Though Italy and the United States often receive the glory, did you know that it was the ancient Greeks who invented pizza? There is a long, storied history behind this beloved food, and the chefs at Pontillo’s Pizzeria in Rochester, NY, share it with you below. 

Pizza’s story begins in Greece when the Greeks (and later, the Romans) started adding toppings like veggies, spices, and olive oil to the flatbreads created in the ancient Middle East.

The first commercial pizza originated in Italy during the 18^th century. They were simply made, featuring plain flatbread and a few toppings. Sold by street vendors in Naples, these original pies provided a cheap and filling meal for Italy’s poor working class.

It wasn’t until 1889, with the arrival of Queen Margherita, that pizza began gaining its popularity. This Italian queen became curious about the large piece of bread that Naples’ peasants always seemed to be eating. After taking one bite, she fell in love and began eating it every time she visited her subjects.

News of her love for pizza became widespread, and eventually Naples baker Raffaele Esposito was tasked with the honor of creating a pie for her and King Umberto I during an 1889 visit. Drawing inspiration from the colors of the Italian flag, Raffaele used ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil to create the Margherita Pizza.

From there, pizza wound its way through Europe and America as Italians began to immigrate to other countries. It eventually made its way to the United States, gaining popularity after World War II. Major cities like New York, Chicago, and St. Louis began putting their spin on pizza, giving birth to the regional variations that can be found in pizzerias across the country.

Pontillo’s Pizzeria has been serving up the best pizza, calzones, and wings in Irondequoit and Rochester for more than 27 years. Customers love using their easy online ordering process to create custom pies that are always baked from scratch and loaded with fresh ingredients. Visit their website or call (585) 467-6900 to place your order today.