The History of Pizza Margherita – A Royal Tradition That Became an Icon
The True Story of Pizza Margherita – A Slice of Italian History
Few dishes are as iconic as Pizza Margherita—a simple yet perfect combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil that has become a global symbol of Italian cuisine. But behind this legendary pizza lies a fascinating story of tradition, royalty, and a moment that changed culinary history forever.
How did this humble dish, once eaten by the working class, become a royal favorite and a worldwide phenomenon? Let's travel back in time to Naples, 1889, where it all began.
A Queen, A City, and A Pizzaiolo with a Vision
In the late 19th century, pizza was still considered a street food, sold in the lively streets of Naples. It was a quick, delicious, and affordable meal for workers and locals. But everything changed when Queen Margherita of Savoy and her husband, King Umberto I, visited Naples as part of their royal tour of Italy.
The Queen, curious about the food enjoyed by the Neapolitan people, requested to try their famous pizza. This was an unusual request at the time, as pizza was not yet considered a dish fit for royalty.
To honor her request, Raffaele Esposito, one of the city's most respected pizza chefs, was invited to the Royal Palace of Capodimonte. His challenge? Create a pizza that would impress the Queen.
The Colors of Italy on a Plate
Esposito prepared three different pizzas, but one in particular won the Queen’s heart. He used just three fresh ingredients:
🍅 Tomato sauce – vibrant and full of flavor
🧀 Mozzarella – creamy and perfectly melted
🌿 Basil leaves – fragrant and fresh
Not only did the Queen love the taste, but she was also delighted to see that the ingredients reflected the colors of the Italian flag. In her honor, Esposito named the pizza "Margherita", and the legend was born.
From Naples to the World
Little did Esposito know that his creation would become one of the most famous pizzas in history. What started as a dish made for royalty soon became a symbol of Italian cuisine worldwide.
But here’s something that many forget: the true magic of Pizza Margherita isn’t just in the toppings—it’s in the base.
A great Pizza Margherita starts with a base that is light yet structured, crisp yet airy, full of depth and flavor. That’s why at Fermento Lab, we stay true to tradition:
✔️ 72-hour fermentation with sourdough – for a light, digestible, and deeply flavorful crust.
✔️ Hand-stretched, never machine-pressed – preserving the texture and integrity of the dough.
✔️ Baked in a wood-fired oven – just as it has been for centuries, for that perfect balance of crunch and chew.
Because a Pizza Margherita is only as good as the base it rests on.
Bringing Tradition to Your Home
More than 130 years later, Pizza Margherita remains one of the most beloved pizzas in the world. But too often, people settle for frozen imitations or disappointing takeaway versions that fail to capture the essence of the real thing.
At Fermento Lab, we believe that everyone should be able to experience the joy of a true Pizza Margherita, straight from their own oven. That’s why we crafted our artisan pizza bases—to bring the same authenticity, craftsmanship, and flavor into your home, without compromise.
Now, with just a few fresh ingredients and 5 minutes in the oven, you can recreate the same magic that once delighted a queen.
This isn’t just a pizza. This is history, tradition, and passion—baked to perfection.
🍕 Ready to bring a piece of Italy into your kitchen? Try our artisan bases today.