Who Invented Pizza? A Look at the History and Origins

Who invented pizza? The answer most often points to Raffaele Esposito, a clever baker from Naples, Italy. In 1889, Esposito is believed to have made what could be considered “modern” pizza, a delicious flatbread topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. It was crafted in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. His creation, fittingly named Pizza Margherita, quickly became legendary and is widely recognized as the beginning of the pizza we all obsess over today.

While flatbreads topped with herbs and oils had been hanging around for centuries, Esposito was the first to combine these signature ingredients in a way that resembled what we now call pizza. Thanks to his inventive spin, Raffaele Esposito holds the title of the inventor of pizza and is the answer to the eternal question: Who made the first pizza? Nice to have that little mystery solved. Curious about more varieties? Check out Hungry Howie’s menu of Flatbreads.

Where Was Pizza Invented and How Did It Begin?

Moving deeper into pizza history, the next questions are “Where was pizza invented, and how did it all begin?” Like many great things (gelato, opera, espresso machines), pizza traces its roots back to Italy. Specifically, to the streets of Naples. The history of pizza starts with simple flatbreads enjoyed by ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians. These early versions weren’t the cheesy masterpieces we know today, but they laid the delicious groundwork.

When we ask how pizza was invented, the evolution from flatbread to pizza involved layering tomatoes (once thought poisonous by Europeans) onto bread. From there, adding mozzarella and fresh basil sealed the deal. Thus, pizza as a true Italian staple was born.

Today, pizza has more faces than a game of poker: deep dish, thin crust, stuffed crust, and, of course, Hungry Howie’s unique Flatbreads, a little like a tribute to where pizza history began.

Who Invented Pizza in America?

Next in our pizza history lesson, we have the question, “When was pizza invented in America?” Pizza officially entered the scene in 1905, when Gennaro Lombardi, an Italian immigrant with a nose for opportunity, opened Lombardi’s Pizza in New York City. It became the first licensed pizzeria in the United States, and guess what? It is still open today.

Who brought pizza to America? It was Italian immigrants settling into cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, bringing not only their dreams but also their recipes. At first, pizza in America was tucked away in little Italian neighborhoods. But after World War II, American soldiers came back from Europe with a newfound love for this delicious wonder.

By the 1950s and 1960s, pizza history took a turn for the mainstream. Delivery services, frozen pizzas, and national chains made it a household staple and a dinner saver for busy families everywhere.

Pizza in America Today: From Street Food to a National Favorite

Zip forward to today, and pizza in America has expanded into every imaginable style and flavor. You’ll find everything from New York’s large floppy slices to Chicago’s deep-dish behemoths, and even artisan pies with toppings fancy enough to require a dictionary. Find your nearest Hungry Howie’s location and experience the flavorful evolution for yourself.

At Hungry Howie’s, we proudly carry the torch in the ongoing evolution of pizza. We put our own spin on modern pizza with innovative creations like Flavored Crust®, because why should only the top get all the love? Plus, with endless customization options on our Pizza Menu, you’ll become a bona fide pizza artist.

The pizza history that started on the streets of Naples now lives everywhere, from takeout boxes to dining tables to game-day spreads and late-night study sessions.

Order Pizza Online from Hungry Howie’s: Where Pizza History Meets Flavor

The invention of pizza was clearly a revolutionary moment, and Hungry Howie’s has made sure that getting pizza is easy and fast. Whether you’re craving classic cheese, a supreme loaded with the best pizza toppings, or something bold from our Secret Menu lineup, it’s easier than ever to order pizza online.

Get your pizza fix by ordering through our website, by calling us, using our app, or swing by for quick pizza takeout. Of course you can always kick back and enjoy fast pizza delivery right to your doorstep.

Whatever way you slice it, Hungry Howie’s proves that the history of pizza isn’t only about the past, it’s about innovating and constantly crafting new ways to deliver that perfect bite.

Check out all our menu options, explore our Flatbread Pizzas, and celebrate the most delicious invention in history!