History of Pizza in Timeline

Pizza is an Italian dish, originating from Naples, characterized by a flat, leavened wheat-based dough topped with tomato and cheese. It's baked at high temperatures, traditionally in a wood-fired oven, and may include various other ingredients. It is a popular food enjoyed worldwide.

1905: Lombardi's Opens as First Pizzeria in the US

In 1905, Lombardi's, the first pizzeria in the United States, opened in New York City.

1905: First Pizzeria in the US Opens in New York

In 1905, the first pizzeria in the US opened in New York City's Little Italy.

1984: Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana Founded

In 1984, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, a non-profit organization, was founded in Naples to promote traditional Neapolitan pizza.

1997: Pizza Cheese Production Volumes in 1997

In 1997, annual production of pizza cheese was estimated to be 1 million metric tons in the US and 100,000 metric tons in Europe.

2009: Neapolitan Pizza Registered as Traditional Speciality Guaranteed Dish

In 2009, Neapolitan pizza was registered with the European Union as a traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG) dish.

2015: Pizza Consumption in Buenos Aires

In 2015, it was estimated that 14 million pizzas were consumed per year in Buenos Aires. The city is considered one of the world capitals of pizza.

2017: Neapolitan Pizza Included on UNESCO's List

In 2017, the art of making Neapolitan pizza was included on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

2017: World Pizza Market Size in 2017

In 2017, the world pizza market reached US$128 billion, with the US market accounting for $44 billion across 76,000 pizzerias. Approximately 13% of the US population over two years old consumed pizza on any given day. Pizza was also ranked as the second most eaten food in the world.

2023: Pizza-like Dish Fresco Discovered in Pompeii

In 2023, archeologists discovered a fresco in Pompeii appearing to depict a pizza-like dish among other foodstuffs and staples on a silver platter. Italy's culture minister suggested it "may be a distant ancestor of the modern dish".