Since ancient times, pizza was considered the food of the poor and was not very popular, but everything changed in 1889, when pizza maker Rafael Esposito improved the method of making pizza and named it after the Italian Queen Margherita Savoy.
Italian Queen Margherita of Savoy. Since then, the Margherita pizza has gained worldwide fame and is still the most famous form of this dish.
History of pizza
Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza and it was in this city in 1830 that the first pizzeria in the world opened its doors: the Port’Alba pizzeria. It still exists, so if you are in Naples, go from 11:30 to 01:30 via Port’Alba, 18.
Moreover, in Naples, standards were rigorously respected. In 1984, there was even a special “Pizza Police”: the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN). Its aim is to certify pizzerias that prepare real Neapolitan pizzas according to all the rules. In 2017, an important event took place in the Campania region: the art of Neapolitan Pizzaiolo has been recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage. In Italy, there are about 42,000 pizzerias and about three thousand pizzerias in Naples, and recipes are handed down from generation to generation.
Where in Naples to try the famous “Margherita”?
The Margarita is considered a classic Italian pizza, as even its garnish (basil, mozzarella and tomatoes) matches the colors of the Italian flag: green, white and red. The second most popular pizza is Marinara. Translated from Italian, “marinara” means “sailing”, so many mistakenly think it is a seafood pizza. In fact, marinara is a special sauce with tomato and garlic. and herbs that sailors have invented.
Historic pizzerias, such as L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples, serve only two types of pizza and, despite a small selection, the range is usually huge. Incidentally, this is where Julia Roberts savored Neapolitan pizza in the movie “Eat, Pray, Love.” The pizzeria is located at Cesare Sersale, 1 and is open every day from 11am to 11pm, except Sundays.
Pizza Romana VS Neapolitan, which is tastier?
Rome has its own type of Roman pizza and its main difference with the Neapolitan is the dough. Neapolitan pizza is taller and more lush, and the dough is elastic. Roman pizza is crispy, thin and nutritious because olive oil is added.
There is another type of pizza: pizza al taglio, which is more related to street food. This crispy golden crust pizza is baked in an electric oven, cut into square slices and usually sold by weight, and popular toppings include eggplant, zucchini and squash blossoms (especially in Rome).
Other common pizza types are Four Seasons and Four Cheeses. Four Seasons pizza is ideal for those who cannot choose the topping, as it is divided into four sections that symbolize the seasons and combine various tastes. The Four Cheeses pizza is also suitable for Italian cheese lovers.
Don’t look for a chicken and pineapple Hawaiian pizza in a real Italian pizzeria, it doesn’t exist here, but if you still see this type of pizza on the menu, then you are in a tourist institution and it is worth it. Better look elsewhere.
Also remember that beer or wine is ordered from pizza drinks, not cappuccino! The Italian server is simply offended, so it is better not to risk it.
In Italy, it is customary to order a whole pizza for everyone. Therefore, to dine in a real pizzeria, we recommend that you wear roomier clothes and fully enjoy Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!