History of Pizza in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2026

Pizza is a globally iconic dish originating from Naples, Italy. It consists of a flattened base of leavened wheat-based dough topped with various ingredients, traditionally including tomatoes, cheese, and herbs, which is then baked at high temperatures in a wood-fired or standard oven. While its ancient predecessors date back to flatbreads consumed by early civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians, the modern pizza evolved into the dish recognized today during the 18th or early 19th century in Italy. Since the emergence of the Margherita pizza, named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, the dish has transformed into a diverse culinary staple. It is now characterized by infinite regional variations, ranging from thin-crust Neapolitan styles to deep-dish versions, making it one of the most popular and customizable convenience foods worldwide. Its widespread appeal is supported by a massive global industry, cementing its status as a foundational element of modern international food culture.

1905: Opening of Lombardi's Pizzeria

In 1905, Lombardi's opened in New York City, marking the establishment of the first pizzeria in the United States and serving as a pivotal moment in the popularization of the dish.

1905: Opening of the first pizzeria in the US

In 1905, the first official pizzeria in the United States was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City, marking the beginning of pizza's mainstream history in America.

1948: Peter Boizot's Initial Encounter with Neapolitan Pizza

In 1948, English entrepreneur Peter Boizot visited Italy, where he first tasted authentic Neapolitan pizza, an experience that would later inspire the growth of the dish in the United Kingdom.

1965: Opening of PizzaExpress in London

In 1965, Peter Boizot established PizzaExpress, which is recognized as the first pizzeria in London, effectively launching the popularity of the dish throughout the United Kingdom.

1984: Founding of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana

In 1984, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana was established in Naples as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Neapolitan pizza standards.

1997: Pizza Cheese Production Statistics

In 1997, the annual global production of pizza cheese reached significant levels, with the United States producing 1 million metric tons and Europe producing 100,000 metric tons to meet the rising demand for pizza ingredients.

2009: EU Traditional Speciality Guaranteed Status

Following a request from Italy in 2009, Neapolitan pizza was officially registered by the European Union as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) dish to protect its authentic culinary heritage.

2009: Neapolitan pizza receives TSG status

In 2009, Neapolitan pizza was officially registered by the European Union as a traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG) dish, establishing a formal protected status for the food.

2015: Peak Pizza Consumption in Buenos Aires

In 2015, it was estimated that Buenos Aires reached a record-breaking consumption of 14 million pizzas per year, solidifying the city's status as a world capital of pizza.

2017: Global and US Pizza Market Valuation

In 2017, the global pizza market reached a valuation of US$128 billion, with the United States contributing $44 billion across 76,000 individual pizzerias. During this same year, approximately 13% of the American population aged two and older consumed pizza on any typical day.

2017: UNESCO recognizes the art of Neapolitan pizza making

In 2017, the specific craft and art form of making Neapolitan pizza was honored with inclusion on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

2017: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Recognition

In 2017, the specific culinary art of making Neapolitan pizza was formally recognized and included on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its global cultural significance.

2023: Discovery of Pizza-like Fresco in Pompeii

In 2023, archeologists unearthed a fresco in Pompeii that depicts a dish resembling pizza served on a silver platter. Italy's culture minister noted that this 2023 discovery may represent a distant ancestor of the modern pizza dish.