The atmosphere at Una Pizza Napoletana mirrors Mangieri’s ethos of authenticity and simplicity. The dining space, both functional and welcoming, features black-and-white tiles, an open kitchen, and shelves stocked with premium Italian ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes and Sicilian sea salt. The focal point is the imported Italian wood-burning oven, where Mangieri can be found stretching pizza dough. Walls adorned with unique artwork by Mangieri’s friends add a personal touch to the otherwise understated décor. The space buzzes with anticipation as diners, fortunate enough to secure a seat, watch the iconic pizzas emerge from the oven—charred, fragrant, and perfectly crafted. Among the six classic offerings, the cosacca—one of Naples’ oldest styles—stands out for its simplicity: airy dough topped with tomato sauce, sea salt, fresh basil, and pecorino Romano added just before serving.
Born and raised in New Jersey in a tight-knit Italian American family, Mangieri’s passion for pizza began early. Inspired by his heritage, he spent his youth exploring pizzerias in the tri-state area and studying books on French and Italian bread baking. At just 20 years old, he opened a wood-fired bakery in Red Bank, NJ, before launching the first Una Pizza Napoletana in Point Pleasant, NJ, in 1996. Mangieri has since relocated the restaurant to New York City and across the country, to San Francisco, earning widespread acclaim. In 2018, he returned to New York to establish the current iteration of Una Pizza Napoletana on the Lower East Side. Mangieri’s philosophy has always prioritized quality over expansion, opting to operate a single restaurant to maintain control over every detail. His influence has also extended into homes with the launch of his frozen pizza line, Genio Della Pizza, and a cameo on the TV show Billions, where he shared his joy for cooking.
Una Pizza Napoletana’s commitment to excellence has garnered numerous accolades. In 2022 and 2024, it earned the top spot on 50 Top Pizza’s global rankings, solidifying its reputation as a worldwide leader in Neapolitan-style pizza. The Michelin Guide has awarded the pizzeria a Bib Gourmand, recognizing its exceptional quality and value. Mangieri is hailed as one of the best pizzaiolos outside Italy and praised for his unwavering dedication to craftsmanship. Through meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast passion for his craft, Mangieri has created a steadfast temple of pizza, attracting pizza pilgrims worldwide.
