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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is a classic Neapolitan pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Margherita pizza is a classic Neapolitan pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. It's widely associated with Naples and a popular story linking its name to Queen Margherita of Savoy.

What it is

Margherita pizza is a simple, traditional Neapolitan pizza defined by a thin base and few ingredients: peeled or San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. It's often described as reflecting the colours of the Italian flag: red, white, and green.

Origin and naming

The best-known story says it was created in 1889 for Queen Margherita of Savoy during a visit to Naples. However, some historical accounts suggest the tomato-mozzarella-basil combination already existed in Naples before that date, making the naming partly legendary.

Why it matters

Margherita pizza is a symbol of Italian cuisine and a standard reference for traditional Neapolitan pizza. In Canada, it's common in restaurants and pizzerias, often used as the baseline example of Italian pizza for local readers.

In short

  • Classic Neapolitan pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
  • Popular tradition says it was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889.
  • Toppings are said to represent the Italian flag: red, white, and green.
  • Common in Canada as a baseline Italian pizza.
Canadian angle

Margherita pizza is common in Canadian restaurants and pizzerias and is often used as the baseline example of traditional Italian pizza for Canadian readers.

Quick questions

What is Margherita pizza?
It is a traditional Neapolitan pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
Where did Margherita pizza come from?
It is associated with Naples, Italy, where the Neapolitan pizza tradition developed.
Why is it called Margherita pizza?
Popular tradition says it was named for Queen Margherita of Savoy after a visit to Naples in 1889, though the exact origin is debated.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Margherita
    Supports: Basic description of Margherita pizza as a Neapolitan pizza and its standard ingredients.
  2. La Cucina Italiana — https://www.lacucinaitaliana.com/italian-food/italian-dishes/the-true-story-of-pizza-margherita-a-food-fit-for-a-queen
    Supports: Ingredients, Naples origin, and traditional preparation.
  3. History Hit — https://www.historyhit.com/origins-of-the-margherita-pizza/
    Supports: Popular origin story involving Queen Margherita of Savoy and the Italian flag colours.
  4. Scott's Pizza Tours — https://www.scottspizzatours.com/blog/the-real-story-of-pizza-margherita/
    Supports: Discussion of the legend and the uncertainty around the pizza's naming and origin.
  5. Italy Magazine — https://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/pizza-margherita-history-and-recipe
    Supports: Queen Margherita origin tradition and ingredient symbolism.
  6. 11 Inch Pizza — https://www.11inchpizza.com.au/the-history-of-the-margherita-pizza/
    Supports: Colour symbolism and basic ingredient profile.
  7. History Tools — https://www.historytools.org/stories/the-origins-of-margherita-pizza-a-slice-of-neapolitan-history
    Supports: Claim that earlier references to similar topping combinations existed before 1889.