Posto executive chef Juan G. Perez is considered to be among the top pizza chefs worldwide. — Photo by Duvan Rojas

By Norah Doyle

Juan G. Perez, executive chef of Somerville restaurant Posto, has been named one of the top 100 pizza chefs in the world.

Somerville residents and visitors alike adore Posto, ranking the restaurant 4 out of 5 stars on most popular review sites, but how much do they know about the man behind the pizza?

The Best Pizza Awards is an online ranking dedicated to highlighting the craftsmanship and innovation of pizza chefs worldwide, powered by The Best Chef Awards.

Perez has placed 54th in The Best Pizza Award’s 2025 Top 100 Pizza Chefs in the World, the only pizza chef in New England on the list. With such an accomplishment, it’s hard not to wonder how this local chef baked his way to global recognition.

Perez didn’t start his cooking journey in Boston. He was born and raised in Colombia and moved to Boston when he was just 19 years old.

“I grew up surrounded by food, family, and a culture that values sharing meals. That environment planted the early seeds for my love of cooking,” said Perez.

When Perez first arrived in Boston, he worked as a dishwasher at California Pizza Kitchen. While there, he found himself wondering how such a simple dish like pizza could be so expensive and technical. Perez began learning about and observing the craft of pizza making.

“One day, someone didn’t show up to work. The kitchen manager had noticed my interest and offered me a shift on the pizza station,” said Perez. “The following week, I officially got my shot. I called my mom right away! I was so happy. Once I started making pizza, I never looked back.”

Perez has worked as a pizza maker at Posto Boston since 2010, becoming Executive Chef in 2016, which means he has been professionally making pizzas for over 15 years now.

“Even today, I’m still learning something new all the time,” said Perez.

To say Perez is dedicated to his craft may be an understatement. He has learned all his skills through real-life experience and has worked under amazing mentors. Eventually, Perez studied traditional Neapolitan techniques, which makes his pizzas stand out in the Boston area today.

“It’s been a mix of passion, discipline, and a little obsession, honestly,” said Perez.

With all his hard work and dedication, it’s no surprise that he was recognized as one of the top 100 pizza chefs this year, an honor for which Perez is incredibly thankful.

“To be recognized among the best in the world is a huge honor, not just for me, but for the entire team at Posto and the community that supports us. It reminded me why I started and inspired me to keep pushing boundaries,” said Perez.

Perez enjoys making traditional AVPN-style Neapolitan pizzas because “the attention to detail in fermentation and technique makes it pure art.” When it comes to eating pizza, though, Perez enjoys a simple margherita made with high-quality ingredients.

“But when I’m feeling creative, I love something a bit different, like peach and prosciutto,” said Perez.

Perez loves creating moments through food, watching people take their first bite, and light up. He also expressed that it’s incredibly rewarding to lead a team and “help them grow into better chefs and stronger professionals.”

What makes Perez’s pizzas stand out from others is perhaps his mix of innovation and tradition.

“I respect the roots of Neapolitan pizza, but I’m not afraid to experiment, whether that’s modern techniques or bold global flavor inspirations. Every pizza I make is driven by intention and technique,” said Perez.

Posto is known in the area for stepping outside the box, using unexpected or untraditional topping combos that make for a delicious mix.

With all of his success, Perez remains humble and leaves young aspiring chefs with the following: “Be patient. Be obsessed with the craft. Never stop learning. Don’t chase trends, chase excellence. Don’t try to be someone else. Get inspired, but focus on building your own path. And always surround yourself with people who push you to be better.”

Posto 
400 Assembly Row
Somerville,MA
https://www.postoboston.com/