Døuble Zerø Pie & Pub Ranks on the 50 Top Pizza USA List
Døuble Zerø is distinguished as one of just two Las Vegas pizzerias recognized on the 2024 list
Chef Michael Vakneen (Credit: Eugene Dela Cruz, OneSeven Agency)
World Pizza Champion, Chef Michael Vakneen’s Døuble Zerø Pie & Pub, a LEV Group concept founded by CEO Jeffrey Fine, has achieved an outstanding milestone by securing the No. 45 spot on the esteemed 50 Top Pizza United States list. Vakneen is one of the few pizzaioli with multiple pizzerias ranking on the Top 50 Pizza USA list — a rare achievement. Vakneen is a pizzaiolo partner at Truly Pizza in Dana Point, Calif., where he works alongside fellow World Champions of Pizza, John Arena, Chris Decker and Sergio Balderas. Owned and co-founded by Las Vegas hospitality veteran, Donna Baldwin, Truly Pizza ranked No. 42.
50 Top Pizza, founded by Albert Sapere, Barbara Guerra, and Luciano Pignataro in 2014, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of pizza guides. Sapere likens it to “what the NBA is for basketball,” underscoring its significance in the culinary world. The first guide, published in 2017, emerged after over two years of rigorous preparation and resource gathering. Initially, 50 Top Pizza focused on Italy with a select international segment. Today, it boasts a global presence, featuring more than 2,000 venues, including both independent pizzerias and artisan chains. The guide’s methodology is straightforward yet thorough, encompassing a broad survey followed by anonymous visits by regular paying customers.
In the United States, the guide leverages inspectors of diverse nationalities and perspectives to authentically represent the American pizza landscape. The evaluation criteria extend beyond the pizza itself to include beverages, service, and hospitality—elements that are increasingly vital in the modern pizza experience. The U.S. market is particularly significant, being the largest and most varied in the world in terms of pizza consumption.
This accolade bookends the remarkable debut year for the establishment, as Døuble Zerø Pie & Pub celebrates its one-year anniversary with a complimentary øø Spritz for its guests through the month of July. For more information about Double Zero visit doublezeropie.com.
ABOUT DØUBLE ZERØ PIE & PUB
Inspired by the pizza makers of Japan and the philosophy of “Kodawari,” the pursuit of perfection, Døuble Zerø Pie & Pub aims to bring the perfect pizza to Las Vegas. At Døuble Zerø, there are no shortcuts in crafting the best possible experience. Named after the finely milled 00 (double zero) flour used to make its Neo-Neapolitan pizza, the pizzeria displays its expertise through Chef Partner Michael Vakneen’s team of the best pizza makers in the industry. Double Zero has adopted the Shokunin philosophy, a term in Japan that means “master craftsmen” and represents a person’s dedication to every detail of a craft. The moment you walk through the doors, you’ll be transported to a pizza shop in Tokyo. Døuble Zerø does not take reservations and is open for dine-in only on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4-11 p.m. For information regarding Døuble Zerø and additional happenings, visit doublezeropie.com or call (702) 463.0755. Follow along on social media for upcoming events and updates at @DoubleZeroPiePub.
ABOUT LEV GROUP
Founded in 2002 by CEO Jeffrey Fine, LEV Group is dedicated to developing inspired concepts and world-class experiences. LEV Group collaborates and invests in entrepreneurial, spirited professionals to create authentic and immersive drinking and dining establishments throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Partnering with chefs, service leaders and brand ambassadors, the LEV Group provides all the support necessary to ensure brand development success while celebrating dedication, passion and creativity.
