World’s Best Pizzaiolo Francesco Martucci Debuts First U.S. Restaurant in Miami

Francesco Martucci, widely regarded as the world’s best modern pizzaiolo and a self-styled renegade, will open his first U.S. restaurant, Francesco Martucci Miami, on Jan. 16, 2026, in partnership with Liberty Entertainment Group.

Known for turning pizza into a fine-dining discipline, Martucci brings his personal vision to his eponymous restaurant in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, translating the daring, technique-driven approach of his Italian flagship, I Masanielli, into a multi-course tasting menu with curated beverage pairings and immersive programming.

Developed with Liberty Entertainment Group, Canada’s leading hospitality powerhouse known for Michelin-recognized concepts, the restaurant combines chef Martucci’s culinary pedigree with the company’s award-winning expertise in design, hospitality and immersive dining experiences.

“Miami has its own heartbeat. It’s vibrant, creative, always in motion,” says Martucci. “It reminds me of the moment a pizza comes out of the oven: hot, alive, meant to be shared. I wanted to bring that energy here, with flavors rooted in Italy but a spirit that feels very Miami.”

Martucci grew up in Caserta, a small town about 40 miles north of Naples, where pizza is identity, ritual and pride. His rise began with a singular mission: to redefine what pizza could be.

Long considered a disruptor, he was labeled a heretic for defying tradition with unconventional techniques and an uncompromising point of view that melds centuries-old cuisine with the modern era. His approach is rooted in fermentation science and ingredient purity, treating dough as a living element shaped by time, temperature and precision, letting seasonal ingredients take the spotlight.

At his flagship I Masanielli, Martucci’s signature pies—light doughs, airy crusts and inventive toppings—have captured global attention since opening first as a takeout operation in 2001 and later in its acclaimed location by the Royal Palace in 2017, still drawing hours-long queues.

Celebrated worldwide for pushing pizza beyond its limits, Martucci has earned accolades including World’s Best Pizza Chef 2025 and Best Pizzeria in Italy by the prestigious 50 Top Pizza, alongside praise from media like The New York Times and Food & Wine.

DESIGNED TO DISRUPT

Set in the heart of Wynwood, Francesco Martucci Miami treats pizza as a crafted experience, not a casual indulgence. The menu is built on ultra-light, high-rising doughs designed for structure, balance and intensity, where southern Italian tradition is sharpened by precision and risk. Every element is deliberate, created for diners who value technique, credibility and conviction.

Martucci’s menu reflects chef’s technical command and ingredient-driven philosophy through pizzas prepared using long-fermented dough, hydrated for lightness and alchemy, buffalo mozzarella from Campani, heirloom tomatoes and locally sourced produce with seasonal accents from Florida’s bounty. Created by Italian masons using traditional Italian brick and cement from the volcanic hills of Campania, the wood fired oven anchors the kitchen, featuring a dedicated hearth that delivers an authentic crisp, soft center and a perfectly smoky char.

From signature classics to chef’s limited-edition “Degustazione” rounds, the menu includes standouts like Le 7 Consistenze della Cipolla, a layered study of onion in seven forms. The restaurant also offers a dedicated gluten-free menu, prepared in a separate kitchen space designed exclusively for these offerings, ensuring both precision and integrity without compromise.

The space mirrors the tension in the food. Sleek, moody and intimate, the design layers classic Neapolitan references with Wynwood’s industrial grit, drawing inspiration from factory warehouses and bridge cranes. The result is raw yet refined, immersive and unapologetically intentional—a setting that fully embraces the rock-and-roll edge of haute pizza.

Francesco Martucci Miami is brought to life by Toronto-based, Liberty Entertainment Group, a hospitality powerhouse that has shaped Canada’s dining and nightlife landscape through a portfolio of landmark event venues and Michelin-recognized restaurants. The launch of Francesco Martucci Miami marks the company’s bold expansion into the U.S. market—anchored by an equally bold chef.

“This partnership is a milestone for us,” says Nick Di Donato of Liberty Entertainment Group. “Bringing the world’s best pizza chef to one of the world’s most exciting food cities—that’s the spark. Francesco Martucci Miami is a statement.”

Booking is now available on OpenTable. To find out more follow Francesco Martucci Miami at @martucci_miami.