Some dishes are just meals. Whereas others carry a story so rich that every bite feels like a connection to history. Margherita Pizza is one of them.
The recipe might be simple— dough, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil —yet it has remained unchanged for over a century. And, behind that simplicity is a journey that spans continents, cultures, and generations.
From its royal origins in Naples, where it was first crafted for a queen, to becoming a global icon of Italian cuisine, Margherita Pizza has travelled far. Today, Margherita Pizza in Dubai has found a place among a diverse culinary scene at Pizza Di Rocco, where food lovers appreciate not just taste but authenticity.
To truly appreciate the Margherita Pizza on your plate, you have to understand its journey—from the bustling streets of Naples to the heart of Dubai’s kitchens. This is more than just a pizza. It’s a piece of history.
Let’s take a bite into its story.
The Birth of Margherita Pizza in Naples
The story of Margherita Pizza begins in the late 19th century. When Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples, Italy, in 1889, she was tired of the royal feast. Instead, she wanted to try the meals eaten by the country’s ordinary people. Legend has it that the renowned Neapolitan pizzaiolo (pizza maker) Raffaele Esposito was hired to prepare a special pizza for the queen. Wanting to impress her with something both simple and patriotic, he created a pizza using three key ingredients:
- Red – Tomato sauce, representing the red stripe of the Italian flag.
- White – Fresh mozzarella, symbolising the white stripe of the flag.
- Green – Basil leaves, mirroring the green stripe of the flag.
The queen reportedly loved the pizza, and from that moment on, it was named in her honour—Pizza Margherita.
What made this pizza so special? Unlike the heavily topped American-style pizzas that would come later, Margherita Pizza celebrates simplicity. The focus is on high-quality ingredients, carefully balanced to create a light, flavorful, and authentic taste. This traditional style of Neapolitan pizza became the foundation for modern pizzerias worldwide.
At Pizza Di Rocco, this tradition is kept alive with carefully sourced San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and hand-kneaded dough, ensuring every bite honours the original recipe.
The Spread of Margherita Pizza Across the World
After winning royal approval in Naples, Margherita Pizza quickly became a beloved dish across Italy. However, its real global expansion began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when waves of Italian immigrants took their culinary traditions to new lands.
One of the first stops in Margherita Pizza’s journey was the United States, particularly New York City, where Italian pizzerias started popping up in Little Italy. The dish adapted to local tastes—leading to the rise of American-style pizza with a thicker crust and more toppings. Still, authentic Margherita Pizza retained its identity, protected by Italian chefs who stayed true to its traditional Neapolitan roots.
From the U.S., the love for pizza spread across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, transforming from a local Neapolitan speciality into a global comfort food. But how did it reach Dubai, a city more associated with Shawarma and Biryani?
Margherita Pizza’s Arrival in Dubai
Dubai’s food scene is a melting pot of cultures, flavours, and international influences. As the city grew into a global hub, it became home to a large Italian expat community, luxury dining spots, and food lovers searching for authenticity.
This is where Pizza Di Rocco comes in. Unlike commercial pizza chains, Pizza Di Rocco was built on the philosophy of authenticity—bringing handmade, wood-fired pizzas straight from Naples to Dubai’s tables.
The popularity of Margherita Pizza in Dubai happened in two ways:
1. Italian restaurants and pizzerias setting up in the UAE
The early 2000s saw a surge in authentic Italian pizza restaurants in the UAE, importing ingredients directly from Italy.
Wood-fired ovens, traditional Neapolitan dough-making techniques, and high-quality buffalo mozzarella helped bring the true Margherita pizza experience to the UAE.
2. Tourists and expats are increasing demand for authentic Italian food
Dubai’s crowd wanted real high-quality Italian flavours rather than fast-food pizza chains.
With Dubai being a top travel destination, visitors from Europe and beyond fueled demand for authentic Neapolitan-style Margherita Pizza.
Today, Dubai has embraced Margherita Pizza as one of its go-to comfort foods, available in everything from exclusive Italian fine dining spots to casual artisanal pizza joints.
Why Pizza Di Rocco is the Best Place for Margherita Pizza in Dubai
If you’re looking for the most authentic Margherita Pizza in Dubai, Pizza Di Rocco is the place to go. Here’s why:
- Handmade Dough – Crafted daily using traditional methods.
- San Marzano Tomatoes – Imported from Italy for a rich, tangy flavour.
- Authentic Mozzarella – Creamy, fresh, and full of flavour.
- Wood-Fired Perfection – Each pizza is baked at the ideal temperature for the perfect crisp and chew.
- True Italian Passion – A menu designed by pizza lovers for pizza lovers.
Whether you’re dining in, ordering takeaway, or getting it delivered, Pizza Di Rocco ensures that every bite of Margherita Pizza brings you closer to Naples.
Final Thoughts
From a royal tribute in Naples to a global favourite in Dubai, the journey of Margherita Pizza is nothing short of extraordinary. Its timeless flavours, simple yet perfect ingredients, and ability to adapt have allowed it to remain a classic across cultures.
Today, Dubai’s food lovers can enjoy an authentic slice of Naples in the heart of the UAE. Whether you prefer a traditional wood-fired Margherita or a luxurious truffle-infused version, there’s no denying that this iconic pizza has become a beloved dish in Dubai’s vibrant culinary scene.
