Pizza is a beloved food around the world, and it’s hard to imagine life without it. The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people baked flatbreads with various toppings. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century in Naples, Italy that the pizza we know and love today was born. At the time, Naples was a bustling port city, and the working-class population needed cheap and filling food to sustain them during long work days. That’s when the pizza was born.
Pizza was originally made with simple ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, and cheese, and was sold on the streets for a few coins. It quickly became popular among the locals and was served in the city’s many pizzerias. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that pizza started to gain popularity outside of Naples. In 1889, the famous Margherita pizza was invented by pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. He created the pizza in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, who was visiting Naples at the time. The pizza was topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. The queen loved the pizza, and it quickly became a symbol of Italian cuisine.
Today, pizza is a staple food in many countries and has evolved to include various toppings and styles. From classic Margherita to meat lovers and vegan options, there’s a pizza for everyone. If you’re looking to take the old man out for some of the good stuff this Father’s Day, there are plenty of fantastic pizza places to choose from. Here follows Discover Magazine’s top five pizza places in the city…
MAROCCO’S – Located on Hove seafront, Maroccos is a cozy and welcoming restaurant that serves amazing wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood, and traditional Italian dishes. Their menu features a range of classic and creative pizza toppings, and all their pizzas are cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, and the staff are friendly and attentive. marroccos.co.uk
AL FORNO – Al Forno is a small, traditional family-run restaurant located in Kemptown, Brighton. The restaurant is always busy, and for a good reason – their pizza is outstanding. They use fresh and high-quality ingredients to create delicious and authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful. alfornopizza.co.uk
DONATELLO’S – Donatello’s is a beloved family-run Italian restaurant located in the heart of Brighton. They offer a range of classic Italian dishes, but their pizza is the real star of the show. They have a variety of toppings to choose from, and they offer meal deals every day, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff are friendly and attentive. donatello.co.uk
FATTO A MANO – Fatto a Mano is a trendy pizza place located in the Lanes, a popular shopping and dining area in Brighton. They offer authentic Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven, using fresh and high-quality ingredients. They have a variety of toppings to choose from, and they also offer gluten-free and vegan options. The restaurant has outside seating, making it a great option for a sunny day. fattoamanopizza.com
PIZZA EXPRESS HOVE – Pizza Express is a well-known chain restaurant that recently had a refurbishment of their Hove location. They have a passionate team who hand make their pizza, using fresh ingredients and traditional methods. They have a variety of toppings to choose from, including vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant has a modern and stylish decor. pizzaexpress.com/hove-church-road
PIZZA ME – Set up by three Italian friends, who wanted to share with you not only their love of food, but the way that pizza is eaten in ltaly. This pizzeria is takeaway only, you can collect or receive a delivery. Their ethos is to bring you traditional Italian ingredients and offer them with a modern twist. An 18 inch pizza is available which is the best way to share the famous floppy pizza. pizzame-brighton.co.uk
