Napoletana to New York Style and Grandma pizza, the judges highlighted the restaurant’s attention to quality ingredients, fermentation and proper baking techniques.
Among the pizzas singled out for praise was the Capricciosa, with the guide noting the quality of the ingredients used throughout the restaurant’s menu.
And This Year, It’s Not Just About the Pizza
Pasquale’s walked away with another major honor in 2026: the Best Pasta Proposal 2026 – Pastificio Di Martino Award.
That’s a national award recognizing the restaurant’s pasta program — an impressive distinction for a restaurant already so widely known for its pizza.
The 50 Top Pizza judges specifically praised Pasquale’s Tonnarelli ai Tre Pomodori, highlighting the skill involved in executing a seemingly simple pasta dish exceptionally well.
It’s another example of what has made Pasquale’s such a special part of South County Commons: while the pizza may initially bring people through the door, the menu extends well beyond it.
From South Kingstown to the World Stage
The story isn’t over yet.
By finishing among the Top 15 pizzerias in the United States, Pasquale’s has automatically qualified for the 50 Top Pizza World 2026 ranking of the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World.
Those results will be unveiled on September 15 in Naples, Italy — bringing Pasquale Illiano back to his native city for a celebration of some of the world’s best pizza.
For a restaurant located right here in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, that’s quite a journey.
A Track Record of Excellence
The latest recognition continues an impressive run for Pasquale’s.
In 2025, the restaurant ranked No. 13 in the country and received 50 Top Pizza’s Best Beer Service 2025 – Peroni Nastro Azzurro Award.
Now, a Top 15 national ranking, a Best Pasta Proposal award and a ticket to the world rankings add another chapter to the story.
For us at South County Commons, there’s something particularly exciting about seeing the name South Kingstown, Rhode Island alongside celebrated pizza destinations in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago and across the country.
Congratulations to Pasquale Illiano and the entire Pasquale’s team on another remarkable achievement.
We’ll be cheering them on as they head to the world stage in Naples this September — and in the meantime, you don’t have to travel very far to taste one of America’s best.
You’ll find it right here at South County Commons.