FAQ About Pizza

The origin of pizza can be traced back to ancient times. Although the concept of flatbread with toppings has existed in various cultures, the pizza we know today has its roots in Naples, Italy.

The precursor to modern pizza can be found in the ancient Roman civilization. Romans often topped their flatbreads with various ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, and cheese. These early versions of pizza were sold by street vendors and were popular among the lower classes.

However, it was in Naples during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that pizza as we know it started to take shape. Naples was a bustling city with a significant working-class population, and pizza emerged as an affordable and convenient food for the masses.

The first true pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, opened in Naples in 1738. The establishment served pizza as a street food, cooked in wood-fired ovens and topped with ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. This combination of ingredients eventually led to the creation of the classic Margherita pizza, named after Queen Margherita of Italy.

Pizza gained popularity among Neapolitans and began to spread beyond the city's borders. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants brought pizza with them to the United States, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago. The first pizzerias in the U.S. opened in the early 1900s, catering to the growing demand for this unique and delicious food.

Over time, pizza evolved and adapted to local tastes, giving rise to various regional styles like New York-style, Chicago-style deep-dish, and California-style pizza. Today, pizza has become a global phenomenon, enjoyed in countless variations and toppings around the world. Its humble beginnings in Naples have transformed it into one of the most beloved and widely consumed foods worldwide.