The word pizza traces back to the Latin word “pinsere – pinsa,” referring to a type of flat, pressed bread enjoyed during Ancient Roman times. However, the modern version of pizza as we know it today was born in Naples, Italy. It was first created in honor of Queen Margherita, topped with simple ingredients—white mozzarella, red tomato sauce, and green basil—mirroring the colors of the Italian flag.
Back then, pizza was mostly a Southern Italian specialty. Its global popularity took off when Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi opened the first pizzeria in New York City. From there, it became a worldwide sensation.
Today, Neapolitan pizza is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. But pizza in Italy is far from one-size-fits-all. In Naples, it’s thick and soft; in Rome, it’s thin and crispy. You’ll also come across variations like pizza bianca (white pizza) topped with mortadella in Rome, or regional specialties like focaccia and schiacciata in Florence.
And one golden rule when visiting Italy: never, ever ask for pineapple on your pizza. Trust us on this one.
Curious about other common food faux pas tourists make in Italy? Don’t miss our post on the most famous "Italian" dishes that actually aren’t Italian at all