Who invented pizza: the history of the origin of a favorite dish

Today, this world-famous dish can be ordered almost anywhere on the planet. You can choose from hundreds of different pizza recipes adapted to local tastes — from the classic Margherita to versions with pineapple, shrimp, or other unusual ingredients. But who actually invented pizza, and how did this dish that we all love come to be?

The history of pizza: from ancient Greece to modern times

Long before modern pizza appeared, the ancient Greeks were already baking flatbreads and using them as a base for various toppings. These flatbreads were sprinkled with herbs, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with vegetables or cheese. They looked like simple bread but served as a convenient “plate” for food.

An important milestone in the creation of pizza came after tomatoes were brought to Europe in the 16th century. Before that, tomato sauce wasn’t part of any recipe. The combination of dough, tomato sauce, and cheese became the foundation for the pizza we know today. Over time, new ingredients were added, leading to countless variations with meat, seafood, vegetables, and even sweet toppings.

Naples — the birthplace of pizza

Most culinary historians agree that pizza was born in Naples, Italy. In the 18th century, locals began baking dough discs topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other ingredients. These pizzas were sold right on the streets and quickly became popular for being both filling and affordable.

The story of the Margherita pizza and what Esposito has to do with it

The most famous story in pizza history dates back to 1889. That year, a well-known Neapolitan baker named Raffaele Esposito prepared a pizza in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. He created a recipe whose toppings represented the colors of the Italian flag:

1. Red — tomato sauce;
2. White — mozzarella cheese;
3. Green — basil.

This pizza was named “Margherita” and became a true symbol of Italian cuisine. For this reason, many people consider Esposito the creator of modern pizza as we know it today.

The first pizzeria

The first official pizzeria, “Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba,” opened in Naples back in 1738. There, pizzas were baked in wood-fired ovens, and visitors could enjoy various versions of the dish.

Over time, pizza spread around the world — largely thanks to Italian immigrants who brought their recipes to the United States, where pizza became a massive hit. American-style pizza developed its own traits: thick crust, lots of cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and hearty toppings. Australians prefer pizza with shrimp, the French add goat cheese and herbs, while the Japanese enjoy versions with seafood and mayonnaise. Pizza has become a universal dish that can be adapted to any culinary tradition or personal taste.

Fun facts about pizza

• Pizza ranks among the top five most popular dishes in the world.
• There are thousands of pizza recipes — from traditional to exotic.
• In some countries, pizza is considered a festive meal, while in others it’s an everyday snack.
• In Italy, it’s still believed that the best pizza can only be achieved in a wood-fired oven.

How to make pizza at home

To make pizza yourself, you’ll need dough, sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. You can choose between a thin or thick crust. The easiest sauce to prepare is tomato-based — just add spices and herbs. For toppings, use vegetables, meat, or seafood. You can even add fruits or berries to balance rich, meaty flavors. Then, bake your pizza in the oven at a high temperature until the crust becomes crispy. If you follow the right proportions and use quality ingredients, you can achieve that perfect taste even at home.

Conclusion

Although the ancient Greeks were baking topped flatbreads long before pizza appeared, the modern version of pizza originated in Naples. Its creation is linked to Raffaele Esposito and the 1889 Margherita pizza made in honor of the queen. Today, pizza has become a global symbol of Italy, enjoyed worldwide in countless variations.

And if you want to experience the taste of authentic Italian pizza, just order from Pronto. We prepare our pizzas using original recipes and high-quality ingredients, delivering them hot straight to your door. The pizza-making technique was personally brought and taught to our pizzaiolos by our founder, Mykola Adamovych Federkevych. He spent several years working and studying in Italy to master the art of authentic Italian pizza — the same one you can now enjoy at Pronto locations across Ukraine. We’re always happy to serve you!