At La Gioia – Authentic Italian Restaurant in Bangalore, we pride ourselves on bringing the true flavors of Italy to your plate. Among our specialties is the legendary Pizza Margherita—a timeless culinary creation with a history that intertwines tradition, royalty, and patriotic pride.
This iconic pizza, officially born in Naples in 1889, was named in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. Its vibrant colors—red, white, and green—represent the Italian flag, turning it into a universally recognized gastronomic and cultural symbol. If you’ve been searching for the ”best pizza near me” or “authentic Italian pizza in Bangalore”, you’ll find it here at La Gioia.
Made with premium Italian ingredients and baked to perfection in a traditional wood-fired oven, our pizzas promise a genuine taste of Italy.
From Humble Street Fare to Royal Delight
Long before it gained royal recognition, pizza was the food of the working class in Naples. As early as the 18th century, the city’s streets buzzed with vendors selling “pizze a otto.” These were simple pies consumed right away, with payment often deferred for up to eight days. These pizzas were modest yet flavorful, adorned with only a handful of accessible ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and oregano. Affordable and satisfying, they became a cornerstone of Napolitan street food culture.
The Birth of Pizza Margherita
The pivotal moment for Pizza Margherita took place in June 1889 during a visit to Naples by Queen Margherita of Savoy and King Umberto I. Tired of lavish royal cuisine, the queen requested something simple and local to savor. Raffaele Esposito, a pizzaiolo from the famed pizzeria “Pietro… e basta così” (known today as Pizzeria Brandi), was entrusted with this task. Esposito crafted three distinct pizzas for the queen:
1. Pizza alla Mastunicola: featuring lard, cheese, and basil.
2. Pizza Marinara: topped with tomato, garlic, olive oil, and oregano.
3. A pizza inspired by the Italian flag, adorned with tomato (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green). The queen found particular delight in the third pizza, appreciating its fresh flavors and simplicity. To commemorate the occasion, Esposito named this creation “Pizza Margherita,” immortalizing her name in culinary history. A Letter of Gratitude Fit for Royalty In recognition of Esposito’s skill and the high quality of his creation, Queen Margherita sent a letter of appreciation to him. This historic document remains preserved at Pizzeria Brandi as an enduring symbol of Pizza Margherita’s royal origins.
A National Symbol in Every Slice Beyond its exquisite taste
Pizza Margherita has gained fame for its patriotic significance. The three primary ingredients symbolize the colors of the Italian flag:
- Red tomato: A sign of passion and courage.
- White mozzarella: Representing purity and loyalty.
- Green basil: A nod to hope and Italy’s lush landscapes.
This tricolor harmony elevated Pizza Margherita to more than just a beloved dish, it became a tribute to Italian unity, realized just decades earlier in 1861.
Authentic Pizza Margherita at La Gioia
Following its royal debut, Pizza Margherita became Naples’ cultural and gastronomic emblem before spreading across Italy and eventually the entire world through Italian immigrants during the 20th century. However, preserving its authenticity amidst countless adaptations was no small feat. Today, traditional Napolitan pizza—even Pizza Margherita—is safeguarded by strict guidelines under the “Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN)” certification granted by an international association dedicated to this cause.
At La Gioia, we are proud to be part of this storied tradition. Certified by the Association Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), we are honored to be the First Restaurant in India to offer ”Truly Authentic Napolitan Pizza” prepared following time-honored methods. Our Pizza Margherita stays true to its roots—handcrafted with passion using only premium Italian ingredients.
If you’re searching for the Best Pizza in Bangalore or an authentic taste of Naples, La Gioia is your destination for unparalleled craftsmanship and flavor. Discover History with Every Bite Pizza Margherita is not merely food—it’s a journey through history, culture, and artisanal expertise. Each bite carries centuries of tradition and passion from sunny Naples right to your table.
At La Gioia, we invite you to relish this culinary treasure prepared with love and respect for its noble heritage. So, when you’re on the lookout “for authentic Italian pizza near me” or simply want the best pizza in Bangalore has to offer—visit La Gioia and taste the difference of Real Certified Napolitan pizza.
