Port Charlotte Pizza Maker Wins First Place in Sweden
October 5th, 2026
Port Charlotte has another reason to celebrate. Vito Recchia, owner and pizzaiolo at Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant, recently brought home an international first-place finish from Sweden.
Port Charlotte Pizza Maker Brings Home Gold
According to the U.S. Pizza Team, Recchia competed at the Pizza Champion Cup International in Gothenburg on Sept. 15 and won first place in the Teglia/Pan Pizza category. According to the U.S. Pizza Team, the victory marked Recchia’s first international title.
That’s a pretty impressive souvenir to bring back to Charlotte County.
A Pizza Inspired by Sweden
As noted by the U.S. Pizza Team, Recchia’s winning Teglia With Magic paired Roman-style dough with Swedish-inspired ingredients including potato cream, crème fraîche, butter-poached langoustine, chanterelles, lingonberry and Västerbottensost cheese. The competition was no casual pizza night, either. According to the U.S. Pizza Team, the sold-out event brought together pizzaioli and chefs from several countries, with a 15-member judging panel that included Michelin-recognized chefs.
From Port Charlotte to International Competition
The Sweden victory follows years of work.
The U.S. Pizza Team also reports that Recchia finished second in the world in Pizza in Teglia at the 2023 World Pizza Championship in Parma, Italy. Today, he serves as a culinary coach for the team while continuing his work here in Charlotte County.
His business roots are just as local. According to Bella Napoli’s official website, the restaurant opened in Port Charlotte in 2003 and has continued serving the community from Kings Crossing.
Why This Port Charlotte Win Matters
Quality of life isn’t only about amenities. It’s also about the people and businesses that give a community its character.
A local entrepreneur can build a business here, keep developing a specialized craft and take that expertise onto an international stage.
Then, of course, bring the gold home.
Local Roots, Global Recognition
Recchia’s latest win adds another chapter to a business story that now stretches from Southwest Florida to international competition.
It’s a fun story. But it also reflects something worth celebrating: local talent can earn global recognition without losing its hometown roots.
FAQs
What did Vito Recchia win?
First place in the Teglia/Pan Pizza category.
Where was the competition?
Gothenburg, Sweden.
When did Recchia win?
Sept. 15, 2026.
What pizza did he make?
A Roman-style pan pizza called Teglia With Magic.
How long has Bella Napoli been local?
According to its official website, Bella Napoli opened in 2003.- Bella Napoli Pizzeria
Why does this matter to Charlotte County?
It highlights local entrepreneurship, talent and the community’s quality-of-life story.
AI-assisted content was reviewed by Charlotte County Economic Development staff for accuracy, clarity and relevance before publication.
Sources: Original reporting provided by Sue Wade, Sun Newspapers, “Neighborhood pizza man tops podium in Sweden.” Competition facts were verified through the U.S. Pizza Team and restaurant history through Bella Napoli’s official website.
