Pizza is well known as Italian cuisine, but in the United States, it has developed into a unique style beyond Italy and has become a beloved food. Are you curious about how American pizza became so diverse and famous? Let's find out together!


Pizza first came to America in the late 19th century when Italian immigrants moved to cities like Chicago and New York. In particular, New York and Chicago were major residences for Italian immigrants, and as they recreated the foods they enjoyed back home in a new land, pizza gradually began to gain recognition.

The first pizzeria in America was Lombardi's, which opened in 1905 in New York's Little Italy. Here, they served traditional Neapolitan-style pizza baked in a brick oven, which was primarily popular among Italian immigrants at the time.

It was after World War II that pizza broke out of the immigrant community and became a popular food. American soldiers who served in Italy during the war fell in love with the taste of pizza and spread its popularity upon returning to the United States.

From that point on, pizza began to spread across the country. In the 1945-50s, pizza started to be recognized as a simple yet delicious food, especially as it evolved into a form that could be taken out or delivered, allowing more people to enjoy it.

At this time, pizza began to transform from a simple Italian dish into a uniquely American style. American pizza evolved into various styles based on the culture and tastes of different regions.

Notable examples include New York-style pizza and Chicago deep-dish pizza. New York-style pizza is characterized by its thin and crispy crust. It is served in large slices that are easy to fold and eat. You can easily find this pizza on any street in New York!

On the other hand, Chicago deep-dish pizza features a deep and thick crust filled with cheese and toppings, making it a hearty meal in itself.

Additionally, there are famous pizzas like Detroit-style square pizza and California-style pizza, which utilize fresh ingredients and creative toppings.

Today, pizza is one of the most popular foods in American households. From frozen pizzas and delivery pizzas to artisan pizzas in upscale restaurants, pizza has become a food enjoyed by all classes and generations.

The next time you eat pizza, think of this story.

Knowing how rich the history of a slice of pizza is will make it taste even better!