World Pizza Day

In 2025, the specialized website 50 Top Pizza revealed its list of the 50 best pizzerias in Latin America, in which the Costa Rican pizzeria Seba’s, located in Uvita de Puntarenas, appeared for the second consecutive time, holding Costa Rica’s name high. In addition, the restaurant was recognized as the pizzeria with the best environmental sustainability in the region.

One of its owners, Sebastián Gallucci, of Argentine-Italian origin, and his wife Michelle decided to leave Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic to start a new life in Costa Rica, a decision that has brought them great satisfaction over time.

The award was presented in São Paulo, Brazil, an experience that Gallucci described as particularly emotional, as it was the only Costa Rican restaurant included on the list. He said that the team returned from Brazil motivated, proud, and satisfied to have represented the country once again, both for its culinary offerings and its focus on sustainability.

In the 2025 edition, Seba’s reached 46th place, while in its first inclusion, in 2024, it had ranked 43rd. As part of the recognition, the restaurant received two commemorative plaques and a special jacket, distinctions reserved only for award-winning establishments.

After this new achievement, Gallucci said that the impact of the recognition was reflected in the inspiration it generated in other gastronomic projects. He emphasized that his work motivated young chefs and restaurants in the area to strengthen ties with local farms, research Costa Rican products, invest in high-quality foods, and promote healthy options, such as his “seed oil free” concept, by operating as a restaurant free of seed oils.

Besides the gastronomic recognition, Seba’s got the Green Oven award for the second time, which is given to pizzerias that show a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Gallucci said that this award reaffirmed the restaurant’s vision and approach, and encouraged them to keep developing environmentally responsible practices.

Anonymous selection

Regarding the evaluation process, Gallucci explained that the 50 Top Pizza guide works with anonymous judges, who visit establishments without revealing their identity. During these visits, they order food and drinks, evaluate the service, pay the bill, and analyze multiple aspects, with special attention to the quality of the pizza, which guarantees an objective evaluation.

A life change driven by the pandemic

The pandemic marked a turning point for Gallucci and his wife, who sold their restaurant in Toronto and moved to Uvita, in the southern region of Puntarenas. Although the beginning was challenging, their efforts paid off. Coming from an Italian-Argentinian family, Gallucci noted that cooking has always been a source of inspiration, marked by the influence of his father, who worked as a chef throughout his life.

During their first two years in Costa Rica, the couple devoted themselves to building a permaculture farm, until they decided to return to the kitchen under the farm-to-table concept. From this experience, Seba’s was born, with the aim of positioning Costa Rica at the forefront of the international gastronomic scene.

The ingredients for success

Passion for cooking, support for local businesses, consistency, investment in quality products, and attention to detail were key elements in the restaurant’s growth. Although pizza was the centerpiece of their offering, the menu also included ceviches and Argentine barbecues.

The menu was inspired by the seasons and based on local products, family memories, travels, and experiences. Gallucci pointed out that his main motivation was for customers to feel connected to the dishes served, which were prepared with dedication and passion.

Sensorial Sunsets