Pizza is a universally loved dish that has undoubtedly taken over the world, as now you can find this Italian dish in almost every place you could travel to as a tourist. Its delicious combination of bread, tomato sauce, and cheese has been a staple in many countries for decades. But have you ever wondered where does pizza originate from or who invented pizza? In this blog post, we will dive into the history and the origins of pizza to answer all your questions about this beloved food. And if this blog post tempts you to try some first-class Neopolitan pizza, you can find what you need at one of the four Cinquecento Pizzeria restaurants in central London.
Where Did Pizza Originate?
The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilisations like the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans. These ancient societies baked traditional flatbreads with various toppings, including herbs, spices, and cheese. However, the modern pizza that we know and love today was invented following the creation of the humble flatbread in Naples, Italy.
It’s hard to know the exact pizza origin. However, when it comes to where was pizza invented, Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza. The Neapolitan flatbread, known as ‘Pizzaiola’, was invented in the 1800s. Initially, the dish was made using only tomato sauce and garlic on a bread base, and it was known as the ‘Pomodoro e Mozzarella’ pizza.
Brief History of Pizzas
However, the pizza we know and love today, with its tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings, was first created in 1889. This pizza was known as the Margherita and was made in honour of Queen Margherita of Savoy. The pizza was topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil to represent the three colours of the Italian flag.
The first modern-like pizzeria opened in the 1800s in Naples and began the evolution of the origin of pizza as we know it today. This restaurant is still open and continues to serve pizza to this day. Soon, pizza became a popular dish in Naples, and this popularity spread throughout the rest of Italy in the late 1800s.
However, pizza only became a worldwide sensation after World War II when soldiers returned home with a taste for the delicious Italian dish. Simultaneously, Italian families also emigrated to other parts of Europe, including the UK, and brought their family recipes for this Italian dish which became popular with locals in their new abodes.
Who Made The First Pizza?
Although some dishes can be attributed to a single chef, the age-old question of who made pizza is still a mystery. Or the simple answer is that not one single person can be credited with inventing pizza as the dish evolved over time.
The modern pizza that we know today was created by Neapolitan bakers in the early 1800s. However, the Margherita pizza, which is the most popular pizza in the world, was created by Raffaele Esposito, a Neapolitan pizza maker, in 1889.
Is Pizza Italian?
Absolutely! Pizza is an Italian invention, and it’s a significant part of Italian cuisine. Italy is home to some of the world’s most famous pizzas, including Margherita and Marinara. However, today, pizza is enjoyed worldwide and has evolved to include different toppings and styles.
Types of Italian Pizza
Our previous blog post, called ‘Ultimate Guide to the Different Italian Pizzas’, is a comprehensive guide to the various types of pizzas that are commonly found in Italy. The article delves into the regional variations of pizza, such as Neapolitan, Roman, and Sicilian.
At Cinquecento Pizzeria, we exclusively serve Neopolitan pizzas which are unique for their thin and crispy edge base, which allows the inside of the pizza to be floppy and delicate. The stretched-out dough also allows our top chefs to accommodate more toppings onto each pizza for maximum flavour potential in every bite.
You can read our article about where does pizza come from to understand each pizza’s unique characteristics, including its toppings, crust, and cooking style.
Where is the Home of Pizza?
Where is pizza from? Naples, Italy, is often referred to as the ‘home of pizza’ because it is where modern pizza was invented. The city is also home to many famous pizzerias, including L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, featured in the book and movie, Eat Pray Love. Although fortunately, you don’t have to travel to Naples to try a delicious Neopolitan pizza as the Italian chefs at our pizzeria in London make our pizza just like the Italian chefs do back home in Italy. Plus, we also use 100% Italian ingredients imported directly from the Mediterranean, so the pizzas will taste exactly like they did on your last holiday to Naples.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you are now an expert in pizza origins and the history of this Italian classic. Pizza is a beloved dish that has become a significant part of many people’s weekly meal plans and is often a top choice for cuisines that people choose when dining out. Although its exact origins are unknown, the modern pizza that we know and love today was invented in Naples, Italy, in the 1800s. Pizza’s popularity grew in Italy and eventually spread throughout the world, becoming a staple food in many countries, including the UK!
Whether you prefer a classic Margherita pizza, a vegan take on a classic or a loaded meat-lovers pizza, you can find a Neopolitan pizza to suit your taste buds at Cinquecento Pizzeria. There is no denying that pizza is one of the world’s most delicious and versatile foods out there, so it’s worth finding a top-tier restaurant in London to try out this Naples-style classic.