From Little River to Milan: Miami’s Javier Ramirez Named One of the World’s Top Pizza Chefs
What does it take for a quiet pizzeria tucked inside Miami’s Little River neighborhood to be named among the best in the world? For restaurateur Javier Ramirez, the answer is found in a simple philosophy: let the dough speak for itself.
This year, at the Best Pizza Awards 2025 held in Milan, Italy—a prestigious global celebration of the planet’s most exceptional pizzaioli—Ramirez, co-founder of La Natural, ranked No. 35 on the list of the World’s Top Pizza Chefs. The honor places him among culinary giants like Franco Pepe and Gabriele Bonci, household names in the world of artisanal pizza.
For a South Florida chef to receive such recognition is rare. For one with such humble beginnings, it’s extraordinary.
A Slice of Global Recognition
Ramirez’s culinary journey began not in a corporate kitchen or under the glow of food media spotlights, but in backyard gatherings with friends. Those informal dinners, focused on simple food made well, laid the foundation for what would become La Natural—a wood-fired, sourdough-focused pizzeria that fuses passion, precision, and a love for local ingredients.
“So, this happened last night in Milan, and I’m still in a strange state of disbelief and happiness,” Ramirez shared on Instagram following the award ceremony. “The amazing people who have worked with me at La Natural over the past five years are fundamental to this.”
Held at Milan’s Spazio Antologico, the Best Pizza Awards gathered more than 500 chefs, food writers, and culinary innovators. With more than 30 countries represented on the Top 100 list, the event highlighted pizza’s expanding global influence—from Neapolitan purists in Naples to bold experimentalists in Tokyo and Tel Aviv.
Ramirez was one of 14 chefs from the United States to be honored, joining representatives from cities like New York, San Francisco, Portland, and even Cleveland, Mississippi.
In an emotional Instagram post, Ramirez reflected on the milestone.
“So, this happened last night in Milan, and I’m still in a strange state of disbelief and happiness,” he wrote. “The amazing people who have worked with me at La Natural over the past five years are fundamental to this.” These comments were originally reported by Miami New Times, which also named La Natural the Best Restaurant in MiMo/Little River in its Best of Miami 2025 issue.
A Miami Favorite with International Reach
La Natural’s rise to international acclaim hasn’t gone unnoticed at home. The pizzeria recently secured the title of Best Restaurant in MiMo/Little River in the New Times Best of Miami 2025, and has received back-to-back Bib Gourmand recognitions from the Michelin Guide, honoring its outstanding quality at a great value.
The signature pies are naturally leavened, fermented for 48 hours, and baked in a wood-burning oven that sits just behind the bar. Each creation—whether topped with za’atar, burrata, or seasonal Florida produce—is a testament to Ramirez’s ethos of quality and care. A thoughtfully curated wine list and a menu of produce-driven small plates round out the experience in La Natural’s breezy, effortlessly cool setting.
More than just a restaurant, La Natural has become a culinary landmark in Miami. And now, the world is taking notice.
Pizza with Purpose
The Best Pizza Awards aim to elevate pizza from comfort food to culinary art, and they do so with integrity. The rankings are based on votes from 512 independent chefs, journalists, and experts from 60 countries—free from commercial sponsorships or promotional bias.
“Our goal is to spotlight those who are redefining pizza—not just in technique, but in heart and culture,” said Antonio Rutolo, director of the awards. “What we saw in Milan was a true global exchange of creativity and tradition.”
For Ramirez, the award isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a win for the entire Miami food scene. “This moment belongs to everyone who believed in La Natural from the start,” he says.
And while global accolades are nice, for Javier Ramirez, the most important seat at the table is still the one filled by a happy guest, savoring a slice made with love.
If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of La Natural, consider this your official invitation. Tucked away in Miami’s up-and-coming Little River neighborhood, this cozy, wood-fired gem is redefining what pizza can be—with soul, flavor, and an unmistakable Miami flair.
You’ll find La Natural at 7289 NW 2nd Avenue, just minutes from the MiMo District and close to the heart of the city. For reservations or inquiries, call 305-419-0377. Explore their menu and story at lanaturalmiami.com
Whether you’re a local foodie or visiting from afar, a visit to La Natural is more than just dinner—it’s a taste of Miami’s culinary evolution, straight from one of the best pizza chefs in the world.
Part of the information in this article was sourced from Miami New Times.
