The history of pizza is cloudy at best, with a variety of theories and speculation. Some claim it based on the Pita Bread found in the Mid-East. There is also a theory that pizza came from the unleavened bread "Matzo" brought to Rome by italian legionnaires. Others insist, pizza evolved from the famous "Focaccia" served in Rome about 1,000 years ago, as a snack. Another theory is that pizza was brought to Italy by Greeks, during the first century. There may be as many theories about the origins of pizza as there are different types of pizza ! There is agreement that pizza have been developed by peasants in Naples, Italy. This early pizza consisted of flattened bread dough with olive oil, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Tomatoes were discovered in the "New Word" and were for centuries, thought to be poisonous. A peasant may have tried to add bulk to his pizza by using the "Devil Fruit". The first pizzeria was Port' Alba, opened in Naples in 1830. This restaurant served pizza baked in oven made from lava rock.

Pizza, as we know It, is credited to one Raffaele Esposito of Naples. In 1889, to honor a visit by King Umberto I and Queen Margherita, he created a special pizza which resembled the Italian flag. The pizza consisted of basil (green), mozzarella (white),and tomatoes (red). This dish sets the standard for our modern day pizza. This patriotic pizza was an instant success with the King and Queen, as well as his other patrons. He named this pizza in honor of the Queen, the "Margherita". Next >>>