Pizza is a fan-favorite for diners of all ages across the world. It’s become a staple for every occasion, from quiet nights at home to parties with friends. When you sit down to enjoy your next pie, share some fun facts about this classic Italian food.

4 Fun Pizza Facts to Share

1. This Italian Food Hails from Naples

Naples is a city nestled along the western coast of Italy and is the regional capital of Campania. This is where the first pizzeria opened in 1830. Port’Alba cooked the pies in an oven lined with lava rocks from the volcano Mount Vesuvius.

2. The Word “Pizza” Dates Back to 997 AD

The oldest document referencing the word “pizza” isn’t from Naples but Gaeta. This small Italian village has a Latin document from 997 AD that mentions the dish. The word roughly translates to “pie” or “small cake.”

3. It Transformed From Cheap to Fashionable Overnight

Pizza was originally viewed as a peasant meal until a baker presented one to the king and queen in 1889. They were impressed by the dish and the fact that its colors reflect the Italian flag: red for the tomato sauce, white for the cheese, and green for the basil. After this acceptance from the royalty, it instantly became a fashionable Italian food. 

That pizza style received its name during the same visit. The queen was Margherita of Savoy, so the flavor was named in her honor.

4. Pepperoni Is an All-Time Favorite

A Harris Poll found that pepperoni is by far the favorite topping for Americans. Filling the following spots were sausage, mushroom, plain cheese, onions, bacon, Canadian bacon, pineapple, and peppers. The least favorite topping was anchovies.

If you’re in the mood for pizza, Emilio’s of Morris Park provides fresh and tasty Italian food in the Bronx, NY. The restaurant is open seven days a week to satisfy pizza cravings at any time, with specialty and custom pies available. Check out their menu on their website, and call (718) 822-6758 to place an order. You can also download the Emilio's app for stress-free ordering: just text "Emilios" to 33733.