Best American Pizza Maker Vitangelo Recchia Brings World-Class Flavor to Charlotte County
September 30th, 2025
Best American Pizza Maker: The Journey of Vitangelo Recchia
Vitangelo Recchia, owner of Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant in Port Charlotte, Florida, didn’t always dream of following in his father’s footsteps. Yet today, he carries the title of Best American Pizza Maker—earned not once, but twice, on the global stage at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy. His story is proof that passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn can transform a late start into a world-class achievement.
A Childhood Surrounded by Pizza—but No Desire to Join In
Growing up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Recchia spent countless hours watching his father run Dino’s Italian Restaurant, a beloved pizza shop and PMQ Pizza Hall of Fame institution. He admired his dad’s work ethic but also saw the toll of working nearly every day of the year. At that point, he vowed not to enter the pizza business.
Instead, Recchia pursued studies at Penn State University, focusing on hotel and restaurant management, with thoughts of careers in finance or accounting. But destiny, as it turns out, had other plans.
Italy Sparks a New Passion for Food
Everything shifted during a year abroad in Italy. Living in Rome, Recchia reconnected with the culture of his parents’ homeland. The cuisine spoke to him on a deeper level—simple yet elegant, humble yet elevated. That love of authentic Italian cooking inspired him to pursue culinary school at Alma Scuola Cucina Italiana in Parma, Italy.
He didn’t just graduate—he graduated at the top of his class. Soon after, he began training in Michelin-starred restaurants. These experiences shaped his philosophy: that dining is not just about food, but about the entire experience, from wine pairings to service flow.
Mastering the Art of Dough
While Michelin kitchens gave him finesse, it was pizza dough that became his canvas. Recchia took the basics of flour and water and pushed boundaries. He blended rye, spelt, and semolina for flavor depth and digestibility. He experimented with fermentation styles, sometimes relying on long cold ferments and other times using carefully timed warm ferments.
“Knowledge and technique are what matter—not myths,” Recchia explained. His scientific approach to dough set him apart, helping him climb quickly to the top of the competitive pizza world.
Opening Bella Napoli in Port Charlotte
When Recchia returned to the U.S., he brought his skills to Port Charlotte, opening Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant. But he quickly realized that his market was unique. Many of his neighbors were retirees on fixed incomes, used to traditional Italian-American comfort food.
So Recchia adjusted. He kept menu favorites like Chicken Marsala and Baked Ziti but enhanced them with better ingredients and refined technique. The result? A loyal customer base that trusts him to elevate the classics without alienating their palates.
“You can’t scare people away,” he said. “You elevate the food they already love.”
Winning Best American Pizza Maker—Twice
Recchia’s boldness and skill carried him to Parma, Italy, where he competed with the U.S. Pizza Team in the World Pizza Championships. In 2023, his Roman-style Pan Pizza earned him second place overall and the honor of Best American Pizza Maker. He returned in 2024 and repeated the title—solidifying his reputation as one of America’s finest pizzaioli.
“Competition teaches you quickly where you stand,” he reflected. “It forces you to grow.”
Michelin Meets Main Street
Bella Napoli stands as a rare blend: a local Port Charlotte restaurant infused with Michelin-level training. Recchia doesn’t just make pizza; he creates an experience. The crisp crust, the airy crumb, the balance of flavors—every bite tells a story rooted in both tradition and innovation.
And yet, he remains grounded. His restaurant feels like home, filled with laughter, conversation, and the warmth of community.
Why Food Lovers Travel to Bella Napoli
What makes Bella Napoli a destination? It’s more than just the awards. It’s the authenticity and care in every dish. Visitors rave about the balance of flavors, the digestibility of the dough, and the way classic Italian-American favorites taste fresher and brighter than expected.
It’s no wonder foodies from across Southwest Florida drive to Port Charlotte just to taste what the Best American Pizza Maker is creating.
A Lesson in Reinvention
Recchia’s journey shows that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. He didn’t make his first pizza until he was 30. Yet with dedication, curiosity, and the courage to compete on a global stage, he became one of the best in the world.
His story is an inspiration not only to chefs but to anyone wondering if it’s too late to pursue a passion.
FAQs
Where is Bella Napoli located?
Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant is located in Port Charlotte, Florida, serving both locals and visitors who crave authentic Italian cuisine.
What award did Vitangelo Recchia win?
He was crowned Best American Pizza Maker at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy, in both 2023 and 2024.
What makes Bella Napoli unique?
The restaurant blends authentic Italian-American comfort food with Michelin-level technique, elevating every dish without straying from familiar favorites.
Did Recchia grow up making pizza?
No. He didn’t make his first pizza until the age of 30, after studying abroad in Italy and attending culinary school.
Can I listen to his full story?
Yes. Recchia shared his journey on the Peel: A PMQ Pizza Podcast.
Conclusion
Vitangelo Recchia proves that passion and perseverance can transform a path you once rejected into a world-class career. As the Best American Pizza Maker, he has elevated Port Charlotte’s food scene, blending Italian heritage, Michelin precision, and community connection.
For anyone who has ever wondered if it’s too late to chase a dream, Recchia’s story offers the answer: it’s never too late to rise.
External Source:
PMQ Pizza Magazine – Vitangelo Recchia Feature
