Crispy or chewy, thin or deep-dish, classic margherita or loaded with toppings: pizza is one of the most popular foods on the planet. National Pizza Day, on February 9, is the perfect excuse to order from your favorite pizzeria, try a new regional style or make pizza from scratch at home. Many restaurants offer deals on the day, so it is also a good time to explore local spots.
History of National Pizza Day
Flatbreads with toppings have been eaten around the Mediterranean since ancient times. But pizza as we know it took shape in Naples, Italy, in the 1700s and 1800s, where vendors sold cheap, quick pizzas topped with tomatoes, garlic, oil and cheese to working families.
A famous story says that in 1889 pizza maker Raffaele Esposito made a pizza for Queen Margherita of Italy using tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, the colors of the Italian flag, and named it the margherita. Historians debate the details, but the margherita became an icon.
Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Lombardi's in New York City is often cited as America's first licensed pizzeria, opening in 1905. After World War II, returning soldiers who had tasted pizza in Italy helped make it popular nationwide. Today, America has many regional styles, including New York, Chicago deep-dish, Detroit, New Haven and St. Louis.
Why National Pizza Day Matters
Pizza is a food that brings people together, from family movie nights to office parties and kids' birthdays.
It is also a story of immigration. Italian families who built pizzerias helped turn a Neapolitan street food into a global favorite.
How to Celebrate National Pizza Day
- Make pizza at home: stretch the dough, bake on a very hot stone or tray, and keep toppings light.
- Try a regional style: order New York, Chicago, Detroit or New Haven style.
- Support a local pizzeria: skip the chain and try an independent shop.
- Host a pizza party: set out dough and toppings for everyone to build their own.
- Look for deals: many chains and local shops offer specials on the day.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a pizza lunch is one of the easiest team treats; include vegetarian and gluten-free options so everyone can join in. In classrooms, pizza is a classic way to teach fractions as students divide pies into equal slices, and history lessons can follow pizza from Naples to America. Students can design a pizza with toppings from different food groups. At home, families can make personal pizzas on store-bought dough, naan or English muffins, letting each person choose toppings. Try a blind taste test of different pizzerias to crown a family favorite.
Fun Facts About National Pizza Day
- Modern pizza took shape in Naples in the 1700s and 1800s.
- Lombardi's in New York is often cited as the first U.S. pizzeria, from 1905.
- The margherita is said to be named after Queen Margherita of Italy.
National Pizza Day FAQs
When is National Pizza Day?
National Pizza Day is February 9.
Where was pizza invented?
Modern pizza developed in Naples, Italy, in the 1700s and 1800s.
What was the first pizzeria in America?
Lombardi's in New York City is often cited as the first, licensed in 1905.
How do I get a crispy crust at home?
Preheat your oven and a pizza stone or steel as hot as possible, and don't overload the toppings.