Valentina's Pizzeria Achieves Remarkable National and State Awards

In an impressive display of culinary excellence, Valentina's by Joe Carlucci in Madison, Alabama has recently garnered several notable accolades, solidifying its reputation as a premier dining destination. The pizzeria, renowned for its artisan pizzas and vibrant atmosphere, saw a significant rise in national recognition with its recent ranking as the 27th Best Pizzeria in the United States, according to the esteemed 50 Top Pizza guide. This achievement marks a notable improvement from last year’s position of 31st, and it reflects the dedication and craft that Valentina's brings to the pizza industry.

Owner Joe Carlucci, a celebrated World Pizza Champion, proudly accepted this prestigious award on behalf of his talented team on July 1 in New York City. Carlucci emphasized that this recognition extends beyond the pizza itself; it encompasses every aspect of the dining experience—from the meticulously crafted food to the attentive service and the inviting ambience. “I’m immensely proud of our entire staff for their hard work and commitment,” Carlucci remarked.

The notable rankings provided by 50 Top Pizza are particularly esteemed due to their exhaustive evaluation criteria. Anonymous inspectors conduct comprehensive visits to various establishments, assessing them on multiple facets such as food quality, selection of wine and cocktails, service efficiency, atmosphere, and overall presentation. Given the fierce competition from over 70,000 pizzerias nationwide, making it into the top 30 is a significant achievement.

Further elevating the prestige of Valentina's, it was honored with The Best Cocktail List 2025 – Sei Bellissimi Award, one of the coveted Special Awards from 50 Top Pizza USA. This accolade can be attributed to Niles Peacock, a World Pizza Champion and a skilled mixologist who has collaborated with Carlucci to create a stellar cocktail program that beautifully pairs innovative recipes with sophisticated techniques.

Additionally, Valentina's also emerged as a double winner in the 2025 Best of Bama Awards, being named the Best Pizza in Alabama for the second consecutive year and awarding the title of Best Bartender in Alabama to RJ Griggs, the establishment's standout bar manager. Carlucci praised Griggs for his energetic contribution and remarkable skill set that enhances the dining experience. “RJ’s acknowledgement is well-deserved, representing the commitment and talent shared by our entire team,” he commented.

With these national accolades and a dedicated local following, Valentina's is focused on creating unforgettable culinary experiences. The various awards not only highlight the team’s passion and innovation but also exemplify their commitment to maintaining superior quality and customer satisfaction at every level.

About Valentina's by Joe Carlucci

Located in Madison, Alabama, Valentina’s by Joe Carlucci presents a unique dining experience with its chef-driven pizzeria and bar. Known for its artisanal pizzas, exquisite craft cocktails, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Valentina's proudly belongs to the distinguished World Pizza Champions team and is a multiple award-winning establishment.